bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Pentatrichomonas hominis in Foxes and Raccoon Dogs and Changes of Gut Microbiota of Infected Female Foxes in Hebei and Henan Province in China
Authors: Song Pengtao , Guo Yunan , Zuo Shoujun , Li Liangliang , Zhang Tao , Dai Hongyu , Dong Haiju 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pentatrichomonas hominis (P. hominis) is a zoonotic parasite with a wide range of hosts causing gastrointestinal diseases in host. The present study aimed to evaluate the infection rate of P. hominisamong caged foxes and raccoon dogs and the effect of P. hominis on gut microbiota in female foxes in Hebei and Henan province in China. The result showed that the total infection rate of P. hominis in foxes and raccoon dogs was 31.69% (283/893). The infection rates of P. hominis in foxes and raccoon dogs were 28.21% (88/312) and 33.56% (195/581), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all P. hominisdetected in the present study were zoonotic genotype CC1. Compared with P. hominis-negative group, the diversity of gut microbiota in P. hominis-positive group were lower. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes(F/B) in P. hominis-positive group were lower relative to P. hominis-negative group. While the abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were higher in P. hominis-positive group relative to that of P. hominis-negative group. At the genus level, the abundances of Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillusspp., Prevotella spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. increased in P. hominis-positive group, while the abundance of Clostridiaceae - Clostridium spp. decreased in P. hominis-positive group relative to that of P. hominis-negtive group. Overall, the present study evaluated the prevalence of P. hominis in Henan and Hebei province and found that the infection of P. hominis interrupted the diversity of gut microbiota in female foxes.
Effects of a live vs heat-inactivated probiotic Bifidobacterium spp in preterm infants (the ProPara study)- a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Athalye-Jape Gayatri , Esvaran Meera , Patole Sanjay , Nathan Elizabeth , Doherty Dorota , Sim Edric , Chandrasekaran Lakshmi , Kok Chooi , Schuster Stephan , Conway Patricia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Heat-inactivated probiotics may provide an effective alternative to live probiotics by avoiding the risk of probiotic sepsis, altered immune responses and antimicrobial resistance while retaining probiotic benefits.
Objective
We assessed safety and efficacy of a heat-inactivated probiotic in very preterm (VP: gestation < 32 weeks) infants.
Methods
VP infants were recruited including a pre-planned subgroup of extremely preterm (EP: gestation < 28 weeks). Mixture of heat-inactivated (HP) or live probiotic (P) strains B. breve M-16V, B. longum subsp. infantis M-63, B. longum subsp. longum BB536 (Total 3 x109 CFU/day) assuring blinding. Primary outcomes included fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels and safety. Secondary outcomes included fecal microbiota assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA and shotgun sequencing and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in samples collected after the 1st (T1) and 3rd (T2) week of supplementation.
Results
86 VP (P:43; HP:43) infants were randomized. Median (range) FCP was lower at T2 vs T1 in both HP [75 (8-563) vs 109 (5.1–725) µg/g; p = 0.22] and P [80 (21–277) vs 105 (11–842) µg/g; p = 0.4] groups. Total FCP and SCFA were comparable between HP vs P groups at T1 and T2 (p > 0.05). Propionate was significantly raised in both groups, whilst butyrate was significantly raised in HP group (all p < 0.01). At T2, alpha diversity increased but was comparable and beta diversity showed significantly different community structures in both groups (all p < 0.01). Actinobacteria significantly increased and Bacteroidetes decreased at T2 vs T1 for both groups (p < 0.05). Bifidobacteriacae increased (p < 0.001) whilst Staphylococcaceae decreased (p < 0.05) for both groups. Bifidobacteriacae, B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum levels were comparable. Clinical outcomes were comparable and there were no adverse events.
Conclusions
Heat-inactivated probiotic was safe and well tolerated, with an intestinal anti-inflammatory effect comparable to live probiotic. Adequately powered randomised trials are needed to assess its clinically significant effects in preterm infants.
Trial Registration ID and URL
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000489291); ANZCTR - Registration
Identification of FAT4 Mutation as a Prognostic Marker for Overall Survival and Immune Landscape in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zhetao , Wang Yan , Wang Ying , Li Zhaoshui , Wang Kuo , ZHENG Xin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Though many genomic alterations are known, their functional impacts are poorly understood.
Methods: We used the TCGA database to study somatic mutations in the FAT4 gene and its correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FAT4 mutated and wild-type LUAD were identified. Functional enrichment and survival models were constructed using various statistical methods. We also assessed the immune microenvironment and potential therapeutics for high-risk subgroups using the connectivity map (CMap).
Results: FAT4 is altered in 15.52% of LUAD cases and correlates with higher TMB. Four genes (TCN1, SCGB3A2, C4BPA, CYP4B1) were identified as prognostic signatures. High-risk subtypes displayed poorer overall survival, higher Macrophage M0 levels, and higher PD-L1 expression. Potential therapeutics targeting PLA2G1B were identified for high-risk subtypes.
Conclusion: FAT4 mutations serve as a novel biomarker for LUAD, providing insights into survival and immune microenvironment.
The association between trimethylamine N-oxide levels and ischemic stroke occurrence: a meta-analysis and mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hu Xinhua , Ren Haiyan , Cao Yuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), an intestinal microbiota-derived choline metabolite, has been found to be associated with ischemic stroke (IS) in more and more studies. However, the causal role of TMAO on IS occurrence remains perplexing.Methods We comprehensively screened the related clinical studies on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Case-control and cohort studies that reported the TMAO levels of both IS patients and healthy controls were included. A meta-analysis of the retrieved publications was performed to analyse the connection between TMAO levels and IS events. Besides, a mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to study the causal effect of TMAO on IS, with pooled data of TMAO and IS obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS); and the following methods were used: MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode.Results Eight cohort or case-control studies covering 2444 cases and 1707 controls were identified. The pooled data indicated that the IS patients tended to have higher TMAO levels compared with the controls (mean difference: 1.97 µM; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87, 3.07; P = 0.0005), while distinctive heterogeneity (I2 = 96%, P < 0.00001) was observed. Sub-group analysis revealed that the heterogeneity of the studies might be derived from the studies themselves. However, no causal effect of TMAO on IS was observed (P > 0.05) in the mendelian randomization analysis of this study.Conclusion We confirmed that IS patients tend to have higher TMAO levels than healthy individuals, while our findings of MR analysis did not support the causal role of TMAO in IS occurrence. Therefore, more studies are required for a better understanding of the relationship between TMAO levels and IS onset.
Lettuce evapotranspiration and crop coefficients using eddy covariance and remote sensing observations
Authors: French Andrew , Sanchez Charles A. , Hunsaker Douglas J. , Anderson Raymond G. , Saber Mazin N. , Wisniewski Elzbieta 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a high-value crop for irrigation districts in the low deserts of the USA Southwest. To ensure maximal crop quality, negligible soil salinity stress, minimal nutrient loss and reduced pathogen susceptibility, lettuce irrigation must meet, but not exceed, crop water use requirements. Lettuce crop water use information is outdated in this region: prior studies were conducted at least four decades ago (1960–1980) and do not represent current varieties, management practices, and climate. To address this shortcoming, we studied 12 commercial sites in Yuma, Arizona, USA between 2016 and 2020 to update lettuce water use requirements and crop coefficients. The study measured crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using eddy covariance observations at 8 iceberg and 4 romaine sites, where planting dates varied throughout the fall. Observed ETc and remote sensing data were used to model the daily soil water balance and derive crop coefficients: single (Kc), basal (Kcb), and soil evaporation (Ke). The analysis was supported by lettuce crop height estimates and fractional vegetative cover (fc) via remote sensing. Days to maturity averaged 75 ± 15 and 89 ± 12 days for romaine and iceberg, respectively. Seasonal lettuce ETc averaged 278 ± 24 mm and cumulative irrigation applied averaged 340 ± 78 mm. Lettuce Kc for sites varied from 0.90 ± 0.13 to 1.19 ± 0.11 and Kcb from 0.20 ± 0.05 to 1.01 ± 0.11 for the initial and mid-season growth stages, respectively. Average days to maturity were 1134 and 810 C-days for growing and enhanced degree day metrics. The study updates information that can guide more efficient lettuce irrigation management.
An Inquiry into Green Innovation and Eco-Efficiency of Sustainable Development Demonstration Belt in China
Authors: Tan Feifei , Niu Zhiyuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Promoting green innovation is crucial in attaining sustainable development through reconciling environmental degradation and economic prosperity. This research examines the influence of green innovation on eco-efficiency within the ecological civilization demonstration zone in China, exploring its driving factors and implementation mechanisms. We developed comprehensive evaluation systems to measure both urban green innovation and eco-efficiency, making use of the SBM model with undesired output to gauge the ecological efficiency of urban areas. Additionally, it explores the spatial impact of green innovation on urban eco-efficiency by employing the Spatial Durbin model. This research found that green innovation and urban eco-efficiency showed fluctuating upward trends but that regional heterogeneity existed among the three regions. Specifically, the lower reaches performed the best in green innovation, with the middle and upper reaches following closely behind. In parallel, the eco-efficiency level of the middle reaches exhibited the highest levels, succeeded by the lower and upper portions of the lower and upper reaches. Our findings confirmed that green innovation promotes eco-efficiency by pursuing economic growth while reducing externalities. Technological progress and industrial restructuring induced by green innovation practices were identified as two key drivers of the improvement in eco-efficiency, and we also discussed the spillover effect of eco-efficiency. The study's insights provide valuable guidance to policymakers and stakeholders seeking to leverage green innovation practices to promote long-term and healthy urban development.
Numerical simulation of a novel spiral microchannel for continuous isolation of bacteria from blood cells
Authors: Ye Wu , Liu Ming , Zhu Huancheng , Huang Yuxiang , Ding Wen , Li Qi , Zhao Ming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pathogens constitute a substantial threat to public health worldwide, and a quick and effective method to isolate bacteria from the blood is critical for improving pathogen detection accuracy. However, difficulties such as limited processing throughput and isolation efficiency persist in the isolation of bacteria from vast quantities of blood cells. In this study, a novel spiral microchannel with gradually variable widths was constructed by employing the Dean flow sorting concept for the continuous separation of bacteria from blood cells. The effect of the width change on the separation performance was compared using numerical simulations. The results revealed that microchannels with a constant width achieved 100 % separation efficiency and purity at a total flow rate of 1.65 mL/min, whereas microchannels with increasing widths achieved the same separation performance at a total flow rate of 2.31 mL/min. When focusing, separation, and pressure drop are considered, a microchannel with an expanded width offers considered benefits in terms of throughput. This innovative design is ideal for efficient bacterial isolation from infected blood, while also shortening the time required for bacterial pretreatment.
Unveiling the Role of PSD95 Phosphorylation after Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights from Phosphoproteomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongxiang , Cheng Jin , Li Gang , Yu Jiangtao , Wang Pengcheng , Liu Ruining , Jiang Cheng , Xiang Zhijun , Ma Haoli , Zhao Yan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health problem. Pathophysiology of TBI remains unclear. Thus, methods of TBI treatment are limited. Phosphorylation plays a vital role in many neurological diseases, including TBI. As an emerging technique, phosphoproteomic has been widely applied in many fields.
Methods Rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) or divided to sham group. Protein was extracted from cortex, digested and labeled by iTRAQ. After undergoing mass spectrometry (MS), differential expressed phosphorylated sites was identified (DEPSs), and proteins of these DEPSs (DEPPs) were also listed. DEPPs were analyzed by Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI). PSD95 was chosen as a target protein for further research. ZL006 was used to treat TBI rats. Lesion volume was calculated by ImageJ. TUNEL and DAPI was used for immunofluorescence and apoptotic rate was calculated.
Results A total of 2753 phosphorylation sites spanning 1001 proteins are identified. A total of 221 DEPSs are identified. Phosphorylation of PSD95 in serine 417 and 418 are significantly upregulated after TBI. PSD95 has most interactions (19) with other DEPPs. After ZL006 treatment, brain lesion volume and apoptotic rate are alleviated significantly.
Conclusions After TBI, PSD95 is phosphorylated significantly in S417 and S418. ZL006 potently remits lesion volume and decreases apoptotic rate in TBI rats.
On the supply dynamics of scandium, global resources, production, oxide and metal price, a prospective modelling study using WORLD7
Authors: Sverdrup Harald Ulrik , Sverdrup Antoniy Elias 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The scandium production rate and price data for scandium oxide and scandium metal was extracted from various sources. Data for extractable resources of scandium were found and evaluated by application of estimated yields. The feasible extractable resource is about 6.1 million ton, and with present technology, about 676,000 ton scandium appear as potentially extractable. The potential for scandium extraction is about 1,500 ton/year at present, but only about 45 ton per year was produced in 2022. With improved extraction and access yields, production could be increased to about 450 ton per year, and the scandium resource would increase to about 1.5 million ton. The investigation suggests that there will be an increased demand for scandium metal in the future, but that it is limited by the high price and the lack of a properly functioning market and by a lack of production infrastructure. The scandium market show signs of being disorganized and unstructured. Modelling of future scandium production was done using the WORLD7 integrated assessment model, after development of a scandium module. Simulations show that the price will remain relatively high, but lower than in the past. The most uncertain factor for predicting the price is the size of the demand. The main limitation for making scandium metal is high energy costs and low extraction yields.
Provider’s node attributes contribute to maternal health and birth outcomes
Authors: Deng Songyuan , Bennett Kevin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Birth outcomes are deteriorating in the United States. These deteriorating birth outcomes can be partially explained by the medical needs during pregnancy. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing decline in the supply of obstetricians/gynecologists in the American workforce. Despite this shortage, providers can coordinate care through referral networks for pregnant women to ensure that necessary care can be accessed. This study aims to investigate the association between the network characteristics of prenatal care (PNC) providers and measures of maternal health and birth outcomes.
Methods: This unbalanced time-series study utilised a South Carolina Medicaid claims dataset of live births in facilities during 2015-2018. The sample included providers (nodes) who served pregnancies with continuous Medicaid enrollment. Node attributes include patient volume, the percentage of shared patients, the number of peer connections (degree), and community size. Four dummy variables were created as independent variables to indicate an increase or not in each node attribute during two successive years. Interested outcomes were the annual PNC frequency, cost, and the percentages of C-section, preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW, < 2,500 grams). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted. Linear regressions with repeated measures were utilised due to the nature of repeated measures for the same provider in multiple years. Covariates controlled for patient, provider and area characteristics.
Findings: The probability of an increase in the four node characteristics ranged from 41.3% to 56.0%. Increased patient volume and increased degree were associated with utilisation and birth outcomes in bivariate analysis without or with repeated measure. In the adjusted model, however, increased patient volume was only associated with decreased risks of preterm birth (coefficient: -0.92, p < 0.01) and increased degree was only associated with visit numbers (coefficient: .10, p < .001). In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, increased community size was significantly associated with decreased risks of preterm birth (coefficient: -2.57, p < .001) and LBW (coefficient: -1.09, p < .001).
Conclusions: Providers with increased node attributes may deliver more services and improve birth outcomes. The current study suggests that policy should encourage and support necessary referrals.
Machine learning prediction of pathological complete response and overall survival of breast cancer patients in an underserved inner-city population
Authors: Dell’Aquila Kevin , Vadlamani Abhinav , Maldjian Takouhie , Fineberg Susan , Eligulashvili Anna , Chung Julie , Adam Richard , Hodges Laura , Hou Wei , Makower Della , Duong Tim Q 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background. Generalizability of predictive models for pathological complete response (pCR) and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients requires diverse datasets. This study employed four machine-learning models to predict pCR and OS up to 7.5 years using data from a diverse and underserved inner-city population. Methods. Demographics, staging, tumor subtypes, income, insurance status, and data from radiology reports were obtained from 475 breast cancer patients on neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2021 in an inner-city health system. Logistic regression, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosted Regression models were used to predict outcomes (pCR and OS) with five-fold cross validation. Results. pCR was not associated with age, race, ethnicity, differentiation, income, and insurance status (p > 0.05). ER-/HER2 + showed the highest pCR rate, followed by triple negative, ER+/HER2+, and ER+/HER2- (p < 0.05), tumor staging (p = 0.011), tumor size (p < 0.003) and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) (p < 0.03) were associated with pCR. Machine-learning models ranked ER+/HER2-, ER-/HER2+, tumor size, and BPE as top predictors of pCR (AUC = 0.74–0.76). OS was associated with race, pCR status, tumor subtype, and insurance status (p < 0.05), but not ethnicity and incomes (p > 0.05). Machine-learning models ranked tumor stage, pCR, nodal stage, and triple negative subtype as top predictors of OS (AUC = 0.83–0.85). When grouping race and ethnicity by tumor subtypes, neither OS nor pCR were different due to race and ethnicity for each tumor subtype (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Tumor subtypes and imaging characteristics were top predictors of pCR in our inner-city population. Insurance status, race, tumor subtypes and pCR were associated with OS. Machine-learning models accurately predicted pCR and OS.
Research on Grid Connection Control of Wind-Solar Energy Storage Hybrid Power Generation System
Authors: Zhao Yihao , Zhu Wei , Wu Yuanwang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The output power of the wind-solar energy storage hybrid power generation system encounters significant fluctuations due to changes in irradiance and wind speed during grid-connected operation when using traditional control methods. This situation affects the power balance when connecting the power generation system with the electrical grid. In order to address this issue, a novel improved Perturb and Observe (P&O) method by fuzzy control algorithms is proposed to achieve tracking control of the maximum power point (MPPT) of the photovoltaic array under irradiance variations. Then, an optimal tip-speed ratio control strategy is employed to achieve maximum power point tracking control of the wind turbine under wind speed fluctuations. Charging and discharging of the batteries are controlled in real time based on the balance between power generation and grid power demand. In this way, grid voltage stability and power balance are maintained. Finally, to analyze the output power of each system, a combined wind-solar energy storage generation system model is established. It is evident from the results that the proposed scheme enables the power generation system to stably transmit electrical energy in a volatile wind-solar environment.
Effects of Different Inner Pressure of Air Insoles on Plantar Pressure Gradient and Pressure Gradient Angle
Authors: Haris Fahni , Jan Yih-Kuen , Liau Ben-Yi , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Shen Wei-Cheng , Tai Chien-Cheng , Shih Yin-Hwa , Lung Chi-Wen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Air insoles may be applied to improve peak pressure gradient (PPG) and plantar gradient angle (PGA) for reducing foot ulcers risk in Diabetes mellitus. Dynamic PPG and PGA distributions of air insoles are uncertain. This study investigated the effects of different air insoles on the PPG and PGA. A repeated measures study design, including three air insoles and two walking durations was tested in 13 healthy participants. PPG and PGA values at plantar region of the big toe (T1), first (M1) and second (M2) metatarsal head were calculated. The PPG was lower at 80 mmHg air insoles after walking 20 min in the M1. The PGA in the M2 increased at an air insole of 80 mmHg compared to 240 mmHg. At 240 mmHg of air insole, the 10 min walking had the lowest PPG in M1 and M2. Moreover, peak plantar pressure (PPP) correlated positively with PPG for all air insoles. PPP and PGA were negatively correlated with 80 mmHg air insoles after 20 min of walking. 80 mmHg air insole lowered the PPG, decreased PPP and increased PGA compared to 160 and 240 mmHg. A shorter walking duration lowered the PPG. Air insoles might decrease foot ulcers risk by concerning PPG and PGA.