bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personal reflection: Working in a social, emotional and mental health school in England
Authors: Kurawa Gwadabe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper draws on my experience working as a special needs support staff member in a special school in the UK for young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues. The purpose of this paper is to share my understanding of practices that enable staff in an SEMH school to attend to the needs of their students. Although I have worked in mainstream schools, school practice in an SEMH setting was unfamiliar to me. Therefore, it was important to familiarise myself with the practices of the school. I also believe that sharing my experiences helps to support others who work in similar contexts. Through my visit(s), I was able to identify key features of effective pedagogical practice which enabled the learners to thrive. These included the establishment of mutually positive relationships between learners and staff and positively responding to behaviours.
Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review Using the COnsensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Checklist
Authors: Conrad Sarah J. , Bernard Stéphanie , Gross Douglas P. , McLean Linda 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended to measure the impact of a health condition or intervention effectiveness as they aim to capture what is most meaningful to patients. Several PROMs are used to evaluate pelvic organ prolapse (POP)‐related domains, yet the measurement properties of these instruments have not been fully explored with a rigorous analysis of the methodological quality and quality of evidence.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review reporting on the measurement properties of PROMs used for the assessment of POP‐related domains in accordance with the COSMIN guidelines.Search StrategyFive databases were searched from inception to December 2023.Selection CriteriaStudies were eligible if they involved (1) at least one group of female adults diagnosed with or presenting with symptoms of POP; (2) a self‐reported outcome measure (PROMs, questionnaires) to evaluate POP‐related domains; and (3) at least one measurement property.Data Collection and AnalysisMethodological quality and measurement quality were assessed using the COSMIN risk of bias (ROB) checklist and the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties.Main ResultsA total of 13 PROMs were included. The BIPOP had the lowest ROB for Content Validity. The POP‐SS was the only PROM with sufficient evidence of adequate construct validity and responsiveness to be used in both surgical and conservative management settings.ConclusionThis original work identified a gap in evidence regarding the measurement qualities of identified PROMs used in the POP population.
Gut bacteria‐derived volatiles mediate Drosophila melanogaster attraction
Authors: Gou Xianwei , Feng Yilu , Yi Ge , Yang Nan , Zhang Shu‐Wen , Qi Xing‐Jiang , Zhou Wenwu , Mo Jianchu , Xu Rong , Li Hongjie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBacteria‐originated volatile molecules play a crucial role in chemical communications between insects, representing their promising application as odor bait traps in pest control. In this study, we investigated the behavioral preferences of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) towards the fermentation broth of seven gut‐associated bacteria using trap choice assays. All seven bacterial fermentations significantly attracted adults and larvae compared to the medium control. We assessed the effects of bacterial fermentations on bayberry attractiveness to fly adults, and found that the bayberries sprayed with fermentation broth of seven bacteria were all significantly more attractive to adults than the non‐sprayed, following in increased total egg numbers. We also compared the attractive effect of bacterial fermentations with a sugar‐vinegar mixture and a commercial odor‐bait. The commercial odor bait proved more enticing than the unconcentrated 5‐day fermentation broths. However, out of the seven bacteria, 64‐fold concentrated bacterial fermentation of Corynebacterium (Actinomycetota phylum) was significantly more attractive than commercial bait. Finally, we chemically identified the predominant compounds 2‐methylpropanal and acetaldehyde, which are likely responsible for the behavioral preference of fruit flies. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of how gut microbes affect insect behavior and offer a potential bacteria‐originated odor bait for fly control in the orchard.
Fractionation of Boswellia serrata oleogum resin essential oil by short‐path molecular vacuum distillation: Unveiling potent biological activities and chemical composition
Authors: Ayub Muhammad Adnan , Ijaz Muhammad , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Hussain Amjad , Bahadur Ali 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBoswellia serrata produces oleo gum resin, a rich source of essential oil (EO). EOs, produced as secondary metabolites by medicinal plants, are employed for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the yield, chemical composition, antioxidant (AO), antimicrobial, and hemolytic activity of B. serrata EO and its fractions and sub‐fractions (SFs). The EO was extracted using the superheated steam extraction (SHSE) method at 140°C. Short‐path molecular vacuum distillation was used to separate the EO into fractions and SFs. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed α‐pinene, α‐thujene, trans verbenol, and linalool as major components of EO. The AO potential was evaluated using a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay, % inhibition in a linoleic acid assay, H2O2 scavenging assay, and total AO content (TAOC) using a ferric reducing AO power assay. F2b SF exhibited the highest scavenging activity, with percentages of 95.77%, 96.20%, and 83.54%, respectively, whereas EO revealed the highest TAOC value of 115.94%. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion, resazurin microtiter plate, and microdilution broth assays. F1c SF showed maximum antibacterial potential (high inhibition zone 17.65–38.28 mm and low minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 2.20–84.44 µg/mL). The EO showed the highest antifungal activity (high inhibition zone 12.58–25.81 mm and low MIC 35.18–225.17 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity was assessed by hemolytic assay, with the F1c SF showing the highest activity at 10.89%. It is concluded that SHSE is an effective technique for B. serrata EO extraction, and this EO can be utilized for various medicinal purposes.
Sodium butyrate alleviates T‐2 toxin–induced liver toxicity and renal toxicity in quails by modulating oxidative stress–related Nrf2 signaling pathway, inflammation, and CYP450 enzyme system
Authors: He Yihao , Zhu Xueyan , Song Huanni , Liu Yang , Cao Changyu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractT‐2 toxin is a member of class A aspergilloides toxins, one of the most prevalent mycotoxins that contaminate feed and food. Direct ingestion of animals or feed contaminated by T‐2 toxin can cause various animal diseases. Butyrate is an organic fatty acid featuring a four‐carbon chain, which is commonly found in the form of sodium butyrate (NaB). NaB has several biological functions and pharmacological effects. However, the role of sodium butyrate in alleviating T‐2 toxin–induced hepatorenal toxicity has not been explored. In this study, 240 juvenile quails were evenly assigned into 4 groups. The experimental setup comprised four groups: The control group received a standard diet; the toxin group received a diet containing 0.9 mg/kg T‐2 toxin; the butyrate group received a diet containing 0.5 g/kg NaB; and the T‐2 treatment group received a diet containing both 0.9 mg/kg T‐2 toxin and 0.5 g/kg NaB. We evaluated the histopathological changes in the kidney and liver on Days 14 and 28 and explored the molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and expression of nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs). Our results showed that T‐2 toxin exposure–induced inflammation in the liver and kidney by activating the oxidative stress pathway and modulating expression of NXRs to regulate related CYP450 isoforms, ultimately leading to histopathological injury in the liver and kidney, whereas sodium butyrate ameliorated this injury. These results offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of sodium butyrate in mitigating T‐2 toxin–induced hepatorenal injury in juvenile quails.Practical ApplicationThe mechanisms of T‐2 toxin toxicity have been well described in experimental animals, but studies in birds are limited. With the development of society, the market scale of quails farming has been expanding, and the value of quails meat and eggs is increasing; there is an urgent need to clarify the harm of T‐2 toxin to quails and its mechanism.
Disclosing α‐lactalbumin impact on the intestinal and vaginal microbiota of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Alessandri Giulia , Mancabelli Leonardo , Fontana Federico , Lepore Elisa , Forte Gianpiero , Burratti Moira , Ventura Marco , Turroni Francesca 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most widespread endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age with detrimental effects on life quality and health. Among several mechanisms involved in its aetiopathogenesis, recent studies have also postulated the involvement of the vaginal and intestinal microbiota in the development of this disorder. In this study, an accurate insight into the microbial changes associated with PCOS was performed through a pooled‐analysis highlighting that this syndrome is characterized by intestinal and vaginal dysbiosis with a reduction of beneficial microorganisms and a higher proportion of potential pathogens. Based on this observation, we evaluated the ability of a milk‐derived protein exerting positive outcomes in the management of PCOS, that is, α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA), to recover PCOS‐related dysbiosis. In vitro experiments revealed that this protein improved the growth performances of members of two health‐promoting bacterial genera, that is, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, depleted in both intestinal and vaginal microbiota of PCOS‐affected women. In addition, α‐LA modulated the taxonomic composition and growth performances of the microbial players of the complex intestinal and vaginal microbiota. Finally, an in vivo pilot study further corroborated these observations. The oral administration of α‐LA for 30 days to women with PCOS revealed that this protein may have a role in favouring the growth of health‐promoting bacteria yet limiting the proliferation of potential pathogens. Overall, our results could pave the way to the use of α‐LA as a valid compound with ‘prebiotic effects’ to limit/restore the PCOS‐related intestinal and vaginal dysbiosis.
Characterization and biological activity of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Lashani Elham , Moghimi Hamid , Turner Raymond J. , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this research, biogenic selenium nanoparticles were produced by the fungi Yarrowia lipolytica, and the biological activity of its nanoparticles was studied for the first time. The electron microscopy analyses showed the production of nanoparticles were intracellular and the resulting particles were extracted and characterized by XRD, zeta potential, FESEM, EDX, FTIR spectroscopy and DLS. These analyses showed amorphous spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 110 nm and a Zeta potential of −34.51 ± 2.41 mV. Signatures of lipids and proteins were present in the capping layer of biogenic selenium nanoparticles based on FTIR spectra. The antimicrobial properties of test strains showed that Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were inhibited at concentrations between 160 and 640 μg/mL, while the growth of Candida albicans was hindered by 80 μg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles. At concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles inhibited up to 50% of biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the concentration of 20–640 μg/mL of these bioSeNPs showed antioxidant activity. Evaluating the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles on the HUVEC and HepG2 cell lines did not show any significant toxicity within MIC concentrations of SeNPs. This defines that Y. lipolytica synthesized SeNPs have strong potential to be exploited as antimicrobial agents against pathogens of WHO concern.
Strategies for the biocontrol Pseudomonas infections pre‐fruit harvest
Authors: Warring Suzanne L. , Sisson Hazel M. , Fineran Peter C. , Rabiey Mojgan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe efficiency of global crop production is under threat from microbial pathogens which is likely to be worsened by climate change. Major contributors to plant disease are Pseudomonas syringae (P. syringae) pathovars which affect a variety of important crops. This opinion piece focuses on P. syringae pathovars actinidiae and syringae, which affect kiwifruit and stone fruits, respectively. We discuss some of the current control strategies for these pathogens and highlight recent research developments in combined biocontrol agents such as bacteriophages and combinations of bacteriophages with known anti‐microbials such as antibiotics and bacteriocins.
Prevalence and influencing factors of malnutrition in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Tong , Qin Jiangxia , Guo Jiali , Dong Jianhui , Chen Junbo , Ma Yuxia , Han Lin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of malnutrition in diabetic patients and its influencing factors remain poorly described. We aim to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and the influencing factors in diabetic patients through meta‐analysis. Utilizing search terms, such as diabetes, malnutrition, and prevalence, we systematically searched eight databases, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), and VIP Database, from inception to May 4, 2023. The search aimed to identify studies related to the prevalence of malnutrition and its influencing factors in adult patients with diabetes. Cohort studies, case–control studies, and cross‐sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Stata 16.0 software was used for meta‐analysis. Quality of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The study protocol is registered with Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42023443649. A total of 46 studies were included, involving 18 062 patients with ages ranging from 18 to 95 years. The overall malnutrition prevalence was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.40), compared with an at‐risk prevalence of 44% (95% CI: 0.34–0.54). Sixteen factors associated with malnutrition in diabetic patients were identified. This meta‐analysis provides insights into the prevalence of malnutrition and its risk factors in diabetic patients. Regular nutritional screening for patients with risk factors is essential for early detection and intervention.image
Upscaling biodiversity monitoring: Metabarcoding estimates 31,846 insect species from Malaise traps across Germany
Authors: Buchner Dominik , Sinclair James S. , Ayasse Manfred , Beermann Arne J. , Buse Jörn , Dziock Frank , Enss Julian , Frenzel Mark , Hörren Thomas , Li Yuanheng , Monaghan Michael T. , Morkel Carsten , Müller Jörg , Pauls Steffen U. , Richter Ronny , Scharnweber Tobias , Sorg Martin , Stoll Stefan , Twietmeyer Sönke , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wiggering Benedikt , Wilmking Martin , Zotz Gerhard , Gessner Mark O. , Haase Peter , Leese Florian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMitigating ongoing losses of insects and their key functions (e.g. pollination) requires tracking large‐scale and long‐term community changes. However, doing so has been hindered by the high diversity of insect species that requires prohibitively high investments of time, funding and taxonomic expertise when addressed with conventional tools. Here, we show that these concerns can be addressed through a comprehensive, scalable and cost‐efficient DNA metabarcoding workflow. We use 1815 samples from 75 Malaise traps across Germany from 2019 and 2020 to demonstrate how metabarcoding can be incorporated into large‐scale insect monitoring networks for less than 50 € per sample, including supplies, labour and maintenance. We validated the detected species using two publicly available databases (GBOL and GBIF) and the judgement of taxonomic experts. With an average of 1.4 M sequence reads per sample we uncovered 10,803 validated insect species, of which 83.9% were represented by a single Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU). We estimated another 21,043 plausible species, which we argue either lack a reference barcode or are undescribed. The total of 31,846 species is similar to the number of insect species known for Germany (~35,500). Because Malaise traps capture only a subset of insects, our approach identified many species likely unknown from Germany or new to science. Our reproducible workflow (~80% OTU‐similarity among years) provides a blueprint for large‐scale biodiversity monitoring of insects and other biodiversity components in near real time.
Comparative analysis of amphibian genomes: An emerging resource for basic and applied research
Authors: Kosch Tiffany A. , Crawford Andrew J. , Lockridge Mueller Rachel , Wollenberg Valero Katharina C. , Power Megan L. , Rodríguez Ariel , O'Connell Lauren A. , Young Neil D. , Skerratt Lee F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAmphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates and are in dire need of conservation intervention to ensure their continued survival. They exhibit unique features including a high diversity of reproductive strategies, permeable and specialized skin capable of producing toxins and antimicrobial compounds, multiple genetic mechanisms of sex determination and in some lineages, the ability to regenerate limbs and organs. Although genomic approaches would shed light on these unique traits and aid conservation, sequencing and assembly of amphibian genomes has lagged behind other taxa due to their comparatively large genome sizes. Fortunately, the development of long‐read sequencing technologies and initiatives has led to a recent burst of new amphibian genome assemblies. Although growing, the field of amphibian genomics suffers from the lack of annotation resources, tools for working with challenging genomes and lack of high‐quality assemblies in multiple clades of amphibians. Here, we analyse 51 publicly available amphibian genomes to evaluate their usefulness for functional genomics research. We report considerable variation in genome assembly quality and completeness and report some of the highest transposable element and repeat contents of any vertebrate. Additionally, we detected an association between transposable element content and climatic variables. Our analysis provides evidence of conserved genome synteny despite the long divergence times of this group, but we also highlight inconsistencies in chromosome naming and orientation across genome assemblies. We discuss sequencing gaps in the phylogeny and suggest key targets for future sequencing endeavours. Finally, we propose increased investment in amphibian genomics research to promote their conservation.
MhGeneS: An Analytical Pipeline to Allow for Robust Microhaplotype Genotyping
Authors: Geue Julia C. , Liu Peng , Keobouasone Sonesinh , Wilson Paul , Manseau Micheline 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMicrohaplotypes are small linked genomic regions comprising two or more single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are being applied in forensics and are emerging in wildlife monitoring studies and genomic epidemiology. Typically, targeted in non‐coding regions, microhaplotypes in exonic regions can be designed with larger amplicons to capture functional non‐synonymous sites and minimise insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms. Quality control is an important first step for high‐confidence genotyping to counteract such false‐positive variants. As genetic markers with higher polymorphism compared to biallelic SNPs, it is critical to ensure sequencing errors across the microhaplotype amplicon are filtered out to avoid introducing false‐haplotypes. We developed the MhGeneS pipeline which works in tandem with Seq2Sat to help validate microhaplotype genotyping of the coding region of genes, with broader applicability to any microhaplotype profiling. We genotyped microhaplotype regions of the Zfx (≅ 160 bp) and Zfy (≅ 140 bp) genes, as well as an exon of the prion protein (Prnp) gene (≅ 370 bp) in caribou (Rangifer tarandus) using paired‐end Illumina technology. As important quality metrics affecting microhaplotype calling, we identified the sequencing error rate profile related to the overlap or non‐overlap of paired‐end reads as well as the read depth as significant. In the case of Prnp, we achieved confident microhaplotype calling through MhGeneS by removing small sections of the 5′ and 3′ amplicons and using a minimum read depth of 20. Read depth and sequence trimming may be locus‐specific, and validation of these parameters is recommended before the high‐throughput profiling of samples.
Conflicting signals: A study on firms announcing share repurchases soon after seasoned equity offerings
Authors: Wang Jin‐Ying 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examines companies that announce open market share repurchases after seasoned equity offerings (SEO‐OMRs). This study finds that SEO‐OMRs have worse post‐OMR announcement returns, face a sharper decline in stock prices before OMR announcements, and have lower costs of buying back stocks. The study infers that firms announce an OMR soon after conducting an SEO to ensure market timing. The literature contains no evidence of SEO‐OMRs, and this study fills this gap. The findings of this study suggest that investors use SEOs as credible signals when deciding to purchase OMR stocks.