bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of the immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine-A and tacrolimus on ovulation in a murine model
Authors: Zakerkish F , Soriano M J , Novella-Mestre E , Brännström M , Díaz-García C 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONDo therapeutic levels of cyclosporine-A and tacrolimus affect ovulation in a rat gonadotrophin-induced ovulation model?SUMMARY ANSWERCyclosporine-A, but not tacrolimus, decreases ovulation rate when administered for 5 days before induced ovulation.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYThe mainstays of immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation, to prevent rejection, are the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine-A or tacrolimus. These drugs could potentially affect fertility in transplanted patients. Since ovulation is an inflammation-like process with pivotal roles for several immune cells and modulators, it is possible that the calcineurin inhibitors, with broad effects on the immune system, could interfere with this sensitive, biological process.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONExperimental design at university-based animal facilities. A total of 45 immature Sprague–Dawley rats were used. The study was carried out over 3 months.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSImmature Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 45) were randomly assigned to receive equivalent doses of tacrolimus (0.5 mg/kg/day; TAC), cyclosporine-A (10 mg/kg/day; CyA) or vehicle (Control). Ovarian hyperstimulation was induced with 10 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin, and ovulation was triggered with 10 IU of hCG. Oocytes were retrieved from the oviducts and ovulation rates were calculated. Various subpopulations of white blood cells were counted in peripheral blood and ovarian tissue samples.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEAnimals in the CyA group showed a lower ovulation rate when compared to the TAC and Control groups (CyA: mean 9 oocytes (range 0–22); TAC: 21 oocytes (8–41); Control: 22 oocytes (6–39); P = 0.03). Regarding counts of the white blood cell subpopulations and resident neutrophils in the ovary, no significant differences were observed between the groups.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONAlthough the ovulation process is highly conserved within species, the differences between rodents and humans may limit the external translatability of the study.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThese findings suggest that tacrolimus should be the preferred calcineurin inhibitor of choice in transplanted patients who are aiming for pregnancy.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)Swedish Research Council and ALF of Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden. Rio Hortega Grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (CM09/00063). There are no conflicts of interest.
Transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass for difficult subclavian artery revascularization: a multicenter patency study
Authors: Laurin Charles , Chu Michael W A , Appoo Jehangir J , Dagenais François ,   the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative (CTAC)
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In situ revascularization of the subclavian artery can be challenging in the context of emergency situations, a large aortic aneurysm with a posteriorly displaced left subclavian artery, a complex redo procedure or in the presence of an aberrant subclavian artery. A transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass is a low risk alternative to in situ revascularization or carotid to subclavian bypass. We herein describe the surgical steps during a single-stage surgery complex aortic arch surgery. We report a 95.3% graft patency for 77 consecutive transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass performed to 66 patients at the mean follow-up of 2.9 ± 2.4 years. We encountered 3 early (before 180 days postop) graft failures and no late graft failure. Graft failure had no clinical significance.
Liver stiffness change with HCV cure in HIV-infected patients on non-nucleoside analogues
Authors: Gonzalez-Serna A. , Corma-Gomez A. , Tellez F. , García-Martin S. , Rivero-Juarez A. , Frias M. , Vera-Méndez F. J. , De los Santos I. , Merino D. , Morano L. , Imaz A. , Galera C. , Serrano M. , Macias J. , Pineda J. A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Liver stiffness (LS) at sustained viral response (SVR) is strongly associated with a lower incidence of subsequent hepatic events. HIV NNRTIs may have a beneficial impact on fibrogenesis.

Objectives
Our aim was to analyse the influence of NNRTI-based therapy on the change in LS from starting direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy to achieving SVR in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Methods
Three hundred and thirteen HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who fulfilled the following criteria were included: (i) had achieved SVR with an IFN-free, DAA-including regimen; (ii) LS ≥9.5 kPa before therapy; (iii) LS measurement available at SVR; (iv) seronegative for HBsAg; and (v) ART containing 2 NRTIs plus either 1 NNRTI or 1 integrase inhibitor (INI) or 1–2 NRTIs plus 1 PI. LS changes were assessed.

Results
Seventy-four patients received NNRTI-based combinations [53 (71.6%) rilpivirine and 16 (21.6%) efavirenz] and 239 patients received other regimens. At baseline, the median (IQR) LS was 16.7 kPa (11.8–25.6) in the NNRTI group and 17.3 kPa (11.9–27.4) in the non-NNRTI group (P = 0.278). The median (IQR) percentage of LS decrease from baseline to SVR was 35.2% (18.2%–52.3%) for NNRTI-based therapy and 29.5% (10%–45.9%) for PI- or INI-based therapy (P = 0.018). In multivariate analysis, adjusted for sex, age, HCV genotype, NRTI backbone and propensity score for HIV therapy, NNRTI-based regimen use was associated with a higher LS decrease [β = 11.088 (95% CI = 1.67–20.51); P = 0.021].

Conclusions
Treatment with NNRTI plus 2 NRTI combinations is associated with a higher LS decline than other ART combinations in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving DAA-based therapy.
Optimizing gender-affirming medical care through anatomical inventories, clinical decision support, and population health management in electronic health record systems
Authors: Grasso Chris , Goldhammer Hilary , Thompson Julie , Keuroghlian Alex S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Recent advances in electronic health records and health information technology are providing new opportunities to improve the quality of care for transgender and gender diverse people, a population that experiences significant health disparities. This article recommends changes to electronic health record systems that have the potential to optimize gender-affirming care. Specifically, we discuss the importance of creating an anatomical inventory form that captures organ diversity, and of developing clinical decision support tools and population health management systems that consider each patient’s gender identity, sex assigned at birth, and anatomy.
Validation of the Modified Clear Safety Salmonella for Detection of Salmonella enterica in Selected Poultry and Pet Food Matrixes and on Stainless Steel: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 111802
Authors: Singh Atul K , Lin Andrew , Maloney James , Campos Anay , Hamada Alito , Sharma Hanoor , Thompson Wesley , Bastin Benjamin , Benzinger M Joseph , Agin James , Pollard Stephanie , Khaksar Ramin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
The Clear Safety Salmonella method was modified to improve sample preparation, PCR reagents, library preparation, flow cell quality control, library loading mix, priming mix, and sequencing kit reagents and steps.

Objective
To evaluate the modified Clear Safety Salmonella method (manual and automated) via independent and method developer validation studies according to current AOAC INTERNATIONAL Validation Guidelines.

Method
Performance of the modified Clear Safety Salmonella method (manual and automated) was assessed for selectivity (using 105 inclusive and 30 exclusive strains), probability of detection in matrixes, product consistency, stability, and robustness. The modified Clear Safety Salmonella method was compared with the appropriate reference method for Salmonella detection on 4 inch × 4 inch stainless steel environmental surfaces, and in chicken carcass rinse (30 mL), raw ground chicken (375 g), dry pet food (375 g), and ready-to-eat deli turkey breast (375 g).

Results
The modified Clear Safety Salmonella method (manual and automated) demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the candidate and reference method probability of detection or between the presumptive and confirmed results for all target food matrixes and the stainless steel surface. Additionally, the modified method (manual and automated) detected all 105 inclusivity organisms and excluded all 30 exclusivity organisms. The product consistency and kit stability studies showed no statistical differences between lots or over the term of the kit’s shelf life. In robustness studies, changes in enrichment time, diluted sample volume, and sample volume for PCR did not show any statistical difference in terms of assay performance.

Conclusions
The modified Clear Safety Salmonella method (both manual and automated) is statistically equivalent to or better than the reference methods.

Highlights
The Clear Safety Salmonella method utilizes PCR amplification and targeted next-generation sequencing technology to selectively detect Salmonella enterica.
Effects of music stimulus on behavior response, cortisol level, and horizontal immunity of growing pigs
Authors: Li Jiafang , Li Xiang , Liu Honggui , Li Jianhong , Han Qian , Wang Chao , Zeng Xiangyin , Li Yutao , Ji Wenbo , Zhang Runxiang , Bao Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn enriched environment is widely used to improve domestic animals’ welfare and promote their natural behaviors. Music can reduce abnormal behavior in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. However, little is known about the effects of music on pigs. This study aims to explore the effects of repeated music stimulation on the behavior, physiology, and immunity of growing pigs. A total of 72 hybrid piglets (Large White × Duroc × Minpig) were randomly divided into three groups, including music (Mozart K.448, 60 to 70 dB), noise (recorded mechanical noise, 80 to 85 dB), and control (natural background sound, &lt;40 dB), and 6 h sound stimulation was given per day (1000 to 1600 hours) from 40 to 100 d of age. The behavioral activities of the pigs were observed during the music stimulation, and their serum cortisol, salivary cortisol, and serum immune indices were also measured. Compared with the control group, the music group and noise group increased activity but decreased lying of pigs (P &lt; 0.05). A significant increase in tail-wagging, playing, and exploring behaviors of pigs was found in the music group (P &lt; 0.05), and the noise significantly increased the aggressive behavior of the pigs (P &lt; 0.05). Tail-wagging, playing, exploring, manipulating, and aggressive behaviors decreased over time. Short-term (8 d) music stimulus had a lower cortisol level than that of the noise and control groups (P &lt; 0.05), whereas long-term (60 d) music stimulus increased immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels (P &lt; 0.05) and decreased interleukin-4 (IL-4) level (P &lt; 0.05). Long-term noise stimulus significantly reduced the level of IgG (P &lt; 0.05) but did not affect the level of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, short-term music stimulus (8 d) reduced the stress response, whereas long-term music stimulus (60 d) enhanced the immune responses. In addition, the noise increased the aggressive behavior, and long-term noise reduced the immunity of the growing pigs.
Effect of oat particle size on energy and nutrient utilization in growing pigs
Authors: Koo Bonjin , Nyachoti Charles Martin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine the energy content of oats and to investigate the effects of oat particle size on nutrient and energy balance in growing pigs. Eighteen barrows (23.56 ± 0.94 kg initial body weight) were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment. Whole oats were ground with a hammermill fitted with 4.8- and 3.2-mm screens to make coarse and medium particle size oats, respectively. Medium oats were further ground with a rotary steel cutting grinder fitted with a 2.0-mm screen, and the further ground oats were mixed with medium oats in a 1:3 ratio to make fine oats. Three experimental diets consisted of 96.3% of the coarse, medium, or fine oats as a sole source of energy were used. Pigs were fed diets for 16 d, including 10 d for adaptation and 6 d for total fecal and urine collection. Pigs were then moved into indirect calorimetry chambers to determine 24-h heat production and 12-h fasting heat production. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the individual pig as the experimental unit. The geometric mean particle sizes for coarse, medium, and fine oats were 765, 619, and 569 μm, respectively. Pigs fed the medium oats diet tended to have (P &lt; 0.10) greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of starch, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy than those fed coarse oats diet. The medium oats diet contained greater (P &lt; 0.05) digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) than the coarse oats diet. Pigs fed the fine oats diet had lower (P &lt; 0.05) ATTD of Ca and P than those fed the coarse oats diet. The DE, ME, and NE contents of fine oats were comparable with those of coarse oats. The determined NE contents for coarse, medium, and fine oats were 2,335, 2,615, and 2,521 kcal/kg on a dry matter basis, respectively. The NE content in medium oats was greater (P &lt; 0.05) than the NE values predicted using published equations. In conclusion, it was suggested to grind whole oats for 619 μm concerning energy utilization. Further grinding to 569 μm reduces Ca and P digestibility.
The Impact of Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Damage during the Seedling Stage on Field Corn Growth and Yield
Authors: Hardman William C , Catchot Angus L , Gore Jeffrey , Henry W B , Cook Don R 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBrown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a common insect that can infest corn fields in the Mid-South and Southeastern U.S. Infestations and damage are sporadic, thus little research has been conducted on the impact of brown stink bug infesting corn seedlings. Two experiments were conducted in eleven commercial corn fields in the Mississippi Delta to evaluate the impact of damage from natural stink bug infestations during the seedling stage (&lt;V4) on corn yield and growth during 2018 and 2019. Single plants and 3-meter sections of the row were marked at each location. Plant damage for the single plant experiment was rated on a 0–3 scale and every single plant was given a damage rating based on visible symptomology. As damage severity increased, plant height and yield decreased. Some plants with the most severe damage did not produce any grain. At each location, sections of row (plots) with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% damaged plants were identified. All levels of damaged plants resulted in lower yield compared to the nondamaged control. These results demonstrate the brown stink bug infestations during the seedling stage (&lt;V4) can reduce corn yield. The magnitude of yield reductions can be dependent on several factors including the severity of damage to individual plants and the percentage of plants with damage within the field. Although detecting infestations with current scouting methods is difficult, fields should be scouted and infestations managed to minimize yield loss.
Erythritol, an Artificial Sweetener, Is Acaricidal Against Pest Mites and Minimally Harmful to a Predatory Mite
Authors: Schmidt-Jeffris Rebecca A , Beers Elizabeth H , Smytheman Peter , Rehfield-Ray Linda 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Erythritol, an artificial sweetener, has shown promise as an organic, human-safe insecticide. Recently, erythritol applications were shown to be successful at controlling pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster)) (Hempitera: Psyllidae), the most important pest of pear in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) and pear rust mite (Epitrimerus pyri (Nalepa)) (Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae) can also be highly damaging pear pests. Their common natural enemy, Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), can provide biological control if selective pesticides are used for managing other pests. Through a series of bioassays, we sought to determine whether erythritol could also be used for controlling either species of pest mite. We also examined whether erythritol had acute or sublethal impacts on G. occidentalis, through a variety of exposure methods. Effects examined included mortality, fecundity, prey consumption, and locomotion. We determined that a high concentration of erythritol (30%) had efficacy against both pest mite species and caused arresting behavior in twospotted spider mite. Erythritol caused little acute mortality in G. occidentalis, but did reduce fecundity and prey consumption through some exposure methods. Through motion-capture software, we determined that this is primarily due to reduced movement, likely caused by difficulty walking on residues and excessive grooming behavior. Because the predatory mite non-target effects were less acute than those for the two pest mites, we concluded that erythritol could likely be integrated into pear IPM with little or no disruption of mite biological control.
Human Rights and Climate Change Litigation: One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards in the Irish Supreme Court
Authors: Adelmant Victoria , Alston Philip , Blainey Matthew 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Climate change litigation is a rapidly growing field in many countries and human rights obligations are increasingly an integral part of the equation. The Irish Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment invalidating Ireland’s National Mitigation Plan for transitioning to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050 has been widely praised by commentators. But the case warrants far more critical scrutiny. The Court’s findings on standing to sue, the relevance of human rights provisions in this context, and the existence of a derived right to a healthy environment, are all retrogressive and augur badly for the future of rights-based climate change litigation in Ireland.
US Second Circuit Court of Appeals tames ‘transformative’ fair use; rejects ‘celebrity-plagiarist privilege’; clarifies protectable expression in photographs
Authors: Ginsburg Jane C 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Andy Warhol Found for the Visual Arts, Inc v Goldsmith, 992 F.3d 99 (2d Cir 2021)
The Second Circuit reversed the SDNY’s grant of  summary judgment that Andy Warhol’s silk screen adaptation of a photographic portrait of entertainer Prince was a fair use; the 2d Circuit’s decision retreats both from its prior caselaw’s generous characterization of artistic reuse as ‘transformative’, and from the outcome-determinacy of a finding of ‘transformativeness’. The court also provided an important explanation of copyrightable authorship in photographs.
Detection of Flaviviral-Like DNA Sequences inAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) Collected From Argentina
Authors: Bonica Melisa B , Balcazar Dario E , Chuchuy Ailen , Barneche Jorge A , Torres Carolina , Micieli María V 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiseases caused by flaviviruses are a major public health burden across the world. In the past decades, South America has suffered dengue epidemics, the re-emergence of yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis viruses, and the introduction of West Nile and Zika viruses. Many insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) that cannot replicate in vertebrate cells have recently been described. In this study, we analyzed field-collected mosquito samples from six different ecoregions of Argentina to detect flaviviruses. We did not find any RNA belonging to pathogenic flaviviruses or ISFs in adults or immature stages. However, flaviviral-like DNA similar to flavivirus NS5 region was detected in 83–100% of Aedes aegypti (L.). Despite being previously described as an ancient element in the Ae. aegypti genome, the flaviviral-like DNA sequence was not detected in all Ae. aegypti samples and sequences obtained did not form a monophyletic group, possibly reflecting the genetic diversity of mosquito populations in Argentina.
Split-root assays for studying legume–rhizobia symbioses, rhizodeposition, and belowground nitrogen transfer in legumes
Authors: Thilakarathna Malinda S , Cope Kevin R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Split-root assays have been used widely in studies focused on understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms in legume–rhizobia symbioses, root nitrogen rhizodeposition, and belowground nitrogen transfer, and the effects of different biotic/abiotic factors on this symbiotic interaction. This assay allows a plant to have a root system that is physically divided into two distinct sections that are both still attached to a common shoot. Thus, each root section can be treated separately to monitor local and systemic plant responses. Different techniques are used to establish split-root assemblies, including double-pot systems, divided growth pouches, elbow root assembly, twin-tube systems, a single pot or chamber with a partition in the center, and divided agar plates. This review is focused on discussing the various types of split-root assays currently used in legume-based studies, and their associated advantages and limitations. Furthermore, this review also focuses on how split-root assays have been used for studies on nitrogen rhizodeposition, belowground nitrogen transfer, systemic regulation of nodulation, and biotic and abiotic factors affecting legume–rhizobia symbioses.
A Healthy Active Duty Soldier with an Elevated Serum Creatinine
Authors: Tobin Trevor W , Thurlow John S , Yuan Christina M 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTCreatine products and sports supplements are widely used by active duty soldiers. These products are associated with both acute renal failure and elevated serum creatinine levels without renal injury. We present a case involving an active duty, 26-year-old Caucasian soldier who was evaluated in our clinic for elevated creatinine levels. This patient had no active medical problems and was noted on repeat labs to have significantly elevated creatinine levels. Subsequent investigations led us to conclude these values were not associated with renal injury and were due to ingested supplements.