bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of Secernin 1 inhibit cell invasion and migration by activating the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Xiao Li , Zhang Ting , Zheng Kaiyue , Xiao Qian , Zhang Weifang , Zhang Dandan , Wu Dengxun , He Chanjuan , Zhou Yifei , Liu Ying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSecernin-1 (SCRN1) is a regulator of exocytosis in mast cells. Recently, SCRN1 was reported to be correlated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, but its functional effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. Our aim was to explore the expression pattern and the migration and invasion effects of the newly identified SCRN1 in OSCC. Western blotting (WB) was performed to measure SCRN1 expression in human OSCC tissue samples and OSCC cell lines. The effects of SCRN1 on OSCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. The expression levels of TGF-β, Smad3 and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) were measured by WB. The secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of SCRN1 was significantly elevated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. SCRN1 knockdown reduced the expression of TGF-β and p-Smad3 in OSCC cells. TGF-β stimulation promoted proliferation, invasion and migration and enhanced the expression of p-Smad3 and the secretion of MMP9 in SCRN1-knockdown OSCC cell lines. Our study demonstrated that SCRN1 is upregulated in OSCC. Further analyses demonstrated that SCRN1 promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of OSCC cells via TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.
Autistic traits modulate the influence of face masks on gaze perception
Authors: Williams Elin H. , Thompson Nicholas M. , McCray Gareth , Chakrabarti Bhismadev 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDetecting when others are looking at us is a crucial social skill. Accordingly, a range of gaze angles is perceived as self-directed; this is termed the “cone of direct gaze” (CoDG). Multiple cues, such as nose and head orientation, are integrated during gaze perception. Thus, occluding the lower portion of the face, such as with face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, may influence how gaze is perceived. Individual differences in the prioritisation of eye-region and non-eye-region cues may modulate the influence of face masks on gaze perception. Autistic individuals, who may be more reliant on non-eye-region directional cues during gaze perception, might be differentially affected by face masks. In the present study, we compared the CoDG when viewing masked and unmasked faces (N = 157) and measured self-reported autistic traits. The CoDG was wider for masked compared to unmasked faces, suggesting that reduced reliability of lower face cues increases the range of gaze angles perceived as self-directed. Additionally, autistic traits positively predicted the magnitude of CoDG difference between masked and unmasked faces. This study provides crucial insights into the effect of face masks on gaze perception, and how they may affect autistic individuals to a greater extent.
Predicting sepsis using a combination of clinical information and molecular immune markers sampled in the ambulance
Authors: Tuerxun Kedeye , Eklund Daniel , Wallgren Ulrika , Dannenberg Katharina , Repsilber Dirk , Kruse Robert , Särndahl Eva , Kurland Lisa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSepsis is a time dependent condition. Screening tools based on clinical parameters have been shown to increase the identification of sepsis. The aim of current study was to evaluate the additional predictive value of immunological molecular markers to our previously developed prehospital screening tools. This is a prospective cohort study of 551 adult patients with suspected infection in the ambulance setting of Stockholm, Sweden between 2017 and 2018. Initially, 74 molecules and 15 genes related to inflammation were evaluated in a screening cohort of 46 patients with outcome sepsis and 50 patients with outcome infection no sepsis. Next, 12 selected molecules, as potentially synergistic predictors, were evaluated in combination with our previously developed screening tools based on clinical parameters in a prediction cohort (n = 455). Seven different algorithms with nested cross-validation were used in the machine learning of the prediction models. Model performances were compared using posterior distributions of average area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and difference in AUCs. Model variable importance was assessed by permutation of variable values, scoring loss of classification as metric and with model-specific weights when applicable. When comparing the screening tools with and without added molecular variables, and their interactions, the molecules per se did not increase the predictive values. Prediction models based on the molecular variables alone showed a performance in terms of AUCs between 0.65 and 0.70. Among the molecular variables, IL-1Ra, IL-17A, CCL19, CX3CL1 and TNF were significantly higher in septic patients compared to the infection non-sepsis group. Combing immunological molecular markers with clinical parameters did not increase the predictive values of the screening tools, most likely due to the high multicollinearity of temperature and some of the markers. A group of sepsis patients was consistently miss-classified in our prediction models, due to milder symptoms as well as lower expression levels of the investigated immune mediators. This indicates a need of stratifying septic patients with a priori knowledge of certain clinical and molecular parameters in order to improve prediction for early sepsis diagnosis.Trial registration: NCT03249597. Registered 15 August 2017.
Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of antioxidant compounds from spring onion leaves using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Aquino Giovanna , Basilicata Manuela Giovanna , Crescenzi Carlo , Vestuto Vincenzo , Salviati Emanuela , Cerrato Michele , Ciaglia Tania , Sansone Francesca , Pepe Giacomo , Campiglia Pietro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany studies have explored the extraction of bioactive compounds from different onion solid wastes, such as bulb, skin, and peel. However, onion leaves have received limited attention despite their potential as a valuable source of nutraceutical compounds. This study aimed to valorise, for the first time, the agricultural waste in the form of spring onion leaves (CN, Cipollotto Nocerino) to obtain antioxidant-rich polyphenolic extracts. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to assess the impact of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) variables (temperature, time, extraction volume, and ethanol concentration) on total polyphenol content (TPC) measured by Folin–Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant power determined by FRAP assay. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied, and regression equations, analysis of variance, and 3D response curves were developed. Our results highlighted that the TPC values range from 0.76 to 1.43 mg GAE g−1 dw, while the FRAP values range from 8.25 to 14.80 mmol Fe(II)E g−1 dw. The optimal extraction conditions predicted by the model were 60 °C, 22 min, ethanol concentration 51% (v/v), and solvent volume 11 mL. These conditions resulted in TPC and FRAP values of 1.35 mg GAE g−1 dw and 14.02 mmol Fe(II)E g−1 dw, respectively. Furthermore, the extract obtained under optimized conditions was characterized by UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS analysis. LC/MS–MS platform allowed us to tentatively identify various compounds belonging to the class of flavonoids, saponins, fatty acids, and lipids. Finally, the ability of CN optimal extract to inhibit the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) release in a hepatocarcinoma cell line using an H2O2-induced oxidative stress model, was evaluated. The results highlighted the potential of CN extract as a valuable source of polyphenols with significant antioxidant properties, suitable for various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Multi‐cues underwater image restoration algorithm combined with light field technology
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Cui Liwen , Fan Zhiguo , Sun Rui , Li Yang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUnderwater images suffer from color distortion, low clarity and halos problems due to light absorption, particle scattering and non‐uniform illumination. To address these degradation issues, a multi‐cues underwater image restoration algorithm combined with light field technology is proposed. First, based on Epipolar Plane Image, the light field cue transmittance containing depth information is calculated. Then, according to the turbidity of the underwater image, the light field cue transmittance and the polarization cue transmittance are fused to obtain the multi‐cues transmittance, which can effectively reduce the effect of particle scattering and color bias. Finally, the background light is estimated through the all‐focus operation, which can effectively overcome the distortion of an underwater single image and simultaneously reduce the halo phenomenon. Experimental results show that the method achieves the best results evaluated by UCIQE, UIQM, PSNR, and SSIM, and the restored color under the method is closer to the actual image than other underwater restoration methods.
Feeding behaviour of beef cattle in intensive finishing on pasture and supplemented with different additives
Authors: Xavier I. M. , Pereira D. H. , Pina D. dos S. , Pedreira B. C. , Bolson D. C. , Prado T. A. , de Faria A. C. , Alba H. D. R. 
Published: September 2023

Context Concentrate supplementation at high rates represents a method used to improve the productive efficiency of the beef cattle grazing system. Further, the use of additives increases the nutrient-use efficiency of diets. In this sense, it is important to determine the impact of additives in grazing beef cattle fed with high-concentrate supplements to determine the appropriate management practices of the system. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the feeding behaviour of Nellore beef cattle (Bos taurus indicus) in intensive finishing on pasture and fed with different additives. Methods Twenty-eight Nellore cattle [with initial bodyweight (BW) of 480 ± 5 kg and age of 24 ± 2 months] were finished on Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã pastures. The animals were assigned to a completely randomised design with four experimental supplements: U (urea as non-protein nitrogen source), UO (slow-release urea partially replacing urea), UOL (supplement UO + Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast), and UOLP (supplement UOL + multi-strain probiotics). Key results Supplement intake and idleness time were most affected by the season (P < 0.001). The total dry-matter intake was higher in UOLP (P < 0.004), and this supplement also produced the least effects on feeding behaviour. Conclusion The beginning of the rains affected the feeding behaviour. The additive combination in intensive finishing on pasture, such as UOL and UOLP, improved the intake and did not affect the feeding behaviour during the day. Implications These results indicate that the use of additives in intensive finishing on pasture improves productive efficiency and does not change the animal’s behaviour, resulting in an important technology to be disseminated and applied by grazing beef cattle producers.
Effect of different levels of physically effective neutral detergent fibre from forage in whole corn grain-based diets for feedlot lambs
Authors: Carlis Matheus Sousa de Paula , Biava Janaina Socolovski , Sturion Thamires Ubices , Lais Alves da Silva Adrielly , Eckermann Nathalia Rubio , Montanher Polizel Daniel , Gonzales Dias Junior Paulo César , Silva Vicente Ana Carolina , Comelli Jamile Haddad , Goulart Rodrigo Silva , Relling Alejandro E. , Pires Alexandre Vaz , Ferreira Evandro Maia 
Published: September 2023

Context The minimum requirements of physically effective neutral detergent fibre of forage (peNDF-F) in finishing diets for feedlot lambs has not been consolidated. Aims The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of peNDF-F on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics, and ingestive behaviour of feedlot lambs fed a whole corn grain-based diet. Methods Forty-five Dorper × Santa Inês rams, with an initial bodyweight (BW) of 22.6 ± 5.3 kg (mean ± s.d.) and 88 ± 10 days old (mean ± s.d.), were used. The experimental design was a randomised complete block (five treatments and nine blocks), defined by the initial BW and age at the beginning of the experiment. The experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The experimental diets were as follows: ground corn-based diet with 72 g/kg of peNDF-F from coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay (CONT, positive control); whole corn grain-based diet without coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay (0peNDF-F); whole corn grain-based diet with 36 g/kg of peNDF-F from coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay (36peNDF-F); whole corn grain-based diet with 72 g/kg of peNDF-F from coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay (72peNDF-F); whole corn grain-based diet with 108 g/kg of peNDF-F from coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay (108peNDF-F) (DM basis). Key results The increasing concentrations of peNDF-F in whole corn-based diets reduced the dry-matter intake (P < 0.0001), average daily gain, feed efficiency, final BW, carcass characteristics (P < 0.05), AST (P = 0.01), and glucose concentration (P ≤ 0.03). Additionally, the increasing concentrations of peNDF-F decreased the area (P ≤ 0.02) and the length of ruminal papillae (P = 0.008). The rumination and chewing times (min/day) showed a quadratic response; a longer rumination time (P = 0.001) was observed with 72peNDF-F and the longer chewing time (P = 0.006) with 108peNDF-F. Conclusions Whole corn grain-based diets can be used without the addition of peNDF-F for lambs. Implications Thus, utilisation of whole corn grain diet can be a strategy to successfully feed and fatten lambs to slaughter.
Utilisation of unmanned aerial vehicle imagery to assess growth parameters in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Xiong Yiyi , Chiau Lucas Mauro Rogerio , Wenham Kylie , Collins Marisa , Chapman Scott C. 
Published: September 2023

Context Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with red–green–blue (RGB) cameras are increasingly used as a monitoring tool in farming systems. This is the first field study in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilzcek) using UAV and image analysis across multiple seasons. Aims This study aims to validate the use of UAV imagery to assess growth parameters (biomass, leaf area, fractional light interception and radiation use efficiency) in mungbean across multiple seasons. Methods Field experiments were conducted in summer 2018/19 and spring–summer 2019/20 for three sowing dates. Growth parameters were collected fortnightly to match UAV flights throughout crop development. Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and computed vegetation indices: colour index of vegetation extraction (CIVE), green leaf index (GLI), excess green index (ExG), normalised green-red difference index (NGRDI) and visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) were generated from UAV orthomosaic images. Key results (1) Mungbean biomass can be accurately estimated at the pre-flowering stage using RGB imagery acquired with UAVs; (2) a more accurate relationship between the UAV-based RGB imagery and ground data was observed during pre-flowering compared to post-flowering stages in mungbean; (3) FVC strongly correlated with biomass (R2 = 0.79) during the pre-flowering stage; NGRDI (R2 = 0.86) showed a better ability to directly predict biomass across the three experiments in the pre-flowering stages. Conclusion UAV-based RGB imagery is a promising technology to replace manual light interception measurements and predict biomass, particularly at earlier growth stages of mungbean. Implication These findings can assist researchers in evaluating agronomic strategies and considering the necessary management practices for different seasonal conditions.
Integrating testing for sexually transmissible infections into annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: McCormack Heather , Wand Handan , Bourne Christopher , Ward James , Bradley Clare , Mak Donna , Guy Rebecca 
Published: September 2023

Background In the context of an expanding syphilis epidemic, we assessed the integration of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing within annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16–29 years in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services between 2018 and 2020. Methods Using routinely collected electronic medical record data from a national sentinel surveillance system (ATLAS), we performed a cross-sectional analysis to calculate the proportion of assessments that integrated any or all of the tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. We used logistic regression to identify correlates of integration of any STI test. Results Of the 13 892 assessments, 23.8% (95% CI 23.1, 24.6) integrated a test for any STI and 11.5% (95% CI 10.9, 12.0) included all four STIs. Of assessments that included a chlamydia/gonorrhoea test, 66.9% concurrently included a syphilis test. Integration of any STI test was associated with patients aged 20–24 years (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4) and 25–29 years (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2) compared to 16–19 years and patients residing in very remote (OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.7–4.8), remote (OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1–2.8), and regional areas (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2–2.8) compared to metropolitan areas. There was no association with patient sex. Conclusions Integration of STI testing into annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people was higher in remote areas where disease burden is greatest. Integration is similar in men and women, which contrasts with most studies that have found higher testing in women.
Highly stable functionalized PAN/Zr nanofibrous mats for removal of ultralow concentrations of Hg (II)
Authors: Sharma Reena , Tiwari Sangeeta , Singh Nahar , Tiwari Sandeep Kumar , Dhakate Sanjay R 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nanofibrous mats of polyacrylonitrile loaded with zirconia (PAN/Zr) have been fabricated and reported for the first time for effective removal of Hg (II) from water. The formation, morphology and adsorption characteristics of the composite nanofibrous mats were determined using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the prepared nanofibrous mat was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry. The adsorption behavior of the nanofibers was studied as a function of time, pH, dose and concentration of the Hg solution. The Langmuir isotherm of the developed material indicates that it is very effective at removing low concentrations of Hg (even <50 ppb) in water. Kinetic data were fitted to first- and second-order kinetics, and the material was successfully regenerated by an acid solution and reused three times while retaining 80% removal efficiency for Hg. As the PAN/Zr/composite nanofibers are chemically and thermally stable, they can be easily regenerated and reused for effective removal of Hg(II), as per WHO/Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Evidence Synthesis for Complex Interventions Using Meta-Regression Models
Authors: Konnyu Kristin J , Grimshaw Jeremy M , Trikalinos Thomas A , Ivers Noah M , Moher David , Dahabreh Issa J 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA goal of evidence synthesis for trials of complex interventions is to inform the design or implementation of novel versions of complex interventions by predicting expected outcomes with each intervention version. Conventional aggregate data meta-analyses of studies comparing complex interventions have limited ability to provide such information. We argue that evidence synthesis for trials of complex interventions should forgo aspirations of estimating causal effects and instead model the response surface of study results to 1) summarize the available evidence and 2) predict the average outcomes of future studies or in new settings. We illustrate this modeling approach using data from a systematic review of diabetes quality improvement (QI) interventions involving at least 1 of 12 QI strategy components. We specify a series of meta-regression models to assess the association of specific components with the posttreatment outcome mean and compare the results to conventional meta-analysis approaches. Compared with conventional approaches, modeling the response surface of study results can better reflect the associations between intervention components and study characteristics with the posttreatment outcome mean. Modeling study results using a response surface approach offers a useful and feasible goal for evidence synthesis of complex interventions that rely on aggregate data.
Early-infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: the aetiologies, phenotypic differences and outcomes—a prospective observational study
Authors: Agarwala Pooja , Narang Bhuvandeep , Geetha Thenral S , Kurwale Nilesh , Samson Praveena L , Golani Tamanna , Mahadevia Udita , Vedam Ramprasad , Murugan Sakthivel , Chatterjee Sagnik , Goyal Pradeep , Jain Vivek 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, we have evaluated the underlying aetiologies, yield of genetic testing and long-term outcomes in patients with early-infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. We have prospectively studied patients with seizure onset before 3 months of age. Based on the clinical details, neuroimaging, metabolic testing and comprehensive genetic evaluation, patients were classified into different aetiological groups. The phenotypic differences between genetic/unknown groups and remaining aetiologies were compared. Factors that could affect seizure control were also assessed. A total of 80 children (M:F ratio—1.5:1) were recruited. The median seizure onset age was 28 days (range, 1–90 days). The aetiologies were confirmed in 66 patients (83%). The patients were further classified into four aetiological groups: genetic (50%), structural (19%), metabolic (14%; all were vitamin responsive) and unknown (17%). On comparing for the phenotypic differences between the groups, children in the ‘genetic/unknown’ groups were more frequently observed to have severe developmental delay (Odds Ratio = 57; P &lt; 0.0001), autistic behaviours (Odds Ratio = 37; P &lt; 0.0001), tone abnormalities (Odds Ratio = 9; P = 0.0006) and movement disorder (Odds Ratio = 19; P &lt; 0.0001). Clonic seizures were more common in the vitamin responsive/structural groups (Risk Ratio = 1.36; P = 0.05) as compared to patients with ‘genetic/unknown’ aetiologies. On the contrary, vitamin responsive/structural aetiology patients were less likely to have tonic seizures (Risk Ratio = 0.66; P = 0.04). Metabolic testing was diagnostic in three out of 41 patients tested (all three had biotinidase deficiency). MRI was abnormal in 35/80 patients (malformation observed in 16/35; 19/35 had non-specific changes that did not contribute to underlying aetiology). A molecular diagnosis was achieved in 53 out of 77 patients tested (69%). Next-generation sequencing had a yield of 51%, while microarray had a yield of 14%. STXBP1 was the most common (five patients) single-gene defect identified. There were 24 novel variants. The mean follow-up period was 30 months (range, 4–72 months). On multivariate logistic regression for the important factors that could affect seizure control (seizure onset age, time lag of first visit to paediatric neurologist and aetiologies), only vitamin responsive aetiology had a statistically significant positive effect on seizure control (P = 0.02). Genetic aetiologies are the most common cause of early-infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Patients in the genetic/unknown groups had a more severe phenotype. Patients with vitamin responsive epilepsies had the best probability of seizure control.