bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nile Tilapia and Gilthead Seabream Dietary Self-Selection of Alternative Feeds with Spirulina and Quinoa
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo , Conceição Luís E.C. , Dias Jorge , Engrola Sofia , Vázquez Francisco J. Sánchez 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Classical assessments of new fish feeds are anthropocentric, focusing on growth. Although this methodology is accurate, it does not consider the fish’ perspective. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural responses and feed preferences of Nile tilapia - Oreochromis niloticus and gilthead seabream - Sparus aurata, in two self-selection trials (self-feeders and diet encapsulation). Using self-feeders, both species were offered three feeds: a control (PD) and two diets (ORG1 and ORG2) containing non-conventional ingredients, including spirulina (Spirulina platensis) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). Three groups of tilapia with an average weight of 163.0 g ± 4.3 g (mean ± SD) and four groups of seabreams with 174.7 g ± 27.0 g were tested. To investigate the role of olfactory factors in dietary selection, three other diets were encapsulated and offered to tilapia: Diet A, a purified feed, Diet B that contained predominantly spirulina and Diet C which had a mixture of spirulina and quinoa. Seven individual tilapia of 331.9 g ± 31.4 g were used. Using self-feeders, tilapia exhibited a preference for ORG2 (46.5%), which was influenced by the sensory properties of feeds and post-ingestion signals, as their choice for ORG2 persisted during diet encapsulation using Diet C, which was also formulated with quinoa and spirulina. Seabream did not show a preference for any feed. These findings highlight the effectiveness of self-selection experiments in allowing fish to express their feeding behaviour and preferences. Therefore, this approach should be considered in the initial screening and design of new aquaculture feeds and ingredients.
Cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and barrett's esophagus: evidence from meta-analysis and mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Huang Yu , Ma Yuchao , Chen Yingji , Zhu Qianjun , Feng Wei , Jin Longyu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy is associated with bile reflux and may potentially contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC); however, current observational studies yield inconsistent findings.
Methods
A search of literature until 3 November 2023 was done in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing correlations between cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy and GERD, BE, and EAC risk factors were conducted. Mendelian randomization (MR) was then employed to assess the causative impact of genetic pre-disposition for cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy on these esophageal diseases.
Results
The results of the Meta-analysis indicated that cholelithiasis was significantly linked to an elevated risk in the incidence of BE (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.37–2.29; p < 0.001) and cholecystectomy was a risk factor of GERD (OR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.09–1.72; p = 0.008). We observed significant genetic associations between cholelithiasis and both GERD (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11–1.32; p < 0.001), as well as a correlation between cholecystectomy and both GERD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19; p < 0.001). After adjusting for common risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and BMI in multivariate analysis, these variables still increase the risk of GERD and BE.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that patients with cholelithiasis, regardless of whether they have undergone cholecystectomy or not, should prioritize the prevention and management of esophageal disorders.
The Impact of Spinal Anesthesia on Cardiac Function in Euvolemic Vascular Surgery Patients: Insights from Echocardiography and Biomarkers
Authors: Gkoudi Georgia , Loutradis Charalambos , Tzimou Myrto , Katsioulis Christos , Nevras Vasileios , Pitoulias Apostolos , Argiriadou Helena , Efthimiadis Georgios , PItoulias Georgios 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Existing evidence of the effect of spinal anesthesia on cardiac systolic function is scarce and inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effects induced by a single injection of low-dose SA for elective vascular surgery on left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular systolic performance using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Design: A prospective study
Setting: Single-center study, university hospital
Participants: Adult patients undergoing elective vascular surgery with SA.
Interventions: During patients’ evaluations fluid administration was targeted using arterial waveform monitoring. All patients underwent TTE studies before and after SA for the assessment of indices reflective of LV and RV systolic function. Blood samples were drawn to measure troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
Measurements and Main Results: A total of 62 patients (88.7% males, 71.00±9.42 years) were included in the study. In total population, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly increased after SA 53.07% [16.51]vs 53.86% [13.28]; p<0.001). End-systolic volume (ESV, 69.50 [51.50] vs 65.00 [29.50] ml; p<0.001) decreased while SV insignificantly increased (70.51±16.70 vs 73.00±18.76 ml; p=0.131) during SA. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) remained unchanged (2.23 [0.56] vs 2.25 [0.69] mm; p=0.558). In patients with impaired compared to those with preserved LV systolic function, the changes evidenced in LVEF (7.49±4.15 vs 0.59±2.79; p<0.001), ESV (-18.13±18.20 vs-1.53±9.09; p<0.001) and SV (8.71±11.96 vs-1.43±11.89; p=0.002) were greater.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence that SA in euvolemic patients undergoing elective vascular surgery improved LV systolic function, while changes in RV systolic function are minimal.
Shear rheological behavior of clay: direct simple shear test and equivalent timeline concept-based model
Authors: Ge Chen , Jungao Zhu , Fulong Ma , Qixun Luo , Zhiwen Shen , tao Wang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Studying the shear rheological properties of clay is crucial for evaluating slope stability and preventing excessive displacement of roadbeds and retaining walls. In this study, a series of direct simple shear tests were conducted by a novel apparatus to investigate the shear rheological behavior of clay in western China. Test results reveal that both the shear strain-time curve and shear stress-strain curve can be well described by power functions, and the power of shear strain-time curve is independent of the shear stress level. Based on this finding, an empirical shear rheological equation under constant shear stress is built. By assuming the shear stress-strain curves as a series of parallel lines in a double logarithmic coordinate axis, shear equivalent timelines are proposed based on Yin Graham's equivalent timeline theory. The shear equivalent time is then introduced into the proposed empirical shear rheological equation, thereby an equivalent timeline shear rheological model considering the effect of consolidation pressure under varying shear stresses is derived. The shear rheological strains predicted by the model are shown to agree well with test data before clay failure.
Genetic diversity and allelic variability of pfmsp1 y pfmsp2 of P. falciparum and its association with syntomatology and antimalarial drugs resistance markers in Yambio county, South Sudan
Authors: Fuente Irene Molina - de la , Benito María José Sagrado , Gisbert Francisco Bartolomé , García Luz , González Vicenta , Benito Agustín , Chol Buai Tut , Julla Ahmed , Bakri Abubakr , Nanclares Carolina , Berzosa Pedro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria genetic diversity is an important indicator of malaria transmission. Pfmsp1 and pfmsp2are a frequent molecular epidemiology tool to assess the genetic diversity. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity and the description of multiplicity of infection (MOI) of P. falciparum in Yambio County, South Sudan. Additionally, it assesses the association of specific alleles or multiplicity of infection with antimalarial drugs resistance haplotypes and severity of infection, major challenges in malaria control strategies.
Methods
There were collected 446 malaria samples from patients in Yambio county. After P. falciparumconfirmation, pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 allelic families were genotyped. Frequencies of each alleles were described and multiplicity of infection was calculated. The association between MOI and complicated malaria was assessed using U-Mann Whitney test. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare MOI between collection sites, age groups and antimalarial resistance haplotypes.
Results
For pfmsp1, monomorphic K1 allele infection was predominant (37.0%) in every location and for pfmsp2 locus, monomorphic 3D7 was predominant (44.8%). 71.9% of samples were polyclonal infections (overall MOI = 1.96). The high diversity and polyclonal infections are associated with molecular markers of resistance, and high MOI has been related with a lower risk of severity of infections. There was not find evidence of association between a specific allele and an infection trait.
Conclusion
High genetic diversity and high level of polyclonal infections have been found in this study, confirming the general high transmission, and highlighting the need for control measures to be intensified in Yambio county, South Sudan.
Blood-Based CNS-Injury and Inflammation Biomarkers Sampled at Acute, Subacute, and Chronic phases After Mild TBI Demonstrate Diagnostic Utility For Patients With and Without Intracranial Injuries on Acute CT and MRI
Authors: Clarke Gerard Janez Brett , Skandsen Toril , Zetterberg Henrik , Follestad Turid , Vik Anne , Olsen Alexander , Blennow Kaj , Håberg Asta Kristine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Identifying individuals with intracranial injuries following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), i.e. complicated mTBI cases, is important for follow-up and prognostication. The aim of the current study was to identify the ability of single and multi-panel blood biomarkers of CNS injury and inflammation, from the acute to chronic phase after injury, to classify people with complicated mTBI on computer tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired within 72 hours.
Methods
Patients with mTBI (n = 207, 16–60 years), i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 13 and 15, loss of consciousness (LOC) < 30 min and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) < 24 hours, were included. Complicated mTBI was present in 8% (n = 16) based on CT (CT+) and 12% (n = 25) based on MRI (MRI+). Blood biomarkers were sampled at four timepoints following injury: admission (within 72 hours), 2 weeks (± 3 days), 3 months (± 2 weeks) and 12 months (± 1 month). CNS biomarkers included were GFAP, NFL and tau, along with a panel of 12 inflammation markers. Predictive models were generated with both single and multi-panel biomarkers and assessed using area under the curve analyses (AUCs).
Results
The most discriminative single biomarkers were GFAP at admission (CT+: AUC = 0.78; MRI+: AUC = 0.82) and NFL at 2 weeks (CT+: AUC = 0.81; MRI+: AUC = 0.89) and 3 months (MRI+: AUC = 0.86). MIP-1β and IP-10 concentrations were significantly lower at almost all timepoints in patients who were CT + and MRI+. Eotaxin and IL-9 were significantly lower in patients who were MRI + only. FGF-basic concentrations increased over time in patients who were MRI- and were significantly higher than patients MRI + at 3- and 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved discriminability at all timepoints (AUCs ≈ 0.90 of admission and 2-week models for CT + and AUC > 0.90 of admission, 2-week and 3-month models for MRI+).
Conclusions
The CNS biomarkers GFAP and NFL were useful diagnostic biomarkers of complicated mTBI in acute, subacute and chronic phases after mTBI. Several inflammation markers were significantly lower in patients with complicated mTBI, at all timepoints, and could discriminate between CT + and MRI + even after 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved diagnostic accuracy at all timepoints.
Molecular phylogeny and Secondary structure analysis of Hop Stunt Viroid (HSVd) associated with Mulberry (Morus alba) in India
Authors: Shilpa N , Sano Teruo , Naoi Takashi , R Janardhana G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), a small, single stranded, circular, non-coding infectious RNA known to cause infection in various economically important crop plants. In the present investigation, a study was conducted in the southern part of Karnataka districts of India to detect the possible association of HSVd infection in mulberry plants. A total of 41 mulberry plants showing typical viroid-like symptoms along with asymptomatic samples were collected and screened using conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using specific set of HSVd-Fw/ HSVd-Re primers. Out of 41 samples, the study confirmed the presence of HSVd in six samples of mulberry collected from Ramanagara (1 sample), Chikkaballapur (3 samples) and Doddaballapura (2 samples) regions with an expected HSVd amplicon size of 300 nucleotides. The mechanical transmission of HSVd was also confirmed on cucumber (cv. Suyo) seedlings through bioassay, which was reconfirmed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned, sequenced, and the representative nucleotide sequences were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Subsequently, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that HSVd mulberry isolates from this study were most closely related to grapevine isolates, indicating a common origin. On the other hand, it was shown to belong to a different group from mulberry isolates so far reported from Iran, Italy, Lebanon, and China. The secondary structure analysis of HSVd mulberry Indian isolates exhibited substitutions in the terminal left, pathogenicity, and variable regions comparing to those of the Indian grapevine isolates. As far as this study is concerned, HSVd was detected in some mulberry plants with viral-like symptoms, but the pathogenesis and symptom expression need to be further investigated to establish the relationship between HSVd and the disease symptoms in the mulberry plants.
Aerobic exercise alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy via attenuation of P2X4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Liu Zonghan , Yang Yangjun , Song Luchen , Ruan Xinyu , He Yuan , Zou Yong , Ding Shuzhe , Sun Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most prevalent diabetic complications associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. P2X purinergic receptors and NLRP3 inflammasome have been reported to be enriched in DCM hearts. They are regarded as partners in the crime of inflammation and inflammatory type of cell death, pyroptosis. Exercise is an effective nonpharmacological therapy for DCM though the involving mechanisms are ill-defined. The cardioprotective role of exercise may rely heavily on its anti-inflammatory effect. However, whether exercise modulates P2X and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and thus ameliorates DCM pathologies and pyroptosis needs to be clarified entirely. In this study, we found that P2X4/P2X7-NLRP3 is involved in the pathogenesis of DCM. Exercise serves a cardioprotective effect through the inhibition of the P2X4/ROS/NLRP3 signalling pathway. AICAR exerts an inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis by simultaneously targeting P2X4 and P2X7, showing an exercise mimic effect. Overall, we proposed novel insights into the therapeutic and preventive effects of early exercise intervention on DCM progress.
Expression and significance of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues
Authors: zhang Shiwei , qu yilin , ji hongliang , qin pan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: Expressions of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 in gastric cancer (GC) and adjoining tissues were analyzed for their importance in the occurrence and development of the GC.
Materials and Methods: Samples from GC and adjacent tissue of patients admitted to the Department of Surgery,XXX Hospital, China, from February 2018 to June 2021, were analyzed for the expression of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 using immunohistochemistry. The association of NDRG2 and degrees of differentiation in gastric cancer were analyzed.
Results: There were 41 GC patients in the study. The expression of NDRG2 was significantly lower (P<0.05), and the C-MYC and KI67 were higher (P<0.05) in GC versus adjacent tissues. NDRG2 expression varied significantly (P<0.05) according to the degree differentiation in GC. The expression of KI67 was positively correlated with C-MYC (rs=0.409, P<0.05).
Conclusions: There were significant differences in the expression of NDRG2 (low expression), and C-MYC, and KI67 (high expression) in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues. The degree of cancer differentiation was associated with expression of NDRG2 in GC tissue. NDRG2 expression was higher in para-carcinoma tissues and intestinal metaplasia glands.
Health-related quality of life in post-stroke patients attended at tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Islam Mohammad Jahirul , Ahmed Sohel , Kakuli Samena Akter , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , N Sharker Md. , Chakraborty Shishir Ranjan , Uddin Md Jamal , Kader Manzur 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Insufficient data on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of stroke survivors in less-resourced regions like Bangladesh emphasizes the need for understanding influencing factors. In this cross-sectional study, our objective was to assess potential factors associated with the HRQoL among stroke survivors in Bangladesh.
Methods: The study included 424 stroke survivors (65% male, mean age 57.25±12.13 years) undergoing rehabilitation at four tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh. The HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life Scale-5 Dimensions (EuroQol-5D), covering mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, along with a visual analog scale (VAS). Sociodemographic (e.g., age, marital status, education) and health-related factors (e.g., type and duration of stroke, co-morbidity) served as independent variables. Bivariate logistic regression was utilized to ascertain the estimated risk factors for HRQOL, presenting odds ratios (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjusting for potential confounders.
Results:
Most participants resided in rural areas (57.8%) and had primary education (67.7%). Stroke survivors had a mean EQ summary index of 0.393 ± 0.46 and a VAS score of 40.43 ± 18. A significant portion experienced a stroke within 1-3 months (66%), with 52.6% reporting left-side weakness. Study findings show high prevalence of challenges: 79.5% mobility issues, 81.1% dependence in self-care, 87% activity limitations, 70.8% bodily pain, and 84% anxiety or depression symptoms. Widowed or single stroke survivors face higher difficulties in mobility (Adjusted OR, AOR=1.24, 95% CI=0.35–4.45) and pain/discomfort (AOR=2.85, 95% CI=0.85–9.27) compared to married survivors. Stroke survivors without rehabilitation services experience significantly higher difficulty levels: almost thirty times more in mobility (AOR=29.37, 95% CI=8.85–97.50), nearly forty-four times more in self-care (AOR=43.21, 95% CI=10.02–186.41), forty-four times more in usual activities (AOR=43.47, 95% CI=5.88–321.65), almost five times more in pain/discomfort (AOR=4.35, 95% CI=2.45–7.71), and more than twenty times more in anxiety/depression compared to those receiving rehabilitation services.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the enhancement of HRQoL in post-stroke patients in Bangladesh necessitates targeted interventions, including family support, tobacco cessation, recurrent stroke prevention, and effective rehabilitation services. Longitudinal studies are recommended for further confirmation of these findings.
Classification of JPEG2000 Image Encryption Algorithms
Authors: Natsheh Sahar , Farajallah Mousa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Image encryption is different from text encryption; as a result of the bulk data capacity, high redundancy of image data, and the high correlation between the image pixels. Thus, traditional methods are difficult to be used for image encryption as their pseudo-random sequences have a small period without real modification, which causes a restriction in the security and en-cryption of the image.
Different types of JPEG2000 encryption techniques are addressed and discussed in secured and compressed (friendly) based aspects. Moreover, a study of JPEG2000 codec in terms of encryption is achieved in order to be a good tutorial for researchers who have experience in image or video without crypto and selective encryption expertise. Finally, it is also suitable for beginners in the field of image and video security with good expertise in the encryption field.
The importance and sensitive JPEG2000 codec structure is described in a manner that can help researchers to identify steps, requirements, and techniques that should be used to secure image and video content.
PACS: 0000, 1111 2000 MSC: 0000, 1111
Targeting Phosphatidyl-inositol-4-Phosphate-5-Kinase ameliorates hepatic cancer by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and autophagy mechanism and enhancing ROS-mediated apoptosis
Authors: A. Shantanu P. , Rajdev Bishal , Gangasani Jagadeesh Kumar , N.P. Syamprasad , Panda Samir Ranjan , Sarin S. K. , Tripathi Dinesh Mani , Andugulapati Sai Balaji , Naidu VGM 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatic cancer cells control Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and lipid kinases to grow. PIP5K, a lipid kinase, modulates the proliferation and Autophagy; however, its role remains HCC progression is uncertain. This study examined the involvement of PIP5K in ROS-dependent autophagy-Nrf2 antioxidant pathways using α- and β-specific isoform inhibitors (ISA201IB and IITZ01) and discovered NG-TZ-17 and 20 as inhibitors under lead optimization from IITZ01.
Methods
PIP5K and its relationship with the ROS-Autophagy-Nrf2 axis were examined using western blotting and IHC in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue samples (n = 36) and hepatic cancer cell panels. To determine the role of PIP5K in ROS-mediated apoptosis, HepG2 cells (PIP5K highly expressed cancer cells) were treated with different amounts of H2O2 with and without PIP5K inhibitors and compared to a standard autophagy inhibitor. To support in vitro cell-based data, PIP5K inhibitors (IITZ01, 60 mg/kg and NG-TZ-17, 50 mg/kg) were orally administered for 10 days in a GFP-HepG2-induced hepatic cancer model in SCID mice. Animal imaging, tumor regression, survival, and protein expression in the isolated tumors were monitored.
Results
PIP5K isoforms, Beclin-1, and Nrf2 increased with HCC grade. Autophagy boosted the expression of PIP5K isoforms, Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2, preventing peroxide-induced apoptosis. Under these conditions, PIP5K inhibitors increase ROS-mediated apoptosis by downregulating proliferation, autophagy, and Nrf2, indicating that PIP5K controls cellular proliferation, autophagy, and ROS-mediated apoptosis. In vivo research showed that PIP5K inhibitors (NG-TZ-17 and IITZ01) dramatically reduced the tumor burden in HepG2-xenograft SCID mice, comparable to sorafenib.
Conclusion
PIP5K isoforms induced hepatic cancer cell proliferation in response to ROS. Inhibition of PIP5K isoforms sensitizes hepatic cancer cells to ROS-mediated apoptosis by decreasing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis, autophagy, and Nrf2.