bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facing SARS‐CoV‐2 emergence on the animal health perspective: The role of the World Organisation for Animal Health in preparedness and official reporting of disease occurrence
Authors: Lina Awada , Keith Hamilton , Jenny Hutchison , Mariana Marrana , Gregorio Torres , Laure Weber‐Vintzel , Paolo Tizzani 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsCurrent data suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) emerged from an animal source. However, to date, there is insufficient scientific evidence to identify the source of SARS‐CoV‐2 or to explain the original route of transmission to humans. A wide range of mammalian species have been shown to be susceptible to the virus through experimental infection, and in natural environments when in contact with infected humans. The main objective of this work was to provide a summary of the official data shared by countries on SARS‐CoV‐2 in animals with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), to highlight the role of WOAH as an international organization in coordinating scientific information actions and to discuss the implications and impact of these activities.Methods and ResultsBetween January 2020 and December 2022, 36 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa officially reported SARS‐CoV‐2 identification in 26 animal species. Affected countries were generally responsive in confirming the pathogen (median of 5 days after onset) and reporting to WOAH (median of 7 days after confirmation).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, WOAH, supported by its network of experts, played a crucial role in collecting, analysing and disseminating veterinary scientific information, acting as the reference organization on these issues, thus avoiding misinformation and disinformation. Future perspectives to avoid new emerging threats are discussed.
Aged Tendons Exhibit Altered Mechanisms of Strain-Dependent Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Aggouras Anthony N. , Stowe Emma J. , Mlawer Samuel J. , Connizzo Brianne K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aging is a primary risk factor for degenerative tendon injuries, yet the etiology and progression of this degeneration are poorly understood. While aged tendons have innate cellular differences that support a reduced ability to maintain mechanical tissue homeostasis, the response of aged tendons to altered levels of mechanical loading has not yet been studied. To address this question, we subjected young and aged murine flexor tendon explants to various levels of in vitro tensile strain. We first compared the effect of static and cyclic strain on matrix remodeling in young tendons, finding that cyclic strain is optimal for studying remodeling in vitro. We then investigated the remodeling response of young and aged tendon explants after 7 days of varied mechanical stimulus (stress deprivation, 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7% cyclic strain) via assessment of tissue composition, biosynthetic capacity, and degradation profiles. We hypothesized that aged tendons would show muted adaptive responses to changes in tensile strain and exhibit a shifted mechanical setpoint, at which the remodeling balance is optimal. Interestingly, we found that 1% cyclic strain best maintains native physiology while promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover for both age groups. However, aged tendons display fewer strain-dependent changes, suggesting a reduced ability to adapt to altered levels of mechanical loading. This work has a significant impact on understanding the regulation of tissue homeostasis in aged tendons, which can inform clinical rehabilitation strategies for treating elderly patients.
Transonic Compressor Darmstadt Open Test Case: Experimental Investigation of Stator Secondary Flows and Hub Leakage
Authors: Klausmann Fabian S. , Kilian Nicklas , He Xiao , Spieker Daniel , Schmidt Benedikt , Schiffer Heinz-Peter 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The future trend of clean sky aviation has led to a smaller core engine, resulting in highly loaded stages with increased relative tip gaps and leakage flows, which causes a reinforced influence of secondary flow phenomena. This article experimentally investigates the secondary flow effects in the 3D-optimized shrouded stator of the TUDa-GLR-OpenStage, representative of a transonic high-pressure compressor front stage, and its susceptibility to typical hub leakage flows. The impact of stator hub leakage on efficiency and total pressure ratio is investigated for several operating speeds, from subsonic to nominal transonic operating conditions. Steady five-hole probe and time-resolved virtual multi-hole probe measurements at different operating conditions at nominal speed are conducted to investigate the underlying loss mechanisms. The leakage mass flow is determined using the measured pressure difference within the fin seal. Steady results show that the optimized 3D stator effectively suppresses the hub corner separation compared to the predecessor 2D stator, but its performance is further limited by a near-tip separation. With the increased stator hub leakage (at a leakage-to-main flow ratio of about 0.4%), the compressor isentropic efficiency generally drops (by about −0.5%) at the full operating range due to an enhanced hub corner separation effect. However, the increased leakage also helps alleviate the tip-corner separation when operating near stall, leading to a smaller efficiency penalty under these conditions. Unsteady results reveal the sensitivity of transient compressor performance to the passing rotor wake, but limited interaction between this phenomenon and the increased leakage is observed. These findings provide insight into the stator hub leakage-related penalties on the compressor aerodynamics efficiency.
Numerical Investigation of In-Cylinder Combustion Behaviors in a Medium-Speed Diesel Engine
Authors: Yan Yuchao , Shang Tansu , Li Lingmin , Yang Ruomiao , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study aims to advance understanding of in-cylinder combustion processes in medium-speed diesel engines, which are extensively employed in heavy-duty applications where electrification proves inefficient yet remains insufficiently examined in the literature. By modeling a four-stroke engine with dimensions of 210 mm bore and 310 mm stroke, operating at 900 rpm under full load, this research identifies distinct combustion characteristics that differentiate medium-speed engines from their high-speed counterparts. Key findings illustrate that super turbocharging in medium-speed engines enhances the combustion of the fuel–air mixture under elevated temperatures and pressures. Moreover, an increased stroke length promotes gas velocity and turbulence, facilitating fuel atomization and mixing. Notably, rapid fuel ignition occurs near the nozzle due to the high temperature of compressed air, reducing the ignition delay. As a result, the premixed combustion stage nearly disappears, with diffusion combustion dominating, especially pronounced with long-duration injection, a characteristic of medium-speed engines. The study also reveals a more uniform but elevated distribution of nitrogen oxide emissions in medium-speed engines, attributed to prolonged high-temperature conditions that both facilitate their formation. Early stages of diffusion combustion show high concentrations of incomplete combustion products. However, as the combustion process progresses, the conditions favor the complete oxidation of these products at high temperatures, resulting in decreased carbon-based pollutions. In addition, the larger combustion chamber and enhanced turbulence characteristic of medium-speed engines support efficient fuel and air mixing without necessitating the swirl effect required by high-speed engines, diminishing the dependence on wall impingement dynamics for air utilization. Consequently, efficiency optimization strategies for medium-speed engines, emphasizing adjustable injection parameters, encounter fewer constraints than those inherent to the spatial limitations of high-speed engines.
Relationship Between Short- and Long-Term Planning in Sports: A 12-Week Case Study of a Spanish Canoeing Coach
Authors: Costa Jardel , Neves Gonçalo , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Ribeiro João , Ramos Ana , Bell Lee , Loureiro Manuel , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Mesquita Isabel , Coutinho Patrícia , Afonso José 
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to bridge the gap in the literature on real-world analyses of coaches’ approaches to planning. A 12-week qualitative case study of a Spanish canoeing coach was carried out to examine the relationship between long- and short-term planning, analyze adaptations made to the original designs, and thus, enhance current understanding of this dialogue in a specific real-life context. To achieve this purpose, the first author followed the participant during training sessions in an unobtrusive manner, recording any relevant topic related to the research goal in the form of field observation notes. Weekly semistructured interviews were also carried out. Data were examined through thematic analysis, and two main themes were identified: (a) interplay and tension management between short- and long-term planning and (b) the dynamic tension between club and national team planning. Findings observed that the coach’s application of concepts related to planning usually had to be adapted. Indeed, external factors and demands obligated the coach to attribute more emphasis to short-term planning, despite the existence of a long-term plan. Moreover, findings established the need to understand sports planning as a micropolitical process, influenced by external pressures, organizational demands, and the constraints generated by sports practitioners.
Utilizing Sport Education During Off-Season High School Golf Team Preparation: A Case Study
Authors: Layne Todd , Simonton Kelly , Hastie Peter , Brunsdon Jamie 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Limited research has examined the Sport Education instructional model and its use with high school athletic teams. The purpose of this study was to see if the model could be utilized as an effective approach to preparing and training youth golf athletes in a motivating way, specifically in the off-season. Method: Participants (N = 9) were placed on teams for a total of eight practice sessions. A mixed-method analysis via survey analysis of motivational basic needs, emotions, and competencies, and focus group interviews occurred. Results: Interviews revealed that the Sport Education format enhanced enjoyment and group connection. Survey data indicated that autonomy support from instructor, enjoyment, and all three motivational needs (i.e., competence, relatedness, autonomy) trended upward. Shame, anger, and anxiety trended down. Discussion/Conclusion: The Sport Education model provides a unique opportunity for coaches to create a learning environment that is friendly, fun, and supportive of player development.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains performing similarly during fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates show pronounced differences in transcriptional stress responses
Authors: Cámara Elena , Mormino Maurizio , Siewers Verena , Nygård Yvonne 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Improving our understanding of the transcriptional changes of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
during fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates is crucial for the creation of more efficient strains to be used in biorefineries. We performed RNA sequencing of a CEN.PK laboratory strain, two industrial strains (KE6-12 and Ethanol Red), and two wild-type isolates of the LBCM collection when cultivated anaerobically in wheat straw hydrolysate. Many of the differently expressed genes identified among the strains have previously been reported to be important for tolerance to lignocellulosic hydrolysates or inhibitors therein. Our study demonstrates that stress responses typically identified during aerobic conditions such as glutathione metabolism, osmotolerance, and detoxification processes also are important for anaerobic processes. Overall, the transcriptomic responses were largely strain dependent, and we focused our study on similarities and differences in the transcriptomes of the LBCM strains. The expression of sugar transporter-encoding genes was higher in LBCM31 compared with LBCM109 that showed high expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and genes promoting the accumulation of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and ergosterol. These results highlight different evolutionary adaptations enabling
S. cerevisiae
to strive in lignocellulosic hydrolysates and suggest novel gene targets for improving fermentation performance and robustness.

IMPORTANCE

The need for sustainable alternatives to oil-based production of biochemicals and biofuels is undisputable.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is the most commonly used industrial fermentation workhorse. The fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, second-generation biomass unsuited for food and feed, is still hampered by lowered productivities as the raw material is inhibitory for the cells. In order to map the genetic responses of different
S. cerevisiae
strains, we performed RNA sequencing of a CEN.PK laboratory strain, two industrial strains (KE6-12 and Ethanol Red), and two wild-type isolates of the LBCM collection when cultivated anaerobically in wheat straw hydrolysate. While the response to inhibitors of
S. cerevisiae
has been studied earlier, this has in previous studies been done in aerobic conditions. The transcriptomic analysis highlights different evolutionary adaptations among the different
S. cerevisiae strains
and suggests novel gene targets for improving fermentation performance and robustness.
Optimization of the antifungal properties of the bacterial peptide EntV by variant analysis
Authors: Guha Shantanu , Cristy Shane A. , Buda De Cesare Giuseppe , Cruz Melissa R. , Lorenz Michael C. , Garsin Danielle A. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Fungal resistance to commonly used medicines is a growing public health threat, and there is a dire need to develop new classes of antifungals. We previously described a peptide produced by
Enterococcus faecalis
, EntV, that restricts
Candida albicans
to a benign form rather than having direct fungicidal activity. Moreover, we showed that one 12-amino acid (aa) alpha helix of this peptide retained full activity, with partial activity down to the 10aa alpha helix. Using these peptides as a starting point, the current investigation sought to identify the critical features necessary for antifungal activity and to screen for new variants with enhanced activity using both biofilm and
C. elegans
infection assays. First, the short peptides were screened for residues with critical activity by generating alanine substitutions. Based on this information, we used synthetic molecular evolution (SME) to rationally vary the specific residues of the 10aa variant in combination to generate a library that was screened to identify variants with more potent antifungal activity than the parent template. Five gain-of-function peptides were identified. Additionally, chemical modifications to the peptides to increase stability, including substitutions of D-amino acids and hydrocarbon stapling, were investigated. The most promising peptides were additionally tested in mouse models of oropharyngeal and systemic candidiasis where their efficacy in preventing infection was demonstrated. The expectation is that these discoveries will contribute to the development of new therapeutics in the fight against antimicrobial resistant fungi.

IMPORTANCE

Since the early 1980s, the incidence of disseminated life-threatening fungal infections has been on the rise. Worldwide,
Candida
and
Cryptococcus
species are among the most common agents causing these infections. Simultaneously, with this rise of clinical incidence, there has also been an increased prevalence of antifungal resistance, making treatment of these infections very difficult. For example, there are now strains of
Candida
auris that are resistant to all three classes of currently used antifungal drugs. In this study, we report on a strategy that allows for the development of novel antifungal agents by using synthetic molecular evolution. These discoveries demonstrate that the enhancement of antifungal activity from naturally occurring peptides is possible and can result in clinically relevant agents that have efficacy in multiple
in vivo
models as well as the potential for broad-spectrum activity.
Recombinational exchange of M-fibril and T-pilus genes generates extensive cell surface diversity in the global group A
Streptococcus
population
Authors: Bessen Debra E. , Beall Bernard W. , Hayes Andrew , Huang Weihua , DiChiara Jeanne M. , Velusamy Srinivasan , Tettelin Hervé , Jolley Keith A. , Fallon John T. , Chochua Sopio , Alobaidallah Mosaed S. A. , Higgs Charlie , Barnett Timothy C. , Steemson John T. , Proft Thomas , Davies Mark R. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Among genes present in all group A streptococci (GAS), those encoding M-fibril and T-pilus proteins display the highest levels of sequence diversity, giving rise to the two primary serological typing schemes historically used to define strain. A new genotyping scheme for the pilin adhesin and backbone genes is developed and, when combined with
emm
typing, provides an account of the global GAS strain population. Cluster analysis based on nucleotide sequence similarity assigns most T-serotypes to discrete pilin backbone sequence clusters, yet the established T-types correspond to only half the clusters. The major pilin adhesin and backbone sequence clusters yield 98 unique combinations, defined as “pilin types.” Numerous horizontal transfer events that involve pilin or
emm
genes generate extensive antigenic and functional diversity on the bacterial cell surface and lead to the emergence of new strains. Inferred pilin genotypes applied to a meta-analysis of global population-based collections of pharyngitis and impetigo isolates reveal highly significant associations between pilin genotypes and GAS infection at distinct ecological niches, consistent with a role for pilin gene products in adaptive evolution. Integration of
emm
and pilin typing into open-access online tools (
pubmlst.org
) ensures broad utility for end-users wanting to determine the architecture of M-fibril and T-pilus genes from genome assemblies.

IMPORTANCE

Precision in defining the variant forms of infectious agents is critical to understanding their population biology and the epidemiology of associated diseases. Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a global pathogen that causes a wide range of diseases and displays a highly diverse cell surface due to the antigenic heterogeneity of M-fibril and T-pilus proteins which also act as virulence factors of varied functions.
emm
genotyping is well-established and highly utilized, but there is no counterpart for pilin genes. A global GAS collection provides the basis for a comprehensive pilin typing scheme, and online tools for determining
emm
and pilin genotypes are developed. Application of these tools reveals the expansion of structural-functional diversity among GAS via horizontal gene transfer, as evidenced by unique combinations of surface protein genes. Pilin and
emm
genotype correlations with superficial throat vs skin infection provide new insights on the molecular determinants underlying key ecological and epidemiological trends.
Using Mixed Reality Simulation to Improve Junior Medical Trainees’ Preparedness to Manage High-Acuity Trauma
Authors: Clarke Kirsty , Al-mukhtar Aws , Alim Lina , Nimer Amr , Hatfield Emma , Sabharwal Sanjeeve , Syed Sadie 
Published: April 2024

High-acuity trauma necessitates experienced and rapid intervention to prevent patient harm. However, upskilling junior trainees through hands-on management of real trauma cases is rarely feasible without compromising patient safety. This quality education report sought to investigate whether a simulation course operated via mixed reality (MR) headset devices (Microsoft HoloLens) could enhance the clinical knowledge recall and preparedness to practice of junior trainees with no prior experience managing trauma.The Plan–Do–Study–Act quality improvement method was used to refine six emergency trauma vignettes compatible with an MR teaching platform. Each vignette was curated by a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, clinical fellows and experts in simulation-based medical education. As a baseline assessment, a 2-hour emergency trauma course was delivered using traditional didactic methods to a cohort of pre-registration medical students with no clinical exposure to high-acuity trauma (n=16). Next, we delivered the MR simulation to an equivalent cohort (n=32). Clinical knowledge scores derived from written test papers were recorded for each group during and 2 weeks after each course. Each attendee’s end-of-rotation clinical supervisor appraisal grade was recorded, as determined by a consultant surgeon who supervised participants during a 2-week placement on a major trauma ward. Balancing measures included participant feedback and validated cognitive load questionnaires (National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index).Overall, attendees of the MR simulation course achieved and sustained higher clinical knowledge scores and were more likely to receive a positive consultant supervisor appraisal. This project serves as a proof of concept that MR wearable technologies can be used to improve clinical knowledge recall and enhance the preparedness to practice of novice learners with otherwise limited clinical exposure to high-acuity trauma.
Quality improvement collaborative approach to COVID-19 pandemic preparedness in long-term care homes: a mixed-methods implementation study
Authors: Sorensen Janice , Kadowaki Laura , Kervin Lucy , Hamilton Clayon , Berndt Annette , Dhadda Simran , Irfan Abeera , Leong Emma , Mithani Akber 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care (LTC) homes underscores the importance of effective pandemic preparedness and response. This mixed-methods, implementation science study investigated how a virtual-based quality improvement (QI) collaborative approach can improve uptake of pandemic-related promising practices and shared learning across six LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency.MethodsQI teams consisting of residents, family/informal caregivers, care providers and leadership in LTC homes are supported by QI facilitation and shared learning through virtual communication platforms. QI projects address gaps in outbreak preparation, prevention and response; planning for care; staffing; and family presence. Thematically analysed semi-structured qualitative interviews and a validated questionnaire on organisational readiness investigated participants’ perceptions of challenges, success factors and benefits of participating in the virtual QI collaborative approach.ResultsNine themes were identified through interview analysis, including two related to challenges (ie, making time for QI and hands tied by external forces), four regarding factors for successes (ie, team buy-in, working together as a team, bringing together diverse perspectives and facilitators keep us on track) and three on the benefits of the QI collaborative approach (ie, seeing improvements, staff empowerment and appetite for change). Continuous QI facilitation and coaching for QI teams was feasible and sustainable virtually via video conferencing (Zoom). The QI team members showed limited engagement on the virtual communication platform (Slack), which was predominantly used by the implementation science team and QI facilitators to coordinate the study and QI projects, respectively.ConclusionsThe virtual-based QI collaborative approach to pandemic preparedness supported LTC homes to rapidly and successfully form multidisciplinary QI teams, learn about QI methods and conduct timely QI projects to implement promising practice for improved COVID-19 pandemic response.