bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in bacterial viability after preparation and storage of fecal microbiota transplantation solution using equine feces
Authors: Arantes Julia A. , Di Pietro Rebecca , Ratté Mélanie , Arroyo Luis G. , Leclère Mathilde , Costa Marcio C. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used as a treatment option for horses (Equus caballus) with gastrointestinal diseases. Several preparation and conservation protocols to improve bacterial survival have been studied in other species.

Methods
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of oxygen exposure and different protectant solutions on bacterial viability before and after freezing using horse feces. Fecal samples from 10 healthy horses were aliquoted and diluted in cryoprotectant solutions containing antioxidants (n = 40) or 10% glycerol (n = 40). Half of the aliquots from each dilution condition were prepared inside an anaerobic chamber, while the other half were prepared under ambient air conditions. Each sample was also analyzed fresh and after freezing at −20 °C for 90 days. Bacterial viability was assessed using flow cytometry. A mixed linear model and the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used depending on data distribution.

Results
Freeze-thawing decreased bacterial viability by 47% (mean ± SD: 51 ± 27% before, 27 ± 8% after; p < 0.001). Glycerol was superior to the cryoprotectant after freezing (32 ± 8% glycerol, 24 ± 8% cryoprotectant; p < 0.001). Oxygen exposure did not affect viability (p = 0.13). There was no statistical difference between protectant solutions in fresh samples (p = 0.16).

Conclusions
Fresh FMT solutions may be better for treating horses with dysbiosis, but if freezing cannot be avoided, glycerol should be used to dilute feces.
A novel microbial agent reduces soil paclobutrazol residue, enhances enzyme activities and increases Ophiopogon japonicus production
Authors: Jiang Xiaojun , Wang Huadong , Huang Yi , Jin Hong , Ding Jianguo , Ma Lin , Zheng Lei 
Published: February 2025

Background
Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicus) is a versatile plant valued for its medicinal, food, and ornamental properties. Its cultivation often involves the excessive use of paclobutrazol, leading to a series of environmental and agricultural problems such as soil contamination, nutrient depletion, and safety risks. However, there is currently no effective solution.

Methods
Based on a novel microbial agent, Micrococcus yunnanensis strain HY001 (MYSH), field experiments were conducted in the main production area of O. japonicus. Soil paclobutrazol residue, soil enzyme activities, and the yield and dry matter ratio of O. japonicus were measured. Hierarchical partitioning (HP) was used to identify the relative importance of different variables, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was applied to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MYSH’s effects on soil health and crop production.

Results
MYSH significantly reduced soil paclobutrazol residue by 75.18% over five months, compared to a natural degradation rate of 50.72% over a year. Compared to the control group, the MYSH-treated group enhanced soil sucrase activity, soil urease activity, and soil alkaline phosphatase activity, with rates of 47.81%, 46.70%, and 216.66%, respectively. Additionally, MYSH improved O. japonicus productivity, with a 94.75% increase in yield and a 17.64% increase in dry matter ratio. HP revealed that MYSH was the primary factor affecting the yield and dry matter ratio of O. japonicus, with relative importance of 47.75% and 42.28%, respectively. The key mechanism was that MYSH degraded soil paclobutrazol residue, which in turn influenced soil sucrase activity, ultimately impacting the yield of O. japonicus (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the dual role of MYSH as both an environmental remediation agent and a crop productivity enhancer for the first time. By reducing paclobutrazol residue and enhancing soil health and crop production, MYSH shows great potential for broader application in sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the efficacy of microbial agents in addressing agrochemical contamination and promoting sustainable farming, providing a valuable contribution to the development of eco-friendly agricultural solutions.
Evaluation of a seed drill for barley and vetch sowing as a function of varying seeding ratios
Authors: Yazgi Arzu , Gunhan Tuncay , Kir Behcet , Demiroglu Topcu Gulcan , Aykas Erdem 
Published: February 2025

Objectives
The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a seed drill for seeding barley and vetch mixtures having different ratios and to determine their impact on plant emergence, yield and feed quality of component crops.

Methods
The laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the performance of the seeder using pure barley, common vetch, and their mixtures in ratios, namely 100:0, 0:100, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75. The seed flow and distribution uniformity across the rows were determined within laboratory conditions, while other response variables were assessed in the field conditions.

Results
The coefficient of variation values of flow evenness for barley and vetch were found to be 1.0–5.5% and 0.3–2.1%, respectively. Seed distribution uniformity of each row unit were also determined ranging from 4.2% to 10.7% and from 0.4% to 1.4% for barley and vetch, respectively. The goodness criteria values ranged between 66.4%–86.0% for the laboratory tests while the corresponding values had a range of 78%–86% for field samples. Based on the findings in this work, the overall ranges of variation factor values were 0.43–1.28 and 0.36–0.77 for laboratory and field evaluations, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum yield was 42,620 kg ha−1, whereas the minimum dry material ratio was 16.93% recorded for pure barley crop.

Conclusions
It appears that the results in this work demonstrated that the seed drill could have a great potential to be used effectively for the seeding of barley as well as vetch mixtures as a function of various ratios to enhance the overall yield of the crop.
Timing of Nitrogen Treatment in Maize (Zea mays L.) Produced in Punjab’s Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustept Soil being Evaluated
Authors: Behera Himanshu Sekhar , Kumar Raj 
Published: February 2025

Field experiments were performed at the Soil Science research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, during the kharif season of 2022 and 2023. This experiment primary goal was to understand, biomass and nitrogen uptake pattern of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in coarse loamy Typic Haplustept soil. The experiment farm is located at latitude at 31°14’30.5’’N and longitude 75°41'52.1” E. The field trial was conducted in randomized block design with three replications in non-saline alkaline soil. Their wore two treatments: the recommended dose of fertilizer N @ 125 kg ha-1, P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1, K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 was tested against the no fertilizer control. The PAU maize variety PMH-13 was sowing in kharif season of 2022 and 2023.The plant attribute data was collected at 3 days of interval starting after 23 days of sowing till maturity. Data on plant height, dry matter weight and total nitrogen was recorded for the plant sample after the plant achieved 3 leaves stage. The perusal of plant height data indicated for clear cut stages of maize growth at 42, 56, 65 and 89 days of sowing. However, the differences in growth stages are not clearly decipherable in dry weight in total nitrogen data. So, plant growth stage at 42 days is almost near to the knee-high stage and 65 days stage is near to the tasseling stage of the maize. These two stages match with the already recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer. Plant height data indicate two more growth stages of maize at 56 and 89 days. So, for improving maize productivity and increasing fertilizer urea efficiency it is suggested that nitrogen fertilizer dose should be further splits to four top dressing application. However further field trials in different agro-climatic reigns are necessary for any final recommendation to the farmer.
Kinetics of the Pectin Methylesterase Catalyzed De‐Esterification of Pectin in Frozen Food Model Systems
Authors: Terefe Netsanet Shiferaw , Hendrickx Marc 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe pectin methylesterase (PME) catalyzed de‐esterification of pectin was studied in four frozen food model systems based on sucrose, fructose, maltodextrin, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a temperature range from –24 to 20 °C, with the aim of elucidating the applicability of the theory of “food polymer science” on the kinetics. The rate substantially decreased around the glass transition temperature in the case of CMC, while very low rates were observed far above the glass transition temperature in the case of maltodextrin, fructose, and sucrose model systems. In general, the kinetics of this reaction was found to be influenced more by factors such as the characteristics of the component solutes, freeze concentration, the possible viscosity enhancement due to a particular combination of solutes, and the molecular size of the substrate molecule rather than the glass transition process. The Arrhenius equation described the temperature dependence of kinetics both in the liquid state of all the systems studied ( r2 ≥ 0.97) and the glassy state of CMC ( r2 = 0.95). A clear break in the Arrhenius plot was observed as the temperature decreased to subfreezing temperatures. The Arrhenius equation could describe the kinetics reasonably well in the rubbery state for fructose and sucrose model systems ( r2 > 0.992). In the case of maltodextrin and CMC, the Arrhenius plots showed a slight curvature followed by a break at the glass transition temperature for CMC. The WLF equation with system‐dependent coefficients better described the kinetics in the rubbery state of the CMC and part of the maltodextrin system. A linear relationship between the logarithm of the rate and T – Tg′ described the kinetics in the sucrose as well as fructose model systems ( r2 = 0.9928 and 0.993, respectively).
Bioreactor Strategies for the Treatment of Growth‐Inhibitory Waste: An Analysis of Thiodiglycol Degradation, the Main Hydrolysis Product of Sulfur Mustard
Authors: Lee Tsu‐shun , Pham Minh Q. , Weigand William A. , Harvey Steven P. , Bentley William E. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe microbial degradation of thiodiglycol, the primary hydrolysis product of sulfur mustard, by a pure culture of Alcaligenes xylosoxydans ssp. xylosoxydans (SH91) was accomplished in laboratory scale stirred tank reactors. This is a major component of the overall biodegradation process proposed for the complete mineralization of sulfur mustard. Several configurations were evaluated for degradation efficiency including batch, repeated batch, continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), and two‐stage series CSTR. The repeated batch reactor provided the highest degradation rate of thiodiglycol. Further, this method degraded thiodiglycol in the liquid broth to below the detection limits (0.03 mM). Both batch and repeated batch experiments were simulated by an unstructured mathematical model. Simulation results were in agreement with the experimental data, particularly at low TDG concentration (around 30 mM). This study demonstrates the degradation of thiodiglycol using bioreactors and, more generally, is an experimental study of bioreactor designs for the degradation of growth‐inhibitory substances.
Design of Affinity Tags for One‐Step Protein Purification from Immobilized Zinc Columns
Authors: Pasquinelli Richard S. , Shepherd Rex E. , Koepsel Richard R. , Zhao Adam , Ataai Mohammad M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAffinity tags are often used to accomplish recombinant protein purification using immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Success of the tag depends on the chelated metal used and the elution profile of the host cell proteins. Zn(II)‐iminodiacetic acid (Zn(II)‐IDA) may prove to be superior to either immobilized copper or nickel as a result of its relatively low binding affinity for cellular proteins. For example, almost all Escherichia coli proteins elute from Zn(II)‐IDA columns between pH 7.5 and 7.0 with very little cellular protein emerging at pH values lower than 7.0. Thus, a large portion of the Zn(II)‐IDA elution profile may be free of contaminant proteins, which can be exploited for one‐step purification of a target protein from raw cell extract. In this paper we have identified several fusion tags that can direct the elution of the target protein to the low background region of the Zn(II)‐IDA elution profile. These tags allow targeting of proteins to different regions of the elution profile, facilitating purification under mild conditions.
Lower limb ischaemia–reperfusion injury causes endotoxaemia and endogenous antiendotoxin antibody consumption but not bacterial translocation
Authors: Yassin M M I , Barros D'Sa A A B , Parks T G , Soong C V , Halliday M I , Mccaigue M D , Erwin P J , Rowlands B J 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
It has been suggested that reperfusion of the acutely ischaemic lower limb alters gut permeability. The effect of lower limb ischaemia–reperfusion on systemic endotoxin and antiendotoxin antibody concentrations and the incidence of bacterial translocation was investigated.

Methods
Systemic endotoxin and antiendotoxin antibody concentrations were measured in five groups of male Wistar rats: control, after 3 h of bilateral hind limb ischaemia alone, and after 3 h of bilateral hind limb ischaemia followed by 1, 2 or 3 h of reperfusion. A second experiment examined translocation of indigenous bacteria following 2 h of reperfusion in a similar model.

Results
Ischaemia followed by reperfusion for 1, 2 or 3 h caused a significant increase in plasma endotoxin concentration to mean(s.e.m.) 10·0(3·0), 44·8(19·2) and 20·2(6·2) pg/ml compared with that in control animals (2·58(0·91) pg/ml) or animals in the ischaemia alone group (1·2(0·9) pg/ml) (P &lt; 0·05). This was associated with a significant reduction in endogenous antiendotoxin antibody (immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM) concentration. No significant bacterial translocation was detected in any of the groups studied.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that a remote and isolated ischaemia–reperfusion injury to the lower limb, in the absence of infection or bacterial translocation, causes endotoxaemia. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of endogenous antiendotoxin antibodies in this situation.
Combining the strength–duration curve of the external anal sphincter with manometry for the assessment of faecal incontinence
Authors: Monk D N , Mills P , Jeacock J , Deakin M , Cowie A , Kiff E S 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
The strength–duration curve of a muscle is thought to be a measure of its innervation. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of the strength–duration curve of the external anal sphincter to discriminate between controls and patients with faecal incontinence.

Methods
Forty-three women with faecal incontinence due to sphincter weakness were studied together with 45 age-matched women with no disorders of defaecation. Strength–duration curves of the external anal sphincter and anorectal manometry were recorded for all subjects with the additional measurement of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency in the incontinent group.

Results
Logistic regression was performed using resting and voluntary squeeze pressures and current strengths at 28 different pulse durations to develop a predictive equation for incontinence. Only currents at 1 and 6 ms were significant predictors. When anorectal manometry data were included, only the current required to elicit contraction at 1 ms was necessary. The following regression equation can be applied to predict continence in this population with a sensitivity of 95 per cent and a specificity of 100 per cent: logit(P) = 4·1605 − (0·0559 × squeeze pressure) − (0·1755 × resting pressure) + 0·8622I1 ms. A negative value indicates continence.

Conclusion
The strength–duration curve, when used in conjunction with anorectal manometry, may have a role in the investigation of faecal incontinence.
Early ascorbic acid depletion is related to the severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Bonham M J D , Abu-Zidan F M , Simovic M O , Sluis K B , Wilkinson A , Winterbourn C C , Windsor J A 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an important endogenous antioxidant in plasma and has been shown to be decreased at the time of hospital admission in patients with acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma AA concentration continues to decrease after admission and whether the extent of decrease is related to the severity of pancreatitis.

Methods
Consecutive patients with mild (n = 62) and severe (n = 23) acute pancreatitis had plasma AA concentration measured on the day of recruitment and on days 2 and 5 by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results
The plasma AA concentration in patients with acute pancreatitis was significantly less than that in normal volunteers on days 0, 2 and 5 (P &lt; 0·0001) and this was more marked in those with severe disease. There was a decrease in plasma AA concentration from day 0 to day 2 in patients with mild (P &lt; 0·0001) and severe (P = 0·0005) pancreatitis, and from day 2 to day 5 in patients with severe pancreatitis (P = 0·023).

Conclusion
Endogenous plasma AA continues to decrease over the first 5 days in hospital and the extent is related to the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Presented to a meeting of the Australasian Surgical Research Society, Auckland, New Zealand, August 1995 and published in abstract form as Aust N Z J Surg 1996; 66: 243
Prevalence of aortic aneurysm in men with a history of inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Pleumeekers H J C M , de Gruijl A , Hofman A , van Beek A J , Hoes A W 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Population-based screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still a subject of debate. This study examined whether subjects with a history of inguinal hernia were at increased risk sufficient to justify screening.

Methods
The prevalence of AAA was documented in 156 men aged 55 years and older, discharged after inguinal hernia surgery, and compared with the prevalence in 1771 men without a history of inguinal hernia who were participating in a screening survey for AAA. The influence of age and smoking status was assessed.

Results
The prevalence of AAA in men with a history of inguinal hernia was 12·2 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 7·0–17·4) per cent and 3·7 (95 per cent c.i. 2·8–4·6) per cent in those without such a history; prevalence ratio 3·3 (95 per cent c.i. 2·0–5·3). In current smokers the prevalence of abdominal aneurysm was 4·2 (95 per cent c.i. 2·1–8·2) times higher in those with compared with those without a history of inguinal hernia. In non-smokers the prevalence ratio was 1·9 (95 per cent c.i. 0·5–7·0).

Conclusion
Men with a history of inguinal hernia are at increased risk of AAA, most notably if they are cigarette smokers. Ultrasonographic screening could be considered before operation for inguinal hernia.
Postoperative outcome and sites of recurrence in patients following curative resection of gastric cancer
Authors: Maehara Y , Hasuda S , Koga T , Tokunaga E , Kakeji Y , Sugimachi K 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Recurrence occurs in a variety of forms and in different organs after ‘curative resection’ of gastric cancer. This study investigated the postoperative prognosis for each type of recurrence.

Methods
From 1969 to 1988, 939 patients with gastric cancer underwent curative resection; data on 130 of 207 patients who died with recurrence were analysed. Attention was focused on the site of recurrence and the postoperative outcome.

Results
Haematogenous recurrence was evident in 54 per cent (70 of 130 patients), peritoneal recurrence in 43 per cent (56 of 130), lymph node recurrence in 12 per cent (16 of 130) and local recurrence in 22 per cent (29 of 130). Thirty-three patients (25 per cent) had recurrences at multiple sites. Peritoneal and local recurrences were related to infiltrative growth, in contrast to haematogenous and lymphatic recurrences. There were no statistical differences in survival time among each type of recurrence and survival was not related to the number of sites of recurrence. Survival did not depend on factors of sex, age, tumour location, tumour size, depth of invasion, tissue differentiation, histological growth pattern, lymphatic and vascular involvement, lymph node metastasis and extent of lymph node dissection.

Conclusion
The clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer determine the type of recurrence, although the clinical outcome is the same for each type of tumour and is not related to the number of sites of recurrence.
Relationship of carotenoid and vitamins A and E with the acute inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Curran F J M , Sattar N , Talwar D , Baxter J N , Imrie C W 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

Background
Inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be important in the development of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis. The fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and the carotenoids have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute pancreatitis on serum concentrations of vitamin antioxidants and to relate such changes to the degree of the inflammatory response.

Methods
Thirteen consecutive patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis were compared with 26 matched healthy controls. Five patients developed severe acute pancreatitis and three of these died. Vitamin antioxidant and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured daily for up to 7 days.

Results
Patients had significantly lower levels of antioxidants throughout the course of the study (P &lt; 0·017). In patients there was a significant correlation between peak CRP and trough antioxidant levels (P &lt; 0·01). In patients with mild acute pancreatitis, the concentrations of retinol and β-carotene at final review were significantly higher than those in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (P &lt; 0·05). This coincided with a reduction in CRP level.

Conclusion
In acute pancreatitis, circulating concentrations of vitamin antioxidants are reduced and are inversely related to the rise in CRP level.