bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a near ideal amino acid balance diet on lysine mammary utilization, whole body protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown on lactating sows
Authors: Zhang Sai , Marini Juan C. , Mavangira Vengai , Claude Andrew , Moore Julie , Mohammad Mahmoud A. , Trottier Nathalie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein (CP) diet with crystalline amino acids (CAA) supplementation to meet a near ideal AA (NIAA) profile improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown. Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): control (CON; 19.24% CP) and reduced CP with a NIAA or “optimal” AA profile (OPT; 14.00% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on days 1, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Between days 14 and 18, a subset of 9 sows (CON = 4, OPT = 5) was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3] histidine (bolus injection) and [13C] bicarbonate (priming dose) 1 hour prior to a constant 2-hour [13C] bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-hour primed constant [1-13C] lysine infusion. Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment, Lys oxidation rate, whole body protein turnover, and muscle protein breakdown.Results Over the 21-day lactation period, compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater Lys mammary utilization efficiency (P < 0.05), Lys mammary flux (P < 0.01) and whole-body protein turnover efficiency (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate (P = 0.069). Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON (P = 0.197).Conclusion Feeding a diet formulated to meet a NIAA balance (i.e., OPT diet) increased Lys mammary utilization efficiency and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown. Sows fed a OPT diet had greater protein turnover efficiency indicating greater AA utilization efficiency.
Sexually dimorphic characteristics of dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons within the shell of the nucleus accumbens of adolescent mice
Authors: Aziz Heather C , Mangieri Regina A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Adolescence, a developmental stage, is characterized by psychosocial and biological changes. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), a striatal brain region composed of the core (NAcC) and shell (NAcSh), has been linked to risk-taking behavior and implicated in reward seeking and evaluation. Most neurons in the NAc are medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that express dopamine D1 receptors (D1R+) and/or dopamine D2 receptors (D2R+). Changes in dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems occur during adolescence and converge in the NAc. While there are previous investigations into sex differences in membrane excitability and synaptic glutamate transmission in both subdivisions of the NAc, to our knowledge, none have specified NAcSh D1R+MSNs from mice during mid-adolescence.
Methods: Sagittal brain slices containing the NAc were prepared from B6.Cg-Tg(Drd1a-tdTomato)6Calak/J mice of both sexes from postnatal days 35-47. Stained smears were made from vaginal samples from female mice to identify the stage of Estrous at death. Whole-cell electrophysiology recordings were collected from NAcSh D1R+MSNs in the form of membrane-voltage responses to current injections and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs).
Results: The action potential duration was longer in males than infemales. Additionally, the frequency of sEPSCs was higher in females, and the mean event amplitude was smaller than that in males. We found no evidence of the observed sex differences being driven by the stage of the Estrous cycle and no physiological parameter significantly varied with respect to the Estrous cycle.
Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that NAcSh D1R+MSNs exhibit sex differences during mid-adolescence that are independent of the stage of Estrous, in both AP waveform and glutamate transmission, possibly due to changes in voltage-gated potassium channels and α-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors, respectively.
Preparation of sulfonated cross-linked films for proton exchange membranes (PEMs) through a curing process
Authors: jang suk-yong , Lee Ji-Su , Oh Seung-Gi , Han Sien-Ho 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Raw-poly(n-butyl acrylate (BA)-sodium styrene sulfonate (SS)-neopentyl glycol diacrylate (NPGDA)) (raw-PBSN) films were prepared through a curing process from various BA/SS/NPGDA mixtures (BSN mixture). The sulfonation of the raw-PBSN films was performed via a pretreatment process. As a result, light-brown sulfonated PBSN (SPBSN) films with a thickness of 80 ~ 95 µm were obtained. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity (PC) of these specimens were improved with an increase in the content of SS within the SPBSN matrix. The SPBSN 25 wt%, SPBSN 30 wt% and SPBSN 35 wt% films containing corresponding SS content of 25 wt%, 30 wt% and 35 wt% had much higher IEC values compared to that of Nafion® 117. Specifically, the PC value of the SPBSN 35 wt% film was approximately 0.211 S/cm, nearly 22.6% higher than that of Nafion® 117 (0.172 S/cm) at a temperature of 80℃ and relative humidity (RH) of 100%. A fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was used to verify the sulfonation of the raw-PBSN films. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis was conducted to investigate the micro-phase separated ionic cluster images of the SPBSN films.
Novel foam separation column with hollow octagonal prismoids with sieve tray for purification of recombinant β-glucosidase
Authors: Xue Jingli , Fang Sihan , Han Juan , Wu Jiacong , Wang Lei , Wang Yun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In order to intensify the foam drainage and improve the enrichment ratio of recombinant β-glucosidase, a new foam separation equipment with a hollow octagonal prismoid with sieve tray (HOPST) was designed to separate recombinant β-glucosidase (GLEGB) from fermentation broth. The structural parameters (number, spacing, sieve diameter) of the foam separation internals and experimental parameters (temperature, initial protein concentration, gas flow rate, liquid volume) were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the protein enrichment ratio was 2.46 ± 0.10, and the recovery rate of enzyme activity was 52.49 ± 2.50%. Based on the temperature sensitivity of elastin like polypeptide (ELP), the GLEGB foam solution was further purified with a purification ratio of 37.25 ± 0.60. The conformation results of purified GLEGB by CD, UV-vis and FT-IR showed that the structure of recombinant β-glucosidase was not changed during the purification process.
Household Factors and Prevalence of Squalor: Meta-analysis and Meta-regression
Authors: Norton Mike , Kellett Stephen , Huddy Vyv , Simmonds-Buckley Melanie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Severe domestic squalor occurs when a person lives in a dwelling that is significantly unclean, disorganised and unhygienic. The limited previous research has primarily focused on the characteristics of those who live in squalor and the associated risk factors. Robust and reliable studies of squalor prevalence have not been conducted. This study sought to produce a reliable estimate of the point prevalence of squalor.
Methods
Using data from 13-years of the English Housing Survey, N = 85681 households were included in a prevalence meta-analysis. Squalor prevalence over time, subgroup analysis and logistic regression investigated the role played by household and community characteristics.
Results
The point prevalence of squalor was estimated to be 0.85% and squalor was seen to decrease significantly over time. Community deprivation, whether the home was owned/rented, income and the number of people in the home was associated with presence of squalor.
Conclusions
Squalor prevalence was higher than previous estimates and supports community care services in associated service planning. The results regarding household characteristics help to inform which households and individuals may be at a higher risk of living in squalid conditions.
An Extremely Rare Coronary Anomaly: Right Single Coronary Artery or Agenesis of Left Main Coronary Artery? A Classification Dilemma
Authors: Kök Zafer , Sökmen Erdoğan , Bingöl Bilge , Kalay Nihat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Single coronary artery is an extremely rare anomaly where all the coronary circulation relies upon a single coronary trunk from either the right or the left sinus of Valsalve.The purpose of the present case report is to describe an extremely rare coronary artery anomaly which causes a classification dilemma.
Methods
A 67-year-old male patient admitted with acute coronary syndrome underwent a coronary angiography performed with Judkins technique to obtain standard angiographic views.
Results
We hereby present a very rare case of right single coronary artery anomaly diagnosed with invasive coronary angiography and computed tomography scan in a 67-year-old male patient with chest pain and share a classification dilemma.
Conclusion
We presented an extremely rare case of right SCA anomaly which causes classification dilemma. Furthermore, such coronary anomalies should be kept in mind before performing percutaneous coronary intervensions.
Transcriptomic Study of the Role of MeFtsZ2-1 in Pigment Accumulation in Cassava Leaves
Authors: Zang Yuwei , Wu Kunlin , Liu Liangwang , Ran Fangfang , Wang Changyi , Wu Shuwen , Wang Dayong , Guo Jianchun , Min Yi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
MeFtsZ2-1 is a key gene for plant plastid division, but the mechanism by which MeFtsZ2-1 affects pigment accumulation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through plastids remains unclear. We found that MeFtsZ2-1 overexpression in cassava (OE) exhibited darker colors of leaves, with increased levels of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Further observation via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed no apparent defects in chloroplast structure but an increase in the number of plastoglobule in OE leaves. RNA-seq results showed 1582 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves of OE. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were enriched in pathways related to flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid biosynthesis. This study reveals the role of MeFtsZ2-1 in cassava pigment accumulation from a physiological and transcriptomic perspective, providing a theoretical basis for improving cassava quality.
Association of circulating biomarkers with illness severity measures differentiates myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Domingo Joan Carles , Battistini Federica , Cordobilla Begoña , Zaragozá Maria Cleofé , Sanmartin-Sentañes Ramón , Alegre-Martin Jose , Cambras Trinitat , Castro-Marrero Jesus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence suggests that autonomic dysfunction and persistent systemic inflammation are common clinical features in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their potential association with circulating biomarkers and illness severity status.
Methods
This prospective, cross-sectional, case-control cohort study aimed to distinguish between the two patient populations by using self-reported outcome measures and circulating biomarkers to assess endothelial function and systemic inflammation. Thirty-one individuals with ME/CFS, 23 individuals with long COVID, and 31 matched healthy subjects were included. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between self-reported outcome measures and circulating biomarkers in study participants. Classification across groups was based on principal component and discriminant analyses.
Results
Four ME/CFS patients (13%), 1 with long COVID (4%), and 1 healthy control (3%) presented postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) with the 10-min NASA lean test. Compared with healthy controls, ME/CFS and long COVID subjects showed higher levels of ET-1 (p < 0.05) and VCAM-1 (p < 0.001), and lower levels of nitrites (NOx assessed as NO2- + NO3-) (p < 0.01). ME/CFS patients also showed higher levels of serpin E1 (PAI-1) and E-selectin than did both long COVID and control subjects (p < 0.01 in all cases). Long COVID patients had lower TSP-1 levels than did ME/CFS patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001). As for inflammation biomarkers, both long COVID and ME/CFS subjects had higher levels of TNF-α than did healthy controls (p < 0.01 in both comparisons). Compared with controls, ME/CFS patients had higher levels of IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-10 (p < 0.001), IP-10 (p < 0.05), and leptin (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis supported differentiation between groups based on self-reported outcome measures and endothelial and inflammatory biomarkers.
Conclusions
Our findings revealed that combining biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation with outcome measures differentiate ME/CFS and Long COVID using robust discriminant analysis of principal components. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive characterization of these underlying pathomechanisms, which could be promising targets for therapeutic and preventive strategies in these conditions.
Mouse auditory cortex sub-fields receive neuronal projections from MGB subdivisions independently
Authors: Wang Chi , Jiang Zhen-yu , Chai Jianyuan , Chen Hong-suo , Liu Li-xia , Dang Tong , Meng Xian-mei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Mouse auditory cortex is composed of six sub-fields: primary auditory field (AI), secondary auditory field (AII), anterior auditory field (AAF), insular auditory field (IAF), ultrasonic field (UF) and dorsoposterior field (DP). Previous studies have examined thalamo-cortical connections in the mice auditory system and learned that AI, AAF, and IAF receive inputs from the ventral division of the medial geniculate body (MGB). However, the functional and thalamo-cortical connections between nonprimary auditory cortex (AII, UF, and DP) is unclear. In this study, we examined the locations of neurons projecting to these three cortical sub-fields in the MGB, and addressed the question whether these cortical sub-fields receive inputs from different subsets of MGB neurons or common. To examine the distributions of projecting neurons in the MGB, retrograde tracers were injected into the AII, UF, DP, after identifying these areas by the method of Optical Imaging. Our results indicated that neuron cells which in ventral part of dorsal MGB (MGd) and that of ventral MGB (MGv) projecting to UF and AII with less overlap. And DP only received neuron projecting from MGd. Interestingly, these three cortical areas received input from distinct part of MGd and MGv in an independent manner. Based on our foundings these three auditory cortical sub-fields in mice may independently process auditory information.
Propensity to trust: comforting touch between trustworthy human and robot partners.
Authors: Valori Irene , Fan Yichen , Jung Merel , Fairhurst Merle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Touching a friend to comfort or be comforted is a common prosocial behaviour, firmly based in mutual trust. Emphasising the interactive nature of trust and touch, we suggest that vulnerability, reciprocity and individual differences shape trust and perceptions of touch. We further investigate whether these elements also apply to companion robots. Participants (n = 152) were exposed to four comics depicting human-human or human-robot exchanges. Across conditions, one character was sad, the other initiated touch to comfort them, and the touchee reciprocated the touch. Participants first rated trustworthiness of a certain character (human or robot in a vulnerable or comforting role), then evaluated the two touch phases (initiation and reciprocity) in terms of interaction realism, touch appropriateness and pleasantness, affective state (valence and arousal) attributed to the characters. Results support an interactive account of trust and touch, with humans being equally trustworthy when comforting or showing vulnerability, and reciprocity of touch buffering sadness. Although these phenomena seem unique to humans, propensity to trust technology reduces the gap between how humans and robots are perceived. Two distinct trust systems emerge: one for human interactions and another for social technologies, both necessitating trust as a fundamental prerequisite for meaningful physical contact.
Animal naming test stratifies the risk of falls and fall-related fractures in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Miwa Takao , Hanai Tatsunori , Hirata Sachiyo , Nishimura Kayoko , Unome Shinji , Nakahata Yuki , Imai Kenji , Shirakami Yohei , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between animal naming test (ANT), falls, and fall-related fractures in patients with cirrhosis. Cognitive impairment and frailty were assessed using ANT and Karnofsky performance status (KPS), respectively. Factors stratifying the risk of previous falls and fall-related fractures within one year were assessed using a logistic regression model. Factors affecting patient performance in ANT were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. Of the 94 patients, 19% and 5% experienced falls and fall-related fractures, respectively. The performance in ANT was worse in patients who experienced falls (11 vs. 18; p < 0.001) and fall-related fractures (8 vs. 16; p < 0.001) than in those who did not. After adjustment, females, KPS, and ANT (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–0.93; p = 0.005) were associated with falls, while ANT was significantly associated with fall-related fractures (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35–0.88; p = 0.012). Age and education affected the performance in ANT, whereas the use of Oriental zodiacs did not. The ANT is useful for stratifying the risk of falls and fall-related fractures in patients with cirrhosis. The effects of age and education should be considered when applying ANT in the Japanese population.
DNA methylation profile of essential hypertension in a Xinjiang Kazak population in China
Authors: Jiang Hong , Yang Xinling , You Shuping , Liu Tao , Zhang Shi-Lei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background The Kazak people have the highest rate of essential hypertension among all ethnic groups in the pasturing area of Nanshan in Xinjiang, China. This study is to identify DNA methylation profile of essential hypertension in a Xinjiang Kazak population, China. Methods The differentially methylated DNA sites were screened using gene chip technology, and analyzed by GO and KEGG. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein levels. Results There were significant methylation differences between patients with essential hypertension and control candidates at 427 sites. These sites were located on different chromosomes, mostly on Chromosomes 1 and 6. Differentially methylated genes were mainly involved in biological processes involving the biosynthesis and metabolism of protein, vascular development, cell adhesion, collagen binding, and aging. Chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis, and the insulin signaling, endocytosis, immune pathways, and other metabolic pathways were also identified. Compared with the control group, ECE-1 was significantly upregulated while eNOS was significantly downregulated in hypertension patients (P < 0. 05). Conclusion The DNA methylation profiles of Kazaks with essential hypertension are established. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of essential hypertension.
ALOX5, a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker associated with immune cells and ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Zhu Yi , fei hu , An Mingyu , Yang Xia , Li Jun , Li Xuejun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Immune infiltration and ferroptosis play pivotal roles in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the investigation of immune cell-associated ferroptosis genes (ICRFGs) in the context of DKD remains insufficient. This study aims to identify ICRFGs relevant to DKD. In this study, two DKD datasets were utilized, and alongside ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from public database. We employed the CIBERSORT and WGCNA methods to identify immune-related differential genes. The common ICRFGs were derived through the Venn plot and function analysis was performed. We employed the random forest and LASSO techniques to further select hub ICRFGs. The diagnostic efficacy of hub ICRFGs was assessed using K-M survival analysis, ROC curve analysis, and clinical factors of DKD. Hub ICRFGs-related pathways and functions in DKD patients were elucidated via the GSEA algorithm and the Metascape database. Additionally, we validated the expression of hub ICRFGs in high glucose-induced HK-2 cells and other datasets. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified ALOX5 as a pivotal biomarker linked to immune-related ferroptosis. ALOX5 exhibited significant high expression in HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and in other independent datasets. Clinical correlation and K-M survival analysis affirmed ALOX5 as the most crucial ICRFGs in DKD. Furthermore, ALOX5 demonstrated significant enrichment in ECM-receptor interaction, regulation of chemokine production, and regulation of inflammatory response. A positive correlation was observed between ALOX5 and M1 macrophage cells, γδ T cells, and monocytes. In conclusion, we identified ALOX5 as a dependable and prospective diagnostic marker associated with immunity and ferroptosis in DKD.
Combining habitat suitability with simulated movements for the predictive modelling of beaver distribution in Flanders
Authors: Huysentruyt Frank , Rutten Anneleen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In Flanders, beavers reappeared since 2000 and numbers have expanded rapidly over the last decade, challenging impact management. To help identify areas with increased vulnerability to beaver damage we developed a species distribution model (SDM) in which we combined a MaxEnt-based approach to estimate habitat suitability and potential future spread with simulated dispersions using the SiMRiv R-package. We constructed our model in 2020 based on 2019 distribution data of beavers in Flanders and used it to predict population distribution probability up to 2022. For validation of this combined model output, we compared the output per km² grid cell to the observed distribution of beavers in Flanders in 2020–2022. Our model predicted possible beaver occupancy in 4.361 out of 14,343 km² grid cells in Flanders. In 51.4% of these grid cells predicted probability of occupancy was accidental, in 29.3% it was low, in 13.0% medium and in 6.4% high. In 2020–2022 beavers were observed in 908 km² grid cells in Flanders. Comparison with the model output showed that the model performed well overall (AUC: 0.825–0.864); although the negative predictive power was much higher than positive predictive power since the model tends to overestimate actual occupancy over this three-year period. However, the accuracy rises with the projected level of occupancy probability. Although the overestimation fits the intended risk management purposes of the model, expanding it beyond the borders of Flanders and strengthening the backbone of the model with a more detailed population model could further improve the output and help improve the positive predictive power.