bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Getting clues from nature: the impact of grass hay on suckling piglets’ gastrointestinal growth and colonic microbiota
Authors: Yao Renjie , Cools An , van Hees Hubèrt M. J. , Chiers Koen , Mebratu Awot Teklu , Aluwé Marijke , Maes Dominiek , Janssens Geert P. J. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe effect of dietary fiber on pig production has been extensively evaluated. Inspired by observations of the diet of wild, young piglets, this study aimed to examine the possibility of feeding grass hay to suckling piglets besides concentrated creep feed.MethodsThe sow-nursed piglets in this study were divided into two groups based on balanced sow parities. The control group (CON, n = 7 sows) only received a regular, concentrated creep feed, while the treatment piglets (GH, n = 8 sows) were also provided with chopped grass hay from 2 days of age until weaning (28 days). At weaning, one piglet with a median weight was selected from each litter for post-mortem evaluation. Subsequently, six pigs around median weight per sow were grouped into nursery pens and monitored for their feed intake and body weight gain until 9 weeks of age.Results and discussionPiglets in GH consumed, on average, 57 g of grass hay per piglet during the entire lactation period. The emptied weight of the small and large intestine was significantly greater in GH (280 vs. 228 g, 88.8 vs. 79.3 g, respectively, p &lt; 0.05), and the length of the large intestine was stimulated by the grass hay (164 vs. 150 cm, p &lt; 0.05). Morphologically, the villus height in the jejunum was higher in GH (p &lt; 0.05). In the large intestine, the crypt depth of the mid-colon was lower in GH. Moreover, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the cecum were increased in GH compared to CON (1,179 vs. 948 µmol/g dry matter, p &lt; 0.05), whereas in the colon, SCFA concentrations were lower in CON (341 vs. 278 µmol/g dry matter, p &lt; 0.05). There was no major impact of grass hay inclusion on the colonic microbiota composition. Only a trend was observed for a lower inverse of the classical Simpson (InvSimpon) index and a higher abundance of Lactobacillus genera in GH. After weaning, no significant differences in feed intake and body weight gain were observed. In conclusion, supplementing the grass hay to suckling piglets led to alterations in intestinal morphology, increased SCFA fermentation in proximal sections of large intestine, stimulation of gastrointestinal tract growth, and subtle modifications in colonic microbiota.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in young adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Zhu Gen-Yuan , Chang Cheng 
Published: January 2024

Background and aimsIt is uncertain if there is a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in young adults and children. To evaluate the potential link between these two conditions, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase in order to locate all relevant cohort studies published until August 2023. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted using the generic inverse variance method, with additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to evaluate the methodological quality.ResultsFour cohort studies (eleven datasets) involving 10,668,189 participants were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated that NAFLD increases the risk of CVD in young adults and children (HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.46–1.82, P &lt; 0.00001). Further subgroup analyses showed that individuals with NAFLD were at a heightened risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.01–4.77, P &lt; 0.00001), myocardial infarction (MI) (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.61–1.78, P &lt; 0.00001), atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.12–3.57, P = 0.02), congestive heart failure (CHF) (HR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.20–12.61, P = 0.02), and stroke (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.39–1.55, P &lt; 0.00001). The results of subgroup analyses based on the study location, NAFLD definition, and follow-up time also showed consistency with the overall results. Sensitivity analyses showed that our results were robust. All of the included studies were judged to be of medium to high quality.ConclusionCurrent evidence reveals that NAFLD is linked to an increased risk of major CVD (including CHD, MI, AF, CHF and stroke) in young adults and children. Further research is needed to strengthen this association and provide stronger evidence for primary prevention of CVD in young adults and children with NAFLD.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023457817.
The importance of visual acuity screening in dental education amongst undergraduate dental students: a straightforward method
Authors: Pindoria Jaya , Abela Stefan , Maguire Matthew , Sherriff Martyn , Bister Dirk 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundVisual acuity plays a pivotal role in a dental professional's daily performance and screening the students' field of vision in their early formative years ensures successful undergraduate programmes.AimsTo compare near and distance visual acuity and stereopsis in first-year and final-year dental students and investigate students' perception of their vision.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study involving 100 KCL first- and final-year dental students who underwent assessment of their vision and completed a self-perception questionnaire. Near visual acuity was assessed using a standardised near vision test chart, distance visual acuity using COMPlog (Clinical Vision Measurement Systems Ltd, London, UK) computerised software and stereopsis using the Frisby Stereotest. Based on the Mann–Whitney test, no statistical differences were found between the first-year and final-year students’ near and distance visual acuity, nor in stereopsis difference at a significance level of α = 0.05. The null hypothesis was accepted.Results84% of first-year students and 94% of final-year students attained the highest binocular near visual acuity score of 0.50M. Distance visual acuity scores showed a median ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) Letters score 94 in the first-year group and 95 in the final-year group. 8% of students were found to have correctable refractive errors in distance visual acuity. The majority of students across both year groups were able to discern 20 s arc of the smallest disparity. The final-year students reported worrying about their eyesight significantly more than the first-year students.ConclusionsNo statistically significant differences were found in near and distance visual acuity, and stereopsis, between first-year and final-year dental students. However, 8% of students were identified with undiagnosed, correctable refractive errors. The importance of students' vision in clinical dentistry is highlighted, and regular eye examination is recommended.
GIS analysis of urban ground collapse susceptibility: a case study of eastern Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhou Liling , Zhang Xiaoyi , Shen Huizhen , Zhang Dazheng , Bao Haijun 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: In cities, the intensity of integrated development, both above and below ground, has been continuously increasing. Unfortunately, associated events such as surface cracking and ground collapse are common, and research into the susceptibility of urban ground collapse (UGC) has consequently, also been increasing.Methods: In this study, we calculated the spatial probability distribution of historical UGC events in Hangzhou, China as a case study. To avoid the influence of the subjectivity of expert opinions on the evaluation results, and to distinguish it from the first version of the UGC sensitivity map in 2021, collinearity and correlation analyses based on geo-detector were conducted, and the 11 most representative factors from 22 candidates were identified. Then, a GIS-based susceptibility assessment system was established and applied to eastern Hangzhou, China.Results: The assessment results were divided into three grades. High-susceptibility areas accounted for 6.08% of the total area and were mainly distributed in the central area on both sides of the Qiantang River. Medium-susceptibility areas accounted for 23.92% of the total area and showed an expanding trend around the central area. Low-susceptibility areas accounted for 12.42% of the total area and were mainly distributed within the bedrock mountainous areas on the west side.Discussion: The assessment model take more urban construction activies into consideration, which can fits better with the trigger factors of UGC itself, and has good applicability for other cities in Zhejiang Province to assess the susceptibility of UGC events.
Sex dimorphism in the effect and predictors of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Shu Jiaxin , Zhu Tao , Xiong Sisi , Liu Teng , Zhao Yian , Huang Xin , Liu Shaozhuang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundNo sex-specific guidelines for surgical anti-obesity strategies have been proposed, partially due to the controversy regarding sex-related differences in weight loss after bariatric metabolic surgery.ObjectivesTo explore sex dimorphism in the effect and predictors of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), thereby providing clinical evidence for the sex-specific surgical treatment strategy.MethodsIn a prospective cohort design, participants scheduled for SG at an affiliated hospital between November 2020 and January 2022 were assessed for eligibility and allocated to the Male or Female group with a 1-year follow-up after surgery. The primary outcome was the sex difference in the weight-loss effect after SG indicated by both percentage of total weight loss (TWL%) and excess weight loss (EWL%). The secondary outcome was the analysis of sex-specific preoperative predictors of weight loss after SG based on univariate and multivariate analyses. Independent predictors were obtained to construct a nomogram model. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the nomogram were based on receiver operating characteristic curve, concordance index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, respectively.ResultsNinety-five male and 226 female patients were initially included. After propensity score matching by baseline body mass index (BMI), 85 male and 143 female patients achieved comparable TWL% and EWL% for 1 year after SG. For male patients, baseline BMI, area under the curve for insulin during oral glucose tolerance test, and progesterone were independent predictors of weight loss after SG. Baseline BMI, age, thyroid stimulating hormone, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score were independent predictors for female patients.ConclusionNo obvious sex difference is detected in the weight-loss effect after SG. Sex dimorphism exists in the predictors of weight loss after SG. Further research with long-term and a multicenter design is needed to confirm the predictive model.
Identification and validation of platelet-related diagnostic markers and potential drug screening in ischemic stroke by integrating comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Geng Yifei , Liu Yuchen , Wang Min , Dong Xi , Sun Xiao , Luo Yun , Sun Xiaobo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIschemic stroke (IS), caused by blood and oxygen deprivation due to cerebral thrombosis, has links to activated and aggregated platelets. Discovering platelet-related biomarkers, developing diagnostic models, and screening antiplatelet drugs are crucial for IS diagnosis and treatment.Methods and resultsCombining and normalizing GSE16561 and GSE22255 datasets identified 1,753 upregulated and 1,187 downregulated genes. Fifty-one genes in the platelet-related module were isolated using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and other analyses, including 50 upregulated and one downregulated gene. Subsequent enrichment and network analyses resulted in 25 platelet-associated genes and six diagnostic markers for a risk assessment model. This model’s area under the ROC curve outperformed single genes, and in the peripheral blood of the high-risk group, immune infiltration indicated a higher proportion of CD4, resting CD4 memory, and activated CD4 memory T cells, along with a lower proportion of CD8 T cells in comparison to the low-risk group. Utilizing the gene expression matrix and the CMap database, we identified two potential drugs for IS. Finally, a rat MACO/R model was used to validate the diagnostic markers’ expression and the drugs’ predicted anticoagulant effects.ConclusionWe identified six IS platelet-related biomarkers (APP, THBS1, F13A1, SRC, PPBP, and VCL) for a robust diagnostic model. The drugs alpha-linolenic acid and ciprofibrate have potential antiplatelet effects in IS. This study advances early IS diagnosis and treatment.
Impact of ferroptosis-related risk genes on macrophage M1/M2 polarization and prognosis in glioblastoma
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhang Yue , Liao Chenlong , Zhou Han , Wu Yiwei , Zhang Wenchuan 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the effect impact of ferroptosis on macrophage polarization and patient prognosis in glioblastoma.MethodsWe screened ferroptosis-related risk from the public datasets of primary and recurrent glioblastoma, combined with reported ferroptosis genes, calculated the risk genes among the ferroptosis-related genes using the LASSO Cox regression model, and investigated the relationship between these ferroptosis-related risk genes in the tumor and the spectrum of infiltrating M1/M2 macrophages. Macrophages were analyzed using the CIBERSORTx deconvolution algorithm. Samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset (GSE84465) were included. The expression levels of ferroptosis-related risk genes and molecular markers of M1 and M2 macrophages were detected by qPCR and western blot.ResultsA total of fourteen ferroptosis-related risk genes were obtained and the patients’ risk scores were calculated. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had worse prognosis. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and risk score were negatively correlated, indicating that the tumor microenvironment of glioblastoma in the high-risk group contained more M2 than M1 macrophages. In the single-cell RNA sequencing dataset, the risk score of ferroptosis-related genes in tumor cells was positively correlated with the proportion of high M2 macrophages. The expression of eight ferroptosis-related risk genes was increased in glioblastoma cell, which promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2.ConclusionWe investigated the fourteen ferroptosis-related risk genes in glioblastoma for the first time, and clarified the impact of ferroptosis-related risk genes on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and patient prognosis.
Influenza vaccine effect on risk of stroke occurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zahhar Jalal A. , Salamatullah Hassan K. , Almutairi Maher B. , Faidah Dania E. , Afif Lena M. , Banjar Toka A. , Alansari Nayef , Betar Manar , Alghamdi Saeed , Makkawi Seraj 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundStroke is a significant global cause of mortality and long-term disability, potentially influenced by infections that heighten systemic inflammation and thrombotic events. The full impact of influenza vaccination on stroke remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between influenza immunization and stroke incidence.MethodsWe searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control, and cohort studies published in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase until 5 December 2022, and identified articles investigating the effect of influenza vaccine on stroke occurrence. All articles were screened by two independent reviewers. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the risk of stroke occurrence in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals. The random-effects model was used in all statistical analyses.ResultsAmong the 26 articles meeting our criteria, 10 were retrospective cohort studies, 9 were case–control studies, 3 were prospective cohort studies, 3 were RCTs and 1 case-series. Overall, the studies showed a significant decrease in the risk of stroke incidence/hospitalization among vaccinated patients (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.77–0.86], p = 0.00001). Furthermore, studies showed flu vaccine decreases the occurrence of mortality among stroke patients (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.37–0.68], p = 0.00001). Sub-group analysis revealed significant protective effect for patients with specific comorbidities including atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.57–0.81], p = 0.0001), diabetes (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.66–0.87], p = 0.0001), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.61–0.81], p = 0.00001), and hypertension (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.70–83], p = 0.00001).ConclusionThe current meta-analysis further supports prior findings that influenza vaccination reduces stroke risk, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Guidelines should promote vaccination for at-risk individuals.
Influence of monaural auditory stimulation combined with music on brain activity
Authors: Chang Ming , Tanaka Kenta , Naruse Yasushi , Imamura Yasuhiko , Fujii Shinya 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionRecently, the increasing attention to mental states and psychophysical health has fueled the research into methods that can aid in relaxation and recovery. Traditional methods like meditation and sauna, while effective, have their limitations; thus, the need for more accessible and convenient alternatives.MethodsOur innovative approach combines monaural beats with music, attempting to replicate the relaxing effects of a sauna in the auditory domain.ResultsIn comparison to normal music and silent condition, the power of the theta active band significantly increased when listening to our modified music. Furthermore, after listening to modified music, there was a significant increase in mismatch negativity (MMN) amplitude in the oddball task. Additionally, participants’ subjective responses to a questionnaire indicated significant changes in body relaxation and other metrics after listening to the processed music.DiscussionThis state is considered similar to the “totonou” state, which manifests in physical and mental feelings of relaxation, pleasure, and mental clarity in the sauna. Thus, the present research proposes a convenient method for achieving relaxation, opening an avenue for individuals to customize their “totonou” music based on personal preferences.
Efficient and generalizable cross-patient epileptic seizure detection through a spiking neural network
Authors: Zhang Zongpeng , Xiao Mingqing , Ji Taoyun , Jiang Yuwu , Lin Tong , Zhou Xiaohua , Lin Zhouchen 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionEpilepsy is a global chronic disease that brings pain and inconvenience to patients, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) is the main analytical tool. For clinical aid that can be applied to any patient, an automatic cross-patient epilepsy seizure detection algorithm is of great significance. Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are modeled on biological neurons and are energy-efficient on neuromorphic hardware, which can be expected to better handle brain signals and benefit real-world, low-power applications. However, automatic epilepsy seizure detection rarely considers SNNs.MethodsIn this article, we have explored SNNs for cross-patient seizure detection and discovered that SNNs can achieve comparable state-of-the-art performance or a performance that is even better than artificial neural networks (ANNs). We propose an EEG-based spiking neural network (EESNN) with a recurrent spiking convolution structure, which may better take advantage of temporal and biological characteristics in EEG signals.ResultsWe extensively evaluate the performance of different SNN structures, training methods, and time settings, which builds a solid basis for understanding and evaluation of SNNs in seizure detection. Moreover, we show that our EESNN model can achieve energy reduction by several orders of magnitude compared with ANNs according to the theoretical estimation.DiscussionThese results show the potential for building high-performance, low-power neuromorphic systems for seizure detection and also broaden real-world application scenarios of SNNs.
Amino acids and protein profiles of defatted camel and cow milk fractions: correlation with their in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities
Authors: Harizi Nouha , Zouari Ahmed , Rokbeni Nesrine , Ben Zid Malek , M’hiri Nouha , Salem Ali , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Boudhrioua Nourhene 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis work presents proteins, amino acids profiles and antioxidant and properties of camel and cow milk fractions produced using an integrated coagulation-centrifugation process.MethodsAntioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay; and antidiabetic activity antidiabetic activity using in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity were assessed on defatted milk fractions and their extracts using water/ethanol or HCl/ethanol solvents. Protein profiles and amino acids composition were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results and discussionsThe predominant protein found in cow and camel milk was β-casein in sodium caseinate, β-lactoglobulin was found in the whey of cow milk, whereas α-lactalbumin was detected in the whey fractions of camel. The primary amino acids (comprising 1% to 5.2%) in skim milk and sweet whey milk were leucine, proline, and lysine. However, acid whey, casein fractions (sodium caseinate, and β-casein) from both camel and cow milk exhibited elevated concentrations of histidine, leucine, lysine and proline (1.12 - 6.62%). Camel milk and its different protein fractions showed an interesting in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity varying, according to different milk fractions and extraction methods, from 19.10 ± 1.40 to 97.40 ± 1.50%. Whatever the used method, the whey fractions from camel milk, both acid and sweet, displayed ed the highest antioxidant activity. Principal components analysis showed a positive correlation between the total phenols content, antioxidant (DPPH assay) and antidiabetic (α amylase inhibition test) activities within the milk fractions. Sweet and acid cow milk fractions seem to be the most promising for deeper exploration of in vivo biological activities and are promising milk derivatives for specific nutritional diet and/or functional food formulation.