bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Interactions between Feeding Patterns and the Gut Microbiota on Pig Reproductive Performance
Authors: Wang Mingyu , Yue Jiaqi , Sun Jingchun , Zhao Xin , Yuan Tiantian , Yu Taiyong , Yang Gongshe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to investigate the effects of different feeding modes on the intestinal microbial community structure and reproductive performance of pigs, reproductive performance data were collected from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding modes for fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group, and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis.
Results
The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of born deformity(NBD)and number of stillborn(NSB)were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the TNB in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (P < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in 9 bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Differential pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of the Cellular (P < 0.01) community-prokaryote pathway was significantly lower in the AM group than in the SM group (P < 0.05). However, the expression of the pathways glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, infectious diseases: viral, cardiovascular diseases, cancers: specific types, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolism of other amino acids was significantly greater in the AM group than in the SM group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
These results indicate that different feeding modes can have an impact on the intestinal microbial composition of Yorkshire pigs and further affect the reproductive performance of pigs through the pathway of the intestinal microbiota. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes.
Facilitators and barriers of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis use among four key populations in Iran
Authors: Moameri Hossein , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mangolian , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Saberi Parya , Mirzazadeh Ali , Goudarzi Reza , Sharifi Hamid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces HIV transmission but it is not commonly prescribed in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to PrEP use among four key populations (KPs) in Iran.
Methods
We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and sexual partners of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We included HIV experts including staff from the HIV control department, healthcare providers with HIV experience, health policymakers, infectious disease specialists, and university professors. We performed a content analysis to identify facilitators and barriers related to PrEP implementation among KPs.
Results
We interviewed 7 FSW, 7 MSM, 4 PWID, 4 sexual partners of PLHIV, and 18 HIV experts. The facilitator's theme emerged in four main categories including eight different factors: 1) Individual and interpersonal factors (motivations, fear of testing positive for HIV, and safety nets and financial support), 2) Age and sex differences, 3) Organizational factors (appropriate PrEP distribution, information sharing, and receipt of high-quality services, 4) Efficacy of PrEP. The barrier’s theme emerged in three main categories including four factors: 1) Individual factors (insufficient knowledge and awareness, and fragile trust), 2) Cultural barriers, and 3) Organizational factors (inadequate infrastructure and organizational barriers).
Conclusions
We identified key facilitators and barriers to successful PrEP implementation among KPs in Iran. By addressing these barriers, Iran has an opportunity to include PrEP programs in its HIV prevention efforts for KPs.
Renal Risk Prediction in Cardiac Surgery using traditional Methods of Acute Kidney Injury prediction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jolliffe Jarrod , Sharma Varun , Thungathurthi Kaushik , Leow Kevin , Seevanayagam Siven 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Acute Kidney Injury following Cardiac Surgery (CS-AKI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To assist early recognition, risk prediction models have been developed over the last two decades. This review evaluates the current body of evidence for non-machine learning renal risk prediction models.
Methodology
A systematic review of 4 databases was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were those that had derived and validated a renal risk prediction model in cardiac surgery patients. Machine learning models were excluded. Outcomes measured were pre, intra or post-operative variable use within the models and metrics for prediction. The PROBAST was used to evaluate for risk of bias.
Results
44 studies were finally selected in a pooled population of 907,993. 24 developed renal risk prediction models whilst 31 externally validated these. When externally validated In Caucasian populations (N= 19), pre-operative prediction models offered reliable prediction for dialysis and severe AKI with area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) between 0.7-0.93. Models using intra-operative or post-operative variables (N=14) had acceptable prediction of severe stage AKI and dialysis with AUCs between 0.7-0.81. Pre-operative predictor models were the most externally validated. AKI prediction worsened with reducing severity of AKI. Validation of non-Caucasian populations was limited with 11 (25%) of studies undertaken in this group.
Conclusion
Pre-operative renal risk prediction models offer the most validated, accurate prediction for dialysis and severe CS-AKI. External validation of prediction tools for less-severe AKI and in non-Caucasian populations is required.
The COVID-19 pandemic and well-being in Switzerland - worse for young people?
Authors: Gondek D. , Vandecasteele L. , Sánchez-Mira N. , Steinmetz S. , Mehmeti T. , Voorpostel M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The key objective of our study was to describe the population-average trajectories of wellbeing, spanning the period of 2017-2022, comparing young people with other age groups. Additionally, we aimed to describe population-average trajectories of stress and psychosomatic symptoms among young people in 2017-2022 and to identify subgroups who experienced disproportionate changes in wellbeing, stress or psychosomatic symptoms.
Methods
We used longitudinal data from six waves (2017-2022) of the Swiss Household Panel (n individuals = 11,224; n observations = 49,032). We described the trajectories employing piecewise growth curve analysis.
Results
Young people (age 14-25) experienced a steady decline in positive affect and life satisfaction throughout the entire period, with the greatest change occurring before the pandemic (2017-2019). The trajectories in this outcome were largely stable in other age groups. Moreover, young individuals showed a more pronounced increase in negative affect, particularly in the pre-pandemic years, compared to older groups. Negative affect increased during the pandemic, followed by a subsequent decline post-pandemic, observed similarly across all age groups. Among young people specifically, stress followed as similar trajectory as in negative affect. However, issues such as sleep problems, weakness, weariness, and headaches continued to increase in this population from 2017 to 2022. We also found evidence for a greater increase in negative affect during the pandemic in young women and those not in employment or education.
Conclusions
Given the fact that the decline in young people's well-being in Switzerland started two years before the pandemic, our study emphasises the importance of to consideing their well-being within a broader systemic context beyond pandemic-related changes.
Circulating endocannabinoidome signatures of disease activity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Dubbioso Raffaele , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Senerchia Gianmaria , Verde Roberta , Iuzzolino Valentina Virginia , Spisto Myriam , Fasolino Ines , Manganelli Fiore , Marzo Vincenzo Di , Piscitelli Fabiana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Preclinical studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have shown altered endocannabinoid (eCB) signalling that may contribute to the disease. Results from human studies are sparse and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the association between serum levels of eCBs or their congeners, the so-called endocannabinoidome, and disease status and activity in ALS patients.
Methods
Serum concentrations of the eCBs 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), and AEA congeners, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), eicosapentaenoylethanolamide (EPEA), 2-docosahexaenoylglycerol (2-DHG) and docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA) were measured in samples from 65 ALS patients, 32 healthy controls (HC) and 16 neurological disease controls (NALS). A subset of 46 ALS patients underwent a longitudinal study. Disease activity and progression were correlated with eCB and congener levels.
Results
Most circulating mediators were higher in ALS than HC (all p < 0.001), but not NALS. Across clinical stages, ALS patients showed increased levels of PEA, OEA, and EPEA (all p < 0.02), which were confirmed by the longitudinal study (all p < 0.03). Serum PEA and OEA levels were independent predictors of survival and OEA levels were higher in patients complaining of appetite loss. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct profiles of circulating mediators associated with corresponding patterns of disease activity (severe vs. mild). Patients belonging to the “severe” cluster showed significantly higher levels of OEA, PEA and lower levels of 2-DHG compared to NALS and HC.
Interpretation
Circulating endocannabinoidome profiles are indicative of disease activity, thus possibly paving the way to personalised, rather than a “one-fit-all”, therapeutic approaches targeting the endocannabinoidome.
Establishing a Prognostic Model in Prostate Adenocarcinoma through Comprehensive scRNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis and Validation
Authors: Hao Lin , Chen Xiangqiu , Zhou Qingchun , Wu Tao , Wen Zhiqiang , Ji Ziliang , Zheng Xichun , Zheng Qingyou , Sun Donglin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The prognostic management of Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) presents a considerable challenge to healthcare professionals. However, it fails to accurately capture the fundamental cellular and molecular functions within tumor cells.
Methods
The data for PRAD scRNA-seq were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The limma program was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PRAD patients that exert an influence on overall survival (OS). For the identification of key modules associated with PRAD, Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed. The intersection of core cell marker genes, PRAD key module genes, and DEGs was utilized to build a predictive model using univariate Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analyses. Furthermore, we conducted experimental validation by collecting patient samples.
Results
Analysis of 162,897 scRNA-seq datasets and identified 7 central cell types. From the scRNA-seq dataset, 1805 marker genes were identified, while the bulk RNA-seq dataset yielded 1086 DEGs. Additionally, 2545 genes were linked to a key module identified through WGCNA. A predictive model was derived from the expression levels of 21 signature genes following intersection, univariate Cox, and LASSO analyses. And we confirmed the accuracy of our analysis through the patient samples we collected.
Conclusion
This study developed a unique prognosis-predictive model to predict the survival condition of individuals with PRAD through the integration of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. The risk score emerges as a potential independent predictive indicator, demonstrating a strong relationship with the immunological microenvironment.
A Case of Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy mimicking neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Fang Yanan , Liu Gang , He Xiaomei , Zhang Yanqi , Wang Zhicheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which affects various regions in the CNS, presenting by variable clinical manifestations. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of CSF immunoglobulin-G (IgG) against GFAP. The pathogenesis of GFAP-A is poorly understood. This report has enriched the disease spectrum of GFAP-A.
Case presentation
We describe a 58-year-old woman Who suffered acute neurological symptoms, including right upper limb paresthesia and right limb weakness. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed enhancement pattern in the cerebellum, CSF was tested for GFAP IgG antibodies and serum was tested for AQP4 IgG antibodies which were positive, and GFAP-A was finally diagnosed. She responded well to high-dose glucocorticoids. Sequential treatment with oral prednisone was prescribed. The right limb numbness of the patient recovered well, the right limb weakness returned to normal. So far, after 8 months, the patient still has no recurrence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the provision of an accurate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy.
The Dynamics of Exchange Traded Funds: A Geometrical and Topological Approach
Authors: Carvalho Lucas Paiva , de Araújo Tanya Vianna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Using a metric related to the returns correlation, a method is applied to the reconstruction of an economic space from Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) data. In the past, the same method was used in a geometrical analysis of times series of stock returns implying that the most of the systematic information of that market is contained in a space of small dimension. Here we have worked with ten years of daily returns of 85 ETF securities and the same dimensional reduction was obtained. Having a metric defined in the space of ETF securities, a topological approach is used to define a complete network of ETFs and its corresponding Minimum Spanning Tree (MST). An outstanding separation of the two main classes of securities over the MST is uncovered. The dimensional reduction as well as the uncovered pattern in the topological structure, they both emerge from the data itself rather than from any modelling resolution.
Xylooligosaccharides production by an immobilized recombinant fungal xylanase
Authors: Fernandes Letícia Persilva , Ventorim Rafaela Zandonade , de Oliveira Micael Garcia , Almeida Lucas Filipe , Guimarães Valéria Monteze , Maitan-Alfenas Gabriela 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are potential prebiotic ingredients for food industries, mainly obtained after xylan hydrolysis by endoxylanases. Enzyme immobilization possibilities recovery and reuse, in addition to improving its physical-chemical characteristics, such as stability and catalytic efficiency. This work aimed to immobilize the SM2 xylanase derived from the XynA gene from Orpinomyces sp. PC-2 and to evaluate its potential for XOS production. For this, SM2 xylanase was immobilized using the cross-linking methodology. The free and immobilized enzymes were characterized regarding the effect of pH, temperature, and thermostability. The cross-linked enzyme aggregate was evaluated for reuse and storage conditions and used for xylooligosaccharides production. Both free and immobilized SM2 xylanase showed maximal activity at 60 ºC. The immobilized enzyme was more active at acidic and neutral conditions, and the free enzyme showed greater activity at basic conditions. The half-life of the free and immobilized xylanase was 30 h and 216 h, respectively. In reuse tests, enzymatic activity increased with each cycle, and there was no statistical difference in the activity of SM2 xylanase aggregate stored at 4 and 25 ºC. After saccharification, xylobiose (0.903 g/L), xylotriose (0.487 g/L), and xylohexose (0.809 g/L) were detected. As a result, immobilization enhanced thermostability, shifted the pH of maximum activity to 5, facilitated reuse, and eliminated the need for refrigerated packaging. Finally, the xylooligosaccharides produced by the SM2 xylanase are known for their prebiotic role, providing potential application of the immobilized enzyme in the food industry.
Biaxial stretching of single cells using a compliant micromechanism
Authors: Marwah Himanshu , Fartyal Neeraj , Bhatt Hetarth , Nautiyal Rohit , Balakrishnan Sreenath 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Biological cells are exposed to a variety of mechanical stimuli from their environment. Cells convert these mechanical stimuli to specific biochemical signals through a process known as mechanotransduction, which is necessary for proper functioning of cells. Biaxial stretching is one such stimuli observed in tissues such as lung alveoli, pericardium, blood vessels and urinary bladder. To study the effect of biaxial stretching on cell function, or any other mechanotransduction process, it is essential to develop tools capable of manipulating cells in the respective deformation mode. Here, we report the design, fabrication and actuation of a compliant micromechanism for in-plane, biaxial stretching of single cells. Further, we demonstrate biaxial stretching of NIH-3T3 cells (mouse fibroblasts) using this micromechanism. Our device is an amalgam of a gripper mechanism and an auxetic structure, which can be actuated using a mechanical probe. Cells can be stretched equibiaxially or with any non-equibiaxial stretch ratio, by altering the mechanism geometry. The device is made of SU-8 using a two-layer lithography process. Since SU-8 is transparent and biocompatible, we could attach cells to the mechanism, stretch them and continuously image during stretching. Our device could be useful for elucidating the biological response of cells to biaxial stretching and for characterising the anisotropic mechanical properties of single cells.
In-situ SEM Microrobotics for Versatile Force/Deformation Characterization: Application to Third-Body MoS2 Wear Particles
Authors: Hannouch Ralf , Reynaud Valentin , Colas Guillaume , Rauch Jean-Yves , Agnus Joel , Lehmann Olivier , Marionnet François , Clevy Cedric 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This article explores the challenges and solutions in the physical characterization of materials at the microscale using robots, with a specific focus on manipulating and characterizing micrometer-sized particles with different and complex 3D shapes and internal sub-micrometer structures. Particles considered as case-study in this paper are made of Molybdenum diSulfide (MoS2) based materials generated within the contact interface during friction. These particles are of high interest for friction reduction and energy saving, but they are dispersed randomly inside the contact and have complex sub-micrometer structures.
Methods: Characterization demands precise manipulation techniques in an in-situ Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) environment. To address these challenges, existing commercial micro and nanomanipulation tools are integrated within a vacuum SEM chamber, and robotics strategies are investigated to enable the whole process from particle preparation, and manipulation setup definition, to effective MoS2 particle characterization all in-situ SEM.
Results: A set of several complementary experimental investigations are done and involve force measurement and deformation estimation studies, leading to the first qualitative results on MoS2 based particles directly from the friction track. The work contributes to advancements in both microscale manipulation and characterization. It also has implications for lubrication research.
Adsorption behavior and antimicrobial activity of new chitosan based functionalized nanocomposites: A case study
Authors: Hamad Nora A. , Salem Fatma M. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , Hassan Nasser A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Two new functionalized sorbents EPC@MC and ENC@MC were synthesized by the grafting of two amino ester derivatives EPC and ENC on magnetic chitosan nanoparticles respectively. The prepared sorbents were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and SEM-EDX facilities, TEM, SEAD pattern, and TGA analysis. The sorption process was investigated for three fresh contaminated water samples; sewage wastewater, iron and steel wastewater, and tannery wastewater respectively. The obtained data illustrated that EPC@MC and ENC@MC are highly selective for some heavy metals removal from the different samples of industrial wastewater. The sorption process was performed under different pH values. To complete our case study, the antimicrobial properties of the functionalized sorbents as well as that of the corresponding amino esters were characterized by determining the inhibition zone values against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), as well as a yeast species (Candida albicans) and fungi including one filamentous fungus (Aspergillus fumigatus) and by using a well-modified diffusion method.