bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a prothioconazole- and tebuconazole-based fungicide on the yield, silage characteristics, and fungal mycobiota of corn harvested and conserved as whole-crop and high-moisture ear silages
Authors: Ferrero Francesco , Prencipe Simona , Tabacco Ernesto , Ferrocino Ilario , Borreani Giorgio , Spadaro Davide 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsTo analyze the effect of a prothioconazole- and tebuconazole-based fungicide on the yield and silage characteristics of whole-crop corn (WCC) and high-moisture ear corn (HMC) silages and on the fungal community dynamics from the harvest to aerobic exposure.Methods and resultsCorn were untreated (NT) or treated (T) with a prothioconazole- and tebuconazole-based fungicide and harvested as WCC and HMC. Silages were conserved for 60 and 160 d and subjected to an aerobic stability test. The fungicide increased the yield per hectare however, it did not affect the main nutritional characteristics of WCC or HMC. The main chemical, fermentative and microbial characteristics, dry matter (DM) losses and aerobic stability were mainly affected by the conservation time, regardless of the treatment. Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium genera were identified as dominant before ensiling, but Aspergillus and Penicillium became dominant after silo opening and aerobic exposure. Yeast population during ensiling and aerobic deterioration resulted in a simplification, with Pichia and Kazachstania genera being dominant.ConclusionsThe application of fungicide improved the DM, starch, and net energy for lactation (NEL) yield per hectare but had no consistent effect on the microbial and fermentative silage quality and aerobic stability.
Clioquinol and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonamide derivatives damage the cell wall ofPythium insidiosum
Authors: Pippi Bruna , Zanette Régis A , Joaquim Angélica R , Krummenauer Maria E , Merkel Simone , Reginatto Paula , Vainstein Marilene H , Andrade Saulo F , Fuentefria Alexandre M , Tondolo Juliana S M , Loreto Érico S , Santurio Janio M 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the antimicrobial activity and to determine the pharmacodynamic characteristics of three 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives (8-HQs) against Pythium insidiosum, the causative agent of pythiosis.Methods and ResultsAntimicrobial activity was tested by broth microdilution and MTT assays. The antimicrobial mode of action was investigated using sorbitol protection assay, ergosterol binding assay, and scanning electron microscopy. Clioquinol, PH151, and PH153 were active against all isolates, with MIC values ranging from 0.25 to 2 µg ml-1. They also showed a time- and dose-dependent antimicrobial effect, damaging the P. insidiosum cell wall.ConclusionsTogether, these results reinforce the potential of 8-HQs for developing new drugs to treat pythiosis.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria on the control ofFusarium oxysporumandRalstonia solanacearumon singly infected and co-infected tomato plants
Authors: Vargas C , Jiménez H R , Almario C González , Almario A González 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the control of Fol59 and Rs on singly infected and co-infected tomato plants and to address molecular pathways that may be involved in this interaction.Methods and ResultsTo assess the development of the disease, individual infection and coinfection were stimulated in plants under controlled conditions, at two concentrations of Rs and Fol59 applied at two different moments. Additionally, the antagonistic activity of LAB against Rs and Fol59 in vitro and its biocontrol efficacy in planta were evaluated. Preliminary results indicate that inoculation with 1 × 106 microconidia ml−1 of Fol59 and 1 × 108 cfu ml−1 of Rs may be a reliable synchronous coinfection method. Of the 68 LAB strains evaluated in vitro, AC13, AC40, and AC49 had an antagonistic effect on both pathogens, with AC40 showing the highest efficacy rate after submerging the seeds in suspension and sowing them in substrate. Finally, gene expression experiments confirmed the AC40 effect on the expression of PR-1a, ERF1, and LoxA genes.ConclusionThe delayed appearance of symptoms and the reduced severity of the disease may be associated with the expression of PR-1a, ERF1, and LoxA genes related to salicylic acid, ethylene, and jasmonic acid pathways respectively.
A review of the potential for bacteriophages to effect antibiofilm activity, using selected examples
Authors: Cooper I 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIt has been over a hundred years since the original publications on bacteriophages were first presented. In the following century, the world of microbiology has moved on significantly. In 2015, ∼100 years later, the UK Government and the Wellcome Trust published a report on the current state of antimicrobial resistance, with guidance for the future. The pressing need for new antibiotics, or alternatives to them, is one of the fundamental drivers of research in to the application of bacteriophages to treat incidents of infectious disease. This review will look at research published on the use of bacteriophages, with a specific focus on their use against bacterial biofilms.
Phenotypic characterization and genome analysis reveal the probiotic potential of a banyan endophyteBacillus velezensisK1
Authors: Soni Riteshri , Keharia Hareshkumar , Shah Krina , Jain Neeraj 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimThe current study aimed to scrutinize the probiotic traits and safety aspects of Bacillus velezensis K1 through experimental and supporting genome studies.Methods and ResultsThe seven cultures previously isolated from the aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis were initially screened for their antibacterial activity as well as acid and bile tolerance. The isolate K1 was found to be the most potent and was further investigated for probiotic traits and safety. K1 showed tolerance to simulated digestive juices and 0.3% bile. It showed notable aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adherence to HT-29 cells. K1 significantly prevented the adhesion of E. coli O157: H7 and S. enterica ATCC 13076 to HT-29 in cell culture assays. K1 could hydrolyze phytate and complex polysaccharides. The genes related to stress tolerance, adhesion, antimicrobial activity, and production of vitamins, viz. thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, folate, and biotin were annotated in the K1 genome. K1 was found to be non-hemolytic, noncytotoxic, as well as susceptible to antibiotics. No virulence or toxin-encoding genes were identified in its genome.ConclusionsB. velezensis K1 is a prospective probiotic with the ability to tolerate gastrointestinal stress, adhere to intestinal surfaces, and inhibit enteropathogens.
Gamma aminobutyric acid production by commercially available probiotic strains
Authors: Monteagudo-Mera Andrea , Fanti Valentina , Rodriguez-Sobstel Claudia , Gibson Glenn , Wijeyesekera Anisha , Karatzas Kimon-Andreas , Chakrabarti Bhismadev 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsCertain bacteria can produce gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) from glutamate in the human intestinal tract, leading to the possibility of altering GABA levels through diet. To this end, we assessed the ability of seven commercially available probiotic supplements to produce GABA.Method and resultsProbiotic strains were compared for GABA production in pure culture. The bacteria were inoculated at a concentration of 107 CFU ml−1 in 10 ml MRS supplemented with monosodium glutamate (1% w/v), both with and without oligofructose-enriched inulin (OFI) (1% w/v). Two strains with the highest production of GABA were further assessed for 48 h in pH-controlled anaerobic batch cultures inoculated with faecal bacteria. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used for quantification of GABA and microbiota composition was determined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Levilactobacillus brevis LB01 (CGMCC 16921) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) were the most efficient producers of GABA. High GABA levels (28.32 mmol l−1 ± 0.29) were produced by the probiotic strain L. brevis LB01 at pH 5.4–5.6. This was significantly higher than the levels of GABA produced by L. plantarum (4.8 mmol l−1 ± 6.8) and a negative control (2.9 mM ± 3.1). The addition of OFI did not further stimulate GABA production under the conditions tested. The ability of these strains to produce GABA in-vitro was further evaluated in a faecal microbiota environment. Once again, L.brevis LB01 produced the highest levels of GABA (40.24 mmol l−1 ± 20.98).ConclusionsL. brevis LB01 was found to be the most efficient probiotic strain, of those tested, for GABA production.
Advances in research on virulence factors ofAcinetobacter baumanniiand their potential as novel therapeutic targets
Authors: Zhou Jian-Xia , Feng Ding-Yun , Li Xia , Zhu Jia-Xin , Wu Wen-Bin , Zhang Tian-tuo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAcinetobacter baumannii is a strictly aerobic, nonmotile, nonfermenting, gram-negative bacillus. It is a highly infectious and invasive pathogen with high mortality and morbidity rates among immunodeficient patients. Due to increasing levels of drug resistance and the inefficiency of existing antimicrobial treatments, it is crucial to develop novel agents to control this pathogen. Several recent studies have investigated virulence factors that are associated with the pathogenesis of A. baumannii, and could thus serve as novel therapeutic targets. The present review comprehensively summarizes the current understanding of these virulence factors and their mechanisms in A. baumannii. We also highlight factors that could be potential therapeutic targets, as well as list candidate virulence factors for future researchers and clinical practitioners.
Virtual Reality as Pain Relief in Burn Care: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness on Pain During Multiple Dressing Changes
Authors: Blokzijl Susanne J , Lamberts Kirsten F , Nieuwenhuis Marianne K , Beerthuizen Gerard I J M , Spikman Jacoba M 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR)-distraction on pain during multiple Wound Dressing Changes (WDCs). Furthermore, associations between demographic, clinical, and psychological factors and pain during WDC were determined. Participants were randomized to either the VR-condition or Care As Usual (CAU)-condition. Both groups received standard wound care and pain medication. The VR-group additionally received VR-distraction. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity (VAT 0–10). Secondary outcome measures were pain medication (Fentanyl spray and/or Piritramide) and satisfaction with WDC (VAT 0–10). Only 38 patients (VR-group: n = 21; CAU-group: n = 17) of the 128 intended patients were included during the study period due to several limitations (strict exclusion criteria and restrictions of the VR-equipment). No significant differences were found between both groups on pain intensity and medication. Both groups were also equally satisfied with WDC. Age showed a significant negative correlation with pain during WDC. In view of the small sample size, this study has restricted power and should be considered a pilot. Nevertheless, a RCT with between-subjects design across multiple WDCs was feasible and, given the speed of VR-developments, we expect larger, better powered RCTs to be possible in the near future, for which our experiences and recommendations are relevant.
Federal Home Loan Banks and Financial Stability
Authors: Gissler Stefan , Narajabad Borghan , Tarullo Daniel K 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) are the less well-known siblings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Since these government-sponsored enterprises were created in 1932, changes in housing finance markets have rendered largely irrelevant their original purpose of increasing the availability of mortgages. Yet the level and scope of their activities have increased dramatically in recent decades. These activities have at times both exacerbated risks to financial stability and obstructed the missions of federal financial regulators. Behind these undesirable outcomes lies the public/private hybrid nature of the FHLBs. The private ownership and control of the FHLBs provide an incentive to take advantage of the considerable public privileges from which they benefit—including an explicit line of credit from the United States Government and an implied guarantee of all their debt similar to that enjoyed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the Global Financial Crisis. This article examines past incidence and future potential for the FHLBs to amplify financial stability risks. It offers a framework for regulatory reform by the Federal Housing Finance Agency to contain these risks and avoid harmful interference with the activities of other federal regulators.
Spatial and social organization of the burrowing rodent Clyomys laticeps (Thomas, 1909)
Authors: Ferrando Claire Pauline Röpke , Oshima Júlia Emi de Faria , Lacey Eileen A , Leiner Natália Oliveira 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Burrowing rodents display diverse patterns of social organization, ranging from solitary to group living. Differences in social organization are often inferred from patterns of space use, particularly differences in the degree to which individual home ranges overlap. Here, we characterize patterns of space use in a poorly studied species of burrow-dwelling echimyid rodent, the Broad-headed Spiny Rat (Clyomys laticeps). Specifically, we use radiotelemetry studies of a free-living population in Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas (Goiás, Brazil) to evaluate previous, apparently contradictory reports suggesting that this species is both solitary and social. A total of 20 adult (12 females, 8 males) C. laticeps were monitored via telemetry during two consecutive cycles of annual wet and dry seasons. The resulting data indicate that although overlap of individual home ranges was common, co-occurrence of adults in time and space was rare and was limited to male–female pairs, a pattern that is most consistent with a solitary lifestyle in which individuals occupy distinct burrow systems. Neither sex nor season affected spatial overlap; this outcome is consistent with evidence suggesting that reproduction in this species occurs throughout the year. Although home ranges for males were larger than those for females, areas occupied by both males and females overlapped with multiple opposite-sex individuals, making it difficult to determine from spatial data whether the study population was polygynous or polygynandrous. While genetic data are needed to characterize fully the mating system of these animals, our analyses provide the first detailed information regarding spatial relationships in C. laticeps, thereby allowing more accurate placement of this species within a larger, comparative behavioral framework and facilitating efforts to identify factors contributing to social diversity among burrow-dwelling rodents.
Management and outcomes of spinal tuberculosis in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Enemuo Tochukwu N , Oladeji Emmanuel O , Anthony-Awi Temitayo A 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundSpinal tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Africa, where 85% of the global deaths from TB is recorded. Patients with spinal TB have a high tendency to develop permanent disability, with significant financial costs. Most patients with spinal TB from Africa are unable to receive timely and effective intervention due to several socio-economic factors, deplorable healthcare infrastructure and inadequate specialized workforce. In addition, there is a lack of contextually appropriate evidence-based guidelines for management of this potentially debilitating but treatable condition. This scoping review protocol outlines how the authors aim to investigate the available evidence on the management and outcome of spinal TB in Africa.MethodsAJOL, Embase, Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar and Conchrane will be searched for articles published on the management and outcome of TB since the inception of the database. All patients from any of the 54 African countries will be included regardless of the socio-demographics.ResultsThe primary outcomes will include the available treatment modalities and the clinical outcomes among patients managed for spinal TB in Africa. Secondary outcomes will include the epidemiology of spinal TB in Africa, information on the availability of diagnostic tools and the challenges faced in the management of spinal TB in Africa, including delays in treatment.DiscussionAnalysis of the outcomes and prognostic indicators will allow for a comparison of patient cohorts and the effectiveness of the different treatment modalities employed across Africa. This scoping review will be the first to address this research question.
Fluorescent visualization and evaluation of NPC1L1-mediated vesicular endocytosis during intestinal cholesterol absorption in mice
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Ma Xian-Hua , Lin Jie , Yang Xiaohang , Shi Jian-Hui , Xie Zhifang , Chen Yu-Xia , Zhang Weiping J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Excessive cholesterol absorption from intestinal lumen contributes to the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia, which is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is a major membrane protein responsible for cholesterol absorption, in which the physiological role of vesicular endocytosis is still controversial, and it lacks a feasible tool to visualize and evaluate the endocytosis of NPC1L1 vesicles in vivo. Here, we genetically labeled endogenous NPC1L1 protein with EGFP in a knock-in mouse model, and demonstrated fluorescent visualization and evaluation of the endocytic vesicles of NPC1L1-cago during intestinal cholesterol absorption. The homozygous NPC1L1-EGFP mice have normal NPC1L1 expression pattern as well as cholesterol homeostasis on chow or high-cholesterol diets. The fluorescence of NPC1L1-EGFP fusion protein localizes at the brush border membrane of small intestine, and EGFP-positive vesicles is visualized beneath the membrane as early as 5 min post oral gavage of cholesterol. Of note, the vesicles colocalize with the early endosomal marker early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) and the filipin-stained free cholesterol. Pretreatment with NPC1L1 inhibitor ezetimibe inhibits the formation of these cholesterol-induced endocytic vesicles. Our data support the notion that NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption is a vesicular endocytic process. NPC1L1-EGFP mice are a useful model for visualizing cellular NPC1L1-cargo vesicle itineraries and for evaluating NPC1L1 activity in vivo in response to diverse pharmacological agents and nutrients.
Contrasting X-ray/UV time-lags in Seyfert 1 galaxies NGC 4593 and NGC 7469 usingAstroSatobservations
Authors: Kumari Kavita , Dewangan G C , Papadakis I E , Beard Max W J , McHardy I M , Singh K P , Bhattacharya D , Bhattacharyya S , Chandra S 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTWe study accretion disc–corona connection in Seyfert 1 galaxies using simultaneous UV/X-ray observations of NGC 4593 (2016 July 14–18) and NGC 7469 (2017 October 15–19) performed with AstroSat. We use the X-ray (0.5–7.0 keV) data acquired with the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and the UV (FUV: 130–180 nm, NUV: 200–300 nm) data obtained with the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). We also use the contemporaneous Swift observations of NGC 4593 and demonstrate AstroSat’s capability for X-ray/UV correlation studies. We performed UV/X-ray cross-correlation analysis using the interpolated and the discrete cross-correlation functions and found similar results. In the case of NGC 4593, we found that the variations in the X-rays lead to those in the FUV and NUV bands by ∼38 ks and ∼44 ks, respectively. These UV lags favour the disc-reprocessing model; they are consistent with the previous results within uncertainties. In contrast, we found an opposite trend in NGC 7469 where the soft X-ray variations lag those in the FUV and NUV bands by ∼41 ks and ∼49 ks, respectively. The hard lags in NGC 7469 favour the thermal Comptonization model. Our results may provide direct observational evidence for the variable intrinsic UV emission from the accretion disk, which acts as the seed for thermal Comptonization in a hot corona in a lamp-post-like geometry. The non-detection of disk reverberation photons in NGC 7469, using AstroSat data, is most likely due to a high accretion rate resulting in a hot accretion disc and large intrinsic emission.
A reconnection-driven magnetic flux cancellation and a quiet Sun Ellerman bomb
Authors: Kaithakkal Anjali J , Borrero J M , Yabar A Pastor , de la Cruz Rodríguez J 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
The focus of this investigation is to quantify the conversion of magnetic to thermal energy initiated by a quiet Sun cancellation event and to explore the resulting dynamics from the interaction of the opposite-polarity magnetic features. We used imaging spectroscopy in the Hα line, along with spectropolarimetry in the Fe i 6173 Å and Ca ii 8542 Å lines from the Swedish Solar Telescope (SST) to study a reconnection-related cancellation and the appearance of a quiet Sun Ellerman bomb (QSEB). We observed, for the first time, QSEB signature in both the wings and core of the Fe i 6173 Å line. We also found that, at times, the Fe i line-core intensity reaches higher values than the quiet Sun continuum intensity. From FIRTEZ-dz inversions of the Stokes profiles in Fe i and Ca ii lines, we found enhanced temperature, with respect to the quiet Sun values, at the photospheric (log τc = −1.5; ∼1000 K) and lower chromospheric heights (log τc = −4.5; ∼360 K). From the calculation of total magnetic energy and thermal energy within these two layers, it was confirmed that the magnetic energy released during the flux cancellation can support heating in the aforesaid height range. Further, the temperature stratification maps enabled us to identify cumulative effects of successive reconnection on temperature pattern, including recurring temperature enhancements. Similarly, Doppler velocity stratification maps revealed impacts on plasma flow pattern, such as a sudden change in the flow direction.
Cosmic void exclusion models and their impact on the distance scale measurements from large-scale structure
Authors: Variu Andrei , Zhao Cheng , Forero-Sánchez Daniel , Chuang Chia-Hsun , Kitaura Francisco-Shu , Tao Charling , Tamone Amélie , Kneib Jean-Paul 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations (BAOs) studies based on the clustering of voids and matter tracers provide important constraints on cosmological parameters related to the expansion of the Universe. However, modelling the void exclusion effect is an important challenge for fully exploiting the potential of this kind of analyses. We thus develop two numerical methods to describe the clustering of cosmic voids. Neither model requires additional cosmological information beyond that assumed within the galaxy de-wiggled model. The models consist in power spectra whose performance we assess in comparison to a parabolic model on Patchy cubic and light-cone mocks. Moreover, we test their robustness against systematic effects and the reconstruction technique. The void model power spectra and the parabolic model with a fixed parameter provide strongly correlated values for the Alcock-Paczynski (α) parameter, for boxes and light-cones likewise. The resulting α values – for all three models – are unbiased and their uncertainties are correctly estimated. However, the numerical models show less variation with the fitting range compared to the parabolic one. The Bayesian evidence suggests that the numerical techniques are often favoured compared to the parabolic model. Moreover, the void model power spectra computed on boxes can describe the void clustering from light-cones as well as from boxes. The same void model power spectra can be used for the study of pre- and post-reconstructed data-sets. Lastly, the two numerical techniques are resilient against the studied systematic effects. Consequently, using either of the two new void models, one can more robustly measure cosmological parameters.