bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service-learning outreach to attract high school students to degrees and careers in agricultural sciences
Authors: Blanton Emily A , Anderson Ryan G , Drewery Merritt L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Given projected deficits and a lack of diversity, there is a critical need to recruit and develop the next generation of the agricultural workforce. The objectives of our study were to evaluate if AgCamp, a one day workshop focused on agriculture delivered through a college student-led service-learning platform: (1) increased high school students’ knowledge of agriculture, (2) changed their interests in pursuing degrees and careers in agriculture, and (3) increased their comfort and confidence in communicating with others in agriculture. We hosted high school students at AgCamp and provided them with instruction in animal science, horticulture, and agricultural mechanics. Pre- and post-test survey instruments were developed and distributed at the beginning and end of AgCamp. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 using paired sample t-tests. As a result of attending this outreach initiative, high school students (n = 26) reported having more knowledge of horticulture (P &lt; 0.01) and agricultural mechanics (P &lt; 0.01), but not animal science (P = 0.12), likely due to greater incoming knowledge of this sub-discipline, as reflected on the pre-test value. High school participants were also more interested in pursuing a college degree (P = 0.04) and career (P &lt; 0.01) in agriculture and became more confident approaching other high school students (P &lt; 0.01), college students (P &lt; 0.01), and college faculty (P = 0.01) involved in agriculture. Ultimately, participating in AgCamp stimulated high school students’ knowledge and interest in pursuing agricultural degrees and careers, indicating there is value in offering youth outreach as short-term programming to attract students to agriculture.
Randomized trial of an integrated care intervention among Latino adults: Sustained effects on diabetes management
Authors: Rosas Carlos E , Talavera Gregory A , Roesch Scott C , Mendez-Rodriguez Heidy , Muñoz Fatima , Castañeda Sheila F , Mendoza Paulina M , Gallo Linda C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We examined the 12-month maintenance effects of a previously successful integrated model of diabetes care at improving glycemic management and psychological well-being among Latino adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A randomized controlled trial (2015–19) compared an integrated care intervention (ICI) with usual care among 456 adults with T2D. The ICI included integrated medical and behavioral care and health education over 6 months. Assessments were completed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Most participants were female (63.7%) with a mean age of 55.7 years. In multilevel models, significant Group × Time (quadratic) interaction effects were found for HbA1c [Bint = 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.17, P &lt; .01] and anxiety symptoms (Bint = 0.20, 95% CI 0.05, 0.35, P &lt; .009), but not depression symptoms (Bint = 0.15, 95% CI −0.01, 0.31, P &lt; .07). Analyses of instantaneous rate of change in the ICI group showed significant decreases at 3 and 6 months for both HbAc1 (B = −0.31 at 3 months; B = −0.12 at 6 months) and anxiety symptoms (B = −0.92 at 3 months; B = −0.46 at 6 months), and no significant instantaneous changes at 9 or 12 months, suggesting that initial improvements were largely maintained. The usual care group showed a small decrease in anxiety symptoms at 6 months (B = −0.17), but no other significant changes at any time-point for anxiety or HbA1c (all Ps &gt; .05). This culturally tailored integrated care model shows potential in producing and sustaining positive effects on clinical and psychological outcomes above standard care.
Revised one-bag IV fluid protocol for pediatric DKA: a feasible approach and retrospective comparative study
Authors: Doğan Durmuş , Gökalp Hatice D C , Eren Erdal , Sağlam Halil , Tarım Ömer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
This study compared the effectiveness of the traditional and revised one-bag protocols for pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management.

Methods
This single-center retrospective cohort study included children diagnosed with DKA upon admission between 2012 and 2019. Our institution reevaluated and streamlined the traditional one-bag protocol (revised one-bag protocol). The revised one-bag protocol rehydrated all pediatric DKA patients with dextrose (5 g/100 ml) containing 0.45% NaCl at a rate of 3500 ml/m2 per 24 h after the first 1 h bolus of normal saline, regardless of age or degree of dehydration. This study examined acidosis recovery times and the frequency of healthcare provider interventions to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Results
The revised one-bag protocol demonstrated a significantly shorter time to acidosis recovery than the traditional protocol (12.67 and 18.20 h, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). The revised protocol group required fewer interventions for blood glucose control, with an average of 0.25 dextrose concentration change orders per patient, compared to 1.42 in the traditional protocol group (p &lt; 0.001). Insulin rate adjustments were fewer in the revised protocol group, averaging 0.52 changes per patient, vs. 2.32 changes in the traditional protocol group (p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
The revised one-bag protocol for pediatric DKA is both practical and effective. This modified DKA management achieved acidosis recovery more quickly and reduced blood glucose fluctuations compared with the traditional one-bag protocol. Future studies, including randomized controlled trials, should assess the safety and effectiveness of the revised protocol in a broad range of pediatric patients with DKA.
Effects of Satellite-Linked Telemetry Tags on Humpback Whales in the Gulf of Maine: Photographic Assessment of Tag Sites
Authors: Gulland Frances M.D. , Robbins Jooke , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Andrews-Goff Virginia , Bérubé Martine , Clapham Phillip J. , Double Michael , Gales Nicholas , Kennedy Amy S. , Landry Scott , Mattila David K. , Sandilands Doug , Tackaberry Jennifer E. , Uhart Marcela , Vanstreels Ralph E. T. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTHundreds of large whales have been tracked using consolidated (Type-C) satellite tags, yet there have been few studies on their impacts on whale health. In 2011, we initiated the first study designed to evaluate the effects of these tags in a baleen whale. Between 2011 and 2018, we tagged 79 North Atlantic humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine. We initially deployed commonly-used tags with an articulation between the anchor and transmitter (n=35, 2011-2012). However, evidence of breakage prompted the development and use of more robust, integrated tags (n=45). Tagged individuals were photographed immediately prior to, during and up to 11 years after tagging. They were re-encountered on an average of 41.3 days (SD=44.3), yielding 2,971 photographed sightings through 2022. An objective scoring system was developed to characterise tag site tissue responses based on photographs and to identify risk factors for prolonged healing. The initial tissue response to tagging was minimal, followed by skin loss around the tag, sometimes a degree of swelling, occasional extrusion of blubber, changes in skin colour, local depression formation, tag loss and skin healing over the tag site, sometimes with a depression remaining. At last sighting, most non-integrated and integrated tag sites exhibited small shallow skin depressions (58.8% and 66.7%, respectively). Some exhibited deeper depressions with differing adjacent skin coloration (26.5% and 15.6%, respectively) or barely detectable marks (11.8% and 15.6%, respectively). Mild swellings occasionally persisted at the tag site, but this was uncommon for both tag designs (2.9% and 2.2%, respectively). More severe tissue responses were associated with non-integrated tags and placements lower on the body. This study highlights the importance of using robust tag designs to minimise negative effects from Type-C tags. Furthermore, because tag placement was shown to affect outcome, precision equipment, experienced taggers and vessel operators are critical for optimal deployments.
Ligand-induced conformational changes in the β1-Adrenergic Receptor Revealed by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Toporowska Joanna , Kapoor Parth , Musgaard Maria , Gherbi Karolina , Sengmany Kathy , Qu Feng , Soave Mark , Yen Hsin-Yung , Hansen Kjetil , Jazayeri Ali , Hopper Jonathan T.S. , Politis Argyris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractG-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of signalling proteins responsible for translating extracellular stimuli into intracellular functions. When dysregulated, GPCRs drive numerous diseases and are the most targeted proteins in drug discovery. GPCR structural dynamics and activity can be modulated by a wide range of drugs, including full/partial agonists and antagonists. While crucial for developing novel therapeutics targeting GPCRs, the structural dynamics of the receptors associated with their activity upon drug interactions are not yet fully understood. Here, we employ Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS), to characterise the structural dynamics of turkey β1-adrenergic receptor (tβ1AR) in complex with nine ligands, including agonists, partial agonists and antagonists. We show that dynamic signatures across the GPCR structure can be grouped by compound modality. Surprisingly, we discovered repeated destabilisation of the intracellular loop 1 (ICL1) upon full agonist binding and stabilisation upon antagonist binding, suggesting that increased dynamics in this region are an essential component for G-protein recruitment. Multiple sequence alignments and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that L72 in ICL1 plays important structural role. Differential HDX-MS experiment of tβ1AR and tβ1AR L72A construct in complex with miniGs, in response to various ligands, suggests involvement of ICL1 in stabilising the GDP bound state by influencing the stability of HG helix of miniGs. Overall, our results provide a platform for determining drug modality and highlight how HDX-MS can be used to dissect receptor ligand interaction properties and GPCR mechanism.Significance statementRecent advances in hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry have allowed probing conformational signatures of challenging membrane protein assemblies. We studied the structural dynamics of a class A GPCR, namely tβ1AR, in response to diverse ligands including agonists, antagonists and partial agonists. We demonstrate that the functional effect of compounds can be discerned by simply profiling the dynamics induced across the receptor, without the need for downstream interaction partners. We showed that ICL1 undergoes a significant change in dynamics between activated and inhibited states consistent with a role in downstream signaling pathways in class A GPCRs.
Upregulation of the Proto-Oncogene Src Kinase in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Molecular Interactions to Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Mastroeni Diego , Chan Chun Kit , Morshed Nader , Diouf David , de Ávila Camila , Suazo Crystal , Nolz Jennifer , Lopatin Ulia , Wang Qi , Serrano Geidy , Beach Thomas , Dunkley Travis , Jensen Kendall , Van Den Hove Daniel , White Forest M. , Chiu Po-Lin , Singharoy Abhishek , Reiman Eric M. , Readhead Benjamin P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, resulting in an irreversible deterioration of multiple brain regions associated with cognitive dysfunction. Phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, is known to occur decades before symptomatic AD. The Src family of tyrosine kinases are known to phosphorylate select tyrosine sites on Tau and promote microtubule disassembly and subsequent neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation. Our data show that the proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src colocalizes with a range of late (PHF1) to early (MC1) AD-associated phosphorylated Tau epitopes. The strongest co-occurrence is seen with MC1 (probability of MC1 given Src =100%), an early AD-specific conformational dependent epitope. Single-cell RNA sequencing data of 101 subjects show thatSrcis upregulated in both AD inhibitory and excitatory neurons. The most significantly affected, by orders of magnitude, were excitatory neurons which are the most prone to pathological Tau accumulation. We measured Src phosphorylation by mass spectrometry across a cohort of 48 patient neocortical tissues and found that Src has increased phosphorylation on Ser75, Tyr187, and Tyr440 in AD, showing that Src kinase undergoes distinct phosphorylation alterations in AD. Through Brownian dynamics simulations of Src and Tau, we show that as Tau undergoes the transition into disease-associated paired helical filaments, there is a notable seven-fold increase in Src contact with Tau. These results collectively emphasize Src kinase’s central role in Tau phosphorylation and its close association with Tau epitopes, presenting a promising target for potential therapeutic intervention.
The dietary ellagitannin metabolite urolithin A is produced by a molybdenum-dependent dehydroxylase encoded by prevalent human gutEnteroclosterspp
Authors: Pidgeon Reilly , Mitchell Sacha , Shamash Michael , Suleiman Layan , Dridi Lharbi , Maurice Corinne F. , Castagner Bastien 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUrolithin A (uroA) is a polyphenol derived from the multi-step metabolism of dietary ellagitannins by the human gut microbiota that can affect host health by stimulating mitophagy. Most individuals harbor a microbiota capable of uroA production; however, the mechanisms underlying the dehydroxylation of its catechol-containing dietary precursor (uroC) are unknown. Here, we use a combination of untargeted bacterial transcriptomics, proteomics, and comparative genomics to uncover an inducible uroC dehydroxylase (ucd) operon inEnteroclosterspp. We show thatEnteroclosterspp. are sensitive to iron chelation by uroC, and dehydroxylation to uroA rescues growth by disrupting the iron-binding catechol. Importantly, only microbiota samples actively transcribingucdcould produce uroA, establishingucd-containingEnteroclosterspp. as keystone urolithin metabolizers. Overall, this work identifiesEnteroclosterspp. and theucdoperon as main contributors to uroA production and establishes a multi-omics framework to further our mechanistic understanding of polyphenol metabolism by the human gut microbiota.
Characterization ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaecolonization of macrophages under distinct polarization states and nutrients environment
Authors: Juárez Rodríguez María Dolores , Marquette Madison , Youngblood Reneau , Dhungel Nilu , Escobar Ascención Torres , Ivanov Stanimir , Dragoi Ana-Maria 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTNeisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng)is a uniquely adapted human pathogen and the etiological agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.Nghas developed numerous mechanisms to avoid and actively suppress innate and adaptive immune responses.Ngsuccessfully colonizes and establishes topologically distinct colonies in human macrophages and avoids phagocytic killing. During colonization,Ngmanipulates the actin cytoskeleton to invade and create an intracellular niche supportive of bacterial replication. The cellular reservoir(s) supporting bacterial replication and persistence in gonorrhea infections are poorly defined. The manner in which gonococci colonize macrophages points to this innate immune phagocyte as a strong candidate for a cellular niche during natural infection. Here we investigate whether nutrients availability and immunological polarization alter macrophage colonization byNg. Differentiation of macrophages in pro-inflammatory (M1-like) and tolerogenic (M2-like) phenotypes prior to infection reveals thatNgcan invade macrophages in all activation states, albeit with lower efficiency in M1-like macrophages. These results suggest that during natural infection, bacteria could invade and grow within macrophages regardless of the nutrients availability and the macrophage immune activation status.
Fourfold increase in photocurrent generation ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 by exopolysaccharide deprivation
Authors: Wey Laura T. , Wroe Evan , Sadilek Viktor , Shang Linying , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Jenny Z. , Howe Christopher J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhotosynthetic microorganisms, including algae and cyanobacteria, export electrons in a light-stimulated phenomenon called ‘exoelectrogenesis’. However, the route(s) by which electrons reach an external electrode from the cell remain(s) unclear. For the model cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803, it has been established that electron transfer does not depend on direct extracellular electron transfer by type IV pili. However, the role of the exopolysaccharide matrix in which cells are embedded has not been investigated. We show that aSynechocystismutant with substantially reduced exopolysaccharide production has a four-fold greater photocurrent than wild-type cells. This increase is due in part to increased adhesion of exopolysaccharide-deficient cells to electrodes. Stirred system experiments reveal that a substantial portion of the photocurrent depends on an endogenous diffusible electron mediator, supporting indirect extracellular electron transfer as the bioelectrochemical mechanism of exoelectrogenesis. These findings will be important in harnessing exoelectrogenesis for sustainable electricity generation in biophotovoltaic devices.
Dynamics of White Matter Architecture in Lexical Production among Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Guichet Clément , Roger Élise , Attyé Arnaud , Achard Sophie , Mermillod Martial , Baciu Monica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to elucidate the white matter changes associated with lexical production (LP) difficulties that typically emerge in middle age, resulting in increased naming latencies. To delay the onset of LP decline, middle-aged adults may rely on domain-general (DG) and language-specific (LS) compensatory mechanisms as proposed by the LARA model (Lexical Access and Retrieval in Aging). However, our knowledge of the white matter changes supporting these mechanisms remains incomplete. Based on a sample of 155 middle-aged adults from the CAMCAN cohort, we combined dimensionality reduction techniques with multivariate statistical methods to jointly examine the relationships between diffusion-weighted imaging and LP-related neuropsychological data. Our findings (i) show that midlife constitutes a pivotal period marked by a discontinuity in brain structure within distributed networks within dorsal, ventral, and anterior cortico-subcortical pathways, and (ii) reveal that this discontinuity signals a neurocognitive transition around age 53-54, marking the onset of LP decline. Indeed, our results propose that middle-aged adults may initially adopt a “semantic strategy” to compensate for initial LP challenges. Still, this strategy may be compromised when late middle-aged adults (age 55-60) lose the ability to exert cognitive control over semantic representations (i.e., reduced semantic control).In summary, our study advances our comprehension of brain structure changes that underpin the neurocognitive profile of LP in middle age. Specifically, we underscore the importance of considering the interplay between DG and LS processes when studying the trajectory of LP performance in healthy aging. Furthermore, these findings offer valuable insights into identifying predictive biomarkers related to the compensatory dynamics observed in midlife, which can help understand language-related neurodegenerative pathologies.HighlightsMidlife constitutes a pivotal period characterized by a discontinuity in brain structure.Early middle-aged adults (age 45-55) adopt a “semantic strategy” to facilitate semantic access and sustain lexical production (LP) performances.Late middle-aged adults (age 55-60) gradually lose the ability to exert cognitive control over semantic representations, marking the onset of LP decline.
Defense systems and horizontal gene transfer in bacteria
Authors: Kogay Roman , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHorizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a fundamental process in the evolution of prokaryotes, making major contributions to diversification and adaptation. Typically, HGT is facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as conjugative plasmids and phages that generally impose fitness costs on their hosts. However, a substantial fraction of bacterial genes is involved in defense mechanisms that limit the propagation of MGEs, raising the possibility that they can actively restrict HGT. Here we examine whether defense systems curb HGT by exploring the connections between HGT rate and the presence of 73 defense systems in 12 bacterial species. We found that only 6 defense systems, 3 of which are different CRISPR-Cas subtypes, are associated with the reduced gene gain rate on the scale of species evolution. The hosts of such defense systems tend to have a smaller pangenome size and harbor fewer phage-related genes compared to genomes lacking these systems, suggesting that these defense mechanisms inhibit HGT by limiting the integration of prophages. We hypothesize that restriction of HGT by defense systems is species-specific and depends on various ecological and genetic factors, including the burden of MGEs and fitness effect of HGT in bacterial populations.
Productivity development enablers in the infrastructure sector: capability maturity model integration approach
Authors: Laitinen Kaisu , Luhtala Mika , Örmä Maiju , Vaismaa Kalle 
Published: February 2024

PurposeInsufficient productivity development in the global and Finnish infrastructure sectors indicates that there are challenges in genuinely achieving the goals of resource efficiency and digitalization. This study adapts the approach of capability maturity model integration (CMMI) for examining the capabilities for productivity development that reveal the enablers of improving productivity in the infrastructure sector.Design/methodology/approachCivil engineering in Finland was selected as the study area, and a qualitative research approach was adopted. A novel maturity model was constructed deductively through a three-step analytical process. Previous research literature was adapted to form a framework with maturity levels and key process areas (KPAs). KPA attributes and their maturity criteria were formed through a thematic analysis of interview data from 12 semi-structured group interviews. Finally, validation and refinement of the model were performed with an expert panel.FindingsThis paper provides a novel maturity model for examining and enhancing the infrastructure sector’s maturity in productivity development. The model brings into discussion the current business logics, relevance of lifecycle-thinking, binding targets and outcomes of limited activities in the surrounding infrastructure system.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new approach for pursuing productivity development in the infrastructure sector by constructing a maturity model that adapts the concepts of CMMI and change management. The model and findings benefit all actors in the sector and provide an understanding of the required elements and means to achieve a more sustainable built environment and effective operations.