bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Grains on Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Glucose Metabolism, and Fecal VFA Content in Weaned Foals
Authors: Huang Xinxin , Li Qian , Li Xuanyue , Li Chao , Li Jiahao , He Linjiao , Jing Hongxin , Yang Fan , Li Xiaobin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Intensive farming practices have gradually shifted from traditional grazing to housing for horses in China, changing from a single forage diet to a more comprehensive mixed diet. Grains as the primary source of energy for horses under intensive farming conditions, play a critical role in their growth, development, and health. However, there is a considerable variation in glucose production based on the different sources of dietary grains and starch content, proportions, and structures. Thus, it is crucial to choose a suitable grain as a source of energy for horses at various stages of growth.The study aimed to investigate the effects of different diets of steam-pressed flaked grains (corn, oats, and barley) on nutrient digestibility, blood glucose metabolism, and fecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) content in weaned foals of Kazakh horses. Male Kazakh horse foals (n = 18) weaned at the age of 5 months were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 each) based on the different grains in the diet: corn group (CG), oats group (OG), and barley group (BG). The amount of concentrate supplement fed to the foals was determined based on the presence of equal starch in the concentrate. The results showed that the apparent digestibility of all nutrients was lower in the OG than in the CG and BG. The amylose intake and digestibility were higher in the OG than in CG. Blood glucose concentration and glucagon levels were higher in the CG than in OG and BG. The insulin/glucose ratio was higher in the BG than in the CG and OG; BG increased the fecal lactic acid and total VFA (TVFA) levels in foals and reduced the fecal pH, respectively.
Results
The results showed that the amylose intake and digestibility were higher in the OG than in CG. Blood glucose concentration and glucagon levels were higher in the CG than in OG and BG. The insulin/glucose ratio was higher in the BG than in the CG and OG; BG increased the fecal lactic acid and total VFA (TVFA) levels in foals and reduced the fecal pH, respectively.
Conclusions
In this study, Feeding corn increases the blood glucose concentration in weaned foals, is efficient in sugar production and promotes glucagon secretion in foals; Oats and barley increased the digestibility of amylose in feed significantly. Feeding barley improves blood insulin sensitivity in foals and can increase the concentration of lactic acid in faeces. By comparing the digestive physiology of three grains in weaned foals, choosing the best grains for weaning foals and scientifically formulating the diet of weaning foals could improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients, promoting growth and development.
Characterization of a Circular Arc Electron Source for a Self-Neutralizing Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster
Authors: Taploo Anmol , Soni Vikas , Solomon Halen , McCraw Marshall , Lin Li , Spinelli Jake , Shepard Steven P. , Solares Santiago D. , Keidar Michael 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The paper presents an enhanced version of a circular arc electron source designed for air ionization applications in a self-neutralizing air-breathing plasma thruster. The arc electron source is specifically suited for the air-breathing plasma thruster, as it allows precise control of electron energy levels. This paper focuses on the ionization aspects of air-breathing thrusters through the development of a radially magnetized arc electron source. This source consists of a circular configuration of a metallic arc plasma source coupled with a positively biased grid to extract electrons and control electron energy. The average energy of electrons in the circular arc electron source is regulated by adjusting the bias voltage of the grid within the range of 0 V – 300 V. To investigate the behavior of ion current density and electron density concerning pressure and electron energy, the current probe and magnetic filter were utilized. It was demonstrated that the radial electron source leads to enhanced ionization of airflow by achieving plasma densities greater than 1018 m− 3. By utilizing a high-speed camera, the arc spot was seen to move azimuthally due to the magnetic field. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and a conductance measurement system were employed to examine the deposition and conductance of the electron extraction grid. While the grid underwent deposition of about 600 microns, the conductance was observed to increase/saturate with time and bias voltage, indicating an electrically “self-healing material”.
Streamlining Robotic-Assisted Abdominoperineal Resection
Authors: Yamada Kazunosuke , Imaizumi Jun , Kato Ryuji , Takada Takahiro , Ojima Hitoshi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Robot-assisted surgery has proven to be a safe and feasible approach for the management of rectal cancer, including abdominoperineal resection (APR). However,it often incurs longer operative times and higher costs. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by adopting a synchronous approach utilizing an optimized team composition.
Methods Data on patients who underwent robot-assisted APR at our facility between June 2022 and June 2023 were analyzed. The key points of the optimized approach included the following: At the start of the surgery, the surgeon performed an anococcygeal ligament resection from the perineal side while the bedside assistants set up the ports. Then, through console manipulation, the presacral fascia, elevated by previously placed gauze, waseasily and safely incised, providing access to the perineal region.
Results A total of nine patients were included in this study. The median operation time was 231 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 170 ml. The operation time was reduced to 167.5 min, and the blood loss was 80.5 ml in cases without a trainee. Surgical site infections, classified as Clavien–Dindo grade II complications, were observed in two cases, but no obvious urinary or erectile dysfunction was observed.
Conclusion The study results indicate that the challenges associated with APR can be efficiently addressed without requiring additional personnel by streamlining team composition and the synchronous approach. This may lead to reduced operation time and enhanced cost-effectiveness.
Exploring the Integration of Blockchain and Distributed DevOps for Secure, Transparent, and Traceable Software Development
Authors: Qureshi Junaid Nasir , Farooq Muhammad Shoaib , Ali Usman , farooq Uzma , Shaheen Momina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Distributed DevOps is a software development methodology that aims to integrate the work of development and operations teams without being bound by geographical constraints. This methodology excels in enhancing collaboration and the speed of software development. However, it does suffer from a lack of security, transparency, and traceability, which can result in project delays, a lack of trust between stakeholders, and even project failure. This paper addresses these issues of Distributed DevOps by implementing Blockchain technology. In this paper, we propose a framework that utilizes the benefits of blockchain technology to eliminate the shortcomings of Distributed DevOps. We present performance results that show the effectiveness of our framework in a real-world scenario, highlighting its ability to improve transparency, traceability, and the security of the DevOps pipeline. In conclusion, our research contributes to the growing literature on the intersection of blockchain and DevOps. It provides a practical framework for organizations looking to leverage blockchain technology to improve their development processes.
HIV-1 drug resistance and genetic transmission network among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS in Ningbo, China between 2018 and 2021
Authors: Hong Hang , Tang Chunlan , Liu Yuhui , Jiang Haibo , Fang Ting , Xu Guozhang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: As the HIV epidemic continues to grow, transmitted drug resistance(TDR) and determining relationship of HIV transmission are major barriers to reduce the risk of HIV transmissions.This study aimed to examine the molecular epidemiology and TDR and evaluated the transmission pattern among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) in Ningbo city, which could contribute to the development of targeted precision interventions.
Methods: Consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Ningbo City between January 2018 and December 2021. The HIV-1 pol gene region was amplified and sequenced for drug resistance and genetic transmission network analysis. TDR was determined using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. Genetic transmission network was visualized using Cytoscape with the genetic distance threshold of 0.013.
Results: A total of 1006 sequences were sequenced successfully, of which 61 (6.1%) showed evidence of TDR. The most common mutations were K103N (2.3%), E138A/G/Q (1.7%) and V179D/E (1.2%). 12 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, with CRF07_BC being the major genotype (43.3%, 332/767), followed by CRF01_AE (33.7%, 339/1006). 444 (44.1%) pol sequences formed 856 links within 120 transmission clusters in the network. An increasing trend in clustering rate between 2018 and 2021(χ2=9.546, P=0.023) was observed. The odds of older age (≥60 years:OR =2.038, 95%CI=1.072~3.872, compared to <25 years), HIV-1 genotypes (CRF07_BC: OR=2.147, 95%CI=1.582~2.914; CRF55_01B:OR=2.217, 95%CI=1.201~4.091, compared to CRF01_AE) were significantly related to clustering. Compared with CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC were prone to form larger clusters. The largest cluster with CRF07_BC was increased from 15 cases in 2018 to 83 cases in 2021.
Conclusions: This study revealed distribution of HIV-1 genotypes, and genetic transmission network were diverse and complex in Ningbo city. The prevalence of TDR was moderate, and NVP and EFV were high-level NNRTI resistance. Individuals aged≥60 years old were more easily detected in the networks and CRF07_BC were prone to form rapid growth and larger clusters. These date suggested that surveillance and comprehensive intervention should be designed for key rapid growth clusters to reduce the potential risk factors of HIV-1 transmission.
Asymmetric post-translational modifications regulate the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers in response to leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Diallo Mickael , Alves Daniela Martins , Letra-Vilela Ricardo , Murtinheira Fernanda , Costa André Abrantes , Martin Vanesa , Rodriguez Carmen , Rodrigues Mário S. , Herrera Federico 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
STAT3 is a pleiotropic transcription factor overactivated in 70% of solid tumours. We have recently reported that inactivating mutations on residues susceptible to post-translational modifications (PTMs) in only one of the monomers (i.e. asymmetric) caused changes in the cellular distribution of STAT3 homodimers. Here, we used more controlled experimental conditions, i.e. without the interference of endogenous STAT3 (STAT3-/- HeLa cells) and in the presence of a defined cytokine stimulus (Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, LIF), to provide further evidence that asymmetric PTMs affect the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers. Time-lapse microscopy for 20 minutes after LIF stimulation showed that S727 dephosphorylation (S727A) and K685 inactivation (K685R) slightly enhanced the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers, while K49 inactivation (K49R) delayed STAT3 nuclear translocation. Our findings suggest that asymmetrically modified STAT3 homodimers could be a new level of STAT3 regulation and, therefore, a potential target for cancer therapy.
“Why would you open someone’s brain up?” Lived experience insights inform a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment manual for body image disturbance
Authors: Finkelstein Claire , Soha Olivia , Roy Alana , Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background:
Body Image Disturbance (BID) is the distorted experience of one’s body. BID presents a risk for the onset, maintenance and relapse of body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Current treatments tend to focus on the cognitive and behavioural aspects while overlooking the perceptual symptoms and BID frequently persists beyond physical recovery. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may bridge the gap in current BID treatments by addressing perceptual and affective symptoms. This study sought to inform the development of a PAP treatment manual for BID in AN, through a co-design process informed by individuals with lived/living experience of AN.
Methods:
A Lived Experience Panel (LEAP) comprising six adult women who had a lived or living experience of AN and associated BID were presented with the proposed treatment protocol, including therapeutic interventions, and invited to provide feedback. An experiential, relativist framework informed reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data.
Results:
Reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data identified three central themes: enduring uncertainty; managing internal experience, and ambivalence in recovery. The LEAP also proposed strategies to address the challenges they identified and enhance the treatment manual more broadly.
Conclusions:
The LEAP identified challenges associated with intolerance of uncertainty, harm avoidance, alexithymia, and interoceptive impairment. The LEAP provided feedback that directly informed adaptations to the PAP treatment manual, including graduated interventions, the inclusion of nominated supports, and comprehensive psychoeducation for participants and their supports. Accordingly, a PAP treatment manual to treat BID for individuals with AN has been developed through lived experience co-design.
Delineation of the central retinal artery using computed tomography: a pilot study
Authors: Inaba Toshihisa , Tsutsumi Satoshi , Sugiyama Natsuki , Ueno Hideaki , Omino Takashi , Ishii Hisato 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The prospective study aimed to examine the central retinal artery (CRA) using computed tomography (CT).
Materials and Methods
Seventy adult outpatients were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT. The scan timing was set to start 5.0 s after the circle of Willis began to be delineated.
Results
The ophthalmic arteries (OphAs) were comfortably delineated in all. In 97% of the patients, the CRA was delineated from the original site on the OphA to a more distal segment coursing on the optic sheath. Unilateral and bilateral CRA delineations were observed in 44% and 53% of cases, respectively. The delineated CRAs demonstrated highly variable morphologies in terms of the course and length on the optic sheath. In addition, the distance between the original site of the CRA and the posterior limit of the bulb was measured. The mean distance was 18.6 ± 5.0 mm on the right and 17.8 ± 4.3 mm on the left, respectively. No significant right-to-left differences in the measurements (p > 0.05) were observed.
Conclusions
If optimal scan timing is adopted, the CRA segments coursing on the optic sheath can be delineated using contrast-enhanced CT. CT may be a useful diagnostic modality for the CRAs and associated pathological conditions.
PERP may affect the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Liu Zhongxiang , Han Shuhua , Jiang Yongqian , Zhao Zhangyan , Ni Lingyu , Chai Linlin , Tang Haicheng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
PERP, a member of the peripheral myelin protein gene family, is a new therapeutic target in cancer. The relationships between PERP and immune cell infiltration in lung cancer have not been studied. Therefore, the role of PERP in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer needs to be further explored.
Methods
In this study, we explored the association between PERP expression and clinical characteristics by analysing data from the TCGA database. Cox regression and Kaplan‒Meier methods were used to investigate the relationship between the expression of PERP and overall survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The relationship between PERP expression and the degree of infiltration of specific immune cell subsets in LUAD was evaluated using the TIMER database and GEPIA. We also performed GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis to reveal genes coexpressed with PERP using the Coexpedia database. Finally, we verified the expression and function of PERP in LUAD tissues and the A549 cell line by RT‒PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, IHC, and wound healing assays. The mouse model was used to study the in vivo effects of PERP.
Results
According to our results, PERP expression was significantly higher in LUAD tissues and associated with the clinical characteristics of the disease. Survival was independently associated with PERP in LUAD patients. We further verified that PERP might regulate B-cell infiltration in LUAD to affect the prognosis of LUAD. To identify PERP-related signalling pathways in LUAD, we performed a genome-aggregation analysis (GSEA) between low and high PERP expression datasets. LUAD cells express higher levels of PERP than paracarcinoma cells, and PERP inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of A549 cells through apoptosis.
Conclusions
PERP may affect the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting apoptosis and is associated with immune cell infiltration.
New insights on philicity through shannon’s entropy
Authors: Flores-Gallegos Nelson , Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This manuscript discusses the application of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) to understand chemical reactivity and site selectivity in molecular systems. It involves global chemical reactivity indices such as chemical potential, global hardness, global softness, electronegativity, and electrophilicity. Fukui Function (FF) and local softness are also explored for probing local reactivity and site selectivity. The concept of electrophilicity and its relation to the Fukui functions is discussed. In this vein, this work proposes to study the `philicity' concept and explore its relationship with Shannon's entropy, which is a measure of electron interactions in quantum chemistry. In this order of ideas, this work establish a relationship between philicity and Shannon's entropy and discuss how this can provide insights into chemical reactivity and the susceptibility of a molecule to react. Numerical results are presented for a set of molecules, and a comparison is made between the proposed philicity concept and well-known hardness indices. It is shown that philicity and hardness exhibit similar trends, suggesting that philicity can be a useful descriptor for chemical reactivity. Graphical representations of the electron density distribution, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and Laplacian of the electron density for selected molecules are also provided to support the discussion. The numerical results and graphical representations demonstrate the potential usefulness of our proposal as a descriptor for predicting chemical reactivity trends in molecules.
Co-CNT/TiO2 composites effectively improved the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green
Authors: Zhang Meifang , Liang XiangFei , Liu Yi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Although tremendous progress has recently been made in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and titania. However, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency is still greatly limited by the ideal cobalt dopant concentration and temperature. Herein, Co-CNT/TiO2 composites were used to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of malachite green (MG) solution. Consequently, compared to the binary CNT/TiO2 and pure TiO2 samples, the ternary Co-CNT/TiO2 samples had much better photocatalytic activity. The sample calcined at 500°C showed better reactivity, and the ideal cobalt dopant concentration was 0.5% for the highest photocatalytic degradation.
Analysis of Adulteration Dog Meat in Beef Sausages Using FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Wirnawati Wirnawati , Lestari Dwi , Rohman Abdul , Andayani Regina , Hamidi Dachriyanus 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
One of the most important issues in Indonesia where the majority of the population is Muslim is halal, especially in terms of food, one of which is meat and its preparations. Beef Sausage is a good source of protein and is liked by almost everyone, but due to the high price difference of halal meat in the market, to keep the price low, some manufacturers cheat by trying to adulterate beef with dog meat. The aim of this study was to explore whether dog meat can be detected and measured in beef sausage formulations using FTIR and PLS spectroscopy by analyzing fat derived from dog meat. Lipid in the beef sausage was obtained by extraction using the Soxhlet method, the solvent used was petroleum benzene. FTIR spectroscopy was then used to investigate the lipid components in the 4000–650 cm-1 spectrum using TQ analysis. Qualitative chemometric analysis was performed using discriminant analysis (DA), while quantitative chemometric analysis was performed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique and principal component regression (PCR) method. The results showed that wave numbers 1800–850 cm−1 were chosen to distinguish between beef sausage and sausage adulterated with dog meat using linear chemometric discriminant analysis (LDA). With 100% accuracy, LDA was successfully used to categorize lipid elements isolated by Soxhlet extraction, lipids from beef sausages, lipids from dog sausages, and mixtures of dog and beef sausages. For the detection and measurement of dog meat in beef sausage formulations, FTIR spectra and chemometrics can produce accurate findings.
Iron alloying improved electrocatalytic activity of Cu2Cu1-xFexSnS4 counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li K. P. , Liu Z. Z. , Wang C. , Zhang Y. Q. , Yang X. B. , Zhou B. , Xie Z. X. , Duan Z. Q. , Hu Y. M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Nanocrystalline Cu2Cu1 − xFexSnS4 (CCFTS) was prepared by a simple liquid-phase method. Conduction band shifts as well as the bandgap increase were observed in the as-prepared CCFTS. For the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with CCFTS counter electrodes (CEs), charge transfer impedance (Rct1) and short-circuit current (Jsc) were reduced by 64.54% and improved by 14.64% respectively compared with that with Fe-free Cu3SnS4 (CTS) CE. The enhancement of electron transfer through the CE/electrolyte interfaces indicates the improvement of electrocatalytic activity of the CEs for reduction of I3− to I−. As a consequence, photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.95% was obtained which is 1.25 times that of the cell with Fe-free CTS CE.