bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of dietary supplementation with mushroom or selenium enriched mushroom powders on the growth performance and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs
Authors: Dowley Alison , Sweeney Torres , Conway Eadaoin , Vigors Stafford , Ryan Marion T. , Yadav Supriya , Wilson Jude , O’Doherty John V. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
There is an urgent need to identify natural bioactive compounds that can enhance gastrointestinal health and promote pig growth performance in the absence of in-feed medications. The objectives of this study were to: 1) compare the effects of mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium (inSeMP) to mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium (orgSeMP) to pharmacological levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance and faecal scores for the first 21 days post-weaning (Period 1); and 2) compare the molecular and microbial effects of inSeMP and orgSeMP in these pigs on day 39 post-weaning (Period 2).
Methods
In Period 1, pigs (3 pigs/pen; 8 pens/treatment) were assigned to: (1) basal diet (control); (2) basal diet + zinc oxide (ZnO) (3100 mg/kg feed); (3) basal diet + mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium (inSeMP) containing selenium (selenite) content of 0.3 mg/kg feed; (4) basal diet + mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium (orgSeMP) containing selenium (selenocysteine) content of 0.3 mg/kg feed. The inorganic selenium was in the form of sodium selenite and the organic selenium was in the form of selenocysteine. Mushroom powders were included at 6.5 g/kg of feed and contained a β-glucan content of 650 mg/kg.
Results
In Period 1, there was no effect of diets on average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio. The orgSeMP supplemented pigs had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to all other groups. The ZnO supplemented pigs had reduced (P < 0.05) faecal scores compared to the basal and mushroom group, while the orgSeMP supplemented pigs had lower faecal scores compared to the basal group during the 21-day experimental period. In Period 2, there was no effect of diets on ADFI, ADG and G:F ratio. The orgSeMP supplementation increased the caecal abundance of bacterial members of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum, including Lactobacillus, Agathobacter, Roseburia and Prevotella and decreased the abundance of Sporobacter compared to the basal group, while inSeMP increased the caecal abundance of Prevotella and decreased the caecal abundance of Sporobacter. Dietary supplementation with inSeMP increased expression of TLR4 and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene IL10 (P < 0.05) and decreased nutrient transporter gene FABP2 (P < 0.05) compared to the orgSeMP group.
Conclusion
OrgSeMP has potential, as a dietary supplement, to improve gastrointestinal health in pigs through improved faecal scores and modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota.
The FoxP1 Gene Regulates Lung Function, Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inflammatory Mediators, and Viability of Lung Epithelia
Authors: Andreas Alexis , Maloy Abby , Nyunoya Toru , Zhang Yingze , Chandra Divay 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Genes involved in lung development may become dysregulated in adult life and contribute to the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Multiple genes regulate lung development, including Forkhead box protein P1-4 (FoxP1-4).
Methods
We examined the association between variants in the FoxP1-4 genes and lung function using data from a GWAS that included close to 400,000 individuals and 20 million SNPs.
Results
More than 100 variants in the FoxP1 gene, but none in the FoxP2-4 genes, are associated with lung function. The sentinel variant in the FoxP1 gene associated with FEV1 was rs1499894, while the sentinel variant in the FoxP1 gene associated with FVC was rs35480566. These sentinel variants were associated with increased FoxP1 mRNA levels in transcriptomic data, higher FEV1 and FVC, and reduced odds of being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Further, knockdown of FoxP1 in lung epithelial cells by RNA interference led to increased mRNA levels for matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 & IL-8, as well as reduced cell viability after exposure to cigarette smoke - all processes implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD and IPF.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that the FoxP1 gene may protect against the development of COPD and IPF. A causal role for FoxP1 in the pathogenesis of COPD and IPF may warrant further investigation, and FoxP1 may be a novel therapeutic target for these lung disorders.
Immune profile analysis of peripheral blood and tumors of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Ichiki Yoshinobu , Fukuyama Takashi , Ueno Mari , Kanasaki Yoshiro , Goto Hidenori , Takahashi Mai , Mikami Shuji , Kobayashi Noritada , Nakanishi Kozo , Hayashi Shinichi , Ishida Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become central to lung cancer drug therapy, and establishing biomarkers that can predict effects and adverse events is awaited. We prospectively analyzed the association between the immune-related molecular expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lung cancer tissues, and the effects of ICI monotherapy. Twenty-one patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who received ICI monotherapy were included. Changes in the expression of immune-related molecules in PBMCs before and after the administration of ICI were analyzed by flow cytometry. The MHC class I and PD-L1 expression of cancer cells, and the PD-L1, CD8 and CD103 expression of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in lung cancer tissue were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Among immune-related molecules expressed in PBMCs, the CD103 + CD39 + CD8 + T cell change after administration correlated with the clinical response. In the univariate analyses of the factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS), CD103 + CD39 + CD8 + cell change after administration was identified as a significant prognostic factor, while the CD103 + CD39 + CD8 + cell change after administration and Brinkman index were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis of the factors associated with PFS. The CD103 + CD39 + CD8 + cell change after administration may predict the efficacy of ICIs.
A Unifying Mechanism for Cation Effect Modulating C1 and C2 Productions from CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Shin Seung-Jae , Choi Hansol , Ringe Stefan , Won Da Hye , Oh Hyung-Suk , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Taemin , Nam Dae-Hyun , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Chang Hyuck 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Electrocatalysis, whose reaction venue locates at the catalyst–electrolyte interface, is controlled by the electron transfer (ET) across the electric double layer (EDL), envisaging a mechanistic link between the ET rate and the EDL structure. A fine example is in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), of which rate shows a strong dependence on the alkali metal cation (M+) identity, but there is yet to be a unified molecular picture for that. Using quantum-mechanics-based atom-scale simulation, we herein scrutinize the M+-coupling capability to possible CO2RR intermediates, and establish H+- and M+-associated ET mechanisms for CH4 and CO/C2H4 formations, respectively. These theoretical scenarios are successfully underpinned by Nernstian shifts of polarization curves with the H+ or M+ concentrations and the first-order kinetics of CO/C2H4 formation on a local M+ concentration. Our finding elucidates the origin of empirically-found present optimizations, and thereby suggests the future development direction for enhanced C2 production from CO2RR.
Photoexcited Nitroarenes as Ozone Surrogates for the Oxidative Cleavage of Olefins
Authors: Leonori Daniele , Ruffoni Alessandro , Hampton Charlotte , Simonetti Marco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The oxidative cleavage of olefins is an integral process that converts feedstocks into high-value synthetic intermediates , , . The most viable method to oxidatively cleave C–Cπ bonds in one chemical step is with ozone , , , , which however poses technical and safety challenges owing to the explosive nature of ozonolysis products , . Herein, we present a distinct approach to achieve oxidative cleavage of olefins using nitroarenes and purple light irradiation. We demonstrate that photoexcited nitroarenes are effective ozone surrogates that undergo facile radical [3+2] cycloaddition with olefins. The resulting “N-doped” ozonide cycloadducts are safe to handle and lead to the corresponding carbonyl products under mild hydrolytic conditions. These features have enabled the controlled cleavage of all types of olefins in the presence of a broad array of commonly used organic functionalities. Furthermore, by harnessing electronic, steric, and mediated polar effects, the structural and functional diversity of nitroarenes has provided a modular platform to obtain site-selectivity in substrates containing more than one olefin.
Comparative studies on the diversity and relative abundance of waterbird species in three southwest Ethiopian wetlands
Authors: Awash Numeri , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Wetlands are significant habitats for avian populations, and knowledge of the diversity and other ecological aspects of waterbirds contribute a lot to the management of the ecosystem. The present study was conducted based on comparative studies on the diversity and relative abundance of waterbird species in the three wetlands of southwest Ethiopia. The point count method was utilized in this study. For the data analysis, the Shannon-Weaver diversity index, independent sample t-test, and similarity index were employed. A total of 46 bird species under 11 orders and 30 families were identified. The species diversity and relative abundance were higher in all of the three wetlands during the wet season. The Loga wetland had the highest diversity (H’ = 3.089), whereas the lowest diversity (H’ = 2.643) was recorded in the wetland of Hurri. During the dry season, the highest and the lowest diversity were also recorded in the Loga wetland (H’ = 2.738) and the Hurri habitat (H’ = 2.283), respectively. There is no statistically significant difference between seasons in the species diversity of waterbirds (p > 0.05). Since the existence of waterbirds is based on a wetland ecosystem; human activities very near to the wetland should be controlled for their sustainable conservation.
The impact of crisis and COVID 19 on Syrian children growth, health awareness and nutritional practices. A cross-sectional study
Authors: HARPHOUSH SEBA , Shahood Bashar , Harphoush Ihab , Li Zhong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite the great steadfastness that Syria has achieved in the face of more than a decade of stifling crisis followed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the heavy impacts of these long rough years are certain and crucial on the health and nutrition levels, specially on vulnerable groups like women and children. Moreover, the lack of research and data on health and nutritional status of children within Syria makes it very difficult to draw conclusions and act effectively.the purpose of the current study was to evaluate growth development and give an insight about the public health awareness and nutritional practices among Syrian primary schools children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among private and public primary schools students aged 6 to 9 years old in Homs governorate in January to April 2021, anthropometric measures were taken and data about nutritional practices and health awareness were assessment by conducting two surveys answered by parents and students.Results: We defined the prevalence of obesity (5.3%, 8.2%), severely wasted (3.9%, 5.2%) and stunting (15.7%, 7.8%) for public and private schools respectively with a significant higher stunting prevalence among public schools student. Differences in nutritional practices and health awareness were recorded between public and private schools students under socioeconomic impact.Conclusions: This study contributes to evaluate the burden of crisis and COVID-19 pandemic on Syrian children growth and health practices in Syria. Improving health awareness and nutritional support among Syrian families to help children meet their growth needs is recommended. Moreover, additional research should be conducted to evaluate micro-nutrients deficiencies and provide appropriate medical support effectively.
The Outcomes of a Mobile Just-in-Time-Learning Intervention for Teaching Bioethics in Pakistan
Authors: Naseem Azra , Nizamuddin Sameer , Ghias Kulsoom 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of a mobile application and feasibility of curriculum-wide adoption of a mobile just-in-time-learning (m-JiTL) approach for teaching bioethics at a university in Pakistan. Over the course of four months, the mobile app (EthAKUL) was used to enhance ethical reasoning among practising nurses, trainee physicians, and medical and nursing students utilising the m-JiTL approach. Participants used EthAKUL to access bioethics modules and participate in asynchronous discussions. Methods: A mixed methods design was adopted. Pre- and post-knowledge tests were used to assess changes in participants' understanding of bioethics concepts, while pre- and post-surveys were used to assess changes in participants' attitude towards m-learning. At the conclusion of the intervention, focus group discussions with the participants were held.Results: The learners had a favourable attitude toward the use of mobile devices for learning purposes before the intervention, and it remained positive afterward. The adoption of EthAKUL resulted in a change in bioethics knowledge, with the cohort of medical students experiencing the biggest increase. Several challenges with the design and m-JiTL pedagogy were identified and need to be addressed before curriculum-wide adoption.Conclusions: EthAKUL is the first of its kind app for m-JiTL of bioethics and the study has shown potential for curriculum wide adoption. However, the adoption of mobile apps in general and m-JiTL pedagogies must be aligned with the curriculum. The faculty and student readiness must be carefully and consciously supported to elicit the intended learning outcomes.
Pupil and blink detection algorithms for wearable eye tracking system
Authors: Jin Tao , Li Guanglin , Lei Lihua 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
To obtain the pupil center of the human eye in infrared images taken by a near-eye device for gaze tracking, pupil and blink detection algorithms are proposed. The eye-detection model and the eye feature point model are trained through the dlib library machine learning, the eye area is segmented, rough positioning of the eye area is realized, the redundant image information is removed, the number of image processing calculations are removed for the subsequent pupil positioning, and the processing time is shortened. In pupil detection, the candidate pupil contours are screened based on the gray information, shape characteristics and other pupil image information to obtain the correct pupil contour information and realize precise pupil positioning. The eye feature model is used to obtain the coordinate of the feature point of the eye, the aspect ratio of the eye is obtained by conversion, and blink statistics are performed. Experiments show that the correct rate of the pupil detection method reaches 97.24%, and the correct rate of blink detection reaches 91.59%.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Corneal Arcus in the Geriatric Population; Tehran Geriatric Eye Study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , MSc Pooneh Malekifar , Aghamirsalim Mohamadreza , Yekta Abbasali , Mahboubipour Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To determine the age and sex standardized prevalence of corneal arcus and its associated factors in a geriatric population.
Methods
This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in Tehran, the capital of Iran, using multistage stratified random cluster sampling. All participants underwent a detailed interview, blood pressure measurement, laboratory blood tests, and a complete ocular examination.
Results
3310 of 3791 invitees participated in this study (response rate: 87.31%). The mean age of the participants was 69.35 ± 7.62 years (60–97 years) and 1912 (57.76%) were female. Overall, the age and sex standardized prevalence (95% CI) of corneal arcus was 44.28% (41.21–47.39). Based on the multiple logistic regression, the odds of corneal arcus was higher in men than in women (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.34–2.27); in the age group ≥ 80 years than in age group 60–65 years (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.97–3.83), and in retired people than in employed individuals (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.31–3.07).
Conclusion
The present study showed a high prevalence of corneal arcus in the geriatric population. Although various studies have reported a significant relationship between corneal arcus with blood lipid and glucose status as well as blood pressure, these relationships were not found in the present study.
MicroRNA-122a aggravates intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury by promoting pyroptosis via targeting EGFR-NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Fei , Gu Lidan , Wang Yilin , Sun Deen , Zhao Yuanhang , Meng Qiang , Yin Lianhong , Xu Lina , Lu Xiaolong , Peng Jinyong , Lin Yuan , Sun Pengyuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Multiple studies have confirmed the significance of microRNA (miR)-122a in disease regulation. However, its impact on ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is unknown. Therefore, in order to uncover new pharmacological targets for treating this condition, the regulation of intestinal I/R injury by miR-122a became the focus of this study. Two models, including hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-injured IEC-6 cells in vitro and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-injured C57BL/6 mice intestinal tissues in vivo, were used in this study. Applying dual-luciferase reporter assays and transfection tests, the regulatory impacts of miR-122a were examined by promoting pyroptosis on intestinal I/R injury via targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Both H/R-injured IEC-6 cells and I/R-injured mice intestinal tissues had elevated miR-122a expression, which targeted EGFR directly. Increased miR-122a expression significantly inhibited EGFR activity, decreased EGFR mRNA and protein expression, increased NLRP3 mRNA and protein expression, and up-regulated caspase 1, N-GSDMD, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 protein expression to promote pyroptosis. Furthermore, in IEC-6 cells, a miR-122a inhibitor and an EGFR-overexpression plasmid significantly reduced pyroptosis, alleviating intestinal I/R injury via activating the EGFR-NLRP3 signaling pathway. miR-122a is very essential for regulating intestinal I/R injury. It promotes pyroptosis by blocking the EGFR-NLRP3 signaling pathway, which should be evaluated as a therapeutic target for this disease.
N 7-methylguanosine-related gene risk signature as a potential prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mou Zhi-qiang , Yang Li , Huang Zhi-wei , Wang Piao , Deng Kun , Jiang Yu , Li Qiu , Wen Jian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with an increasing annual incidence and mortality. N 7-methylguanosine (m7G) is a modification in which a methyl group is added to the seventh N position of messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) guanine (G) by methylation transferase action. Increasing evidence revealed that m7G-related genes are closely associated with HCC development. This study aimed to develop a new m7G-related prognostic model to assess the prognosis of patients with HCC.Methods: Herein, we used RNA transcriptome sequencing and clinical data of patients with HCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Patients with HCC were classified into two subtypes based on the m7G gene, and differential expression genes (DEGs) between the two types were identified. Prognostic risk models were constructed by assessing the prognostic significance of these DEGs using univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Functional differences were compared between the high and low-risk groups and differences in immune infiltration and immunotherapy. Finally, a preliminary pan-cancer analysis of the two genes in the model was performed.Results: Significant survival differences were found between different subtypes of patients with HCC, who were divided into high and low-risk groups according to the median risk scores. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a substantially better overall survival in the low-risk group than that in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves and within-group validation further confirmed the model’s reliability and accuracy. Additionally, significant differences were found in functional analysis, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy effects between the two groups. GAS2L3 and HTR1D have prognostic value in various cancers, which may help for subsequent studies.Conclusions: In conclusion, this prognostic model based on m7G-related genes is beneficial for individualized prognosis assessment of patients with HCC and provides a reference for clinical treatment.
Conversion Hip Arthroplasty Using Standard and Long Stems after Failed Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Shi Tengbin , Fang Xinyu , Huang Zida , Li Weiming , You Ruijin , Xia Chun , Zhang Wenming 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures is often treated by conversion hip arthroplasty (CHA). This study aimed to evaluate the results and complications of using long and standard femoral stems in this operation.Methods: This retrospective, multi-center study enrolled 31 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 23 hemiarthroplasty (HA) cases (30 women, 24 men; mean age 76 years) after FIF-ITF between 2012 and 2019, divided into 2 groups: standard stem group (n = 20) and long stem group (n = 34). The initial internal fixation includes 38 cases of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA), 8 cases of the dynamic hip screw (DHS), and 8 cases of locking proximal femoral plate (LPFP). The indications for CHA included 38 cases of failure of fixation, 7 cases of nonunion, and 9 cases of avascular necrosis or posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Perioperative data and complications related to fracture and operation were collected, and preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological data were analyzed.Results: At an average of 5.6 years with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. A significant overall surgeon-related complication rate was detected (27.8% [15/54]), five cases had an intraoperative femur fracture, one case had a late periprosthetic femoral fracture, one case had a stem penetration, one case had a cement leakage, and two patients had an early postoperative dislocation, one infection and three cases of stem loosening or subsidence. Long stems had an increased risk of complication (13/34) compared to standard stems (2/20) (P= 0.031). The operation time and blood loss in the long stem group were higher than those in the standard stem group (P= 0.002;0.017). Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-36 signiﬁcantly improved in both groups from preoperative to the ﬁnal follow-up, and did not present signiﬁcant differences at the final follow-up (P>0.05). Conclusion: A high complication rate was detected in CHA following failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures, and long stem arthroplasty should be approached with caution to the risks of complications, especially intraoperative femur fractures.Level of evidence: III controlled cohort study