bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between metabolic parameters and embryo production in superovulated dairy cattle
Authors: Ünay Engin , Okuroğlu Alaeddin , Tirpan Mehmet Borga , Coşkun Muhammed İkbal , Sevgi Ramazan , Yilmaz Mehmet Ali , Ünal İlker , Erişek Abdülkadir , Say Erkan , Satilmiş Muharrem , Kaya Ufuk 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic parameters and the number of embryos produced in superovulated cows with high genetic characteristics in milk yield. Eighteen Holstein donors were treated with classic superovulation protocols, AI and flushing. During superovulation, decreasing doses of FSH (follicle‐stimulating hormone) were administered at 12‐h intervals for 4 days. Plasma insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1), glucose (GLU), beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP) levels were determined by using an autoanalyzer. The mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. As a result, plasma IGF1, BHB and BUN had significant interactions with both groups and days (p < .05). Additionally, plasma TP–days interactions were significant (p < .05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the number of embryos and plasma BHB levels (p < .05). In conclusion, under appropriate environmental conditions, metabolic profile control of donors can contribute to the embryo production process and to the studies on the metabolic infrastructure.
Donor‐derived mold infections in lung transplant recipients: The importance of active surveillance
Authors: Mularoni Alessandra , Cona Andrea , Coniglione Giulia , Barbera Floriana , Di Martino Giuseppina , Mulè Giovanni , Campanella Maria , Di Mento Giuseppina , Nunnari Giuseppe , Grossi Paolo Antonio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Mikulska Malgorzata , De Carolis Elena , Bertani Alessandro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnexpected donor‐derived fungal infections represent a rare but potentially fatal complication in lung transplant (Tx) recipients. Timely communication of the results of donor cultures and prompt treatment of recipients are crucial to mitigate the consequences of donor‐derived transmissions. In this prospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation from 2015 to 2022 were included. In December 2015, a Local Active Surveillance System has been implemented to provide biovigilance of donor culture results and optimize recipients’ management. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of unexpected, mold‐positive cultures among lung donors and the rate of transmission to recipients. Furthermore, management strategies and outcome of recipients with mold transmission are described. In case of isolation of the same mold in donor and recipient cultures, when possible, transmission was confirmed by dendrogram analysis. During the study period, 82 lung Tx were performed from 80 donors. The prevalence of donors with “unexpected” mold isolation from the respiratory tract was 3.75% (3/80). Isolated molds were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, and Aspergillus flavus. Transmissions occurred in all the three cases (100%) with a mean time of 5 days from lung Tx but none of the recipients developed invasive mold disease. Our Local Active Surveillance System allowed prompt recognition of lung donors unexpected mold colonization. Even though transmission occurred, introduction of early targeted antifungal therapy prevented potential catastrophic consequence of mold donor‐derived infection in the immediate post‐Tx period.
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Pilot study to evaluate isolation by size of circulating tumour cells in canine oral melanoma
Authors: Nowosh Victor , Braun Alexcia Camila , Ruano Anna Paula Carreta , Chinén Ludmilla Thomé Domingos , de Oliveira Massoco Cristina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLiquid biopsy for circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection is generally unexplored in veterinary medicine. Dogs with highly aggressive and heterogeneous tumours, such as oral malignant melanoma (OMM), could benefit from studies involving size‐based isolation methods for CTCs, as they do not depend on specific antibodies. This pilot study aimed to detect CTCs from canine OMM using Isolation by Size of Epithelial Tumor Cells (ISET), a microfiltration methodology, followed by immunocytochemistry (ICC) with Melan‐A, PNL2, and S100 antibodies. Ten canine patients diagnosed by histopathology and confirmed as OMM by immunohistochemistry were enrolled, their prognostic data was assessed, and blood samples were collected for CTC analysis. Results have shown the detection of intact cells in 9/10 patients. ICC has shown 3/9 Melan‐A‐positive, 3/9 PNL2‐positive, and 8/9 S100‐positive patients, confirming the importance of opting for a multimarker assay. A significant number of negative‐stained CTCs were found, suggesting their high heterogeneity in circulation. Microemboli stained with either PNL2 or S100 were found in a patient with a high isolated cell count and advanced clinical stage. Preliminary statistical analysis shows a significant difference in CTC count between patients with and without lymph node metastasis (p < .05), which may correlate with tumour metastatic potential. However, we recommend further studies with more extensive sampling to confirm this result. This pilot study is the first report of intact CTC detection in canine OMM and the first application of ISET in veterinary medicine, opening new possibilities for liquid biopsy studies in canine OMM and other tumours.
Resistive Heating Catalytic Micro-Reactor for Process Intensified Fuel Reforming to Hydrogen
Authors: Burra Kiran Raj Goud , Sahin Murat , Gupta Ashwani K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Process intensification of fuel reforming using micro-reactors has become crucial for feed flexibility in H2 production for fuel cells. In the literature on micro-reactors, energy supply for these endothermic reactions has faced limitations, relying on external heating, or autothermal operation. This paper explores a novel approach using a thin-film catalytic heater to develop micro-reactors. The study focuses on dry methane reforming in a simplified micro-reactor where thermal energy is supplied through electric resistive heating of a thin carbon sheet with a catalyst applied to its surface. The thin-catalytic heated layer inside the reactor minimizes energy losses and the reactor footprint. Power input was varied from 90 W to 225 W to understand its impact on the reactor temperature, CH4 conversion, H2 and CO yields. Fast thermal response times were achieved using the carbon paper as a thin film for heating. Ni/MgO impregnated onto carbon paper was utilized as the catalytic heating element which resulted in CH4 conversions greater than 60% at temperature above750 K. Influence of operating conditions such as the input molar ratio of CO2/CH4 and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) were also investigated to understand the scope of the catalyst in this setup. High GHSVs (592,885 and 948,617 ml/(h·gcatalyst)) were tested to understand the throughput achievable using this setup. This approach demonstrates improved scope and feasibility for further intensification compared to conventionally heated micro-reactors. The research paves the way for efficient and compact micro-reactors for fuel reforming processes.
Improving Signal Transmission Quality of Wind Turbine Pitch Slip Ring With Copper Matrix Composites
Authors: Wen Da , Zhang Minglang , Zhu Rui , Xue Zuo , Zhou Yuankai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
To improve the signal transmission quality, copper matrix composites added with different contents of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) were prepared. The electrical and tribological properties of composites were studied. A new parameter, the correlation dimension of electrical noise, was proposed to quantitatively characterize the stability of signal transmission. Copper matrix composites added with reasonable amount of CNTs and MoS2 can effectively reduce the values and fluctuations of friction coefficient and improve the wear resistance, efficiency, and stability of the signal transmission. Tribo-films are generated on the surface of composites. The contents of CNTs and MoS2 affect the stability of tribo-film and further affect the signal transmission quality. 0.5 wt% CNTs and 15 wt% MoS2 can make good synergistic effects on improving the signal transmission quality of composites. The results provide good guidance to improve the signal transmission quality of wind pitch slip rings.
Statistical Scaling in Localization-Induced Failures
Authors: Le Jia-Liang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The investigation of statistical scaling in localization-induced failures dates back to da Vinci's speculation on the length effect on rope strength in 1500 s. The early mathematical description of statistical scaling emerged with the birth of the extreme value statistics. The most commonly known mathematical model for statistical scaling is the Weibull size effect, which is a direct consequence of the infinite weakest-link model. However, abundant experimental observations on various localization-induced failures have shown that the Weibull size effect is inadequate. Over the last two decades, two mathematical models were developed to describe the statistical size effect in localization-induced failures. One is the finite weakest-link model, in which the random structural resistance is expressed as the minimum of a set of independent discrete random variables. The other is the level excursion model, a continuum description of the finite weakest-link model, in which the structural failure probability is calculated as the probability of the upcrossing of a random field over a barrier. This paper reviews the mathematical formulation of these two models and their applications to various engineering problems including the strength distributions of quasi-brittle structures, failure statistics of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, breakdown statistics of high– k gate dielectrics, and probability distribution of buckling pressure of spherical shells containing random geometric imperfections. In addition, the implications of statistical scaling for the stochastic finite element simulations and the reliability-based structural design are discussed. In particular, the recent development of the size-dependent safety factors is reviewed.
Cardiorespiratory Markers Relate to Change-of-Direction Performance During Incremental Endurance Tests and Friendly Matches in Professional Male Handball Players
Authors: Achenbach Leonard , Zinner Christoph , Zeman Florian , Obinger Matthias 
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To compare the standard Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (IR) test and an agility Yo-Yo IR test with a higher number of change-of-direction movements to cardiorespiratory match performance. Methods: The study included 11 professional male handball players (age 24.5 [4.6] y) of a German second-league team. The performance parameters of the players of the seasons 2016–17 to 2018–19 were analyzed. The Yo-Yo IR test was compared to a Yo-Yo IR test with multiple multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli, which was conducted on a SpeedCourt (Yo-Yo SC IR). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were measured. Between-methods differences of individual athletes were quantified with Bland–Altman plots. Results: HRmax was not statistically different during the Yo-Yo SC IR test compared to the Yo-Yo IR test (181 [10] vs 188 [8] beats·min−1; P = .16). Agreement between the 2 tests was moderate for HRmax and good for heart rates >180 beats·min−1. Mean average VO2peak was 51.7 (3.9) and 50.9 (2.8) mL·min–1·kg–1 for the Yo-Yo SC IR test and the Yo-Yo IR test (P = .693), respectively. Conclusions: A Yo-Yo test with multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli yielded good agreement with the frequently used linear running tests and can be used to assess players’ VO2peak. The HRmax achieved during this test should be used with caution.
The two-component regulatory systems GraRS and SrrAB mediate
Staphylococcus aureus
susceptibility to Pep5 produced by clinical isolate of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Suzuki Yujin , Kawada-Matsuo Miki , Le Mi Nguyen-Tra , Eng Sopongselamuny , Hisatsune Junzo , Sugai Motoyuki , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common bacterium on the skin and in the nose that sometimes causes severe illness. Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides, or proteins produced by bacteria are candidates for the treatment of
S. aureus
infection. In this study, we found that a clinical
Staphylococcus epidermidis
strain, KSE112, produced the lantibiotic Pep5, which showed anti-
S. aureus
activity. The complete nucleotide sequence of the Pep5-encoding plasmid was determined. Several
S. aureus
two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) are known to be involved in bacteriocin susceptibility. Therefore, susceptibility tests were performed using TCS-inactivated
S. aureus
mutants to determine which TCS is responsible for Pep5 susceptibility; the Δ
graRS
mutant exhibited increased susceptibility to Pep5, while the Δ
srrAB
mutant exhibited decreased susceptibility. GraRS is known to regulate
dltABCD
and
mprF
in concert with
vraFG
, and Pep5 susceptibility was significantly increased in the Δ
dltABCD,
Δ
mprF,
and Δ
vraFG
mutants. Regarding the Δ
srrAB
mutant, cross-resistance to aminoglycosides was observed. As aminoglycoside activity is known to be affected by aerobic respiration, we focused on
qoxABCD
and
cydAB,
which are quinol oxidase genes that are necessary for aerobic respiration and have downregulated the expression in the Δ
srrAB
mutant. We constructed Δ
qoxABCD
and Δ
cydAB
mutants and found that
qoxABCD
inactivation decreased susceptibility to Pep5 and aminoglycosides. These results indicate that reduced aerobic respiration due to the reduced
qoxABCD
expression in the Δ
srrAB
mutant decreased Pep5 activity.

IMPORTANCE

The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, is a severe health problem worldwide. Thus, the development of novel antimicrobial agents, including bacteriocins, is needed. In this report, we found a Pep5-producing strain with anti-
S
.
aureus
activity. We determined the complete sequence of the Pep5-encoding plasmid for the first time. However, in
S. aureus,
GraRS and its effectors conferred decreased susceptibility to Pep5. We also revealed that another TCS, SrrAB, affects susceptibility Pep5 and other lantibiotics by controlling aerobic respiration. In our study, we investigated the efficacy of Pep5 against
S. aureus
and other Gram-positive bacteria and revealed that respiratory constancy regulated by TCS is required for the antimicrobial activity of nisin, nukacin, and Pep5. These findings provide important information for the clinical application of bacteriocins and suggest that they have different properties among similar pore-forming lantibiotics.
Spatial recovery of the murine gut microbiota after antibiotics perturbation
Authors: Taguer M. , Xiao J. , Crawford R. , Shi H. , Cheng M. P. , Citron M. , Hannigan G. D. , Kasper S. H. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacterial communities are highly complex, with interaction networks dictating ecosystem function. Bacterial interactions are constrained by the spatial organization of these microbial communities, yet studying the spatial organization of microbial communities at the single-cell level has been technically challenging. Here, we use the recently developed high-phylogenetic-resolution microbiota mapping by fluorescence
in situ
hybridization technology to image the gut microbiota at the species and single-cell level. We simultaneously image 63 different bacterial species to spatially characterize the perturbation and recovery of the gut microbiota to ampicillin and vancomycin in the cecum and distal colon of mice. To decipher the biology in this complex imaging data, we developed an analytical framework to characterize the spatial changes of the gut microbiota to a perturbation. The three-tiered analytical approach includes image-level diversity, pairwise colocalization analysis, and hypothesis-driven neighborhood analysis. Through this workflow, we identify biogeographic and antibiotic-based differences in the spatial organization of the gut microbiota. We demonstrate that the cecal microbiota has increased micrometer-scale diversity than the colon at baseline and recovers better from perturbation. Also, we identify potential foundation and keystone species that have high baseline neighborhood richness and that are associated with recovery from antibiotics. Through this workflow, we add a spatial layer to the characterization of bacterial communities and progress toward a better understanding of bacterial interactions leading to improved microbiome modulation strategies.

IMPORTANCE
Antibiotics have broad off-target effects on the gut microbiome. When the microbial community is unable to recover from antibiotics, it can lead to increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections and increased risk of immunological and metabolic diseases. In this study, we work to better understand how the gut microbiota recovers from antibiotics by employing a recent technology to image the entire bacterial community at once. Through this approach, we characterize the spatial changes in the gut microbiota after treatment with model antibiotics in both the cecum and colon of mice. We find antibiotic- and biogeographic-dependent spatial changes between bacterial species and that many of these spatial colocalizations do not recover to baseline levels even 35 days after antibiotic administration.
Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Ethiopian students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fentahun Setegn , Takelle Girmaw Medfu , Rtbey Gidey , Andualem Fantahun , Tinsae Techilo , Nakie Girum , Melkam Mamaru , Tadesse Gebresilassie 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of depression and its associated factors among high school, college and university students in Ethiopia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, African Journal Online and Google Scholar. The primary articles were searched from 2 April 2023 to 11 May 2023.Eligibility criteriaObservational studies such as cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies that reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression among students in Ethiopia were included. Both published and unpublished primary studies were included in this review.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently extracted all the important data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and exported it to Stata V.14 for analysis. The statistical heterogeneity among the included articles was assessed by the I2statistics test. Publication bias was checked using the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test.ResultsA total of 17 primary studies with 8798 study participants were included in the current study to estimate the combined prevalence of depression. The pooled prevalence of depression among Ethiopian students was 35.52% with a 95% CI (30.54% to 40.51%). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of depression was higher in Addis Ababa, which was 40.43%, with a 95% CI (28.02% to 52.83%). Female sex, first-year educational level, family history of mental illness, alcohol drinking and parental neglect were significantly associated with depression in this study.ConclusionIn this review, the overall pooled prevalence of depression among students in Ethiopia was high compared with the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to make more efforts to provide mental healthcare and psychosocial support to students to improve their mental health and decrease the overall burden of depression.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023424301.
Evaluation of a novel university-based testing platform to increase access to SARS-CoV-2 testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort study
Authors: Bennett Julia Catherine , O’Hanlon Jessica , Acker Zachary , Han Peter D , McDonald Devon , Wright Tessa , Luiten Kyle G , Regelbrugge Lani , McCaffrey Kathryn M , Pfau Brian , Wolf Caitlin R , Gottlieb Geoffrey S , Hughes James P , Carone Marco , Starita Lea M , Chu Helen Y , Weil Ana A 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of an unsupervised testing mechanism, in which participants pick up a swab kit, self-test (unsupervised) and return the kit to an on-campus drop box, as compared with supervised self-testing at staffed locations.DesignUniversity SARS-CoV-2 testing cohort.SettingHusky Coronavirus Testing provided voluntary SARS-CoV-2 testing at a university in Seattle, USA.Outcome measuresWe computed descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the study sample. Adjusted logistic regression implemented via generalised estimating equations was used to estimate the odds of a self-swab being conducted through unsupervised versus supervised testing mechanisms by participant characteristics, including year of study enrolment, pre-Omicron versus post-Omicron time period, age, sex, race, ethnicity, affiliation and symptom status.ResultsFrom September 2021 to July 2022, we received 92 499 supervised and 26 800 unsupervised self-swabs. Among swabs received by the laboratory, the overall error rate for supervised versus unsupervised swabs was 0.3% vs 4%, although this declined to 2% for unsupervised swabs by the spring of the academic year. Results were returned for 92 407 supervised (5% positive) and 25 836 unsupervised (4%) swabs from 26 359 participants. The majority were students (79%), 61% were female and most identified as white (49%) or Asian (34%). The use of unsupervised testing increased during the Omicron wave when testing demand was high and stayed constant in spring 2022 even when testing demand fell. We estimated the odds of using unsupervised versus supervised testing to be significantly greater among those <25 years of age (p<0.001), for Hispanic versus non-Hispanic individuals (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3, p=0.01) and lower among individuals symptomatic versus asymptomatic or presymptomatic (0.9, 95% CI 0.8 to 0.9, p<0.001).ConclusionsUnsupervised swab collection permitted increased testing when demand was high, allowed for access to a broader proportion of the university community and was not associated with a substantial increase in testing errors.