bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rosemary extract improves egg quality by altering gut barrier function, intestinal microbiota, and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens
Authors: Zhang Lianhua , Ge Junwei , Gao Fei , Yang Min , Li Hui , Xia Fei , Bai Hongtong , Piao Xiangshu , Sun Zhiying , Shi Lei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Rosemary extract (RE) has been reported to exert antioxidant property. However, the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality, intestinal barrier and microbiota, and oviductal function has not been systematically studied. This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance, egg quality, serum parameters, intestinal heath, cecal microbiota and metabolism, and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens. A total of 210 65-week-old “Jing Tint 6” laying hens were divided into five treatments and fed basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg or RE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg.Results Our results showed that RE improved Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and jejunal ZO-1 and Occludin, and decreased serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and total cholesterol (TC). The biomarkers of cecal microbiota induced by RE, including Firmicutes, Eisenbergiella, Paraprevotella, Papillibacter, and butyrate were closely associated with Haugh unit, n-6/n-3, SOD, IL-6, and TC. PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes, including 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate CoA-transferase. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier, cecal microbiota and metabolism, and oviductal function. Overall, RE has the potential to use as an alternative to antibiotics to enhance egg quality of hens in the late phase of production.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of rapamycin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (RAP-ALS study)
Authors: Mandrioli Jessica , D'Amico Roberto , Zucchi Elisabetta , De Biasi Sara , Banchelli Federico , Martinelli Ilaria , Simonini Cecilia , Tartaro Domenico Lo , Vicini Roberto , Fini Nicola , Gianferrari Giulia , Pinti Marcello , Lunetta Christian , Gerardi Francesca , Tarlarini Claudia , Mazzini Letizia , De Marchi Fabiola , Scognamiglio Ada , Soraru Gianni , Fortuna Andrea , Lauria Giuseppe , Bella Eleonora Dalla , Caponnetto Claudia , Meo Giuseppe , Chiò Adriano , Calvo Andrea , Cossarizza Andrea 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In preclinical studies rapamycin was found to target neuroinflammation, by expanding regulatory T cells (Tregs), and autophagy, two pillars of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Rapamycin has never been tested in ALS patients.
Herein we report a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, in 63 ALS patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive rapamycin 2 mg/m2/day,1 mg/m2/day or placebo (NCT03359538). The primary outcome, the number of patients exhibiting an increase >30% in Tregs from baseline to treatment end, was not attained. Of the secondary outcomes, rapamycin decreased mRNA relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18, reduced plasmatic IL-18 protein, and increased the percentage of classical monocytes and memory switched B cells, although no corrections were applied for multiple tests.
Rapamycin, in combination with riluzole, was well tolerated and provided reassuring safety findings. Based on immunological effects, plasma concentration stability and safety, rapamycin 1 mg/m2/day resulted the best dosage in this study, but further trials are necessary to understand the biological and clinical effects of this drug in ALS.
Innovative Fitness Functions for Robust Energy Management in WSNs
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Falih , Al-Musawi Bahaa , Al-Janabi Ali Kadhim 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are widely recognized as a crucial enabling technology for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. One of the primary challenges in designing WSNs is to ensure efficient energy management, which involves minimizing and uniformly distributing energy consumption among the wireless sensors to extend network lifetime. In this paper, we propose a set of mathematical tools in the form of fitness functions that can be used to measure, compare, and control the way in which the network manages energy consumption among the wireless sensors. Furthermore, we present an Optimized Energy Balanced and Distributed Clustering (OEBDC) protocol for WSNs, which utilizes these fitness functions to manage energy resources more efficiently by promoting uniform energy consumption, minimizing communication overhead, and extending network lifetime. The proposed tools can be integrated with other WSN protocols to manage energy resources according to specific requirements that suited different applications. We have evaluated the performance of the proposed protocol against well-established routing protocols for WSNs and found that OEBDC achieves a notable advantage in extending network lifetime compared to other protocols, while also demonstrating robust control in managing energy resources.
Gut microbiota and fecal short chain fatty acids differ with adiposity and country of origin: The METS-Microbiome Study
Authors: Gilbert Jack , Ecklu-Mensah Gertrude , Maseng Maria Gjerstad , Donato Sonya , Coo-Kang Candice , Dugas Lara , Bovet Pascal , Bedu-Addo Kweku , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Forrester Terrence , Lambert Estelle , Rae Dale , Luke Amy , Layden Brian , O'Keefe Stephen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The relationship between gut microbiota, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, and obesity is still not well understood. Here we investigated these associations in a large (n=1904) African origin cohort from Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the US. Fecal microbiota diversity and SCFA concentration were greatest in Ghanaians, and lowest in the US population, representing the lowest and highest end of the epidemiologic transition spectrum, respectively. Obesity was significantly associated with a reduction in SCFA concentration, microbial diversity and SCFA synthesizing bacteria. Country of origin could be accurately predicted from the fecal microbiota (AUC=0.97), while the predictive accuracy for obesity was inversely correlated to the epidemiological transition, being greatest in Ghana (AUC = 0.57). The findings suggest that the microbiota differences between obesity and non-obesity may be larger in low-to-middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Further investigation is needed to determine the factors driving this association.
Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics in mild-type infantile acute subdural hematoma. Report of four cases
Authors: Aoki Nobuhiko , 青木 信彦 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose Infantile acute subdural hematoma (IASDH) has a limited age distribution and mostly benign clinical features. Mild-type IASDH has a stereotypical clinical course which, however, has been described in only a few studies.Methods Four male infants (aged 6–10 months; mean age: 7.5 months) were diagnosed as mild-type IASDH associated with retinal hemorrhage (RH) after suffering from occipital impact in a fall. The present case series reviews their clinical features and neuroimaging findings, including CT and MRI findings.Results All the infants fell backwards from a standing or sitting position onto a soft surface, striking the occipital region. They began crying on impact, then soon afterwards exhibited seizure-like activity or recurrent vomiting. CT and MRI revealed a thin, unclotted subdural hematoma (SDH) without mass effect or brain parenchymal abnormality. Various degrees of bilateral retinal hemorrhage (RH) were observed. On the day of symptom onset, all infants returned to baseline, and follow-up more than 5 years revealed normal development with no deficits.Conclusions Mild-type IASDH with retinal hemorrhage presents with seizure-like activity or recurrent vomiting preceded by crying after an occipital impact on a soft surface. The clinical course of IASDH is followed by rapid recovery on the day of symptom onset. CT and MRI findings reveal a small, unclotted subdural hematoma (SDH) without a mass effect or cerebral parenchymal abnormality.
Design of a Resilient System against Shoulder Surfing Attack: Adaptable to USSD Channel
Authors: Binitie Amaka Patience , Akhator Doris Ndudi , Chukwubueze Kingsley Kadiri 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The most widely accepted authentication method involves the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This method is applicable across many technologies, of which one of which is Unstructured Supplementary service data (USSD). USSD is a capability built into Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) mobile phones. In some third-world countries like Nigeria, this technology is used in carrying out financial transactions. It has been observed that while carrying out banking transactions using this technology, users' PIN entered for authentication appears in plain text on the mobile interface, thereby subjecting it to shoulder surfing attacks. Findings revealed that users' PIN appears in plain text because USSD technology is designed to convey only textual data. That is why many existing authentication methods against Human shoulder surfing attack which contains features like images, colors, or graphical password, that can provide security to users' PIN on mobile interface are not implemented on the USSD channel. This research is, therefore, on the design of a new authentication method that can provide security to users’ PIN at the mobile interface, against shoulder surfing attacks which can be implemented on the USSD channel. In this method, the challenge response approach is adopted to provide a secure PIN entry method in the presence of a human shoulder surfer, using the Randomization obfuscation method that randomly places the user's chosen PIN within randomly generated 10-digit numbers, in Left to Right order. For further security, the model designed named “Mobisafe” include features like; Bag of Soft Biometrics (BoSB) details and one-time password (OTP).
Imaging findings and clinical relevance of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Jiayu , Ma Jiao , Liu Liyi , Wang Jia , Zhang Chunyin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging findings and clinical relevance of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
Methods A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions by [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET was performed with a search time frame from database creation to 2022-12-26. The diagnostic test evaluation tool QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and to perform descriptive analyses of relevant outcome indicators.
Results A total of 6 studies with 280 patients were included. One study reported only imaging outcome metrics, while the other five studies reported imaging outcome metrics and clinical correlation metrics. For imaging outcomes, three studies reported imaging results for [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET only, and the other three studies reported imaging results for comparative analysis of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET with [18F]-FDG PET. For clinical correlation, three studies reported the correlation between tracer uptake and cardiovascular risk factors, one study reported the correlation between tracer uptake and plaque calcification, and one study reported the correlation between all three: tracer uptake, cardiovascular risk factors, and plaque calcification.
Conclusion [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET has a good imaging effect on atherosclerotic lesions, and it is a promising imaging modality that may replace [18F]-FDG PET for atherosclerosis imaging in the future. In patients with atherosclerosis, there is a clear clinical correlation between cardiovascular risk factors, tracer uptake, and plaque calcification.
Effects of sprayable degradable film mulching on cotton growth and yield under drip irrigation
Authors: Ma Zhanli , Liu Jian , Wen Yue , Song Libing , Zhu Yan , Li Yunguang , Liang Yonghui , Wang Zhenhua 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMulched drip irrigation is a highly effective water-saving technique that is commonly employed in arid regions. However, the residual plastic film left behind in the soil poses a significant challenge to the sustainable growth of agriculture. To address this issue, sprayable degradable film, which is both biodegradable and non-polluting, represents a superior alternative to the traditional plastic film. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cotton growth and development, physiological characteristics, yield, and water use efficiency under varying dosages of sprayable degradable film. The goal was to mitigate the hazards of residual film. A field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, Northwest China to test the effects of five different mulching conditions: SF1 (1900 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), SF2 (2200 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), SF3 (2500 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), PF (plastic film), and NF (no film mulching). Results showed that mulching with the sprayable degradable film had a positive impact on the soil hydrothermal environment, promoted root growth, significantly increased plant height and leaf area, and enhanced physiological characteristics compared to the no film mulching treatment, which ultimately improved yield and water use efficiency. The study found that cotton root length density, root weight density, and net photosynthesis showed significant linear relationships with yield. Compared to the NF, the yield of sprayable degradable film treatments increased by 11.79%, 14.39%, and 15.00%, and the water use efficiency increased by 21.88%, 23.96%, and 30.21%, respectively. The maximum yield and water use efficiency were observed in PF treatment, with 5345 kg ha-1and 1.28 kg m-3, respectively. The yield and water use efficiency of SF3 was close to PF. In general, applying moderate amounts of sprayable degradable film at a rate of 2500 kg ha-1can significantly boost cotton growth, improve photosynthetic characteristics, and increase cotton yield and water use efficiency. This study presents an effective agronomic strategy for managing residual film contamination while maintaining stable cotton yield.
Multi-objective Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks in 3-D Environments using Metaheuristics
Authors: Barnawi Abdulaziz , Bawazir Ahmed 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are expected to serve vast number of applications including environmental monitoring applications. In such networks, sensor nodes have limited energy supply and processing power. Hence, random deployments may result in initial communication gaps and waste of energy resources. These gaps may still exist even after structured manner deployments. Similarly, in hierarchical wireless sensor networks, deploying large number of sensor nodes in addition to relays and clusterhead (CH) could improve connectivity but may result in increasing the overall cost with no guarantees for enhancing network lifetime. Therefore, in order to achieve better connectivity, extend network lifetime and minimize cost, a careful deployment of nodes is required. Such deployment is challenging due to the conflicting nature of the aforementioned objectives. It is even more challenging when nodes are deployed in 3-D dimensional space. This paper proposes a 3-D multi-objective deployment of WSNs based on a heuristic optimization approaches, namely Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO). The proposed WSN has a multi-dimensional (3-D) structure with a two-layer hierarchy consisting of sensor nodes, clusterheads and a base station. The aim is to obtain an optimal or near optimal positioning for clusterheads to satisfy the desired objectives. Experimental results show that the proposed method can enhance the network deployment when the three objectives are considered.
Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the key mechanism of artemisinin in treating primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Liao Jia-he , He Qian , Huang Zi-wei , Yu Xin-bo , Yang Jian-ying , Zhang Yan , Song Wei-jiang , Luo Jing , Tao Qing-wen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective: The study aimed to explore the mechanism of artemisinin in treating primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.
Methods: Relevant targets of the artemisinin and pSS-related targets were integrated by public databases online. An artemisinin-pSS network was constructed by Cytoscape. The genes of artemisinin regulating pSS were imported into STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in order to predict the key targets. The enrichment analyses were performed to predict the crucial mechanism and pathway of artemisinin against pSS. The active component of artemisinin underwent molecular docking with the key proteins. Artemisinin was administered intragastrically to SS-like NOD/Ltj mice to validate the efficacy and critical mechanisms.
Results: Network Pharmacology analysis revealed that artemisinin corresponded to 412 targets, and pSS related to 1495 genes. There were 40 intersection genes between artemisinin and pSS. KEGG indicated that therapeutic effects of artemisinin on pSS involves IL-17 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking results further showed that the artemisinin molecule had higher binding energy by combining with the key nodes in IL-17 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments suggested artemisinin can restored salivary gland secretory function and improve the level of glandular damage of NOD/Ltj mice. It contributed to the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the downregulated secretion of IL-17 in NOD/Ltj model.
Conclusion: The treatment of pSS with artemisinin is closely related to modulating the balance of Tregs and Th17 cells via T cell differentiation.
Association of atherogenic index of plasma with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study from the NHANES
Authors: Bei Bei , Xia Yaqing , Wu Zihong , Xiao Shunqiang , Chen Lingling , Li Yousheng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) plays an important role in predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events and metabolic diseases. However, the relationship between AIP and insulin resistance (IR) are limited and controversial. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relationship of AIP with IR and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods This cross-sectional study Based on the data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Weighted multivariate linear regression, weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive model, smooth curve fitting and two-part logistic regression were adopted to reveal the relationship between AIP and IR, T2D and its risk markers. Results A total of 9,245 patients were enrolled. After adjusting the potential confounders, AIP was positively correlated with FBG [β = 0.85 (95%CI: 0.66, 1.05)], HbA1c [β = 0.48 (95%CI: 0.39, 0.58)], FSI [β = 47.74 (95%CI: 41.42, 54.07)] and HOMA-IR [β = 2.39 (95%CI: 1.97, 2.82)]. Overall, there was a significant positive association between the AIP and IR [OR = 15.80 (95%CI: 11.44, 21.80)] and T2D [OR = 7.18 (95%CI: 5.21, 9.917)]. However, there was a significant interaction in the gender subgroup (IR: P for interaction = 0.0135; T2D: P for interaction = 0.0024) and smoking subgroup (IR: P for interaction = 0.0130). A reverse L-shaped association was found between AIP and IR, with a turning point of 0.45. Before the turning point, the OR (95% CI) was 13.15 (10.45, 16.55). A J-shaped association was found between AIP and T2D, with a turning point of -0.47. Before the turning point, the OR (95%CI) was 5.39(4.21, 6.89). Conclusions This study indicated that AIP exhibited an positive correlation with the risk markers of T2D (FBG, HbA1c, FSI and HOMA-IR). AIP is related to the increased risk of IR, and this relationship follows a reverse L-shaped curve. AIP is related to the increased risk of T2D, and this relationship follows a J-shaped curve.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined Gastroduodenal Collateral Reconstruction and Preservation due to Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Technical notes with two surgical cases report (with video)
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Khiem , Nguyen Ham Hoi , Luong Tuan Hiep , Chantha Pisey , Ngo Gia Khanh , Le Van Duy , Dang Kim Khue , Tran Duc Huy , Nguyen Cuong Thinh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction. Pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with CA stenosis due to median arcuate ligament often required carefully collateral pathways management to avoid hepatic ischemic complications.
Cases presentation. Case 1: A 63-year-old man was referred to our department because of jaundice with distal common bile duct tumor. Three-dimensional reconstruction images showed developed collateral pathways around the pancreatic head and the CA was compressed by the median arcuate ligament (MAL), which developed caudally. Pancreaticoduodenectomy with left-posterior SMA first-approach and circumferential lymphadenectomy was performed. Since the CA flow was insufficient before the surgery, the surgical procedure was routinely performed, without any special preoperative arterial interventional techniques. After clamping the GDA and MAL division, we confirmed poor blood flow in the proper hepatic artery (PHA) by palpation, so that we have decided to proceed a no-touch technique of GDA segmental resection en bloc with the tumor, in order to avoid bleeding from enlarged dorsal pancreatic branches from PDAs and reconstructed with an end-to-end GDA anastomosis. Case 2: A 48-year-old man was referred to our department because of right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain with Vater tumor. Three-dimensional reconstruction images showed developed collateral pathways around the pancreatic head and the CA was stenosis in 70% due to MAL. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with left posterior SMA first approach and circumferential lymphadenectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, we confirmed poor blood flow in the common hepatic artery (CHA) by palpation, so that we have decided to proceed gastroduodenal collateral preservation. When preserving these collateral pathways, we confirmed that the PHA flow remained pulsatile as an indicator that the blood flow was adequate.
Conclusion. Celiac axis stenosis was a rare but difficult-to-managed condition associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Collateral pathways management depends on varies of collateral pathways.