bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host genetics and gut microbiota jointly regulate blood biochemical indicators in chickens
Authors: Jiang Xinwei , Zhang Boxuan , Lan Fangren , Zhong Conghao , Jin Jiaming , Li Xiaochang , Zhou Qianqian , Li Junying , Yang Ning , Wen Chaoliang , Sun Congjiao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Blood biochemical indicators play a crucial role in assessing an individual’s overall health status and metabolic function. In this study, we measured five blood biochemical indicators, including total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH), and blood glucose (BG), as well as 19 growth traits of 206 male chickens. By integrating host whole-genome information and 16S rRNA sequencing of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and feces microbiota, we assessed the contributions of host genetics and gut microbiota to blood biochemical indicators and their interrelationships. Our results demonstrated significant negative phenotypic and genetic correlations (r =  − 0.20 ~  − 0.67) between CHOL and LDL-CH with growth traits such as body weight, abdominal fat content, muscle content, and shin circumference. The results of heritability and microbiability indicated that blood biochemical indicators were jointly regulated by host genetics and gut microbiota. Notably, the heritability of HDL-CH was estimated to be 0.24, while the jejunal microbiability for BG and TG reached 0.45 and 0.23. Furthermore, by conducting genome-wide association study (GWAS) with the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), insertion/deletion (indels), and structural variation (SV), we identified RAP2C, member of the RAS oncogene family (RAP2C), dedicator of cytokinesis 11 (DOCK11), neurotensin (NTS) and BOP1 ribosomal biogenesis factor (BOP1) as regulators of HDL-CH, and glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 5 (GDPD5), dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DHDH), and potassium voltage-gated channel interacting protein 1 (KCNIP1) as candidate genes of BG. Moreover, our findings suggest that cecal RF39 and Clostridia_UCG_014 may be linked to the regulation of CHOL, and jejunal Streptococcaceae may be involved in the regulation of TG. Additionally, microbial GWAS results indicated that the presence of gut microbiota was under host genetic regulation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex interaction between host genetics and microbiota in shaping the blood biochemical profile of chickens.

Key points
• Multiple candidate genes were identified for the regulation of CHOL, HDL-CH, and BG.
• RF39, Clostridia_UCG_014, and Streptococcaceae were implicated in CHOL and TG modulation.
• The composition of gut microbiota is influenced by host genetics.
Laparoscopic rectal cancer resection yields comparable clinical and oncological results with shorter hospital stay compared to open access: a 5-year national cohort
Authors: Myrseth Elisabeth , Gjessing Petter Fosse , Nymo Linn Såve , Kørner Hartwig , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Norderval Stig 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Although widely applied, the results following laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) compared to open rectal resection (ORR) are still debated. The aim of this study was to assess clinical short- and long-term results as well as oncological resection quality following LRR or ORR for cancer in a 5-year national cohort.

Methods
Data from the Norwegian Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery and the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry were retrieved from January 2014 to December 2018 for patients who underwent elective resection for rectal cancer. Primary end point was 5-year overall survival. Secondary end points were local recurrence rates within 5 years, oncological resection quality, and short-term outcome measures.

Results
A total of 1796 patients were included, of whom 1284 had undergone LRR and 512 ORR. There was no difference in 5-year survival rates between the groups after adjusting for relevant covariates with Cox regression analyses. Crude 5-year survival was 77.1% following LRR compared to 74.8% following ORR (p = 0.015). The 5-year local recurrence rates were 3.1% following LRR and 4.1% following ORR (p = 0.249). Length of hospital stay was median 8.0 days (quartiles 7.0–13.0) after ORR compared to 6.0 (quartiles 4.0–8.0) days after LRR. After adjusting for relevant covariates, estimated additional length of stay after ORR was 3.1 days (p < 0.001, 95% CI 2.3–3.9). Rates of positive resection margins and number of harvested lymph nodes were similar. There were no other significant differences in short-term outcomes between the groups.

Conclusion
LRR was performed with clinical and oncological outcomes similar to ORR, but with shorter hospital stay.
Protein intake and body weight, fat mass and waist circumference: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline on protein intake of the German Nutrition Society
Authors: Ellinger Sabine , Amini Anna M. , Haardt Julia , Lehmann Andreas , Schmidt Annemarie , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. , Buyken Anette E. , Kroke Anja , Kühn Tilman , Louis Sandrine , Lorkowski Stefan , Nimptsch Katharina , Schulze Matthias B. , Schwingshackl Lukas , Siener Roswitha , Stangl Gabriele I. , Volkert Dorothee , Zittermann Armin , Watzl Bernhard , Egert Sarah ,   the German Nutrition Society
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This umbrella review aimed to assess whether dietary protein intake with regard to quantitative (higher vs. lower dietary protein intake) and qualitative considerations (total, plant-based or animal-based protein intake) affects body weight (BW), fat mass (FM) and waist circumference (WC).

Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews (SRs) with and without meta-analyses of prospective studies published between 04 October 2007 and 04 January 2022. Methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of evidence of the retrieved SRs were assessed by using AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively, in order to rate the overall certainty of evidence using predefined criteria.

Results
Thirty-three SRs were included in this umbrella review; 29 were based on randomised controlled trials, a few included cohort studies. In studies without energy restriction, a high-protein diet did not modulate BW, FM and WC in adults in general (all “possible” evidence); for older adults, overall certainty of evidence was “insufficient” for all parameters. Under hypoenergetic diets, a high-protein diet mostly decreased BW and FM, but evidence was “insufficient” due to low methodological quality. Evidence regarding an influence of the protein type on BW, FM and WC was “insufficient”.

Conclusion
“Possible” evidence exists that the amount of protein does not affect BW, FM and WC in adults under isoenergetic conditions. Its impact on the reduction in BW and FM under hypoenergetic conditions remains unclear; evidence for an influence of protein type on BW, FM and WC is “insufficient”.
Concerns raised by people treated for head and neck cancer: a secondary analysis of audiotaped consultations in a health services follow-up clinic
Authors: Dicks Corrie , Rogers Simon N. , Kanatas Anastasios , Lowe Derek , McHale Calum , Humphris Gerry 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
People treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) face various barriers in communicating concerns with consultants. Our aim was to investigate the number of concerns raised between patients using the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) and those who did not. The PCI is a 57-item prompt list used in routine HNC follow-up clinics. Additionally, we aimed to examine whether who initiated the concerns differed between groups and the factors that may predict this initiation.

Methods
Secondary data analysis included 67 participants across 15 HNC consultants from specialist cancer centres in Liverpool and Leeds. Seven consultants utilised the PCI and eight did not, assigned by preferential and random assignment.

Results
Patients in the PCI group raised on average 2.5 more concerns than patients in the non-PCI group (p < .001). There was no significant relationship between group and who initiated the first concern (p = .28). A mixed-effects logistic regression was found to significantly predict who initiated the first concern in consultations (p < .05).

Discussion
The number of concerns raised by patients increased when the PCI was introduced pre-HNC consultation. A number of factors were shown to predict the number of concerns raised in consultations by both patient and consultant. As concerns may not be raised further following the concern mentioned, we propose that the discussion of concerns needs to be maintained by the clinician throughout the consultation and not solely at the start.

Conclusion
The PCI promoted the sharing of concerns in follow-up consultations between patient and consultant.
Intermediate Classes of Nuclear Multilinear Operators
Authors: Belacel Amar , Bougoutaia Amar , Macedo Renato , Rueda Pilar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper introduces the class of $$\left( p_1,\ldots ,p_m,\sigma ,q,\nu \right) $$

p
1

,
…
,

p
m

,
σ
,
q
,
ν

-nuclear m-linear operators between Banach spaces, as an intermediate space between the class of nuclear multilinear operators and the whole class of all bounded multilinear operators. The connection with the theory of summing m-linear operators is established. Moreover, we identify this space with a dual space by means of a reasonable crossnorm inspired by the Chevet–Saphar norm.
Alveolar cleft reconstruction using bone marrow aspirate concentrate and iliac cancellous bone: A 12-month randomized clinical study
Authors: Shabaan Alshaimaa Ahmed , Salahuddin Ahmad , Aboulmagd Inass , Ragab Reham , Salah Khaled Amr , Rashid Adel , Ayad Haytham Mohamed , el Aty Ahmed Walaa Abd , Refahee Shaimaa Mohsen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to compare the bone density and volume in patients with alveolar cleft reconstructions utilizing bone marrow aspirate concentrate with iliac graft versus iliac graft alone.

Material and methods
Thirty-six patients with unilateral alveolar cleft were randomly allocated into either an intervention group receiving an iliac bone graft mixed with bone marrow concentrate or a control group receiving an iliac bone graft. Cone beam CT was obtained preoperative, 6 and 12 months postoperatively to assess the bone density of the graft and bone volume of the alveolar defect, and then, the bone loss ratio was calculated.

Results
Bone volume and bone density demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the intervention group at 6 and 12 months. In contrast, the bone loss ratio decreased significantly in the intervention group throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusion
A combination of bone marrow concentrate and iliac cancellous bone in alveolar cleft reconstruction may improve bone densities and volume in addition to decreasing graft loss rate.

Clinical significance
Using of bone marrow aspirate concentrate will decrease the amount of the graft needed and decrease the ratio of bone loss at the grafted site by the time.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.org (NCT04414423) 4/6/2020
Fear conditioning and fear generalization in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders
Authors: Reinhard Julia , Mittermeier Anna , Brandstetter Lisa , Mowat Kimberly , Slyschak Anna , Reiter Andrea M. F. , Gamer Matthias , Romanos Marcel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOvergeneralization of conditioned fear is associated with anxiety disorders (AD). Most results stem from studies done in adult patients, but studies with children are rare, although the median onset of anxiety disorders lies already in childhood. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine fear learning and generalization in youth participants, aged 10–17 years, with AD (n = 39) compared to healthy controls (HC) (n = 40). A discriminative fear conditioning and generalization paradigm was used. Ratings of arousal, valence, and US expectancy (the probability of an aversive noise following each stimulus) were measured, hypothesizing that children with AD compared to HC would show heightened ratings of arousal and US expectancy, and decreased positive valence ratings, respectively, as well as overgeneralization of fear. The results indicated that children with AD rated all stimuli as more arousing and less pleasant, and demonstrated higher US expectancy ratings to all stimuli when compared to HC. Thus, rather than displaying qualitatively different generalization patterns (e.g., a linear vs. quadratic slope of the gradient), differences between groups were more quantitative (similar, but parallel shifted gradient). Therefore, overgeneralization of conditioned fear does not seem to be a general marker of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
Flatness, weakly lex colimits, and free exact completions
Authors: Tendas Giacomo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe capture in the context oflex colimits, introduced by Garner and Lack, the universal property of the free regular and Barr-exact completions of a weakly lex category. This is done by introducing a notion offlatnessfor functors$$F:{{\mathcal {C}}}\rightarrow {{\mathcal {E}}}$$F:C→Ewith lex codomain, and using this to describe the universal property of free$$\Phi $$Φ-exact completions in the absence of finite limits, for any given class$$\Phi $$Φof lex weights. In particular, we shall give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of free lextensive and free pretopos completions in the non-lex world, and prove that the ultraproducts, in the categories of models of such completions, satisfy an universal property.
A practical utility-based but objective approach to model selection for regression in scientific applications
Authors: Murari Andrea , Rossi Riccardo , Spolladore Luca , Lungaroni Michele , Gaudio Pasquale , Gelfusa Michela 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn many fields of science, various types of models are available to describe phenomena, observations and the results of experiments. In the last decades, given the enormous advances of information gathering technologies, also machine learning techniques have been systematically deployed to extract models from the large available databases. However, regardless of their origins, no universal criterion has been found so far to select the most appropriate model given the data. A unique solution is probably a chimera, particularly in applications involving complex systems. Consequently, in this work a utility-based approach is advocated. However, the solutions proposed are not purely subjective but all based on “objective” criteria, rooted in the properties of the data, to preserve generality and to allow comparative assessments of the results. Several methods have been developed and tested, to improve the discrimination capability of basic Bayesian and information theoretic criteria, with particular attention to the BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion) and AIC (Akaike Information Criterion) indicators. Both the quality of the fits and the evaluation of model complexity are aspects addressed by the advances proposed. The competitive advantages of the individual alternatives, for both cross sectional data and time series, are clearly identified, together with their most appropriate fields of application. The proposed improvements of the criteria allow selecting the right models more reliably, more efficiently in terms of data requirements and can be adjusted to very different circumstances and applications. Particular attention has been paid to ensure that the developed versions of the indicators are easy to implement in practice, in both confirmatory and exploratory settings. Extensive numerical tests have been performed to support the conceptual and theoretical considerations.
Wake Characterization of Building Clusters Immersed in Deep Boundary Layers
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Placidi Marco , Carpentieri Matteo , Robins Alan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWind tunnel experiments were conducted to understand the effect of building array size (N), aspect ratio (AR), and the spacing between buildings ($$W_S$$

W
S

) on the mean structure and decay of their wakes. Arrays of size 3$$\times $$
×
3, 4$$\times $$
×
4,and 5$$\times $$
×
5, AR = 4, 6, and 8, and $$W_S$$

W
S

= 0.5$$W_B$$

W
B

, 1$$W_B$$

W
B

, 2$$W_B$$

W
B

and 4$$W_B$$

W
B

(where $$W_B$$

W
B

is the building width) were considered. Three different wake regimes behind the building clusters were identified: near-, transition-, and far-wake regimes. The results suggest that the spatial extent of these wake regimes is governed by the overall array width ($$W_A$$

W
A

). The effects of individual buildings are observed to be dominant in the near-wake regime ($$0<x/W_A< {0.45}$$

0
<
x
/

W
A

<

0.45

) where individual wakes appear behind each building. These wakes are observed to merge in the transition-wake region ($${0.45}< x/W_A < 1.5$$

0.45

<
x
/

W
A

<
1.5

), forming a combined wake in which the individual contributions are no longer apparent. In the far-wake regime ($$x/W_A > 1.5$$

x
/

W
A

>
1.5

), clusters’ wakes are akin to those developing downwind of a single isolated building. Accordingly, new local and global scaling parameters in the near- and far-wake regimes are introduced. The decay of the centreline velocity deficit is then modelled as a function of the three parameters considered in the experiment.
Parental Report of Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents with and Without Disability in Middle- and Low-Income Countries: Meta-analysis of 44 Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Surveys
Authors: Emerson Eric , Llewellyn Gwynnyth 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPopulation-based studies undertaken in high-income countries have indicated that children and adolescents with disabilities are more likely than their non-disabled peers to experience emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Very little is known about the association between disability and emotional difficulties among children growing up in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to estimate the strength of association between disability and two forms of emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression) in a range of LMICs and to determine whether the strength of this relationship was moderated by child age and gender. Secondary analysis of data collected in Round 6 of UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys undertaken in 44 LMICs (combined n = 349,421). Data were aggregated across countries by both mixed effects multi-level modelling and restricted maximum likelihood meta-analysis. Young people with disabilities, when compared with their non-disabled peers, were approximately two and a half times more likely to be reported by parents to show daily signs of either anxiety or depression. The level of risk among young people with disabilities was highest in upper middle-income countries and lowest in low-income countries. We estimated that approximately 20% of young people with frequent anxiety or depression also had a disability. All approaches to mental health interventions (from primary prevention to clinical interventions) need to make reasonable accommodations to their services to ensure that the young people with emotional difficulties who also have a disability are not ‘left behind’.
SRM on the table: the role of geoengineering for the stability and effectiveness of climate coalitions
Authors: Pezzoli Piergiuseppe , Emmerling Johannes , Tavoni Massimo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGeoengineering, including solar radiation management (SRM), has received increasing scrutiny due to the rise of climate extremes and slow progress in mitigating global carbon emissions. This climate policy option, even as a possibility, can have consequential implications for international climate governance. Here, we study how solar engineering affects the effectiveness and stability of a large set of regional coalitions through numerical simulations. We posit a requirement in terms of global political or economic power and analyze the exclusive membership coalition formation process when coalitions jointly decide on geoengineering and mitigation. We show that geoengineering can provide incentives for cooperation and partially solve the typical trade-off between stability and effectiveness of climate coalitions. However, temperature reduction mostly comes from deploying SRM within the coalition rather than from further emission reductions, thus exposing the world to relatively large-scale deployment of SRM with as of today uncertain potential side effects and risks.
Nickel and/or platinum modified crystalline silicon–carbon composites and their electrochemical behaviour towards the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Elsodany Merna N. , Abdel Rahim M. A. , Shalaby Nasser H. , Sultan M. A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGeneration of hydrogen is very important, as it is one of the most desired alternatives to fossil fuels. Moreover, designing of cheap and stable electrocatalysts is the task for the efficient generation of hydrogen with reasonable activity. Materials hybridization can be considered a tool for engineering different material properties. Composites of modified silicon such as C–Si, Ni/(C–Si), Pt/(C–Si), and Pt–Ni/(C–Si) were prepared (in weight percent) and studied as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the composites were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), elemental mapping, and BET surface analysis. The electrochemical measurements of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), Tafel plots, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to study the behaviour of the prepared electrodes toward the hydrogen evolution process. Among the various prepared composites, [7%Pt–3%Ni]/[C–Si (1:1)] composite shows the best catalytic activity with the highest HER rate (940.95 µA cm−2 s−1), the lowest overpotential [0.358 V vs. (Ag/AgCl) ≈ 0.161 V vs. (RHE)] at 10 mA cm−2, and the lowest charge transfer resistance (2.657 Ω) compared to other prepared electrodes. In addition, it gives the highest values of 4.219 × 10−3 s−1 turn over frequency (TOF) and 642 mA g−1 mass activity. It shows good stability towards the hydrogen evolution reaction as the current density reaches about 34.28 mA cm−2 after 5 h.
Graphical abstract
Mur ligase F as a new target for the flavonoids quercitrin, myricetin, and (–)-epicatechin
Authors: Rambaher Martina Hrast , Zdovc Irena , Glavač Nina Kočevar , Gobec Stanislav , Frlan Rok 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMurC, D, E, and F are ATP-dependent ligases involved in the stepwise assembly of the tetrapeptide stem of forming peptidoglycan. As highly conserved targets found exclusively in bacterial cells, they are of significant interest for antibacterial drug discovery. In this study, we employed a computer-aided molecular design approach to identify potential inhibitors of MurF. A biochemical inhibition assay was conducted, screening twenty-four flavonoids and related compounds against MurC-F, resulting in the identification of quercitrin, myricetin, and (–)-epicatechin as MurF inhibitors with IC50 values of 143 µM, 139 µM, and 92 µM, respectively. Notably, (–)-epicatechin demonstrated mixed type inhibition with ATP and uncompetitive inhibition with d-Ala-d-Ala dipeptide and UM3DAP substrates. Furthermore, in silico analysis using Sitemap and subsequent docking analysis using Glide revealed two plausible binding sites for (–)-epicatechin. The study also investigated the crucial structural features required for activity, with a particular focus on the substitution pattern and hydroxyl group positions, which were found to be important for the activity. The study highlights the significance of computational approaches in targeting essential enzymes involved in bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis.
Graphical abstract