bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EspE3 plays a role in the pathogenicity of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Qianwen , Qi Zhao , Fu Dandan , Tang Bo , Song Xiangjun , Shao Ying , Tu Jian , Qi Kezong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAPEC encodes multiple virulence factors that have complex pathogenic mechanisms. In this study, we report a virulence factor named EspE3, which can be secreted from APEC. This protein was predicted to have a leucine-rich repeat domain (LRR) and may have a similar function to IpaH class effectors of the type III secretion system (T3SS). For further exploration, the regulatory correlation between the espE3 and ETT2 genes in APEC was analysed. We then assessed the pathogenicity of EspE3, detected it in APEC secretion proteins and screened the proteins of EspE3 that interact with chicken trachea epithelial cells. This study provides data on a new virulence factor for further exploring the pathogenic mechanism of APEC.
Determinants for participation in a prevention and early detection programme for children and adolescents in Germany: does social background play a role?
Authors: Krüger Kathrin , Lapstich Anne-Marie , Reber Katrin Christiane , Sehlen Stephanie , Liersch Sebastian , Krauth Christian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEarly detection examinations and prevention are particularly important in childhood and adolescence, as certain diseases are already developing and health-related attitudes and behaviour patterns are formed and implemented. Despite the importance of screening and prevention, not all families use the available services and programmes. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with participation in an early detection and prevention programme for children and adolescents, as well as factors associated with actual uptake of an examination. The analyses are based on questionnaire data of an online survey of participants and non-participants. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models are conducted on a defined sample (n = 1,289). The results show that both groups differ with regard to several factors: age, chronic diseases, federal state, living space, number of siblings, country of birth, migration background, language spoken at home, mother’s occupational status, household income, treatment duration, and trust in treating physician. Regression I shows that participation in the programme is significantly associated with higher age, language spoken at home, mother’s occupational status and greater trust in the treating physician. The latter demonstrates the highest predictive power. Regression II indicates that the actual uptake of an examination among participants is significantly affected by age, federal state and father’s occupational status. Overall, the results of this study show that social background partly plays a role in participation, but that factors such as trust in the treating physician also have a significant impact. For the future, further research on the factors influencing participation in screening and prevention services or programmes for children and adolescents is important in order to develop strategies to overcome existing barriers and thus reach groups that have not been reached yet. In this context, trust in the treating physician and his or her influence on decision-making should in particular be considered.
The role of cortisol in immunosuppression in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Hoadley Margaret E. , Galea James , Singh Navneet , Hulme Sharon , Ajao David O. , Rothwell Nancy , King Andrew , Tyrrell Pippa , Hopkins Stephen J. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
We sought to determine the extent to which cortisol suppressed innate and T cell-mediated cytokine production and whether it could be involved in reducing peripheral cytokine production following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

Methods
Whole blood from healthy controls, patients with SAH and healthy volunteers was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to stimulate innate immunity, or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), to stimulate T cell-mediated immunity. Varying concentrations of cortisol were included, with or without the cortisol antagonist RU486. Concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) TNFα were determined as a measure of innate immunity. IL-6, IL-17 (interferon gamma) IFNƔ and IL-17 were determined as an indicator of T cell-mediated immunity.

Results
Suppression of innate responses to LPS was apparent in whole blood from SAH patients, relative to healthy controls, and TNFα production was inversely correlated with plasma cortisol concentration. Cytokine production in whole blood from healthy volunteers was inhibited by cortisol concentrations from 0.33 µM, or 1 µM and above, and these responses were effectively reversed by the cortisol antagonist RU-486. In SAH patients, RU-486 reversed suppression of innate TNF-α and IL-6 responses, but not IL-1ß or T cell-mediated responses.

Conclusion
These data suggest that cortisol may play a role in reducing innate, but not T cell-mediated immune responses in patients with injuries such as SAH and that cortisol antagonists could be effective in boosting early innate responses.
Effects of melatonin on rumen microorganisms and methane production in dairy cow: results from in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Fu Yao , Yao Songyang , Wang Tiankun , Lu Yongqiang , Han Huigang , Liu Xuening , Lv Dongying , Ma Xiao , Guan Shengyu , Yao Yujun , Liu Yunjie , Yu Haiying , Li Shengli , Yang Ning , Liu Guoshi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Methane (CH4) is a major greenhouse gas, and ruminants are one of the sources of CH4 which is produced by the rumen microbiota. Modification of the rumen microbiota compositions will impact the CH4 production. In this study, the effects of melatonin on methane production in cows were investigated both in the in vitro and in vivo studies.

Results
Melatonin treatment significantly reduced methane production in both studies. The cows treated with melatonin reduced methane emission from their respiration by approximately 50%. The potential mechanisms are multiple. First, melatonin lowers the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production in rumen and reduces the raw material for CH4 synthesis. Second, melatonin not only reduces the abundance of Methanobacterium which are responsible for generating methane but also inhibits the populations of protozoa to break the symbiotic relationship between Methanobacterium and protozoa in rumen to further lowers the CH4 production. The reduced VFA production is not associated with food intake, and it seems also not to jeopardize the nutritional status of the cows. This was reflected by the increased milk lipid and protein contents in melatonin treated compared to the control cows. It is likely that the energy used to synthesize methane is saved to compensate the reduced VFA production.

Conclusion
This study enlightens the potential mechanisms by which melatonin reduces rumen methane production in dairy cows. Considering the greenhouse effects of methane on global warming, these findings provide valuable information using different approaches to achieve low carbon dairy farming to reduce the methane emission.
Predicted results of weak and strong ground motions at the target site of the blind prediction exercise as steps-2 and -3, Report for the experiments for the 6th international symposium on effects of surface geology on seismic motion
Authors: Tsuno Seiji , Nagashima Fumiaki , Kawase Hiroshi , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Matsushima Shinichi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, we compared observations and predictions submitted by participants for blind prediction experiments for ground motions using aftershocks, foreshock, and mainshock of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, Japan, to improve our understanding of the quality of state-of-the-art methods on the reproducibility of the effects of surface geology on seismic motions. In the blind predictions, 1D, 2D, and 3D methods, Green’s function methods, spectral ratio approaches, and other approaches were applied. As for PGA/PGV, acceleration/velocity duration, Fourier spectrum, pseudo-velocity response spectrum, and site amplification factors, the observed values are mostly within the range of average ± σ of all the predictions in the case of weak and strong ground motions. The results of the mean absolute percentage errors for these indices show that the applied methods can predict weak and strong ground motions for the three components in the range of one-half to twice the observations. The average goodness-of-fit (GOF) scores for weak and strong ground motions indicate either a very good fit (6.5–8) or a good fit (4.5–6.5) for the three components. Finally, examples of the categorized methods are quite limited; however, results indicate that the predictions by all the categorized methods can adequately reproduce weak and strong ground motions within either a very good or good fit. Although we could not find a significant difference in the results from the categorized methods, scores by the 2D and 3D methods in the frequency range of 0.5–1 and 1–2 Hz for all the blind predictions are higher than the scores by the other methods. The GOF score for the part after the S-wave by the 2D and 3D methods is higher than that by the 1D method. This supports that the predictions by the 2D and 3D methods due to the accounting of the proper geometry could reproduce the basin-induced and/or basin-transduced surface waves excited by the basin-edge effect more than the 1D method using the earthquake record observed at the reference site.Graphical Abstract
A study on the chemical stability of cholesterol-lowering drugs in concomitant simple suspensions with magnesium oxide
Authors: Kato Ginjiro , Mitome Hidemichi , Miyauchi Yusura , Takeda Syu , Toyota Yoshito , Hidaka Noriaki , Tanaka Mamoru , Akira Kazuki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Difficulty in taking solid medicines is a common issue particularly for the elderly because of a decline in swallowing function, also known as dysphagia. For patients with such a dysfunction, a simple suspension method, in which solid medicines are disintegrated and suspended using warm water, has been developed and widely used in Japanese clinical settings. However, there is little information on drug stability in the simple co-suspension of multiple formulations especially including acidic or alkaline ones. In this study, the chemical stability of typical cholesterol-lowering drugs was investigated in a simple co-suspension with alkaline magnesium oxide (MgO) which is frequently used as a laxative or antacid in Japan.

Methods
A cholesterol-lowering drug (one tablet) was soaked with or without MgO in warm water (55°C), and the vessel was left at room temperature for 10 min or 5 h. The suspensions prepared were then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Degradation products were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for the structural elucidation.

Results
In the simple co-suspension with MgO, no significant degradation was observed for atorvastatin or pravastatin, while a significant decrease of the recovery from the co-suspension was observed for rosuvastatin after 5 h. On the other hand, simvastatin and ezetimibe co-suspended with MgO were partially degraded to simvastatin acid and a pyran compound, respectively.

Conclusions
A simple co-suspension with MgO is feasible for atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin, although the rosuvastatin tablet should not be left soaking for a long time. Further it is inadvisable to suspend simvastatin or ezetimibe together with MgO because of their partial degradation.
Retinal artery occlusion does not act as an independent marker of upcoming dementia: results from a Danish 20-year cohort study
Authors: Clausen Anna Rebien , Stokholm Lonny , Blaabjerg Morten , Frederiksen Katrine Hartmund , Pedersen Frederik Nørregaard , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is a vision threatening disease associated with cerebral vascular dysfunction, which may reflect initial signs of cerebral pathology. Early detection of patients in risk of dementia could allow for preventative treatment. Hence, this study aimed to investigate RAO as an independent biomarker of incident dementia.

Methods
This study was a nationwide, 20-year longitudinal cohort study in Denmark with inclusion from 1998 to 2020 and follow up until the end of 2022. We identified 2 205 159 individuals aged 65 or older through the Danish national health registers and monitored RAO (exposure) and dementia (outcome) status. We calculated incidence rate and performed a Cox regression analysis with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for RAO as a marker of dementia in a crude, a semi-adjusted (age and sex), and a fully adjusted model (furthermore adjusted for marital status and systemic comorbidity.)

Results
We identified 8 863 individuals with RAO. Incidence rates were higher among exposed compared to unexposed individuals (12.28 and 8.18 per 1000 person-years at risk, respectively). Individuals with RAO were more likely to be male and older at inclusion, to have hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes (p < 0.001). RAO was not associated with all-cause dementia in the crude analysis (HR 1.07 CI [1.00-1.17]) or in the fully adjusted analysis (HR 0.98 CI [0.91–1.06].

Conclusion
Although individuals with RAO had a higher incidence of dementia compared to unexposed individuals, these associations were lost when confounders were taken into account.
Mass production of entomopathogenic fungi Purpureocillium lilacinum PL1 as a biopesticide for the management of Amrasca devastans (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in okra plantation
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hai , Nguyen Quynh Nhu , Dang Thi Nhu Quynh , Nguyen Ngoc Lam , Do Anh Duy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Effective management strategies are crucial in minimizing the adverse consequences associated with the leafhopper, Amrasca devastans (Dist.) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Economic limitations to entomopathogenic fungi production present a substantial challenge, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate a cost-effective solid-state fermentation (SSF) for large-scale production of Purpureocillium lilacinum PL1 conidia to manage A. devastans infestations in okra cultivation.

Results
Rice and maize were demonstrated as highly suitable substrates for producing conidia densities of over 2 × 1010 conidia g−1. Furthermore, the influence of agricultural phytosanitary agents on the growth rates of P. lilacinum PL1 was evaluated. Certain pesticides were ineffective on the expansion of P. lilacinum PL1 colonies, while fungicides exhibited complete inhibition. The laboratory investigation revealed that 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 of P. lilacinum PL1 exhibited a success rate of 88.66% in decreasing the population of A. devastans nymphs in vitro. Furthermore, field investigations carried out in okra plantations demonstrated that the utilization of P. lilacinum PL1 at the concentration of 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 of resulted in a significant reduction of the pest nymph population by 72.87% subsequent to the 2 applications.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost-effective mass production of P. lilacinum PL1 conidia through SSF presents a promising solution for managing A. devastans infestations in okra farming, particularly in economically challenged regions.
Effect of body mass index on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide values in patients with heart failure
Authors: Ha Manh Tuan , Do Anh Duong , Le Viet Tung 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a biomarker used for the diagnosis of heart failure. There is a relationship between NT-proBNP levels and body mass index (BMI). The study aimed to explore the impact of BMI on NT-proBNP concentrations and to examine whether other factors independent of or combined with BMI affect NT-proBNP values in patients with heart failure.

Results
A total of 293 participants were recruited. The mean age was 68.9 ± 13.2 years, males accounted for 46.4% of the total cohort, the mean BMI was 23.1 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and the median NT-proBNP level was 3776 (1672–8806) pg/ml. There was an inverse relationship between BMI and log NT-proBNP (r = − 0.29; p < 0.001, Spearman correlation). Each standard deviation increase in BMI (4 kg/m2) was associated with a 7% decrease in NT-proBNP values in the total cohort. The independent inverse determinants of NT-proBNP other than BMI were male gender and eGFR, while the variables directly correlated to NT-proBNP were LVEF ≤ 40% and NYHA class III–IV heart failure.

Conclusions
There is an inverse association between BMI and NT-proBNP levels. However, the correlation is weak, and there are other variables that have a significant impact on the NT-proBNP values as well. The NT-proBNP levels are still valuable in the diagnosis of heart failure regardless of BMI status.
Assessing ad-hoc adaptations’ alignment with therapeutic goals: a qualitative study of lay counselor-delivered family therapy in Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: Kaiser Bonnie N. , Kaufman Julia , Wall Jonathan Taylor , Healy Elsa A. Friis , Ayuku David , Aarons Gregory A. , Puffer Eve S. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
A key question in implementation science is how to balance adaptation and fidelity in translating interventions to new settings. There is growing consensus regarding the importance of planned adaptations to deliver interventions in contextually sensitive ways. However, less research has examined ad-hoc adaptations, or those that occur spontaneously in the course of intervention delivery. A key question is whether ad-hoc adaptations ultimately contribute to or detract from intervention goals. This study aimed to (a) identify ad-hoc adaptations made during delivery of a family therapy intervention and (b) assess whether they promoted or interrupted intervention goals.

Methods
Tuko Pamoja (Swahili: “We are Together”) is an evidence-informed family therapy intervention aiming to improve family dynamics and mental health in Kenya. Tuko Pamoja employs a task-shifting model, delivered by lay counselors who are afforded a degree of flexibility in presenting content and in practices they use in sessions. We used transcripts of therapy sessions with 14 families to examine ad-hoc adaptations used by counselors. We first identified and characterized ad-hoc adaptations through a team-based code development, coding, and code description process. Then, we evaluated to what extent ad-hoc adaptations promoted the principles and strategies of the intervention (“TP-promoting”), disrupted them (“TP-interrupting”), or neither (“TP-neutral”). To do this, we first established inter-coder agreement on application of these categories with verification by the intervention developer. Then, coders categorized ad-hoc adaptation text segments as TP-promoting, TP-interrupting, or TP-neutral.

Results
Ad-hoc adaptations were frequent and included (in decreasing order): incorporation of religious content, exemplars/role models, community dynamics and resources, self-disclosure, and metaphors/proverbs. Ad-hoc adaptations were largely TP-promoting (49%) or neutral (39%), but practices were TP-interrupting 12% of the time. TP-interrupting practices most often occurred within religious content and exemplars/role models, which were also the most common practices overall.

Conclusion
Extra attention is needed during planned adaptation, training, and supervision to promote intervention-aligned use of common ad-hoc adaptation practices. Discussing them in trainings can provide guidance for lay providers on how best to incorporate ad-hoc adaptations during delivery. Future research should evaluate whether well-aligned ad-hoc adaptations improve therapeutic outcomes.

Trial registration
Pilot trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov (C0058)
Role of xylo-oligosaccharides in relieving complications accompanied to carbimazole drug administrated with 1% saline in female Wistar rats
Authors: Foda Doaa S. , Nour Shaimaa A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Ameliorating the complications of pharmaceutical drugs by natural compounds or probiotics is now a medical strategy. The anti-thyroid drug carbimazole was reported to cause some complications as liver and kidneys dysfunction besides the harmful effect on the structure of the thyroid gland in addition to weight gain during thyroid treatment. The aim of the present work was suggesting xylo-oligosaccharides extracted from Aspergillus terreus xylanase degradation of xylan for the first time as a candidate for ameliorating some of the drug-associated complications.

Results
The present work reported that the administration of carbimazole drug only to female Wistar rats for three weeks leads to significant decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST and urea (p ≤ 0.05) which reflected a status of a lazy liver. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in serum levels of total protein content, creatinine and calcium (p ≤ 0.05). A detected non-significant decrease in serum T4 accompanied with significant increased levels of T3 (p ≤ 0.05) and a normal serum TSH were observed in this group compared to the control group. Histological examinations on liver, kidneys and thyroid tissues revealed the effect of the drug on their cells shape which reflected the malfunction of these organs. Co-administration of xylo-oligosaccarides to carbimazole in rats significantly improved most of the changed serum parameters levels in addition to a marked modulation in the histological examination of both the liver and kidney tissues. More histological modulations were displayed in the thyroid tissues than those observed in liver and kidneys tissues.

Conclusion
Accordingly, it can be concluded that xylo-oligosaccarides extracted from Aspergillus terreus xylanase degradation of xylan are suggested to be a safe therapy in ameliorating carbimazole drug-associated complications.
New wiggles from old cables: Acquisition, cable, and data aspects
Authors: Raknes Espen Birger , Foseide Bjarte , Landrø Martin , Dong Hefeng , Brenne Jan Kristoffer , Wienecke Susann , Bjørnstad Steinar , Frivik Svein Arne , Elboth Thomas 
Published: August 2023

Seismic imaging is essential for detailed characterization and understanding of the subsurface. Traditionally, marine seismic data have been acquired either using towed streamers or ocean-bottom receivers. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a novel and fast-emerging technology that makes it possible to use fiber-optic cables for acoustic measurements. The technology turns the fiber-optic cable into a densely sampled receiver array. A controlled source experiment comparing DAS and conventional towed streamer data for seismic imaging purposes is described. An existing 130 km telecommunication fiber-optic cable was interrogated to acquire DAS data to analyze the signal at long distances and for subsurface imaging. A seismic source vessel was used to create seismic data along the full cable length, while at the same time acquiring conventional towed streamer data for comparison. In addition, the telecommunication fiber-optic cable was used to acquire passive DAS data. The results show that seismic signals in the telecommunication fiber-optic cable are detectable at distances above 100 km from the source point. Furthermore, comparisons of the DAS data and towed streamer data show that the DAS technology allows for the acquisition of large offset seismic data that are comparable with conventional seismic data. Analysis of the passive DAS data shows that the infragravity waves correlate with the observed weather conditions during the acquisition.