bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic reprogramming and macrophage polarization in granuloma formation
Authors: Nakamizo Satoshi , Kabashima Kenji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This review article delves into the complexities of granuloma formation, focusing on the metabolic reprogramming within these immune structures, especially in tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. It underscores the role of the monocyte–macrophage lineage in granuloma formation and maintenance, emphasizing the adaptability of these cells to environmental cues and inflammatory stimuli. Key to the discussion is the macrophage polarization influenced by various cytokines, with a detailed exploration of the metabolic shifts towards glycolysis under hypoxic conditions and the utilization of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) for crucial biosynthetic processes. Significant attention is given to the metabolism of L-arginine in macrophages and its impact on immune response and granuloma function. The review also highlights the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in macrophage differentiation and its implications in granulomatous diseases. Discoveries such as elevated PPP activity in granuloma-associated macrophages and the protective role of NADPH against oxidative stress offer novel insights into granuloma biology. The review concludes by suggesting potential therapeutic targets within these metabolic pathways to modulate granuloma formation and function, proposing new treatment avenues for conditions characterized by chronic inflammation and granuloma formation. This work contributes significantly to the understanding of immune regulation and chronic inflammation, presenting avenues for future research and therapy in granulomatous diseases.
Methylomonadaceae was the active and dominant methanotroph in Tibet lake sediments
Authors: Deng Yongcui , Liang Chulin , Zhu Xiaomeng , Zhu Xinshu , Chen Lei , Pan Hongan , Xun Fan , Tao Ye , Xing Peng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Methane (CH4), an important greenhouse gas, significantly impacts the local and global climate. Our study focused on the composition and activity of methanotrophs residing in the lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, a hotspot for climate change research. Based on the field survey, the family Methylomonadaceae had a much higher relative abundance in freshwater lakes than in brackish and saline lakes, accounting for ~92% of total aerobic methanotrophs. Using the microcosm sediment incubation with 13CH4 followed by high throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis, we further demonstrated that the family Methylomonadaceae was actively oxidizing CH4. Moreover, various methylotrophs, such as the genera Methylotenera and Methylophilus, were detected in the 13C-labeled DNAs, which suggested their participation in CH4-carbon sequential assimilation. The presence of CH4 metabolism, such as the tetrahydromethanopterin and the ribulose monophosphate pathways, was identified in the metagenome-assembled genomes of the family Methylomonadaceae. Furthermore, they had the potential to adapt to oxygen-deficient conditions and utilize multiple electron acceptors, such as metal oxides (Fe3+), nitrate, and nitrite, for survival in the Tibet lakes. Our findings highlighted the predominance of Methylomonadaceae and the associated microbes as active CH4 consumers, potentially regulating the CH4 emissions in the Tibet freshwater lakes. These insights contributed to understanding the plateau carbon cycle and emphasized the significance of methanotrophs in mitigating climate change.
Adaptive evolution of plasmid and chromosome contributes to the fitness of a blaNDM-bearing cointegrate plasmid in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Gao Yanyun , Wang Mianzhi , Liu Yuan , Wang Fulin , Shi Jing , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Ruichao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Large cointegrate plasmids recruit genetic features of their parental plasmids and serve as important vectors in the spread of antibiotic resistance. They are now frequently found in clinical settings, raising the issue of how to limit their further transmission. Here, we conducted evolutionary research of a large blaNDM-positive cointegrate within Escherichia coli C600, and discovered that adaptive evolution of chromosome and plasmid jointly improved bacterial fitness, which was manifested as enhanced survival ability for in vivo and in vitro pairwise competition, biofilm formation, and gut colonization ability. From the plasmid aspect, large-scale DNA fragment loss is observed in an evolved clone. Although the evolved plasmid imposes a negligible fitness cost on host bacteria, its conjugation frequency is greatly reduced, and the deficiency of anti-SOS gene psiB is found responsible for the impaired horizontal transferability rather than the reduced fitness cost. These findings unveil an evolutionary strategy in which the plasmid horizontal transferability and fitness cost are balanced. From the chromosome perspective, all evolved clones exhibit parallel mutations in the transcriptional regulatory stringent starvation Protein A gene sspA. Through a sspA knockout mutant, transcriptome analysis, in vitro transcriptional activity assay, RT-qPCR, motility test, and scanning electron microscopy techniques, we demonstrated that the mutation in sspA reduces its transcriptional inhibitory capacity, thereby improving bacterial fitness, biofilm formation ability, and gut colonization ability by promoting bacterial flagella synthesis. These findings expand our knowledge of how cointegrate plasmids adapt to new bacterial hosts.
Digital Labour Platforms as Shock Absorbers: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mozambique
Authors: Jones Sam , Manhique Ivan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Digital labour platforms have grown five-fold over the past decade, enabling significant expansion of gig work worldwide. We interrogate the critique that these platforms tend to amplify aggregate shocks for registered workers. Based on the universe of records from a matching platform for manual freelancers in Mozambique, we analyse how task supply and demand altered with the onset of COVID-19. Treating the pandemic as a structural break, which extends to an event study analysis, we find it was associated with a net increase in tasks demanded per worker, but no clear change in supply growth (new registrations). While these general trends are evident across multiple market segments, there is also evidence of relatively higher demand for female as compared to male workers during the pandemic. This suggests digital labour markets can help some workers adjust to economic shocks in low-income contexts.
Identification, Isolation, and Characterization of a Novel Degradation Impurity of Busulfan Using Preparative Chromatography, NMR, and LC–MS
Authors: Yerla Rajender Reddy , Manubolu Surya Surendra Babu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Busulfan is the most effective medication for treating chronic myelogenous or granulocytic leukemia because it has cytotoxic properties that harm or kill hematopoietic cells. It cannot absorb light in the Ultraviolet range due to its structure. Because of this, it is very challenging to quantify using traditional HPLC coupled with UV/Photodiode Array detectors. So, using sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, a derivatization method was developed to quantify related impurities. A significant unknown impurity was identified in derivatized samples of busulfan and a noticeably high percentage level was discovered during routine drug testing.

Objective
We aimed to isolate, and characterize the unknown impurity observed in the samples and to identify its root cause.

Methods
Preparative HPLC was used to isolate the unidentified, derivatized impurity, and 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS were used to decipher its structural components.

Results
The spectral characterization data analysis showed that the unknown impurity was related to busulfan. Additionally, it was noted that the impurity developed as a result of the residual buffer used to prepare the derivatizing reagent.

Conclusion
The isolated impurity was found to be same as comparable to that found in busulfan drug substances, according to the results of the characterization tools. An alternative method of reagent preparation was optimized and deemed satisfactory because the buffer used in reagent preparation is the only factor contributing to the formation of impurities.

Highlights
Using cutting-edge analytical characterization tools, it was possible to explain the structural characteristics of an unknown impurity and discover that it was a novel impurity, which undoubtedly contributes to the comprehension of drug substance reaction properties.
119 Plasma metabolomics and feed behavior patterns in feed efficient or inefficient beef bulls
Authors: Venturini Mauro , Heredia Daniella C , Lopez Maria , Joice Kamryn , Ruiz Martin , Dubeux Jose C B , Dilorenzo Nicolas , Gonella-Diaza Angela M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency (FE). Differences in plasma metabolites concentration found in animals with contrasting RFI are potential biomarkers of FE. Furthermore, feed behavior patterns could also be used to identify animals with contrasting RFI. We hypothesize that the integration of plasma metabolomics data and feed behavior can predict the future animal performance. We used 302 bulls subjected to an ad libitum diet for 56-d while allocated in pens equipped with GrowSafe System to evaluate RFI. Blood samples were collected for metabolomics analysis at the beginning (d 0) and at the end (d 56) of the trial. Feeding behavior metrics including feeding bout (FB), and eating time were estimated. Subsequently, the bulls were classified as low RFI (LRFI) and high RFI (HRFI). The performance test showed no differences between LRFI and HRFI animals in the initial body weight (LRFI: 408.62 ± 47.43 Kg; HRFI: 407.64 ± 60.22; P = 0.41), final body weight (LRFI: 510.33 ± 58.28; HRFI: 500.82 ± 72.23; P = 0.46), and average daily gain (LRFI: 1.67 ± 0.28; HRFI: 1.54 ± 0.36; P = 0.42). But the dry matter intake was less for LRFI (6.45 ± 1.78) in comparison with HRFI animals (8.81 ± 2.63; P &lt; 0.001). Metabolomics analysis performed on the top and bottom 30 bulls based on RFI, reveled increased concentrations of 18 metabolites in LRFI bulls on d 0, and 12 different metabolites on d 56. Among these compounds, Cer(d18:1/23:0) level was statistically greater on both d 0 (LRFI: 0.233 ± 0.016 µM; HRFI: 0.187 ± 0.014 µM, P = 0.039) and d 56 (LRFI: 0.267 ± 0.016 µM; HRFI: 0.205 ± 0.013 µM, P = 0.02), emerging as a potential biomarker distinguished by the multivariate analysis, capable of discerning between LRFI and HRFI animals. On the other hand, FB (LRFI: 13 events/d; HRFI: 15 events/d; P = 0.019) and eating time LRFI: 119 min/d; HRFI: 153 min/d; P &lt; 0.001) were different between the two groups. The more efficient animals (LRFI) were observed to visit the feed bunk less frequently and spend less time consuming feed compared with the less efficient animals (HRFI). In conclusion, further exploration of the metabolites’ pathways and their roles and recognition of feeding behavior patterns could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms contributing to FE.
122 A retrospective analysis of gestational length and its influencers for Bos taurus beef cows
Authors: Mitchell Camille , Vidlund Trinity , Craun Hannah , Mercadante Vitor R G , Redifer Tracey , Currin John 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The gestational length of cows is commonly set at 283 d. The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis to determine gestational length and evaluate cow and calf parameters that influence gestational length of Bos taurus beef cows. A total of 10,037 reproductive records were used in this study. Data evaluated were obtained from reproductive records collected from Fall of 2011 through Spring of 2018, from 14 herds from the Virginia Department of Corrections beef cattle operations and the Virginia Tech Beef Center research herd. Cows used to measure gestation length were all pregnant to artificial insemination (AI) to ensure accurate breeding dates, and only pregnancies that resulted in a live birth were included in the dataset. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and CORR procedures of SAS. The average age of cows in this study was 5.5 ± 0.03 yr, with a minimum of 2 yr and a maximum of 18 yr of age. The average gestation length was 280.2 ± 0.05 d. The shortest and longest gestation lengths recorded were 253 d and 300 d, respectively. Gestation length was affected by calving season (P &lt; 0.0001), with a shorter gestation period for Fall (279.1 ± 0.08 d) than Spring born calves (281.1 ± 0.07 d). Calf sex also had an impact on gestation length (P = 0.0002), where male calves were on average gestated almost a day longer (280.8 ± 0.07 d) than females (279.6 ± 0.07 d). To evaluate whether a correlation exists between gestation length and selected variables, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Cow age (r = 0.2136; P &lt; 0.0001), calf birth weight (r = 0.3834; P &lt; 0.0001), calf weaning weight (r = 0.1438; P = 0.01) and calf adjusted weaning weights (r = 0.0253; P &lt; 0.0001) were correlated with gestation length of beef cows. In conclusion, the average gestation length of Bos taurus beef cows was 280 d, which is shorter than the commonly used 283 d, and it was affected by calving season (Fall and Spring) and calf sex. Further, while correlations exist among gestation length, cow age and calf traits, these correlations were weak to moderate.
31 Pastureland Ecology 1 provides hands-on training in grazing management for USDA-NRCS professionals
Authors: Poore Matt H , Shaeffer April D , Rogers Johnny R , Weaver Andrew R , Siciliano Paul , Harmon Deidre 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Pastureland Ecology 1 is a 2-wk continuing education course taught by cooperating faculty at NC State University for USDA-NRCS Staff. The course was founded in the early 1990s and has been taught 23 times to over 500 participants from all 50 states. Participants primarily include grazing specialists, soil conservationists, and district conservationists. Instruction is split between classroom lectures and hands-on experience with grazing management. Lecture topics include; introduction to pasture ecology, principles of plant growth, determining animal forage needs, pasture design, principles of soil health, principles of grazing management, and grazing management systems for small ruminants, horses and cattle. Small groups of students work with groups of goats, sheep, horses, and beef cattle throughout the course, learning concepts of forage allocation, temporary electric fence, and adaptive management. Popular demonstrations developed over the years include; the reel race, dung beetle buckets, burying underwear to demonstrate soil health, exploring root diversity, and troubleshooting electric fence. Farm tours are conducted to show how concepts being taught are applied on commercial farms. In 2023 there were 29 students from 13 states including VA (4), MD (4), PA (3), OK (4), MI (1), UT (2), TN (3), WV (1), MA (1), OH (1), NM (1), WA (3), and RI (1). Participants had 8.4 ± 1.39 (AVG ± SEM) years of experience with NRCS with a range of 1 to 27 yr. Students self-assessed their understanding of major concepts before and after the course. On a 1 to 5 scale students increased their understanding by an average of 1.05 ± 0.129, averaged over all topics. Topics more familiar to participants had less increase including; Soil Health (0.38), Pasture Condition Evaluation (0.51), and Grazing Management for Beef Cattle (0.79). Less familiar topics had greater increases including Grazing Management for Horses (1.27) and Small Ruminants (1.27), and Temporary Electric Fence (1.43). Pastureland Ecology 1 remains a critical part of the Amazing Grazing Program at NC State University, impacting pasture-based livestock producers across the country. This educational model has proven to be an effective way of teaching the principles of pastureland ecology.
30 Ethnobotany applied to ruminant feeding inserted in countryside property redesign
Authors: Lobo Annelise Aila Gomes , Campana Mariana , De Morais Jozivaldo Prudêncio Gomes 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Adoption of multi-species herbal leys, planting trees and integrating livestock can increase agricultural productivity and carbon storage on ruminant livestock farms. Most of the forage produced in pastures during the year is available in hot and rainy seasons, so the cold and dry season becomes a critical point, where forage production is insufficient. Thus, there is a need to use other complementary feed sources. This study aims to characterize bibliographically the plants that are part of ethnobotanical science, according to their bio compounds, based on the perception of the livestock farmers interviewed, aimed at increasing productivity, and that are used in the feeding of ruminant animals by livestock farmers in the regions between the cities of Araras and Ribeirao Preto in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The research took place in a qualitative way adopting the use of questionnaires and interviews with rural producers, and the answers used by them were characterized in an empirical way, according to occurrences based on the experience and experience of errors and successes in animal nutrition and health, in which it was later possible to perform a textual analysis of what was described by the producers, aligned with the literature. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers, involving questions about: i) which plant species exist on the property; - ii) what is the importance, value or function associated with these species. The species to be surveyed will be those: plant species that are in some way related to the production system (present on and/or off pasture), and have been planted or maintained by farmers to: i) provide animal welfare; ii) positively influence forage or soil quality; iii) complement animal nutrition; iv) provide ecosystem services (related to ecological/environmental factors; v) generate complementary income; vi) bring scenic, ornamental or landscape benefit on the pastures. The wisdom of the farmers is in line with the information in the literature, since the purpose of the food has characteristics such as being drought-tolerant, having increased dry matter, a wealth of minerals and vitamins, flavonoids, tannins, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, energy and protein, as well as good digestibility by ruminant animals. Therefore, the productive potential of rural properties in Brazil goes beyond grass and crop treatments. It is necessary to explore the species present on rural properties and show farmers the importance of identifying plants and for what purpose they can be used, such as animal feed subsidized by the farm's own ruminants. Especially when there is grazing of the animals and the presence of these foods in the paddock.
90 Interconnecting feed efficiency with molecular mechanisms of muscle growth in beef steers
Authors: Ascolese Sophia , Rowan Troy N , Beever Jonathan E , Henniger Madison T , Moisa Sonia J , Ault-Seay Taylor B , Voy Brynn H , Myer Phillip R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Feed efficiency is an important factor for improving the sustainability and economic value of beef production. Although feed efficiency is moderately heritable, it is a complex trait affected by numerous factors such as diet, the rumen microbiome, and energy metabolism. Recent work has examined the molecular control of cattle divergent in feed efficiency; however, limited work has focused on the transcriptomic regulation of variation in feed efficiency, specifically, the genes contributing to muscle growth and the variation in feed efficiency in beef production. The hypothesis of this study was that cattle with greater feed efficiency will have increased expression of genes that promote muscle growth and energy metabolism. A total of 100 Angus steers weighing approximately 400 kg were enrolled in 70 d feed efficiency trials to determine residual feed intake (RFI) using the Vytelle GrowSafe 8000 individual feed intake monitoring system. At mid-test, 500-mg of muscle tissue was collected from the wing of the ileum between the axis and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and was punched with a biopsy probe tool. The collected biopsy samples were flash frozen in liquid nitrogen for storage until processing. RNA was extracted and 3’ RNA sequencing was conducted on the Novaseq 6000 to determine the differential skeletal muscle transcriptomes of steers differing in RFI. Differential expression analysis was performed with the DESeq2 R package. To determine connections between the differentially expressed genes identified via transcriptional profiling and RFI, gene expression results were examined for correlations. To visualize the correlation matrices, the Corrplot package in R (version 3.4) was utilized. Varying numbers of differentially expressed gene transcripts were detected between steers divergent in RFI (P &lt; 0.05), and were identified with significant correlations to RFI (P &lt; 0.05). Specifically, the genes identified were related to muscle growth and energy metabolism. These results further define the molecular control of muscle growth with regard to RFI, and the opportunity to improve feed efficiency and muscle growth while meeting the needs for food production and sustainability for the growing population.
97 Use of genomic testing for predicting performance of finishing steers
Authors: De Vries Jacee K , Briggs Emma A , Beck Paul A , Lalman David L , Johnson Chris 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Genomic testing is a commercially available tool that has the potential to be beneficial in selecting cattle for retained ownership, as well as making management and marketing decisions after finishing. The objectives of this study were to determine if commercially available genomic tests are predictive of differences in finishing performance of steers from sires selected based on divergent growth and milk EPDs. The commercial genomic testing of milk and average daily gain (ADG) scores used in the current experiment were based on Neogen Igenity Beef test results. Two trials were conducted at the OSU Willard Sparks Beef Research Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma. These experiments used two sets of steers from the OSU Range Cow Research Center (400 ± 13 kg, n = 154) from a spring calving cowherd (South Range Unit) and a fall calving cowherd (North Range Unit) of primarily Angus ancestry. Following preconditioning and a wheat pasture stocker program (South Range) or dry lot growing period (North Range), steers were allocated into pens (n = 5 animals/pen) by Igenity ADG Score: low growth (LG) had scores ranging from 1 to 4, medium growth (MG) had scores from 5 to 6, and high (HG) had scores from 7 to 10. Steers were blocked by initial BW and fed a step-up diet for 30 d before being switched to a finishing ration diet (8% prairie hay, 20% Sweet Bran, 62% dry-rolled corn, 5% liquid supplement, and 5% dry supplement [DM basis]). Cattle were fed ractopamine hydrochloride for 30 d before slaughter. The heavy block was on feed for an average of 136 d, while the light block was on feed for an average of 160 d. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the mixed procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary NC) with pen as the experimental unit and finishing pen within block as the random statement. During the feeding period, HG steers gained more rapidly than MG or LG steers, with ADG of 2.08, 1.94, and 1.90 kg/d, respectively (P = 0.04). Because gains were greater, BW at slaughter for the HG steers was greater than MG and LG, averaging 690, 669, and 660 kg, respectively (P = 0.04) and hot carcass weights were greater for HG than MG and LG, averaging 438, 426 and 418 kg, respectively (P = 0.02). There were no other differences (P &gt; 0.19) in carcass characteristics among steers. These data suggests that the genomic testing is accurate predictor of performance and can be used by producers can make better marketing decisions in selecting cattle for the retained. Genomic testing could be very beneficial for producers looking to minimize risk and maximize performance in their herd.