bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia Coli F4
Authors: Raymundo Djeison Lutier , Borges Paula Caixeta , Barbosa Kassia , Utiumi Kiyoko Uemura , Varaschin Mary , Leal Diego , Junior Sudário Silva Junior Roberto Silva , Resende Maíra , Barbosa Jessica Aparecida , Cantarelli Vinícius de Souza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of supplementing yeast mannan-reach-fraction on growth performance, jejunal morphology and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with E. Coli F4. A total of 20 crossbred piglets were used. At weaning, piglets were assigned at random to one of four groups: piglets challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (C-MRF, n = 5); piglets challenged and fed the basal diet (C-BD, n = 5); piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (NC-MRF, n = 5), and piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet (NC-BD). Each dietary treatment had five replicates. On days 4, 5 and 10, piglets were orally challenged with 108 CFU/mL of E. Coli F4. C-MRF piglets had higher BW (p = 0.002; interactive effect) than C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.02; interactive effect) ADG in comparison with C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.04; interactive effect) ADFI than C-BD piglets. The diameter of lymphoid follicles was larger (p = 0.010; interactive effect) in the tonsils of C-MRF piglets than C-BD piglets. Lymphoid cells proliferation was greater in the mesenteric lymphnodes and ileum (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) of C-MRF piglets. A reduction (p > 0.05) in E. Coli adherence in the ileum of piglets fed MRF was observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation was effective in protecting weaned piglets against E. Coli F4 challenge.
Granular Mesoporous Carbon Using Soft Template as a Support for Synthesis of HDS Catalyst
Authors: soleymani maryam , Karimzadeh Ramin , Rashidi Alimorad , eslamimanesh ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This research aims to synthesize a novel granular mesoporous activated carbon (AC). The produced carbon is utilized as a support for synthesis of a catalyst of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process of a heavy naphtha sample. The novel AC benefits from a high mechanical strength despite its mesoporous structure originating from removing the existing defects.
Methods
A combination of binders with soft template is applied on the carbon to enhance its mechanical strength and establish its mesoporous structure. Also, effects of acid modification to the binder on the mechanical properties and surface characteristics of AC are investigated. Also, a Fe-Mo catalyst is synthesized on the prepared and commercial AC, and is tested for HDS process.
Significant findings
Accordingly, the results show that the average pore size and specific surface area of AC are increased significantly. Also, results showed that use of a combination of the cellulosic binder and the organic acid leads to the creation of a mesoporous structure in carbon with an average pore size of 5.6 nm, while inorganic acid creates micropore structure. The results indicate that sulfur conversion of feed at atmospheric pressure, using the prepared catalyst, is 80% while the synthetic catalyst on commercial AC-support brings 66% conversion.
Dimorphic regulation of the MafB gene by sex steroids in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Ramos Luis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies pertaining to MafB expression in the HG are scant. Here, I cloned and sequenced the full-length cDNA of the MafB gene in adult hamsters.
Results
Molecular characterization revealed that MafB encodes a protein containing 323 amino acids with a DNA-binding domain, a transactivation domain, and a leucine zipper domain. Bioinformatic analysis of the hamster MafB sequence demonstrated 98% consistency with the mammalian group, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays indicated that MafB was expressed in different tissues of both sexes. The highest expression levels in endocrine tissues were identified in the pancreas. Gonadectomy in male hamsters was correlated with significantly higher mRNA levels in the HG; replacement with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) restored mRNA expression. The HG in male hamsters contained two-fold more MafB mRNA than the HG of female hamsters. Adrenals revealed similar mRNA expression levels during the estrous cycle. The estrous phase was correlated with higher mRNA levels in the ovary. Significantly up-regulated expression and sexual dimorphism of MafB was found in the pancreas.
Conclusions
MafB in the HG may play an active role in the macrophage differentiation required for phagocytosis activity and intraocular repair. Additionally, sex steroids appear to strongly influence the HG and MafB in the pancreas.
Detection of reproductive interference between closely related Salvia species with small-scale separated distributions by multifaceted pollination and molecular analyses
Authors: Nishida Sachiko , Takano Atsuko , Suyama Yoshihisa , Kakishima Satoshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Reproductive interference, an interspecific interaction in reproductive process that exerts an adverse effect, has gained attention as a contributing factor to promoting exclusive distributions between related closely species. However, detailed studies on the possibility of reproductive interference between native plants are still wanting, presumably because strong reproductive interference can rapidly realize exclusive distributions, leaving the two species apparently independent. Salvia japonica and S. lutescens are found in separate localities at small scale, although their distributions overlap at large scale. We investigated the possibility of reproductive interference between them through field surveys, hand-pollination experiments, evaluation of hybrid fertility, cpDNA and nrDNA genotyping, and genome-wide DNA analysis. The field survey results did not reveal apparent negative interaction in competition for pollinator services. Mixed pollination with conspecific pollen and counterpart pollen reduced seed set in S. japonica, and hybrid progeny produced by mixed pollination were one-fifth or less as fertile compared to the pure species. The DNA genotyping results suggested the possibility of hybridization where their distributions overlap, and the genome-wide DNA analysis results showed clear genetic differentiation between the two species as well as the existence of hybrids. These results suggest that bi-directional reproductive interference between S. japonica and S. lutescens may have led to their present separated distributions at small scale.
Performance Analysis of Brain Tumor Classification on MRI images using Pretrained Deep Learning Models
Authors: V Manjunath R , N Yashaswini Gowda , M Manu H , Lutimath Nagaraj M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
To enhance patient longevity and accurately diagnose life-threatening diseases like brain tumors, the initial step of tumor classification holds immense importance. Medical imaging technologies are instrumental in identifying pathological conditions within the brain, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) being widely preferred due to its superior image value and non-ionizing radiation properties. The integration of deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, has significantly propelled the advancement of brain tumor detection from MRI scans, resulting in enhanced prediction rates. Among the various deep learning algorithms, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is extensively employed for brain tumor analysis and classification. In this study, we conduct a comparative performance analysis of transfer learning-based CNN models, specifically ResNet-177 and Inception-v3, for the automatic prediction of tumor cells within the brain. The pretrained models are trained and validated using a dataset consisting of 900 images and subsequently evaluated on a separate MRI brain dataset comprising 180 images. Our research primarily focuses on leveraging the ResNet-177 and Inception v3 pretrained CNN model to accurately classify the brain tumors, and the model's performance is assessed based on metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F measure. The outcomes of our study demonstrate that the Inception v3 pre-trained model exhibits highly accurate results, showcasing improved accuracy rates, sensitivity, specificity, and f measure, thereby indicating its efficiency in brain tumor classification.
Graph convolutional neural networks in genetic algorithms for constrained optimization
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Yun Yeboon , Yoon Min 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
For constrained optimization, penalty function methods take constraint violations into account when evaluating solutions and are one of the most popular constraint handling techniques. However, the disadvantage of the penalty function is that it requires adjustment of some parameters, such as the penalty factor. To alleviate this burden of adjustment, this study proposes a self-adaptive penalty function using a graph convolutional neural network. The proposed idea considers the probability that a solution does not meet or violates constraints and is applied to suitability assessment to find solutions by genetic algorithms. Through simulation and comparison of several benchmark problems, we show that the proposed method shows good performance in that it stably finds a good solution even with a small number of function evaluations.
Elastic-Plastic Wave Propagation in Phononic Crystals
Authors: Dorgant Greg , DeLima Washingto , Leamy Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We investigate the propagation of plastic waves in a periodic, one-dimensional acoustic material (i.e., phononic crystal). The fundamentals of elastic and plastic wave propagation in constant cross-section, one-dimensional rods are first developed using the method of characteristics. We then utilize a semi-analytical (SA) procedure, based on the method of characteristics, to predict the propagation of plastic waves in periodic, variable cross-section rods. The SA procedure is validated using time-domain finite element simulations for both elastic and elastic-plastic waves. Subsequently, we pose a phononic crystal with a dogbone-like unit cell geometry, analyze its elastic band structure, and then predict its performance at elastic and plastic amplitudes using the developed semi-analytical procedure. We pay particular attention to bandgap effects, a well-known characteristic of phononic crystals, and study the effect elastic bandgaps have on plastic wave propagation and associated residual strains. The study lays the groundwork for investigation of pulse shaping in plastic phononic crystals, a subject of interest for applications related to split Hopkinson bar testing.
Age and growth of the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier (Péron &amp; Lesueur, 1822) from the equatorial South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Silva Francisco Marcante Santana da , Lessa Rosangela , Afonso André , Hazin Fábio , Barreto Rodrigo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Age and growth in the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, were estimated from vertebral analysis of specimens collected in Brazil. A total of 221 sharks (82 to 426.3 cm total length - LT) were measured, and among these sharks, vertebrae were collected from 67 individuals, and more 9 of embryos (68 - 77 cm LT) were added to total sample for analysis. Monthly mean marginal increment and the frequency of opaque rings in the edge of vertebrae did not allow the observation of periodicity; nonetheless, growth bands were considered to be annual. No significant differences in size, age or growth were found between sexes. Based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the von Bertalanffy model was the most adequate to describe the growth of G. cuvier. The estimated parameters for both sexes were: L∞ = 401.2 cm LT, k = 0.255 year-1 and t0 = -1.08 years. The age of sampled individuals ranged between 0 and 13.5 years, with sexual maturation being estimated at 310 cm LT or 4.7 years. Overall, the species exhibited rapid growth, particularly during the juvenile stage. Differences in sizes and ages were found in specimens suggesting an ontogenetic habitat shift from coastal to oceanic waters.
Bringing the Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing to Canada: A survey of caregiver and clinician perspectives
Authors: Costigan F. Aileen , Chau Tom , Geytenbeek Johanna , Stadskleiv Kristine , Batorowicz Beata , Hopmans Sarah , McCauley Dayle , Grahovac Danijela , Agnew Brenda , Friesen Jodi , Cunningham BJ 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of language comprehension is crucial to positive outcomes for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and limited functional speech (LFS). This study describes Canadian caregivers’ and clinicians’ language comprehension assessment experiences and needs when working with these children prior to soliciting feedback on the Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT-CAN), a new validated standardized assessment tool, to support its implementation in Canada.
Materials and Methods: We conducted an environmental scan using surveys codesigned by the research team, including rehabilitation professionals, and families with lived experiences. Surveys collected quantitative and qualitative data from 22 caregivers of and 39 clinicians who provided services to children with CP and LFS.
Results: Most caregivers (n = 17; 77%) and clinicians (n= 26; 72%) had experienced language comprehension assessment. Experienced caregivers and clinicians highlighted the importance of accurate language comprehension assessment but had limited confidence in current practices that typically rely on informal tools (i.e., clinical observation, caregiver interview, informal questions) (n= 25-26; 96 – 100 %). Qualitative comments identified a need for population specific test/testing procedures and/or associated normative data. Participants identified that the C-BiLLT-CAN would have a significant impact on children with CP and LFS, with most clinicians (n = 15; 71%) anticipating at least a moderate effect on practice. Perceived benefits of the C-BiLLT-CAN included improved interaction with, participation for, and understanding of the abilities of these children; improved services including better language comprehension assessment procedures and results; and improved interventions and outcomes for these children and their families. Participants indicated that currently available response methods could be improved by including joystick, contact access, orofacial access, brain-computer interface, and vocalization and/or humming based access and by supporting visual and auditory access modifications to promote customization to the needs of individual children.
Conclusions: The C-BiLLT-CAN could fill a critical gap in services available to Canadian children with CP and LFS. Caregivers and clinicians recognized the importance and potential benefits of a reliable standardized language comprehension assessment for this population but indicated the need for additional response methods and features to support access and implementation in Canada.
Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation of Lycium species in China based on the chloroplast genomes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Erdong , Wei Yuqing , Zheng Guoqi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Lycium is an economically and ecologically important genus of shrubs, consisting of approximately 70 species distributed worldwide, 15 of which are located in China. Despite the economic and ecological importance of Lycium, its phylogeny, interspecific relationships, and evolutionary history remain relatively unknown. In this study, we constructed a phylogeny and estimated divergence time based on the chloroplast genomes (CPGs) of 15 species, including subspecies, of the genus Lyciumfrom China.
Results: We sequenced and annotated 15 CPGs in this study. Comparative analysis of these genomes from these Lycium species revealed a typical quadripartite structure, with a total sequence length ranging from 154,890 to 155,677 base pairs (bp). The CPGs was highly conserved and moderately differentiated. Through annotation, we identified a total of 128–132 genes. Analysis of the boundaries of inverted repeat (IR) regions showed consistent positioning: the junctions of the IRb/LSC region were located in rps19 in all Lycium species, IRb/SSC between the ycf1 and ndhF genes, and SSC/IRa within the ycf1 gene. Sequence variation in the SSC region exceeded that in the IR region. We did not detect major expansions or contractions in the IR region or rearrangements or insertions in the CPGs of the 15 Lycium species. Comparative analyses revealed five hotspot regions in the CPG: trnR(UCU), atpF-atpH, ycf3-trnS(GGA), trnS(GGA), and trnL-UAG, which could potentially serve as molecular markers. In addition, phylogenetic tree construction based on the CPG indicated that the 15 Lycium species formed a monophyletic group and were divided into two typical subbranches and three minor branches. Molecular dating suggested that Lycium diverged from its sister genus approximately 17.7 million years ago (Mya) and species diversification within the Lycium species of China primarily occurred during the recent Pliocene epoch.
Conclusion: The divergence time estimation presented in this study will facilitate future research on Lycium, aid in species differentiation, and facilitate diverse investigations into this economically and ecologically important genus.
Correlation of Levator Palpebrae Superioris and Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Kim Eun Chul , So Ha-Rim , Kim Sung Eun , Yang Suk-Woo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of levator palpebrae superioris in patients with dry eye disease.
Methods: 168 eyes of 84 patients (group 1= levator function ≤9 mm, 78 eyes; group 2= levator function >9 mm, 90 eyes) who have been diagnosed with ptosis were retrospectively enrolled. Levator function test, Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI), Schirmer I test, noninvasive tear break up time (NItBUT), corneal staining score, meibography, meibum quality and expressibility scores, tear meniscus height, and partial blinking rate (PBR) were examined.
Results: PBR and NItBUT in group 2 (9.29 ± 4.01 and 4.76 ± 2.39, respectively) were significantly worse than those in group 1 (5.88 ± 3.99 and 5.78 ± 2.94, respectively) (P<0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation between levator function and partial blinking rate (R=0.4114, P=0.0002). Meibum expressibility and lipid thickness in group 2 (0.48 ± 0.70 and 1.12 ± 0.33, respectively) were significantly better than those in group 1 (1.29 ± 0.65 and 1.39 ± 0.45, respectively) (P<0.05) (Figure 3). There was a significantly negative correlation between levator function and meibum expressibility grade (R=0.4114, P=0.0002) (Figure 2).
Conclusion: The eyes with good levator function showed shorter tear break-up time due to a higher partial blinking rate, but showed better lipid thickness due to better meibum expressibility compared with the eyes with fair levator function.
Bilateral visual impairment in a middle-aged female after bariatric surgery, A case report
Authors: Wang Da-Hu , Pan Chen-Hui , Liu Xin-Quan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Nutritional optic neuropathy (NON) is a rare eye disease, similar to toxic optic neuropathy and hereditary optic neuropathy, meaning that it is easily misdiagnosed at early-stage. This report described a rare case of optic neuropathy due to nutritional deficiency following bariatric surgery.
Case presentation: A 44-year-old female patient presented to our department complaining for blurred vision in the left eye for 2 years, accompanied by blurred vision in the right eye for 6 months, who performed bariatric surgery in 2007. Upon examination, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 17 mmHg in the right eye and 16 mmHg in the left eye. Anterior segment examination of both eyes was unremarkable, and a intraocular lens (IOL) was observed with a left relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Color fundus photography showed the optic disc structure of both eyes was basically normal. However, the OCT-macula showed diffuse thinning of the ganglion cell layer. Visual field testing demonstrated a noticeable central scotoma in both eyes. Laboratory findings included abnormal blood potassium, vitamin D2, vitamin D3, and vitamin B7. Other parameterssuch as vitamin B12 and folate showed basical normalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of brain and orbits revealed no apparent abnormalities. In addition, visual evoked potentials of both eyes was basically normal. The medical history included nutritional disorders, anaemia and electrolyte disturbance, and her BMI was 16.0 kg/m²at present. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis of NON was made. After 6 weeks of treatment with nutrition supplements, the BCVA was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye, and the central scotoma in both eyes also improved significantly.
Conclusions: NON was a rare eye disease in clinical practice, but the medical history along with systemic and fundus examinations could help establish the diagnosis. Timely treatment is crucial for maximizing visual outcomes.
A Mn 3 O 4 -based antioxidant nanoplatform loaded with Tacrolimus to ameliorate chronic kidney disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Qin , Nie Xuedan , Song Yifan , Chen Liting , Zhu He , Zhang Xueli , Yang Mengru , Xu Xiaohui , Chen Peidan , Zhang Chao , Xu Jia , Ren Yeping , Shang Wenting 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases in the world and an important public health problem that endangers human health. Its pathogenesis is related to the accumulation of excessive ROS in cells. In this study, an ultra-small nanopreparations (NPs) called C-Mn3O4@Tac was provided, which is prepared using citric acid-functionalized Mn3O4 NPs loaded with tacrolimus. This innovative formulation design takes advantage of the ROS clearance ability of Mn3O4 NPs that mimics enzymatic activity in a dark environment and the immunosuppressive capacity of tacrolimus, and enables targeted accumulation in the renal region and sustained drug release through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. It not only avoids the side effects caused by high-dose drugs or sudden release, but also prolongs the dosing cycle and improves the efficacy to a certain extent. C-Mn3O4@Tac protects the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria from oxidative damage, removes excess ROS in cells to maintain cellular redox homeostasis, inhibits the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines to restore kidney function and maintain normal kidney structure by reducing inflammation and regulating antioxidant stress pathways. This unique working mechanism of ultra-small redox nano-platform with the ability to reduce inflammation and regulate antioxidative stress provides a potentially more effective treatment for CKD patients. This two-pronged treatment strategy also provides new strategies for the treatment of CKD and demonstrates its great potential for clinical translational application.