bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Killing of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus With Ceftaroline or Vancomycin in Combination With Carbapenems
Authors: Jankeel Allen , Pérez-Parra Gabriel , Khetarpal Anuj K , Alvarado Ivan A , Nizet Victor , Sakoulas George , Ulloa Erlinda R 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia is associated with high rates of treatment failure, even when antibiotics showing in vitro susceptibility are used. Early optimization of therapy is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Building on our previous research on carbapenem therapy for methicillin-susceptible S aureus bacteremia, we examined the utility of adjunctive carbapenems (ertapenem or meropenem) to enhance the efficacy of ceftaroline or vancomycin for treatment of MRSA.

Methods
The effectiveness of combination therapy versus monotherapy against MRSA was assessed using checkerboard, time-kill, and human whole blood killing assays, as well as a murine bacteremia model. Additionally, we performed transcriptomic analysis and conducted human platelet and antimicrobial peptide killing assays on MRSA pretreated with subtherapeutic concentrations of ceftaroline and carbapenems. The supernatants from these MRSA isolates were used to treat platelets, and cytotoxicity was assessed via lactate dehydrogenase release assays.

Results
Although not used for MRSA, we identified striking in vitro and in vivo synergy between carbapenems and ceftaroline or vancomycin. MRSA pretreated with subtherapeutic ceftaroline-carbapenem therapy revealed transcriptional shifts indicative of reduced antibiotic resistance, virulence, and host immune evasion. Supernatants from these MRSA isolates also caused less platelet injury compared to monotherapy. Furthermore, MRSA pretreated with ceftaroline and carbapenems demonstrated increased susceptibility to killing by human platelets and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37.

Conclusions
The therapeutic success of adjunctive carbapenems appears driven by multiple mechanisms, including direct drug–drug synergy with first-line anti-MRSA agents, attenuation of resistance and virulence factors, and enhancement of immune-mediated killing, each warranting further investigation.
CCL17 Influences Borrelia burgdorferi Infection in the Heart
Authors: Tang Xiaotian , Yu Qian , Cui Yingjun , Hart Thomas M , Rivas-Giorgi Freddie , Calloway Keith , Mohapatra Amrita Ray , Fikrig Erol 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. CCL17 is a potent chemokine that plays important roles in diverse illnesses, including autoimmune and infectious diseases. CCL17 knockout mice, infected with B. burgdorferi, had a reduced pathogen load in the heart compared to control animals. Mice lacking CCL17 also showed signs of immune alteration upon B. burgdorferi infection, including diverse serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and less monocytes and macrophages infiltration. CCL17 also interacts directly with B. burgdorferi, the first demonstration that this chemokine has an affinity for a vector-borne pathogen.
Effects of combined Bacillus coagulans and Yeast fermentation culture on growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, intestinal morphology and microbial of broilers
Authors: Zi Qiongtao , Zhu Shenglan , Li Peng , Liao Yongmin , Chen Dong , He Changqing , Guo Songchang , Zou Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The favorable impacts of Bacillus coagulans or Yeast culture on broiler production performance and immune function have been acknowledged. However, the effects of the combined of them (BcYc) on the broilers remained unknown. Thus, the current research aimed to assess the effects of BcYc (at dosages of 0, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) on growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and microbial composition in broilers. The results revealed that ①broilers receiving 300 and 400 mg/kg of BcYc showed significantly higher body weights than the control group at 4d and 21d (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, when contrasted with the control group, the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in 300 mg/kg group during 4 to 21d and in 400 mg/kg group during 4 to 42d (P &lt; 0.05). ②At 21d, the broilers supplemented with 300 and 400 mg/kg of BcYc demonstrated significantly elevated levels of albumin (ALB), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity than the group that not supplemented with BcYc (P &lt; 0.05). At 42d, 400 mg/kg group showed significantly higher ALB and total protein, and lower glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity and malondialdehyde content in contrast to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, at 42d, GSH-Px activity in all experimental groups showed significantly higher compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). ③Nevertheless, no significant variation was observed neither in jejunum or duodenum morphology among all groups (P &gt; 0.05). ④Adding 400 mg/kg of BcYc led to a significantly higher Sobs index and a lower Simpson index (P &lt; 0.05), and an extremely significantly raised in Shannon index (P &lt; 0.01), while adding 300 mg/kg of BcYc led to a significantly enhanced in Shannon index (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, supplementary BcYc significantly elevated the abundance of Firmicutes in phylum level, and Clostridia, Ruminococcus, Rikenella, Butyricicoccus and Eubacterium in genus level (P &lt; 0.05). To sum up, supplementing BcYc at dosages of 400 mg/kg to yellow-feathered broilers diet can help improve the growth performance, regulate plasma biochemical indicators, increase antioxidant capacity, and improve gut community composition.
Genomic analysis of mobility measures on 5-month-old gilts associated with structural soundness
Authors: Ostrand Lexi M , Rempel Lea A , Keel Brittney N , Snelling Warren M , Schmidt Ty B , Psota Eric T , Mote Benny E , Rohrer Gary A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sow lameness results in premature culling, causing economic loss and well-being issues. A study, utilizing a pressure-sensing mat (GAIT4) and video monitoring system (NUtrack), was conducted to identify objective measurements on gilts that are predictive of future lameness. Gilts (N = 3656) were categorized to describe their lifetime soundness: SOUND, retained for breeding with no detected mobility issues; LAME_SOW, retained for breeding and detected lame as a sow; CULL_STR, not retained due to poor leg structure; LAME_GILT, not retained due to visible signs of lameness; and CULL, not retained due to reasons other than leg structure. The GAIT4 system creates a series of measurements for each hoof and a lameness score (GLS) while NUtrack records animal movement and posture durations each day. To determine if measurements from the GAIT4 and NUtrack systems were associated with lifetime soundness, mixed model analyses were conducted in R including fixed effects of breed of sire, contemporary group and lifetime soundness score and random effect of animal. A second mixed model was run without lifetime soundness score and estimates of animal effects were then used to conduct ssGBLUP analyses using 3 generations of pedigree and genotypes from ~50k SNP on &gt; 60% of phenotyped animals. Genomic heritabilities were estimated, SNP effects were back-solved and significance based on Bonferroni corrected permutation tests. GAIT4 traits indicative of lameness (LAME_GILT and CULL_STR vs SOUND; P &lt; 0.05) were the standard deviation of GLS, average stride length, and average stance time, while significant NUtrack measurements were eating, standing, lateral lying, total lying, speed, distance, and rotations. In addition, rotations differed (P &lt; 0.05) between SOUND vs LAME_SOW and distance tended to be different (P &lt; 0.10). Estimates of heritability for predictive NUtrack traits were ~0.3 and GAIT4 traits were ~0.2. There were 382 significant SNP effects in 47 genomic regions, four regions on chromosomes 1, 4, 11 and 14 accounted for over 60% of the associations. Genome-level imputed genotypes linked several regions with possible causative genes. Objective measurements from the GAIT4 and NUtrack systems at 5 months of age were heritable, able to detect unsound animals, and were associated with lifetime soundness.
Assessing Physician Assistant Students’ Ability to Accurately Identify the Regional Landmarks of the Fascia Iliaca Compartment With Point of Care Ultrasound After a Brief Training Session
Authors: Shelstad Heidi L , Ostrom Sarah J , Perdue Matthew J , Fritts Nathan R , Villalobos Danny 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Regional anesthesia, specifically fascia iliaca compartment blocks (FICB), is highly effective in managing pain, especially in military settings. However, a significant barrier to its implementation is the lack of provider confidence in performing ultrasound-guided procedures. This study evaluates the ability of physician assistant (PA) students, who are often first-line providers in austere locations, to identify the fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) after a brief training session and assesses their retention of this skill over a 60- to 90-day period.

Methods
We conducted this prospective observational study involving 10 PA students at an Air Force hospital. Participants underwent a brief training course on FIC identification using POCUS. Their ability to identify 4 anatomical landmarks (fascia iliaca, fascia lata, iliopsoas muscle, and femoral artery) was assessed immediately post-training and again after 60 to 90 days.

Results
Initially, participants demonstrated a high success rate in identifying the FIC, with 47 out of 60 attempts (78%) correctly identified. However, follow-up evaluations showed a significant decline, with only 7 out of 54 attempts (13%) correctly identified after 60 to 90 days (P &lt; .001). Identification rates for specific landmarks also declined significantly, except for the femoral artery, which remained the most accurately identified landmark.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that PA students can accurately identify the FIC using POCUS after a brief training session. However, there was a significant decline in skill retention over a 60- to 90-day period, underscoring the need for continuous education and practice to sustain proficiency. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse settings is needed to develop effective training protocols and ensure long-term retention of U.S.-guided procedural skills.
Development and validation of a molecular classifier of meningiomas
Authors: Landry Alexander P , Wang Justin Z , Liu Jeff , Patil Vikas , Gui Chloe , Patel Zeel , Ajisebutu Andrew , Ellenbogen Yosef , Wei Qingxia , Singh Olivia , Sosa Julio , Mansouri Sheila , Wilson Christopher , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A , Zaazoue Mohamed A , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Tatagiba Marcos , Behling Felix , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S , Sloan Andrew E , Chotai Silky , Chambless Lola B , Rebchuk Alexander D , Makarenko Serge , Yip Stephen , Mansouri Alireza , Tsang Derek S , Aldape Kenneth , Gao Andrew ,   The International Consortium on Meningiomas (ICOM), Nassiri Farshad , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Meningiomas exhibit considerable clinical and biological heterogeneity. We previously identified 4 distinct molecular groups (immunogenic, NF2-wildtype, hypermetabolic, and proliferative) that address much of this heterogeneity. Despite the utility of these groups, the stochasticity of clustering methods and the use of multi-omics data for discovery limits the potential for classifying prospective cases. We sought to address this with a dedicated classifier.

Methods
Using an international cohort of 1698 meningiomas, we constructed and rigorously validated a machine learning-based molecular classifier using only DNA methylation data as input. Original and newly predicted molecular groups were compared using DNA methylation, RNA sequencing, copy number profiles, whole-exome sequencing, and clinical outcomes.

Results
We show that group-specific outcomes in the validation cohort are nearly identical to those originally described, with median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.4 (4.9–Inf) years in hypermetabolic tumors and 2.5 (2.3–5.3) years in proliferative tumors (not reached in the other groups). Tumors classified as NF2-wildtype had no NF2 mutations, and 51.4% had canonical mutations previously described in this group. RNA pathway analysis revealed upregulation of immune-related pathways in the immunogenic group, metabolic pathways in the hypermetabolic group, and cell cycle programs in the proliferative group. Bulk deconvolution similarly revealed the enrichment of macrophages in immunogenic tumors and neoplastic cells in hypermetabolic and proliferative tumors with similar proportions to those originally described.

Conclusions
Our DNA methylation-based classifier, which is publicly available for immediate clinical use, recapitulates the biology and outcomes of the original molecular groups as assessed using multiple metrics/platforms that were not used in its training.
Effect of Total and Partial Meal Replacements on Factors Related to Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Maddahi Niloofar Sadat , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Izze da Silva Magalhães Elma , Ezoddin Neda , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Context
Although some evidence shows the beneficial effects of meal replacements (MRs) on glucose metabolism as one of the main factors of diabetes, there are still no comprehensive findings in this field.

Objective
We investigated the effects of total and partial MRs on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in this comprehensive study and meta-analysis.

Data Sources
To find pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to March 2024, databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched.

Data Extraction
This study included all RCTs investigating the effects of MRs on factors related to glucose metabolism. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CIs were computed using the random-effects model.

Data Analysis
The findings from 52 studies indicated significant reductions in FBS (WMD: –3.10 mg/dL; 95% CI: –4.99, –1.20; P &lt; .001), insulin (WMD: –1.79 μU/mL; 95% CI: –3.51, –0.08; P = .40), HOMA-IR (WMD: –0.86; 95% CI: –1.68, –0.04; P = .040), and HbA1c (WMD: –0.24%; 95% CI: –0.35%, –0.13%; P &lt; .001) levels following MR consumption compared with the control group. The findings obtained from the subgroup analysis showed that MRs cause a greater decrease in FBS, insulin, and HOMA-IR in the &gt;50-years age group compared with those aged ≤50 years and also during interventions ≤24 weeks compared with &gt;24 weeks.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it appears that MRs, along with other lifestyle factors, can lead to significant improvements in glucose metabolism.
Evaluating fiscal supports on the public–private partnerships: a hidden risk for contract survival
Authors: Nose Manabu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While public–private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential of bridging infrastructure gaps in developing countries, frequent contract renegotiations and terminations pose significant fiscal challenges. This article investigates whether government fiscal risk-taking—through guarantees or subsidies—along with the strength of underlying fiscal institutions can explain the high incidence of contract distress. Employing matching and a control function method, the analysis reveals that the contract hazard ratio increases by a factor of 3 when government guarantees are issued for PPPs. Furthermore, using a causal survival forest model, it assesses treatment effect heterogeneity of the fiscal supports. The results show that the risk of contract disputes is most pronounced in developing countries at the bottom quintile of public investment management capacity. These findings underscore the critical role of robust infrastructure governance as a prerequisite for effectively leveraging the benefits of PPPs.
Integrating multi-scale terrestrial and atmospheric predictors enhances nocturnal bird migration forecasts
Authors: Jimenez Miguel F , Khalighifar Ali , Burt Carolyn S , Black Cheyenne A , Leόn-Corwin Maggie , Fox Andrew S , Jenkins-Smith Hank C , Silva Carol L , Trankina Grace E , Kelly Jeffrey F , Horton Kyle G 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Our ability to forecast the spatial and temporal patterns of ecological processes at continental scales has drastically improved over the past decade. Yet, predicting ecological patterns at broad scales while capturing fine-scale processes is a central challenge of ecological forecasting given the inherent tension between grain and extent, whereby enhancing one often diminishes the other. We leveraged 10 years of terrestrial and atmospheric data (2012–2021) to develop a high-resolution (2.9 × 2.9 km), radar-driven bird migration forecast model for a highly active region of the Mississippi flyway. Based on the suite of candidate models we examined, adding terrestrial predictors improved model performance only marginally, whereas spatially distant atmospheric predictors, particularly air temperature and wind speed from focal and distant regions, were major contributors to our top model, explaining 56% of variation in regional migration activity. Among terrestrial predictors, which ranked considerably lower than atmospheric predictors in terms of variable importance, vegetation phenology, artificial light at night, and percent of forest cover were the most important predictors. Furthermore, we scale this model to demonstrate the capacity to generate real-time, high-resolution forecasts for the continental United States that explained up to 65% of national variation. Our study demonstrates an approach for increasing the resolution of migration forecasts, which could facilitate the integration of radar with other data sources and inform dynamic conservation efforts at a local scale that is more relevant to threats, such as anthropogenic light at night.
Economic Change, Silver, and the Plague of 664–687 in England
Authors: Naismith Rory 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Bede and other authors describe a destructive wave of plague sweeping across Britain and Ireland in the period 664–87. In the decades around and after this time, the English kingdoms saw rapid economic changes as urban settlements grew, monasteries were founded, and a large silver currency appeared. Here, it is proposed that these developments were influenced by the effects of the plague. Exact levels of mortality are uncertain, but the survivors may have had the capacity to produce more, and more diverse, goods. Relatively weak seigneurial powers on the part of landlords meant that non-elite cultivators became a more important economic constituency in these circumstances, while elites turned in two directions: to development of small but intensively worked central farms, and to liquidation of large stocks of silver, which enabled them to profit by engaging with a diverse body of partners. This liquidation took the form of a much expanded currency of silver pennies, which provides a case-study of monetization as an important yet comparatively short-term economic change.
Beyond Place: Network Effects Versus Jurisdiction and Sovereignty
Authors: Szigeti Péter D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Anxieties about the viability and future of the liberal international order have been multiplying in both scholarly discussions and the popular press. But what does the “coming apart of the liberal international order” actually mean? Some commentators point to sanctions and tariffs that are destroying free trade; and some are focusing on democratic backsliding, the rise of populism and the crumbling of human rights protections (especially in international migration). An arguably more fundamental, and equally worrying, shift is discussed in three recent books: the end of territorial jurisdiction, and with it, a deep uncertainty in what independence, sovereign equality, nonintervention, self-determination, and other fundamental concepts of peaceful coexistence can mean in the twenty-first century. Because thirty or so banks control almost all of international finance and the United States controls the dollar and the hegemonic currency of international trade, the difference between territorial jurisdiction and extraterritorial jurisdiction has disappeared in global trade and finance, as well. Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman provide a readable and popular introduction; Pierre-Hugues Verdier explains in detail the mechanisms of international financial law; and Cornelia Woll tries to integrate these events into legal theory and doctrine.
Review Article: Why Does Putinism Endure? Dialoguing With the Dictator
Authors: Stoner Kathryn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Vladimir Putin has been the undisputed leader of Russia (either as president or prime minister) for almost 25 years. Barring an accident or assassination, Putin seems almost certain to surpass Joseph Stalin's record long reign over the Soviet Union of 29 years. The durability of Putin's regime comes despite a record of endemic corruption, poor governance, economic growth that gave way to recession, a poorly managed COVID response, and a disastrous invasion of a peaceful neighbor in 2022. Despite all of this, Putin endures. How does he do it? A new book by Hannah Chapman, Dialogue with the Dictator: Authoritarian Legitimation and Information Management in Putin's Russia is a welcome addition to a lengthening list of recent studies seeking to explain the resilience and potential vulnerabilities of authoritarianism and of Putin's regime in particular. In one way or another, all of these books focus on the question that also puzzles Russia's opposition politicians: Why is Putin's autocracy so resilient? Chapman offers one answer in exploring the ways in which his regime uses “participatory technologies” to not only enhance regime legitimacy from Russian society but also to control what information reaches Russian citizens. This article reviews her book in the context of other recent studies of how Putin's autocracy works and why it has lasted so long.
Finite Sample Inference for the Maximum Score Estimand
Authors: Rosen Adam M , Ura Takuya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We provide a finite sample inference method for the structural parameters of the semiparametric binary response model under a conditional median restriction originally studied by Manski (1975, 1985). This is achieved by exploiting distributional properties of observable outcomes conditional on the observed sequence of exogenous variables. Moment inequalities conditional on the size n sequence of exogenous covariates are constructed, and the proposed test statistic is a monotone function of violations of the corresponding sample moment inequalities. The critical value used for inference is provided by the appropriate quantile of a known function of n independent Bernoulli random variables, and does not require the use of a cube root asymptotic approximation employing a point estimator of the target parameter. Simulation studies demonstrate favorable finite sample performance of the test in comparison to several existing approaches. Empirical use is illustrated with an application to the classical setting of transportation choice.