bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and comparison of the bacterial community between complete intensive and extensive feeding patterns in pigs
Authors: Li Xin-Jian , Wang Mingyu , Xue Yahui , Duan Dongdong , Li Cong , Ye Jianwei , Han Xuelei , Qiao Ruimin , Wang Kejun , Li Xiu-Ling 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo investigate and compare the gut microbiota structures in complete intensive feeding pattern (CP) and extensive feeding pattern (EP) groups, a total of 20 pigs were divided into two groups and fed the same diet. The fecal microbial composition was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results showed that seventeen predominant genera were present in each pig sample and constituted the phylogenetic core of the microbiota at the class level. The abundance of most of the core microbial flora were significantly higher in the CP group than in the EP group (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria was significantly lower in the CP group than in the EP group (P < 0.05). The CP group had significantly greater community diversity, richness, and evenness than the EP group (P < 0.05). Functional prediction analysis indicated that intestinal microbial species potentially led to faster growth and an increased fat accumulation capacity in the CP group; however, disease resistance was weaker in the CP group than in the EP group. In conclusion, EP pigs have a wider range of activity and better animal welfare than CP pigs, which helps reduce the occurrence of diseases and neurological symptoms. To explore the effect of intestinal flora on disease resistance in pigs at the molecular level, Coprococcus, which is a key gut bacterium in the intestine, was selected for isolation and purification and cocultured with intestinal epithelial cells. qPCR was performed to determine the effect of Coprococcus on SLA-DRB gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that Coprococcus enhanced SLA-DRB gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results provide useful reference data for further study on the relationship between intestinal flora and pig disease resistance.
Food intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in rural Uganda
Authors: Holmager Therese L. F. , Meyrowitsch Dan W. , Bahendeka Silver , Nielsen Jannie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlong with a nutritional transition in Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing rapidly. We assess the association between food intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in a rural population in Uganda.MethodsThe present study was based on data from a household-based case-control study of diabetic and non-diabetic households in Southwestern Uganda, 2012–2013. We analysed food intake in 359 individuals age ≥ 13 years from 87 households, using a household food frequency questionnaire, and measures of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), height and weight. We used multinomial logistic regression to model abnormal HbA1c (≥5.7%) and weight status (underweight, normal weight and overweight) as an outcome of total food intake and by nine food groups. Results were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Models were adjusted for three nested sets of covariates.ResultsThe diet primarily consisted of staple food (cassava and plantain). High-Glycaemic Index staple food was the most consumed food group (median = 14 servings/week, p25-p75: 11–17). Milk, meat, fish and vegetables were the least consumed food groups (medians: 0–3 servings/week). Median intake of sugary food was 6 servings/week (p25-p75: 2–9). The OR of having abnormal HbA1c or being overweight increased with every weekly serving of food (1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04 and 1.01 95% CI: 1.00–1.03, respectively). Of specific food groups, each weekly serving of meat increased the OR of being overweight with 33% (95% CI: 1.08–1.64), and fruit intake decreased the OR of abnormal HbA1c (0.94, 95% CI: 0.88–1.00), though this latter association was attenuated after adjustment for weight status, aerobic capacity, and socioeconomic status.ConclusionDiet was monotonous, mainly consisting of cassava and plantain, and increasing food intake was associated with abnormal HbA1c and overweight. To prevent non-communicable diseases a diet with higher intake of fish and vegetables, and less sugary food is recommended.
Predictive factors of quality of life among medical students: results from a multicentric study
Authors: Miguel Alice de Queiroz Constantino , Tempski Patricia , Kobayasi Renata , Mayer Fernanda B. , Martins Milton A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Medical students have a worse perception of Quality of Life (QoL) and a high prevalence of psychosocial suffering when compared to the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate associated factors with Quality of Life of Brazilian medical students from an exploratory analysis in a cross-sectional study described in accordance with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional and multicenter study with national sample randomized by sex and year of the course. Data were collected between August 2011 and August 2012, using an electronic platform (VERAS platform). Our outcomes included: personal quality of life (QoLp) and quality of life related to medical course activities (QoLmc), both measured using a score ranging from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). Variables as predictors: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF); VERAS-Q (a questionnaire created to evaluate the QoL of students in health professions); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Resilience Scale (RS-14), Interpersonal Reactivity Multidimensional Scale (IRMS) and Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM).

Results
Our sample is comprised of 1350 (81.8%) medical students. When comparing predictors and both quality of life outcome measures, we found a negative correlation between QoL and the BDI, PSQI and ESS scores. Through a multiple linear regression mode we identified the median of significant predictors to higher QoL. We then run a tree regression model that demonstrated that the VERAS-Q—physical health domain (a domain assessing self-care, self-perception of health, sleep, leisure, physical activity and appearance) was the most important factor predicting QoL. Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 60.9 and a VERAS-Q-time management (address the management of the student's time, free time and whether he can dedicate himself to other activities besides the course) score ≥ 55.7 presented the best QoLmc (score: 8.08–9.63%). Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 79.7 presented the highest QoLp (score 8.93–8.74%).

Conclusion
Physical symptoms, self-perception of health and self-care assessed by the VERAS-Q physical domain had association with both final outcomes. Time management seems to have a protective role for better Quality of Life. These variables should be taken in consideration when designing interventions to improve Quality of Life among medical students.
The formation of formates: a review of metal formates on heritage objects
Authors: Eggert Gerhard , Fischer Andrea 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Metal formates sometimes occur as degradation products on heritage objects due to the use of wood products or other sources of formic acid and formaldehyde. They are often related to alkaline surfaces which transform formaldehyde directly into formate. The dominant role of formate on alkaline surfaces, for example in glass-induced metal corrosion (GIM) or calcium carbonate degradation, was explored in the Stuttgart research on rare heritage corrosion products. This review discusses these findings together with those from the literature: ocurrences of sodium and potassium formate on glass, calcium formate and calcium acetate-formate phases on calcareous materials, magnesium formate on Sorel cement and dolomitic sandstone, lead formate on metal and pigments, cadmium formate on coated objects, as well as various copper and zinc formates on copper alloys. In the latter cases, formates dominate as glass-induced metal corrosion products. The formation of formates constitutes irreversible damage, degrading the material of heritage objects. Therefore, preventive conservation needs to remove all sources of carbonyl pollutants in order to avoid such corrosion.
An alternative approach to dimension reduction for pareto distributed data: a case study
Authors: Roccetti Marco , Delnevo Giovanni , Casini Luca , Mirri Silvia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDeep learning models are tools for data analysis suitable for approximating (non-linear) relationships among variables for the best prediction of an outcome. While these models can be used to answer many important questions, their utility is still harshly criticized, being extremely challenging to identify which data descriptors are the most adequate to represent a given specific phenomenon of interest. With a recent experience in the development of a deep learning model designed to detect failures in mechanical water meter devices, we have learnt that a sensible deterioration of the prediction accuracy can occur if one tries to train a deep learning model by adding specific device descriptors, based on categorical data. This can happen because of an excessive increase in the dimensions of the data, with a correspondent loss of statistical significance. After several unsuccessful experiments conducted with alternative methodologies that either permit to reduce the data space dimensionality or employ more traditional machine learning algorithms, we changed the training strategy, reconsidering that categorical data, in the light of a Pareto analysis. In essence, we used those categorical descriptors, not as an input on which to train our deep learning model, but as a tool to give a new shape to the dataset, based on the Pareto rule. With this data adjustment, we trained a more performative deep learning model able to detect defective water meter devices with a prediction accuracy in the range 87–90%, even in the presence of categorical descriptors.
Clinical utility of FDG PET/CT for primary and recurrent papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hou Guozhu , Zhao Dachun , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhu Zhaohui , Huo Li , Li Fang , Cheng Wuying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the second most common subtype of RCC, after clear cell RCC. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of FDG PET/CT in primary and recurrent papillary RCC, and the role of staging FDG PET/CT in predicting survival.

Methods
A total of 66 patients with histopathologically confirmed papillary RCC who underwent either staging or restaging FDG PET/CT scans (30 had staging scans only, 28 had restaging scans only, 8 had both) were retrospectively included in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of restaging FDG PET/CT for detecting recurrence were assessed by histopathology and/or clinical follow-up as standard reference.

Results
Staging FDG PET/CT scans were performed in 38 patients, of which 31 (81.5%) showed FDG-positive primary renal lesions. The SUVmax of high-grade (WHO grade 3 and 4) papillary RCCs were significantly higher than that of low-grade (WHO grade 1 and 2) tumors (9.44 ± 6.18 vs 4.83 ± 3.19, P = 0.008). The SUVmax was not significantly different between type 1 and type 2 papillary RCCs (5.71 ± 2.88 vs. 6.99 ± 5.57, P = 0.563). Of the 38 patients, 12 developed disease progression during the follow-up period. Patients with primary tumor SUVmax> 5.85 were associated with significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those with tumor SUVmax≤5.85 (P = 0.005). Restaging FDG PET/CT scans were performed in 36 patients with suspected recurrent papillary RCCs. FDG PET/CT showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 72.7% for detecting recurrent disease. Comparison of PET/CT scans with CT/MRI imaging was available in 23 patients. FDG PET/CT revealed additional findings in 11 patients, mainly including lymph node and bone metastases. FDG PET/CT findings led to change in management in 5.3% (2/38) of patients in the staging setting and 16.7 (6/36) of patients in the restaging setting.

Conclusions
FDG PET/CT had a sensitivity of 81.5% for detecting primary papillary RCC, and tumor SUVmax derived from staging FDG PET/CT was a predictor of PFS. In the restaging process of papillary RCC, FDG PET/CT was very effective for detecting recurrent disease.
Head-to-head comparison of a Si-photomultiplier-based and a conventional photomultiplier-based PET-CT system
Authors: Oddstig Jenny , Brolin Gustav , Trägårdh Elin , Minarik David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
A novel generation of PET scanners based on silicon (Si)-photomultiplier (PM) technology has recently been introduced. Concurrently, there has been development of new reconstruction methods aimed at increasing the detectability of small lesions without increasing image noise. The combination of new detector technologies and new reconstruction algorithms has been found to increase image quality. However, it is unknown to what extent the demonstrated improvement of image quality is due to scanner hardware development or improved reconstruction algorithms. To isolate the contribution of the hardware, this study aimed to compare the ability to detect small hotspots in phantoms using the latest generation SiPM-based PET/CT scanner (GE Discovery MI) relative to conventional PM-based PET/CT scanner (GE Discovery 690), using identical reconstruction protocols.

Materials and methods
Two different phantoms (NEMA body and Jasczcak) with fillable spheres (31 μl to 26.5 ml) and varying sphere-to-background-ratios (SBR) were scanned in one bed position for 15–600 s on both scanners. The data were reconstructed using identical reconstruction parameters on both scanners.
The recovery-coefficient (RC), noise level, contrast (spherepeak/backgroundpeak-value), and detectability of each sphere were calculated and compared between the scanners at each acquisition time.

Results
The RC-curves for the NEMA phantom were near-identical for both scanners at SBR 10:1. For smaller spheres in the Jaszczak phantom, the contrast was 1.22 higher for the DMI scanner at SBR 15:1. The ratio decreased for lower SBR, with a ratio of 1.03 at SBR 3.85:1. Regarding the detectability of spheres, the sensitivity was 98% and 88% for the DMI and D690, respectively, for SBR 15:1. For SBR 7.5, the sensitivity was 75% and 83% for the DMI and D690, respectively. For SBR 3.85:1, the sensitivity was 43% and 30% for the DMI and D690, respectively.

Conclusion
Marginally higher contrast in small spheres was seen for the SiPM-based scanner but there was no significant difference in detectability between the scanners. It was difficult to detect differences between the scanners, suggesting that the SiPM-based detectors are not the primary reason for improved image quality.
Idiopathic superficial siderosis of the central nervous system
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Ebrahimi Parnia , Tafakhori Abbas , Taghiloo Aidin , Shafiee Sajad , Salimi Amir , Aghamollaii Vajiheh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Regardless of the cause of the superficial siderosis (SS) disease, which is bleeding, the source of bleeding cannot be found in some cases.

Case presentation
In this article, we report two cases with idiopathic SS. Case 1 presented with bilateral hearing loss, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and tremors. Case 2 presented with sensory neural hearing loss, ataxia, and spastic paraparesis. In both cases, brain MRI indicated evidence of SS. CT myelogram and SPECT with labeled RBC couldn’t help finding the source of occult bleeding.

Conclusion
SS is a rare central nervous system disease caused by the deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord, which results in the progression of neurological deficits. The cause of this hemorrhage is often subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracranial surgery, carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, nerve root avulsion, and dural abnormality. The condition progresses slowly and, by the time diagnosis is confirmed, the damage is often irreversible. In our cases, brain MRI clarified the definitive diagnosis, but we could not find the source of bleeding. SS should be considered in cases with ataxia and hearing loss, even if no source of bleeding is found.
Visual search behavior and performance in luggage screening: effects of time pressure, automation aid, and target expectancy
Authors: Rieger Tobias , Heilmann Lydia , Manzey Dietrich 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVisual inspection of luggage using X-ray technology at airports is a time-sensitive task that is often supported by automated systems to increase performance and reduce workload. The present study evaluated how time pressure and automation support influence visual search behavior and performance in a simulated luggage screening task. Moreover, we also investigated how target expectancy (i.e., targets appearing in a target-often location or not) influenced performance and visual search behavior. We used a paradigm where participants used the mouse to uncover a portion of the screen which allowed us to track how much of the stimulus participants uncovered prior to their decision. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high (5-s time per trial) or a low (10-s time per trial) time-pressure condition. In half of the trials, participants were supported by an automated diagnostic aid (85% reliability) in deciding whether a threat item was present. Moreover, within each half, in target-present trials, targets appeared in a predictable location (i.e., 70% of targets appeared in the same quadrant of the image) to investigate effects of target expectancy. The results revealed better detection performance with low time pressure and faster response times with high time pressure. There was an overall negative effect of automation support because the automation was only moderately reliable. Participants also uncovered a smaller amount of the stimulus under high time pressure in target-absent trials. Target expectancy of target location improved accuracy, speed, and the amount of uncovered space needed for the search.Significance Statement Luggage screening is a safety–critical real-world visual search task which often has to be done under time pressure. The present research found that time pressure compromises performance and increases the risk to miss critical items even with automation support. Moreover, even highly reliable automated support may not improve performance if it does not exceed the manual capabilities of the human screener. Lastly, the present research also showed that heuristic search strategies (e.g., areas where targets appear more often) seem to guide attention also in luggage screening.
Metabolomics of potential contenders conferring antioxidant property to varied polar and non-polar solvent extracts of Edgaria darjeelingensis C.B.Clarke
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Majumder Soumya , Ghosh Arindam , Saha Sumedha , Bhattacharya Malay 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The Himalaya hotspot, habitat to numerous indigenous species, harbours an endemic and endangered, cucurbit climber Herpetospermum darjeelingense (C.B.Clarke) H.Schaef. & S.S.Renner [Edgaria darjeelingensis C.B.Clarke]. Seeds of this plant have traditionally been used for ethno-veterinary treatment. The present probe aims to provide an insight into the antioxidant-related biochemical attributes of this phytochemically unexplored plant.

Results
DPPH scavenging activity of solvent extracts showed more potential towards the polar end with its maximum activity in methanolic extract (84.64%). Acetone extract showed more ferric reducing power than the ethanol fractions. Maximum flavonoid quantification was recorded in ethanol extract. GC–MS of methanolic extract detected 39 compounds of which 22 have preventive and curing properties for several ailments. Thirteen compounds were reported with antioxidant activity and cover an area of 63.92% among the total detected compounds by GC–MS. 1,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxy-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid; Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; ß sitosterol and Phytol are present in significant quantity and are the prime candidates conferring antioxidant potential. Chromatographically fractionalized methanol extract with non-polar to polar solvents and their subsequent DPPH scavenging analysis exhibited a major peak in ethanol fraction due to the presence of Phytol in considerable high quantity and some other compounds. Further sub-fractionation of ethanolic fraction provides a supportive evidence of ethanol solubility of the compounds. Biosynthetic lineage reveals fatty acid synthesis, intermediates of Shikimate pathway and terpenoid metabologenesis schemes lead to the several antioxidant molecules detected in our extract.

Conclusion
Metabolomics of antioxidants will provide a better understanding in its intracellular free radical quenching activity and isolation of these bioactive compounds can boost pharmaceutical industry.
Quercetin attenuates the reduction of parvalbumin in middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
Authors: Park Dong-Ju , Kang Ju-Bin , Shah Fawad-Ali , Koh Phil-Ok 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Calcium is a critical factor involved in modulation of essential cellular functions. Parvalbumin is a calcium buffering protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentrations. It prevents rises in calcium concentrations and inhibits apoptotic processes during ischemic injury. Quercetin exerts potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects during brain ischemia. We investigated whether quercetin can regulate parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 30 min prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cerebral cortical tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. We used various techniques including Western blot, reverse transcription-PCR, and immunohistochemical staining to elucidate the changes of parvalbumin expression.

Results
Quercetin ameliorated MCAO-induced neurological deficits and behavioral changes. Moreover, quercetin prevented MCAO-induced a decrease in parvalbumin expression.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that quercetin exerts a neuroprotective effect through regulation of parvalbumin expression.