bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Approach for Thermo-Hydraulic Modeling of Direct Steam Generation in Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors
Authors: González-Mora Eduardo , Durán-García M. Dolores 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe implementation of direct steam generation in linear concentrators is limited mainly by the complexity and the high demand for computational resources of the models developed to predict the installation behavior. With this in mind, we introduce an innovative methodology to characterize the thermo-hydraulic behavior of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collectors, with a strong focus on two-phase flow phenomena. Our proposed approach has resulted in a generalized function that eliminates the need for the convective coefficient h and enables accurate prediction of the flow pattern within the receiver. By comparing our model with experimental data from the literature, we achieved relative squared errors (RSEs) values of less than 3% for temperature and pressure calculations, thus validating the robustness of our methodology. The Taitel and Dukler diagram confirms an appropriate flow pattern, while intermittent flow is observed initially during boiling; the pressure drop, although slightly elevated compared to direct solar steam (DISS) loop results, remains within acceptable limits; and the model demonstrates suitability for assessing liquid water, phase change, and superheated steam temperature evolution along the loop. Moreover, we further showcased the practical application of our developed model by applying it to a specific case study conducted in Agua Prieta, Sonora (Northwest México). The validated model exhibits versatility and is applicable to various cases, including both concentrating systems for electricity production and solar heat for industrial processes.
Comparison of Sleep and Physical Activity Metrics From Wrist-Worn ActiGraph wGT3X-BT and GT9X Accelerometers During Free-Living in Adults
Authors: Buchan Duncan S. 
Published: February 2024

Background: ActiGraph accelerometers can monitor sleep and physical activity (PA) during free-living, but there is a need to confirm agreement in outcomes between different models. Methods: Sleep and PA metrics from two ActiGraphs were compared after participants (N = 30) wore a GT9X and wGT3X-BT on their nondominant wrist for 7 days during free-living. PA metrics including total steps, counts, average acceleration—Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO) and Mean Amplitude Deviation, intensity gradient, the minimum acceleration value of the most active 10 and 30 min (M10, M30), time spent in activity intensities from vector magnitude (VM) counts, and ENMO cut points and sleep metrics (sleep period time window, sleep duration, sleep onset, and waking time) were compared. Results: Excellent agreement was evident for average acceleration-Mean Amplitude Deviation, counts, total steps, M10, and light PA (VM counts) with good agreement evident from the remaining PA metrics apart from moderate–vigorous PA (VM counts) which demonstrated moderate agreement. Mean bias for all PA metrics were low, as were the limits of agreement for the intensity gradient, average acceleration-Mean Amplitude Deviation, and inactive time (ENMO and VM counts). The limits of agreement for all other PA metrics were >10%. Excellent agreement, low mean bias, and narrow limits of agreement were evident for all sleep metrics. All sleep and PA metrics demonstrated equivalence (equivalence zone of ≤10%) apart from moderate–vigorous PA (ENMO) which needed an equivalence zone of 16%. Conclusions: Equivalent estimates of almost all PA and sleep metrics are provided from the GT9X and wGT3X-BT worn on the nondominant wrist.
Phage-antibiotic synergy against daptomycin-nonsusceptible MRSA in an
ex vivo
simulated endocardial pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model
Authors: Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Bleick Callan , Stamper Kyle , Kebriaei Razieh , Bayer Arnold S. , Lehman Susan M. , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Phage-antibiotic combinations (PAC) offer a potential solution for treating refractory daptomycin-nonsusceptible (DNS) methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections. We examined PAC activity against two well-characterized DNS MRSA strains (C4 and C37)
in vitro
and
ex vivo
. PACs comprising daptomycin (DAP) ± ceftaroline (CPT) and a two-phage cocktail (Intesti13 + Sb-1) were evaluated for phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) against high MRSA inoculum (10
9
CFU/mL) using (i) modified checkerboards (CB), (ii) 24-h time-kill assays (TKA), and (iii) 168-h
ex vivo
simulated endocardial vegetation (SEV) models. PAS was defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration ≤0.5 in CB minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or a ≥2 log
10
CFU/mL reduction compared to the next best regimen in time-kill assays and SEV models. Significant differences between regimens were assessed by analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc modification (α = 0.05). CB assays revealed PAS with Intesti13 + Sb-1 + DAP ± CPT. In 24-h time-kill assays against C4, Intesti13 + Sb-1 + DAP ± CPT demonstrated synergistic activity (−Δ7.21 and −Δ7.39 log
10
CFU/mL, respectively) (
P
< 0.05 each). Against C37, Intesti13 + Sb-1 + CPT ± DAP was equally effective (−Δ7.14 log
10
CFU/mL each) and not significantly different from DAP + Intesti13 + Sb-1 (−Δ6.65 log
10
CFU/mL). In 168-h SEV models against C4 and C37, DAP ± CPT + the phage cocktail exerted synergistic activities, significantly reducing bio-burdens to the detection limit [2 log
10
CFU/g (−Δ7.07 and −Δ7.11 log
10
CFU/g, respectively)] (
P
< 0.001). At 168 h, both models maintained stable MICs, and no treatment-emergent phage resistance occurred with DAP or DAP + CPT regimens. The two-phage cocktail demonstrated synergistic activity against two DNS MRSA isolates in combination with DAP + CPT
in vitro
and
ex vivo
. Further
in vivo
PAC investigations are needed.
Listeria
adhesion protein orchestrates caveolae-mediated apical junctional remodeling of epithelial barrier for
Listeria monocytogenes
translocation
Authors: Drolia Rishi , Bryant Donald B. , Tenguria Shivendra , Jules-Culver Zuri A. , Thind Jessie , Amelunke Breanna , Liu Dongqi , Gallina Nicholas L. F. , Mishra Krishna K. , Samaddar Manalee , Sawale Manoj R. , Mishra Dharmendra K. , Cox Abigail D. , Bhunia Arun K. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

The cellular junctional architecture remodeling by
Listeria
adhesion protein-heat shock protein 60 (LAP-Hsp60) interaction for
Listeria monocytogenes
(
Lm
) passage through the epithelial barrier is incompletely understood. Here, using the gerbil model, permissive to internalin (Inl) A/B-mediated pathways like in humans, we demonstrate that
Lm
crosses the intestinal villi at 48 h post-infection. In contrast, the single isogenic (
lap
−
or Δ
inlA
) or double (
lap
−
Δ
inlA
) mutant strains show significant defects. LAP promotes
Lm
translocation via endocytosis of cell-cell junctional complex in enterocytes that do not display luminal E-cadherin. In comparison, InlA facilitates
Lm
translocation at cells displaying apical E-cadherin during cell extrusion and mucus expulsion from goblet cells. LAP hijacks caveolar endocytosis to traffic integral junctional proteins to the early and recycling endosomes. Pharmacological inhibition in a cell line and genetic knockout of caveolin-1 in mice prevents LAP-induced intestinal permeability, junctional endocytosis, and
Lm
translocation. Furthermore, LAP-Hsp60-dependent tight junction remodeling is also necessary for InlA access to E-cadherin for
Lm
intestinal barrier crossing in InlA-permissive hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Listeria monocytogenes
(
Lm
) is a foodborne pathogen with high mortality (20%–30%) and hospitalization rates (94%), particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, fetuses, newborns, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals. Invasive listeriosis involves
Lm
’s internalin (InlA) protein binding to E-cadherin to breach the intestinal barrier. However, non-functional InlA variants have been identified in
Lm
isolates, suggesting InlA-independent pathways for translocation. Our study reveals that
Listeria
adhesion protein (LAP) and InlA cooperatively assist
Lm
entry into the gut lamina propria in a gerbil model, mimicking human listeriosis in early infection stages. LAP triggers caveolin-1-mediated endocytosis of critical junctional proteins, transporting them to early and recycling endosomes, facilitating
Lm
passage through enterocytes. Furthermore, LAP-Hsp60-mediated junctional protein endocytosis precedes InlA’s interaction with basolateral E-cadherin, emphasizing LAP and InlA’s cooperation in enhancing
Lm
intestinal translocation. This understanding is vital in combating the severe consequences of
Lm
infection, including sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess.
DDX4 enhances antiviral activity of type I interferon by disrupting interaction of USP7/SOCS1 and promoting degradation of SOCS1
Authors: Miao Ying , Zhang Tingting , Guan Mingcheng , Zhao Qian , Zhang Renxia , Liu Xuyi , Ma Tianrun , Ren Tengfei , Zheng Zhijin , He Wei , Tian Wanying , Cui Qun , Zhai Xingyu , Zuo Yibo , Zhu Hong , Zheng Hui , Yuan Yukang 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

DEAD-box helicase (DDX) family members play differential roles in regulating innate antiviral immune response. However, the physiological roles played by DDX4 in antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. In this study, we unveiled that DDX4 acts as a positive regulatory molecule of Type-I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated antiviral activity. Our findings demonstrate that IFN-I upregulates DDX4 protein levels, and subsequently, overexpression of DDX4 enhances the IFN-I-mediated signaling pathway. This creates a positive feedback loop that amplifies the antiviral response. DDX4 was found to bind with deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), leading to the disruption of the interaction between USP7 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and the subsequent degradation of SOCS1. This process enhances the antiviral function of IFN-I. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory role of DDX4 in the IFN-I response.

IMPORTANCE
DDX4, identified as a putative RNA helicase that modulates RNA secondary structure through RNA binding, is primarily acknowledged for its role in regulating mRNA translation within the germline. Nevertheless, the extent of DDX4’s involvement in the antiviral innate immune response remains largely unexplored. This study presents evidence of a previously unrecognized positive feedback loop between DDX4 and the antiviral response, suggesting that disruption of this loop may serve as a novel mechanism for viral evasion. Furthermore, our findings elucidate a positive regulatory mechanism by which the DDX4/USP7/SOCS1 axis mediates the antiviral activity of Type-I interferon, which provides new insight into strategies for improving the efficacy of IFN-based antiviral therapy.
Investigating the impact of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis on protection from
Clostridium difficile
colitis by mouse colonic innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Uddin Md Jashim , Thompson Brandon , Leslie Jhansi L. , Fishman Casey , Sol-church Katia , Kumar Pankaj , Petri William A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a critical role in maintaining intestinal health in homeostatic and diseased conditions. During
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI), IL-33 activates ILC2 to protect from colonic damage and mortality. The function of IL-33 and ILC is tightly regulated by the intestinal microbiota. We set out to determine the impact of antibiotic-induced disruption of the microbiome on ILC function. Our goal was to understand antibiotic-induced changes in ILC function on susceptibility to
C. difficile
colitis in a mouse model. We utilized high-throughput single-cell RNAseq to investigate the phenotypic features of colonic ILC at baseline, after antibiotic administration with or without IL-33 treatment. We identified a heterogeneous landscape of colonic ILCs with gene signatures of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, migratory, progenitor, plastic, and antigen-presenting ILCs. Antibiotic treatment decreased ILC2 while coordinately increasing ILC1 and ILC3 phenotypes. Notably, Ifng
+
, Ccl5
+
, and Il23r
+
ILC increased after antibiotics. IL-33 treatment counteracted the antibiotic effect by downregulating ILC1 and ILC3 and activating ILC2. In addition, IL-33 treatment markedly induced the expression of type 2 genes, including Areg and Il5. Finally, we identified amphiregulin, produced by ILC2, as protective during
C. difficile
infection. Together, our data expand our understanding of how antibiotics induce susceptibility to
C. difficile
colitis through their impact on ILC subsets and function.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) accounts for around 500,000 symptomatic cases and over 20,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. A major risk factor of CDI is antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of the gut. Microbiota-regulated IL-33 and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important in determining the outcomes of
C. difficile
infection. Understanding how antibiotic and IL-33 treatment alter the phenotype of colon ILCs is important to identify potential therapeutics. Here, we performed single-cell RNAseq of mouse colon ILCs collected at baseline, after antibiotic treatment, and after IL-33 treatment. We identified heterogeneous subpopulations of all three ILC subtypes in the mouse colon. Our analysis revealed several potential pathways of antibiotic-mediated increased susceptibility to intestinal infection. Our discovery that Areg is abundantly expressed by ILCs, and the protection of mice from CDI by amphiregulin treatment, suggests that the amphiregulin-epidermal growth factor receptor pathway is a potential therapeutic target for treating intestinal colitis.
A novel thermophilic strain of
Bacillus subtilis
with antimicrobial activity and its potential application in solid-state fermentation of soybean meal
Authors: Qi Nanshan , Zhan Xiaoshu , Milmine Joshua , Chang Kai-Hsiang , Li Julang 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important source of plant protein in animal feeds, containing around 41%–48% crude protein. Nevertheless, 70%–80% of these proteins is allergenic antigens that can have adverse implications for the gastrointestinal well-being of animals, especially to young animals. Microbial fermentation is one of the most cost-effective strategies used to reduce allergenic antigens from plant sources. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel probiotic
Bacillus subtilis
“L5” strain from lake mud. L5 demonstrated remarkable temperature tolerance across a broad temperature spectrum, thriving at 25°C, 37°C, and 50°C. In addition, antimicrobial assay revealed that L5 exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli
, effectively reducing or eliminating the growth of Gram-negative bacteria in SBM when fermented with L5. When applied to SBM fermentation, L5 efficiently reduced SBM antinutritional factors such as glycinin, β-conglycinin, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, which in turn results in an increase in crude protein content and the free amino acid concentration. Our findings on the probiotic and fermentation capabilities of L5 suggest that this novel bacterium has dual functions that make it a strong candidate for improving the nutrient values of feed via its role in fermentation.

IMPORTANCE

Soybean meal (SBM), containing 41%–48% crude protein, is the most important source of plant protein in animal feeds. Unfortunately, 70%–80% of the proteins in SBM is allergenic antigens including trypsin inhibition, β-conglycinin, and conglycinin, which negatively affect intestine health and function. Microbial solid-state fermentation methods have been applied to animal feeds for decades, to eliminate antinutritional factors. Here, a novel potential probiotic
Bacillus subtilis
“L5” strain with high enzymatic activity and antimicrobial activity will be a great help to improve the quality and reproducibility of SBM fermentation.
Conditioner application improves bedding quality and bacterial composition with potential beneficial impacts for dairy cow’s health
Authors: Duniere Lysiane , Frayssinet Bastien , Achard Caroline , Chevaux Eric , Plateau Julia 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Recycled manure solids (RMS) is used as bedding material in cow housing but can be at risk for pathogens development. Cows spend several hours per day lying down, contributing to the transfer of potential mastitis pathogens from the bedding to the udder. The effect of a bacterial conditioner (Manure Pro, MP) application was studied on RMS-bedding and milk qualities and on animal health. MP product was applied on bedding once a week for 3 months. Bedding and teat skin samples were collected from Control and MP groups at D01, D51, and D90 and analyzed through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. MP application modified bacterial profiles and diversity. Control bedding was significantly associated with potential mastitis pathogens, while no taxa of potential health risk were significantly detected in MP beddings. Functional prediction identified enrichment of metabolic pathways of agronomic interest in MP beddings. Significant associations with potential mastitis pathogens were mainly observed in Control teat skin samples. Finally, significantly better hygiene and lower Somatic Cell Counts in milk were observed for cows from MP group, while no group impact was observed on milk quality and microbiota. No dissemination of MP strains was observed from bedding to teats or milk.

IMPORTANCE
The use of Manure Pro (MP) conditioner improved recycled manure solids-bedding quality and this higher sanitary condition had further impacts on dairy cows' health with less potential mastitis pathogens significantly associated with bedding and teat skin samples of animals from MP group. The animals also presented an improved inflammation status, while milk quality was not modified. The use of MP conditioner on bedding may be of interest in controlling the risk of mastitis onset for dairy cows and further associated costs.
First-in-human experience of sirolimus coated balloon for symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis
Authors: Luo Jichang , Yang Renjie , Wang Tao , Chen Jian , Lu Xia , Yang Bin , Gao Peng , Wang Yabing , Chen Yanfei , Dmytriw Adam A , Zheng Jiamin , Regenhardt Robert W , Li Zheng , Xu Han , Ma Yan , Zhao Jonathon , Jiao Liqun 
Published: February 2024

Background
The drug coated balloon is a promising endovascular therapy for intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS), potentially combining the advantages of primary angioplasty and antiproliferative drugs. Previous studies have focused on the paclitaxel coated balloon, revealing promising outcomes in the treatment of ICAS, while concerns about the neurotoxicity of paclitaxel were reported. Sirolimus was shown to have less neurotoxicity in the canine cerebral vasculature. The feasibility and safety of a sirolimus coated balloon (SCB) for ICAS have never been evaluated in humans. We assessed the first-in-human feasibility and safety of SCBs for treating symptomatic patients with severe ICAS.

Methods
This prospective, open label, single arm cohort study was designed to enroll patients with transient ischemic attacks or non-disabling, non-perforator territory ischemic stroke caused by severe ICAS (70–99%) and following at least 3 weeks after the onset of ischemic symptoms. The primary outcome was stroke or death within 30 days. All patients were followed up to detect restenosis at 6 months.

Results
A total of 60 eligible patients were enrolled with an average age of 59.4±10.8 years. The technical success rate of SCBs for ICAS was 100%. Seven patients (11.7%) required stenting because of flow limited dissections or elastic retraction. Three patients (5.0%) had 30 day strokes, including two ischemic strokes and one hemorrhagic stroke. An additional three patients had recurrent stroke or death during follow-up. Ten patients had restenosis but only two had symptoms.

Conclusions
SCBs may be feasible and safe in selected patients with symptomatic ICAS, with high grade stenosis (70–99%). Further studies are warranted.
Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative neuromonitoring in transcarotid artery revascularization
Authors: Diogo Cinira , Na Doohwan , Sujijantarat Nanthiya , Matouk Charles , Callahan Brooke 
Published: February 2024

Background
In recent years, transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to carotid artery stenting. While intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) techniques such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are often employed during TCAR, there is limited research on their diagnostic accuracy.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed a multi-institutional IONM database of TCAR procedures performed with EEG and SSEP monitoring. A total of 516 TCAR procedures were included in this study. Significant changes in EEG and/or SSEPs, surgeon’s interventions, resolution of significant changes, and immediate postoperative neurological outcome were documented. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results
The incidence of intraoperative onset new neurologic deficit was 0.4%. Significant changes in EEG and/or SSEPs occurred in 5.4% of the cases. Of the cases with IONM alerts, 78.5% returned to baseline with a surgical or hemodynamic intervention. From the cases with unresolved IONM alerts, 33.3% woke up with a new neurological deficit. The overall sensitivity and specificity for IONM was 100% and 99.2%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 33.3% and the negative predictive value was 100%.

Conclusions
IONM during TCAR offers high sensitivity and specificity in predicting postoperative outcome. Patients with resolved IONM alerts had immediate neurological outcomes that were comparable to those who had no IONM alerts.