bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the specific features in the histological structure of the longissimus muscle dorsi in animals of the genus <i>Ovis</i>
Authors: Volkova N. A. , Volkova L. A. 
Published: November 2023

Relevance. Interspecific hybridization of domestic animals with wild related species is considered as one of the promising directions in animal husbandry in the framework of improving the quality and nutrient biodiversity of livestock products. The article shows the research results of the specific features in the histological structure of the longissimus muscle dorsi in animals of the genus Ovis with different genotypes.Methods. The object of research was sheep of the Romanov breed and interspecific hybrids of domestic sheep (Romanov breed) with argali. Histological studies of the longissimus dorsi muscle of purebred and hybrid animals at the age of 12 months were carried out in a comparative aspect. The thickness and area of muscle fibers, muscle bundles, the number of muscle fibers per unit cross-sectional areas were studied.Results. Differences in a number of morphometric parameters in the main structural units of the longissimus dorsi muscle in hybrid animals depending on the genotype were revealed. In hybrid animals, in comparison with purebred sheep, a decrease in the thickness and area of muscle fibers by 12% and 25% was found (p < 0.01). An increase in the number of muscle fibers per 1 mm2 of the cut and a decrease in the proportion of connective tissue in the structure of the longissimus dorsi muscle in interspecific hybrids were shown in comparison with those in sheep of the Romanov breed (p < 0.01). These biological features of hybrid animals should be taken into account when breeding, selecting and using them to obtain meat and meat products.
Influence of a biotechnological additive on the weight growth of broiler chickens
Authors: Neverova O. P. , Gorelik O. V. , Kharlap S. Yu. , Rebezov M. B. , Zinina O. V. , Chepushtanova O. V. , Alexandrina E. V. , Neverova E. P. 
Published: November 2023

Relevance. The aim of the work is to study the effect of the biotechnological additive (dietary supplement) «Ares» in the cultivation of broiler chickens on their weight growth.Methodology. Scientific and production experience was carried out in the conditions of the poultry workshop of the educational and experimental farm of the Ural State Agrarian University on the poultry of the «Coob 500» cross. In all experiments, the control group›s poultry received a general household ration, the 1st experimental was given «Ares» additive in water in the amount of 150 g/t, the 2nd experimental was given «Ares» additive in feed in the amount of 300 g/t.Results. As a result of the research, it was found that all chickens (regardless of the group) increased their live weight with age, reaching 2632–2880 g by the end of cultivation, which meets the requirements of the cross standard. The highest live weight was obtained in the 2nd experimental group, where dietary supplements «Ares» were used in dry form in the amount of 300 g per 1 ton of compound feed. Absolute growth increases with age, which is most likely due to the increase in linear and volumetric sizes of chickens and their ability to increase feed intake. Over the entire growing period, their live weight increased 68.7, 67.2 and 73.8 times. The best indicators were in the group of chickens that additionally received 300 g/t of «Ares» dietary supplement feed. Starting from the 7th day, they had an excess of absolute growth indicators over chickens from other groups. The use of an additive in the form of a solution with a dose of 150 g per 1 ton of water showed a decrease in absolute growth over the entire growing period. The peculiarities of weight growth in broiler chickens receiving dietary supplements «Ares» were established, and the growth of broiler chickens itself followed the general biological patterns of growth and development.
Novel sandwich immunoassay detects a shrimp AHPND-causing binary PirABVp toxin produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Jeon Min-Young , Han Jee Eun , Lee Dong Gwang , Cho Young-Lai , Jang Ju-Hong , Lee Jangwook , Park Jong-Gil , Kwon Do Hyung , Park Seon Young , Kim Wantae , Lee Kyunglee , Kim Ji Hyung , Lee Nam-Kyung 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe binary PirA/PirB toxin expressed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (PirABVp) is a virulent complex that causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimps, affecting the global shrimp farming industry. AHPND is currently diagnosed by detecting pirA and pirB genes by PCR; however, several V. parahaemolyticus strains do not produce the two toxins as proteins. Thus, an immunoassay using antibodies may be the most effective tool for detecting toxin molecules. In this study, we report a sandwich ELISA-based immunoassay for the detection of PirABVp.MethodsWe utilized a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody library to select scFvs against the PirA or PirB subunits. Phage display panning rounds were conducted to screen and identify scFv antibodies directed against each recombinant toxin subunit. Selected scFvs were converted into IgGs to develop a sandwich immunoassay to detect recombinant and bacterial PirABVp.ResultsAntibodies produced as IgG forms showed sub-nanomolar to nanomolar affinities (KD), and a pair of anti-PirA antibody as a capture and anti-PirB antibody as a detector showed a limit of detection of 201.7 ng/mL for recombinant PirABVp. The developed immunoassay detected PirABVp in the protein lysates of AHPND-causing V. parahaemolyticus (VpAHPND) and showed a significant detectability in moribund or dead shrimp infected with a VpAHPND virulent strain compared to that in non-infected shrimp.DiscussionThese results indicate that the developed immunoassay is a reliable method for diagnosing AHPND by detecting PirABVp at the protein level and could be further utilized to accurately determine the virulence of extant or newly identified VpAHPND in the global shrimp culture industry.
Serum branched chain amino acids: an effective indicator of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Min , Yang Yanhui , Liu Yajin , Peng Xiaoyue , Hou Yi , Zhang Xuejiao , Sun Haipeng , Shan Chunyan 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionIn recent years, there has been a growing association between elevated circulating levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and diabetes mellitus. However, the relationship between serum BCAA levels and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains ambiguous. This study aims to investigate serum BCAA levels in DKD patients at various stages and assess the correlation between BCAA and clinical characteristics.Materials and methodsWe enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were admitted to our hospital and categorized them into three groups based on different DKD stages: normal proteinuria, microproteinuria, and macroalbuminuria groups. Forty healthy volunteers were included as the control group, and we measured serum BCAA concentrations using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Subsequently, we conducted correlation and regression analyses to assess the associations between BCAA and clinical indicators.ResultsSerum BCAA levels were significantly elevated in T2DM patients compared to healthy controls. However, these levels exhibited a gradual decline with the progression of DKD. Furthermore, after adjusting for age, gender, and disease duration, we observed an independent association between serum albumin, urinary transferrin, and urinary microalbumin with BCAA.DiscussionOur findings suggest a noteworthy decline in serum BCAA levels alongside the advancement of DKD. Additionally, serum BCAA exhibits an independent correlation with renal function indicators. These observations point to the possibility that serum BCAA concentrations in individuals with T2DM hold promise as a crucial predictor for both the initiation and progression of DKD.
Energy-carbon emission nexus in a residential building using BIM under different climate conditions: an application of multi-objective optimization
Authors: Alhamami Ali Hussain , Dodo Yakubu Aminu , Naibi Ahmad Usman , Alviz-Meza Aníbal , Mokhtarname Alireza 
Published: November 2023

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of building insulation, a method of reducing energy consumption, on the amount of energy consumed in a building, as well as its impact on cooling and heating loads and carbon emission. A residential structure was designed in Revit, and DesignBuilder determined the cooling and heating loads, as well as the energy consumption. Under three distinct climate conditions, the impact of the environment on the energy-carbon emission nexus of residential buildings was assessed. The cold mountain climate of Koick, Slovakia; the arid desert climate of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia; and the tropical monsoon climate of Borneo, Indonesia were chosen. During the design stage, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method was used to minimize the energy consumption cost (ECC) and CO2 emissions. Over the course of 24 h, the cooling and heating loads decreased by 2.51 kW and 1.9 kW, respectively. When the two modes in Ha’il were combined, the heating load was reduced to 850 kWh and the cooling load was reduced to 650 kWh, according to the results. In Borneo, the heating load was reduced by 200 kWh, while in Koick, it was reduced by 2,000 kWh. The cooling load was reduced by 550 and 50 kWh in Borneo and Koick, respectively. This system appears to perform better in arid and hot climates in terms of both heating and cooling loads. However, energy losses in the arid and hot climate (Ha’il) are greater than in other climates. This could be due to temperature and humidity differences between the inside and outside. According to the findings of the PSO evolutionary algorithm optimization, the building can be constructed to reduce ECC by 19% by taking into account input characteristics such as Wind-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), wall, glazes, and weather conditions. This research provides useful insights into the practical application of optimization methods for reducing CO2 emissions, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-conscious architectural practices.
Accurate diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid requires multiple health care visits
Authors: Leisti Päivi , Pankakoski Anna , Jokelainen Jari , Varpuluoma Outi , Huilaja Laura , Panelius Jaana , Tasanen Kaisa 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAccurate use of diagnostic codes is crucial for epidemiological and genetic research based on electronic health record (EHR) data. MethodsThis retrospective study validated the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnostic code L12.0 for bullous pemphigoid (BP) using EHR data from two Finnish university hospitals. We found 1225 subjects with at least one EHR entry of L12.0 between 2009 and 2019. BP diagnosis was based on clinical findings characteristic of BP and positive findings on direct immunofluorescence (DIF), BP180-NC16A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay. ResultsTrue BP was found in 901 patients; the positive predictive value (PPV) for L12.0 was 73.6% (95% CI 71.0-76.0). L12.0 was more accurately registered in dermatology units than any specialized health care units (p&lt;0.001). Including patients with multiple L12.0 registrations (≥3), increased the accuracy of the L12.0 code in both dermatology units and other settings.DiscussionOne diagnostic code of L12.0 is not enough to recognize BP in a large epidemiological data set; including only L12.0 registered in dermatology units and excluding cases with &lt;3 L12.0 record entries markedly increases the PPV of BP diagnosis.
Prognostic value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in gastric cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mei Pingping , Feng Wenzhe , Zhan Yanrong , Guo Xiutian 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests a correlation between the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and the prognosis in patients with gastric cancer (GC) undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Nevertheless, the existing findings remain contentious.MethodsA comprehensive search of literature was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from the inception of each database to August 30, 2023 to collect studies exploring the interplay between LMR and clinical outcomes. Eligible studies were selected following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary outcomes encompassed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), which were estimated using hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOur analysis incorporated eight cohort studies, involving 815 patients. Aggregate data revealed associations between an elevated LMR at baseline and prolonged PFS (HR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.47–0.71, p&lt;0.00001) and improved OS (HR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33–0.79; p=0.003). Furthermore, LMR exhibited a favorable association with PFS after treatment (HR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.29–0.79; p= 0.004), while such a correlation was not evident in the OS analysis. Importantly, a high level of LMR was associated with prolonged PFS across varying sample sizes, follow-up duration, treatment combinations, line of therapy, and cut-off values.ConclusionA high pre-treatment LMR is associated with improved OS and PFS in GC patients treated with ICIs. LMR emerges as a potent biomarker for prognostic assessment in these patients, offering valuable insights for informed treatment decisions within the domain of GC immunotherapy.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42021228512
Local earthquake seismic tomography of the Southernmost Mariana subduction zone
Authors: Li Dong , Chen Chuanxu , Wu Shiguo 
Published: November 2023

We employed seismic tomography to examine the velocity structure of the upper mantle in the Southernmost Mariana subduction zone. Our study focuses on data collected during a six-month experiment from 15 December 2016 to 12 June 2017, using 11 ocean bottom seismometers. By examining over 3700 local arrival times, we are able to determine the three-dimensional Vp and Vs structure. The subducting slab in this region displays a P- and S-wave velocity 2~6% higher than normal mantle and a lower Vp/Vs, with an average dip of 45° at depths ranging from 50 to 100 km. Additionally, our velocity images also shed new lights to the velocity anomalies of the mantle wedge region on top of the subducting slab, from the trench to the remnant arc. We observed slower velocity anomalies in the mantle wedge beneath the Southwest Mariana Rift, the West Mariana Ridge, and the forearc. In the outer forearc, a low-velocity anomaly is observed at depths shallower than 50 km, indicating mantle serpentinization and the presence of water. Additionally, a melt production region is observed beneath the central part of the forearc block at a depth of 40–60 km suggesting the possibility of melting processes in this region.
Frailty index in the Colonias of the Rio Grande Valley: health related quality of life and resilience
Authors: Manusov Eron G. , Diego Vincent P. , Williams-Blangero Sarah 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundFrailty is characterized by an accumulation of deficits that lead to vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. The Frailty Index (FI) quantifies frailty by measuring deficits that increase susceptibility to stressors. This study focused on a population of Mexican Americans living in vulnerable communities in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. We used a Frailty Index developed based on common health-related data--the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a Health-related Quality of Life survey (Duke Health Profile). Quality of life, resilience, and frailty are interrelated and influenced by chronic illness, mental illness, poverty, cognitive impairment, and community support.MethodsWe used Logistic regression analysis, factor component analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, and odds ratios to identify potential associations between clinical variables and candidate predictor variables and seven physiological health variables, and two survey instruments. We analyzed data obtained from participants (894) that live in two Colonias located on the Texas-Mexico border. We calculated the FI with seven physiological variables, PHQ-9 score, and the 11 domain-specific Duke Profile scores, for a total of 19 health deficits. We then dichotomized FI (&gt;0.25) and determined ROC curves through model selection to determine best predictors of frailty.ResultsFemales (n = 622) had a higher starting frailty, and males (n = 272) had a significantly greater change rate with age. Women score higher in anxiety, depression, anxiety/depression, and pain. The frailty index and quality of life markers are strongly inversely related; poorer quality of life leads to greater frailty independent physiological health variables, the PHQ 9, sex, and age.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of addressing modifiable mental health and social stressors to reduce frailty. Furthermore, it suggests that factors supporting resilience and well-being, such as physical and mental health, social support, and perceived health, play a crucial role in frailty development. The findings have implications for interventions targeting vulnerable populations and emphasize the need for further research on the relationship between health-related quality of life and frailty.
Association of plasma MMP-2 levels and prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Wenmin , Peng Jin , Chen Zhiying , Li Huimin , Yang Jianyuan , Wu Yun , Zhang Manqing , Wu Moxin 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe role of MMP-2 in patients with ICH is controversial and the impact of plasma MMP-2 level on clinical outcome is still unclear.Materials and methodsIn this study, the peripheral venous blood was acquired from 93 patients with ICH and 88 healthy controls within 24 h of hospitalization and at enrollment. We retrospectively investigated plasma MMP-2 levels of patients and healthy controls. The edema volume, the NIHSS score, the GCS score, and mRS were used to assess and quantify neurological deficit following ICH. Logistic regression analysis was configured to determine the independent relation of plasma MMP-2 levels with clinical outcomes. In addition, the plasma MMP-14 levels and complement C4 level were tested to explore the relationship with plasma MMP-2 level.ResultsThere was a significant reduction of plasma MMP-2 levels in ICH patients than that in healthy controls (38.02 ± 1.71 vs. 54.03 ± 2.15, p &lt; 0.0001), and MMP-2 is negatively correlated with the edema volume (r = −0.2187, p &lt; 0.05), NIHSS score (r = −0.2194, p &lt; 0.05), blood leucocyte count (r = −0.2549, p = 0.012), and complement C4 level (r = −0.2723, p = 0.005). There is positive correlation between MMP-2 level and GCS score (r = 0.2451, p = 0.01) and MMP-14 level (r = 0.7013, p = 0.005). The multivariate analysis revealed that reduced plasma MMP-2 level is associated with elevated edema volume (OR = 0.2604, 95% CI [0.07 to 0.84], p = 0.02).ConclusionThe plasma MMP-2 level in patients with ICH is significantly lower than that of healthy controls, and plasma MMP-2 level may be a prognostic factor. Plasma MMP-2 levels are correlated with the clinical outcomes of patients and negatively correlated with blood leucocyte count and complement C4 level in patients with ICH.
Integrated metabolomics and proteomics reveal biomarkers associated with hemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Mousavi Fatemeh , Blum Benjamin C. , Heckendorf Christian F. , Moore Jarrod , Lampl Noah , McComb Mark , Kotelnikov Sergei , Yin Wenqing , Rabhi Nabil , Layne Matthew D. , Kozakov Dima , Chitalia Vipul C. , Emili Andrew 
Published: November 2023

Background: We hypothesize that the poor survival outcomes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis are associated with a low filtering efficiency and selectivity. The current gold standard criteria using single or several markers show an inability to predict or disclose the treatment effect and disease progression accurately.Methods: We performed an integrated mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and proteomic workflow capable of detecting and quantifying circulating small molecules and proteins in the serum of ESKD patients. Markers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) were validated on human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.Results: We identified dozens of elevated molecules in the serum of patients compared with healthy controls. Surprisingly, many metabolites, including lipids, remained at an elevated blood concentration despite dialysis. These molecules and their associated physical interaction networks are correlated with clinical complications in chronic kidney disease. This study confirmed two uremic toxins associated with CVD, a major risk for patients with ESKD.Conclusion: The retained molecules and metabolite–protein interaction network address a knowledge gap of candidate uremic toxins associated with clinical complications in patients undergoing dialysis, providing mechanistic insights and potential drug discovery strategies for ESKD.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on plant growth and leaf photosynthesis of annual ryegrass along a phosphorus deficiency gradient
Authors: Li Fei , He Chunlin , Chang Zhijie , Ma Chao , Yu Jingjin , Liu Liang , Zhang Yunxin , Hao Lihua 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSoil phosphorus (P) deficiency limits plant growth and productivity in grassland ecosystems and may moderate the growth-promoting effects of “carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization effect”.MethodsTo evaluate the interactive effects of these two factors on the growth and physiology for annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), plants were grown in controlled growth chambers with a range of P supply (0.004, 0.012, 0.02, 0.06, 0.1 and 0.5 mM) under two levels of CO2 (400 and 800 μmol mol-1, respectively).ResultsElevated [CO2] dramatically increased the aboveground biomass and net photosynthetic rates of annual ryegrass by 14.5% and 25.3% under sufficient P supply (0.5 mM), respectively, whereas decreased the belowground biomass and net photosynthetic rates under lower P supply of P0.004, P0.02, and P0.06. Two-way ANOVA results showed that CO2 × P (p &lt; 0.001) significantly affected stomatal traits, leaf photosynthesis and biomass. The stimulation of growth and photosynthesis by elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) was reduced or highly suppressed, indicating that the sensitivity of annual ryegrass to P deficiency was enhanced under e[CO2].DiscussionThese results indicated that P limitation may offset the positive effects of e[CO2] on plant growth by altering stomatal traits, leaf photochemical processes and biochemical composition in annual ryegrass.