bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A gulf-wide synoptic isoscape of zooplankton isotope ratios reveals the importance of nitrogen fixation in supporting secondary production in the central Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Oscar Gabriel , Camacho-Ibar Víctor F. , Barbero Leticia , Herguera Juan Carlos , Herzka Sharon Z. 
Published: January 2023

A synoptic gulf-wide isoscape of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in the Gulf of Mexico based on mesozooplankton (335-1000 um) was used as a proxy for the isotopic baseline and for calculating regional contributions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen sources. Mesozooplankton were sampled at 0-200 m (depth permitting) during the XIXIMI-06 and GOMECC-3 cruises held during the summer of 2017. A striking latitudinal gradient was found in δ15N values of zooplankton, with the highest values (10.4 ± 1.2‰) found over the northern shelf, and lowest values in the central, oligotrophic gulf (1.9 ± 0.5‰). To estimate the fractional contribution of potential nitrogen sources, the gulf was divided into six regions based on the spatial distribution of surface Chl-a, SST from remote sensing products and likely region-specific source contributions. A literature survey of (δ13C and δ15N values of particulate organic matter was used to characterize region-specific endpoint isotope ratios for use in a Bayesian isotope mixing model. Regional differences in δ15N values and the results of mixing models indicated nitrogen fixation is most likely an important source (45-74% contribution) of new nitrogen in the oceanic regions of the Gulf, the Loop Current and the Yucatan Shelf. In the oligotrophic gulf, the potential input of relatively light nitrate that reflects remineralization of surface layer POM or the excretion of light nitrogen by heterotrophs was insufficient to explain the low δ15N values found in the central Gulf, although it could account for about 40% of the N supporting secondary production. The high nitrogen isotope ratios found in the northern shelf were attributed to denitrified N (60%) and the inflow of heavy nitrogen from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river system. Our results support the potential importance of fixed nitrogen in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the summer, characteristic for its highly stratified surface waters.
A novel approach to estimate power demand of auxiliary engine loads of light duty vehicles
Authors: Gajanayake Surath , Bandara Saman , Sugathapala Thusitha 
Published: January 2023

On par with rapid motorization, excessive energy demand and air pollution have become major challenges in the global context. Fuel economy programs and emission reduction targets have proven to be among the most effective in mitigating these issues. In developing successful fuel economy programs and policies, understanding the factors affecting the fuel consumption of road vehicles is essential. Auxiliary engine loads are one of the commonest factors affecting a vehicle’s fuel economy performance. An auxiliary engine load is defined as the energy utilized to operate auxiliary equipment that draws its power from the vehicle’s engine. This study was limited to light duty vehicles, and an analytical method was adopted to assess the fuel economy impact of the auxiliary equipment in terms of air-conditioning load, alternator load, and water pump and steering pump load. As one of the main deliverables, the study developed a novel approach for estimating and modeling the air-conditioning load which is the major auxiliary energy consumer. For an average car of 100 brake horsepower (bhp) (74.7 kW), the engine auxiliary equipment consumes approximately 13.130 kW of power at an engine operating speed of 3,000 RPM, which amounts to 17.6% of the total bhp output. The major contributors to engine power demand are the air-conditioning unit and the alternator, which account for over 97% of the total auxiliary power requirement, while the water-pump and power steering-pump use relatively little power at 3% of the total auxiliary power demand. The novelty of the method adopted during this study is that it theoretically determines the major contributor of the auxiliary power demand, the air-conditioning load, whereas prior reports have used approaches involving empirical methods.
Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation via colonoscopy as add-on therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tkach Sergii , Dorofeyev Andrii , Kuzenko Iurii , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Tsyryuk Olena , Kovalchuk Oleksandr , Kobyliak Nazarii , Abenavoli Ludovico , Boccuto Luigi 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionGrowing evidence supports the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC), although its effects seem to depend on the method of introduction, the number of procedures, the donor material, and the severity of UC.AimThis study aimed to assess FMT's clinical and microbiological efficacy, tolerability, and safety in patients with mild-to-moderate UC.Material and methodsPatients with mild-to-moderate UC were randomized into two groups. The first group (standard-care, n = 27) was treated with basic therapy–mesalazine–at a daily dose of 3 g (2 g orally + 1 g rectally). In the second group (FMT group, n = 26), while taking mesalazine at the indicated dose, each patient with UC as add-on therapy underwent a single FMT procedure with fresh material delivered by colonoscopy from a healthy donor. The clinical efficacy of treatment in both groups was evaluated after 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was remission of UC, defined as a partial Mayo score ≤2, and decreased fecal calprotectin. All patients underwent bacteriological examination of feces for quantitative microbiota composition changes.ResultsClinical response in the form of a significant decrease in stool frequency and a tendency to normalize its consistency after 4 weeks was detected in 14 (51.9%) patients of the standard care group and 16 patients (61.5%) of the FMT group (p = 0.583). The Mayo score in the standard care group was 3.59 ± 1.21 and in the FMT group−3.15±1.04 (p=0.166). After 8 weeks, the main primary endpoint was achieved in 70.4% of the standard-care group patients as compared to 84.6% of participants who received FMT as add-on therapy (p = 0.215). A more pronounced decrease in Mayo score was observed in the FMT group compared to the standard-care group (1.34 ± 1.44 vs. 2.14 ± 1.4; p = 0.045). All patients also showed a significant decrease in fecal calprotectin levels, which correlated with clinical data, stool frequency, and clinical remission. An improvement in gut microbiota composition was noted in both groups, albeit it was significantly more pronounced in the FMT group.ConclusionsFTM in patients with mild-to-moderate UC is a well-tolerated, effective, and safe method of treatment in comparison to basic therapy.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05538026?term=kobyliak&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=4, identifier: NCT05538026.
Suitability of transbronchial needle aspiration for genotyping peripheral pulmonary tumors
Authors: Zuccatosta Lina , Latini Letizia , Belleggia Beatrice , Gonnelli Francesca , Barbisan Francesca , Goteri Gaia , Gasparini Stefano , Marchetti Antonio 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundTransbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a sampling tool that has demonstrated a higher accuracy in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) compared to other techniques. However, there are no studies investigating the value of TBNA in defining the genotype of peripheral lung cancer.ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of TBNA in defining the molecular characteristics of peripheral lung cancer.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent TBNA for the diagnosis of a PPL at the Pulmonary Unit of the Azienda Ospedali Riuniti of Ancona (Italy) between January 2020 and September 2022 were included in the study. TBNA was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and the additional support of an ultrasound miniprobe, with an ultrathin bronchoscope with a flexible 21G needle. Samples were smeared on glass slides for cytological evaluation and flushed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for cell-blocks.Results154 patients were enrolled:55 were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and 21 with squamous cell carcinoma. TBNA correctly diagnosed 43/55 (78.2%) patients with adenocarcinoma and 17/21 (81.0%) patients with squamous cell carcinoma, with a sensitivity of 77.5%. Complete genotyping for guiding targeted therapies was obtained in 52 patients (86.6%).ConclusionsTBNA is a valid tool for the diagnosis of PPL, allowing a correct diagnosis and a complete genotyping of the tumors in a considerable proportion of patients.
Effects of fermented feed of Pennisetum giganteum on growth performance, oxidative stress, immunity and gastrointestinal microflora of Boer goats under thermal stress
Authors: Qiu Yuyang , Zhao Hui , He Xiaoyu , Zhu Furong , Zhang Fengli , Liu Bin , Liu Qinghua 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented feed of Pennisetum giganteum (P. giganteum) on growth performance, oxidative stress, immunity and gastrointestinal microflora of Boer goats under thermal stress.MethodsThe study was conducted during 45 days using twenty 2 months Boer goats. The goats were randomly allocated into two groups: NPG (n = 10; normal P. giganteum) and FPG (n = 10; fermented feed of P. giganteum), and the ratio of concentrates to roughage was 3:2. Both groups of animals were kept in sheds and exposed to summer thermal stress from 10:00 h to 18:00 h (temperature and humidity index, THI &gt; 78). At the end of the study, the animals were slaughtered and assessed for various characteristics.ResultsThe findings from the study revealed that FPG-feeding significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG, 48.18 g) and carcass weight (4.38 kg), while decreased (p &lt; 0.01) average daily feed intake (ADFI, 0.74 kg/d; p &lt; 0.01) and the feed:gain (F/G, 15.36) ratio. The CAT, GSH-Px activities and GSH in serum, liver and spleen, and the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-1β in serum of FPG-fed goats were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than those of NPG-feeding goats. Further, we found that FPG feed is rich in nutrients with Lactobacillus (65.83%) and Weissella (17.80%). Results for gastrointestinal microbiota composition showed that FPG-feeding significantly enhanced the abundance of Lactobacillus and unidentified Clostridiales, and reduced Anaerovibrio and Methanobrevibacter. Meanwhile, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that these microbiotas were closely related to the improvement of oxidative stress and immune indexes of goats.DiscussionThese results demonstrated that FPG-feeding not only reduces oxidative stress and improves ROS clearance to enhance antioxidant defense system, but also improves gastrointestinal microbiota to enhance immune function by overcoming the adverse effects of heat stress, and further improve growth performance of goats.
Impacts of sodium butyrate on intestinal mucosal barrier and intestinal microbial community in a weaned piglet model
Authors: Liu Han , Zhao Jing , Zhang Wenju , Nie Cunxi 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveButyrate is thought to enhance intestinal mucosal homeostasis, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, further investigation on the mechanism of butyrate regulation of intestinal mucosal homeostasis was performed.Materials and methodsThis study used weaned piglets with similar intestinal metabolic function to humans as a research model. The dietary supplemented 0.2% sodium butyrate group (0.2% S) and negative control group (CON) were established to detect the effects of butyrate on growth performance, intestinal tissue morphology, mucosal barrier function, and intestinal microbial community structure in weaned piglets.ResultsThere was an increase in average daily gain (ADG) during three different experimental periods and a reduction in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) during days 1–35 and days 15–35 in 0.2% S compared with CON (P &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, villus height in the ileum and duodenum was increased, and crypt depths in the colon and jejunum were reduced in both groups (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the ratio of villus height and crypt depth (V/C) in 0.2% S both in the ileum and jejunum was significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05) compared with CON. The relative mRNA expression of PKC, MUC1, CLDN1, and ITGB1 was upregulated in the ileum of 0.2% S compared with CON (P &lt; 0.05). The digesta samples of 0.2% S, both in the ileum (P &lt; 0.05) and colon, contained greater intestinal bacterial abundance and diversity of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Megasphaera, and Blautia, which promoted amino acid metabolism and energy production and conversion in the colon and the synthesis of carbon-containing biomolecules in the ileum.ConclusionIn summary, dietary supplementation with 0.2% sodium butyrate was shown to have a tendency to improve the growth performance of weaned piglets and enhance intestinal mucosal barrier function via altering the gut microbiota.
Fecal microbiota and inflammatory and antioxidant status of obese and lean dogs, and the effect of caloric restriction
Authors: Vecchiato Carla Giuditta , Golinelli Stefania , Pinna Carlo , Pilla Rachel , Suchodolski Jan S. , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Rubio Camila Peres , Dorato Elisa , Delsante Costanza , Stefanelli Claudio , Pagani Elena , Fracassi Federico , Biagi Giacomo 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionObesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs, and is generally managed by caloric restriction. Gut microbiota alteration could represent a predisposing factor for obesity development, which has been associated with a low-grade inflammatory condition and an impaired antioxidant status. Besides, weight loss has been shown to influence the gut microbiota composition and reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.MethodHowever, these insights in canine obesity have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in serum and inflammatory parameters, antioxidant status, fecal microbiota and bacterial metabolites in 16 obese and 15 lean client-owned dogs and how these parameters in obese may be influenced by caloric restriction. First, for 30 days, all dogs received a high-protein, high-fiber diet in amounts to maintain their body weight; later, obese dogs were fed for 180 days the same diet in restricted amounts to promote weight loss.ResultsBefore the introduction of the experimental diet (T0), small differences in fecal microbial populations were detected between obese and lean dogs, but bacterial diversity and main bacterial metabolites did not differ. The fecal Dysbiosis Index (DI) was within the reference range (&lt; 0) in most of dogs of both groups. Compared to lean dogs, obese dogs showed higher serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins, total thyroxine (TT4), and antioxidant capacity. Compared to T0, dietary treatment affected the fecal microbiota of obese dogs, decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes and increasing Bacteroides spp. However, these changes did not significantly affect the DI. The caloric restriction failed to exert significative changes on a large scale on bacterial populations. Consequently, the DI, bacterial diversity indices and metabolites were unaffected in obese dogs. Caloric restriction was not associated with a reduction of inflammatory markers or an improvement of the antioxidant status, while an increase of TT4 has been observed.DiscussionIn summary, the present results underline that canine obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. This study highlights that changes on fecal microbiota of obese dogs induced by the characteristics of the diet should be differentiated from those that are the consequence of the reduced energy intake.
Inflammatory response biomarkers nomogram for predicting pneumonia in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yu Tingting , Liu Haimei , Liu Ying , Jiang Jianxin 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesInflammatory response biomarkers are promising prognostic factors to improve the prognosis of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) after ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of inflammatory response biomarkers on admission in SAP after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) and establish a corresponding nomogram.MethodsThe data of 378 patients with SICH receiving conservative treatment from January 2019 to December 2021 at Taizhou People's Hospital were selected. All eligible patients were randomized into the training (70%, 265) and validation cohorts (30%, 113). In the training cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish an optimal nomogram, including inflammatory response biomarkers and clinical risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram's discrimination, calibration, and performance, respectively. Moreover, this model was further validated in a validation cohort.ResultsA logistic regression analysis showed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hypertension, dysphagia, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were correlated with SAP after SICH (P &lt; 0.05). The nomogram was composed of all these statistically significant factors. The inflammatory marker-based nomogram showed strong prognostic power compared with the conventional factors, with an AUC of 0.886 (95% CI: 0.841–0.921) and 0.848 (95% CI: 0.799–0.899). The calibration curves demonstrated good homogeneity between the predicted risks and the observed outcomes. In addition, the model has a significant net benefit for SAP, according to DCA. Also, internal validation demonstrated the reliability of the prediction nomogram. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the non-SAP group than in the SAP group. At the 3-month follow-up, clinical outcomes were worse in the SAP group (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionSIRI and PLR at admission can be utilized as prognostic inflammatory biomarkers in patients with SICH in the upper brain treated with SAP. A nomogram covering SIRI and PLR can more accurately predict SAP in patients' supratentorial SICH. SAP can influence the length of hospital stay and the clinical outcome.
An objective model for diagnosing comorbid cognitive impairment in patients with epilepsy based on the clinical-EEG functional connectivity features
Authors: Ren Zhe , Zhao Yibo , Han Xiong , Yue Mengyan , Wang Bin , Zhao Zongya , Wen Bin , Hong Yang , Wang Qi , Hong Yingxing , Zhao Ting , Wang Na , Zhao Pan 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveCognitive impairment (CI) is a common disorder in patients with epilepsy (PWEs). Objective assessment method for diagnosing CI in PWEs would be beneficial in reality. This study proposed to construct a diagnostic model for CI in PWEs using the clinical and the phase locking value (PLV) functional connectivity features of the electroencephalogram (EEG).MethodsPWEs who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into a cognitively normal (CON) group (n = 55) and a CI group (n = 76). The 23 clinical features and 684 PLVEEG features at the time of patient visit were screened and ranked using the Fisher score. Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) were used as algorithms to construct diagnostic models of CI in PWEs either with pure clinical features, pure PLVEEG features, or combined clinical and PLVEEG features. The performance of these models was assessed using a five-fold cross-validation method.ResultsGBDT-built model with combined clinical and PLVEEG features performed the best with accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 90.11, 93.40, 89.50, 91.39, and 0.95%. The top 5 features found to influence the model performance based on the Fisher scores were the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the head for abnormalities, educational attainment, PLVEEG in the beta (β)-band C3-F4, seizure frequency, and PLVEEG in theta (θ)-band Fp1-Fz. A total of 12 of the top 5% of features exhibited statistically different PLVEEG features, while eight of which were PLVEEG features in the θ band.ConclusionThe model constructed from the combined clinical and PLVEEG features could effectively identify CI in PWEs and possess the potential as a useful objective evaluation method. The PLVEEG in the θ band could be a potential biomarker for the complementary diagnosis of CI comorbid with epilepsy.
Surgical management of superior sulcus tumors: A twenty-year experience of an oncological high volume referral centre
Authors: Bertolaccini Luca , Casiraghi Monica , Galetta Domenico , Petrella Francesco , Mazzella Antonio , Lo Iacono Giorgio , Girelli Lara , Bardoni Claudia , Mohamed Shehab , Musso Valeria , Sedda Giulia , Spaggiari Lorenzo 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesSuperior sulcus tumour, which affects the lung’s apex, is an uncommon subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current study examined the clinical characteristics and management of superior sulcus NSCLC patients in a high-volume referral oncological centre over 22 years.MethodsRetrospective review of 100 surgeries with curative intent for superior sulcus NSCLC over 22 years (July 1998 – December 2020). The surgical approach was defined according to the lesion site and the anatomy of the thoracic inlet. Survival curves, including non-cancer-related deaths, were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier methods, and the log-rank test was used to evaluate differences in survival across groups of patients. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between selected clinical and pathologic characteristics on OS.Results54 patients received induction treatments. The surgical approach was anterior thoracotomy in 53 patients, Paulson incision in 30, and a combined in 8. The median postoperative length of stay was 11 days (range: 5 – 27 days). Overall 90-day mortality was 6.93%. The median OS was 24.3 months. After a median follow-up of 3 years, 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 33.9% and 26.4%, respectively. A significantly lower 5-year OS was observed in patients with the nodal disease (46.6% in pN0 vs 13.2% in pN+; p = 0.024), without preoperative treatments (41.0% in patients without preoperative treatments versus 17.4%; p = 0.09) and anteriorly located tumour (anterior vs posterior: 17.4% vs 49.1%; p = 0.032). Cox proportional hazards regression showed better survival in the pT1 stage (HR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.9 – 11.2; p = 0.00076) and in R0 (HR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4 – 12.5; p = 0.010).ConclusionsSuperior sulcus tumours still represent a life-threatening condition that, while curable in a significant proportion of cases, requires complex procedures with high surgical risks and a multimodality treatment setting. An optimal surgical approach should be planned to maximise resection completeness and survival. Other factors affecting survival are related to tumour staging, emphasising the importance of a meticulous preoperative workup and candidate selection to identify those expected to benefit from a survival benefit.