bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by psoriasis serum exosomes via autophagy regulation in keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Hye Ran , Lee So Yeon , You Ga Eun , Kim Hye One , Park Chun Wook , Chung Bo Young
Published: August 2023

Exosomes play a key role in cell communication and are involved in both pathological and physiological processes. Autophagy dysfunction and oxidative stress are linked to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis. Stem cell-derived exosomes exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant efficacy. We aimed to investigate the impact of psoriasis serum-derived exosomes on inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy in keratinocytes. Additionally, we explored the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes against inflammation induced by psoriasis serum exosomes. To validate psoriasis patient serum-derived exosomes and ADSC exosomes, we used nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. qPCR was used to study changes in the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in HaCaT cells treated with psoriasis serum-derived exosomes or ADSC exosomes. The effects of these exosomes on autophagy in HaCaT cells were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The treatment of HaCaT cells with psoriasis serum-derived exosomes increased proinflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress-related factor (Nox2 and Nox4) expression and decreased Nrf2 expression via P65/NF-κB and P38/MAPK activation. Compared with healthy control serum-derived exosomes, psoriasis serum-derived exosomes decreased ATG5, P62, Beclin1, and LC3 expression and autophagosome production in HaCaT cells. Conversely, ADSC exosomes suppressed proinflammatory cytokine and oxidative stress production, and restored autophagy in HaCaT cells treated with psoriasis serum-derived exosomes. These findings suggest that ADSC exosomes exhibit a suppressive effect on psoriasis serum exosome-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating autophagy in keratinocytes.
3D high-efficiency property inversion method for potential field data in ellipsoidal coordinate system and its application to South China Sea
Authors: Jiang Zhexin , Ma Guoqing , Wang Taihan , Meng Qingfa , Li Lili
Published: August 2023

The method of property inversion for gravity and magnetic data in ellipsoidal coordinate system is more suitable for obtaining large-area physical structure of the Earth. We built a method of high-efficiency property inversion for gravity and magnetic data in ellipsoidal coordinate system to obtain the density and magnetic susceptibility structure and used the exchangeability and equivalence of the grids at the same latitude to improve the inversion efficiency; in addition, a volume weight function was introduced to suppress the influence of the difference in grid size caused by latitudinal variation to improve the precision. We also first derived the forward formula of magnetic anomaly in ellipsoidal coordinate system according to the Gauss–Legendre quadrature (GLQ) and Poisson's formula for inversion. The high-efficiency inversion method for gravity and magnetic data in ellipsoidal coordinate system was tested on theoretical models, which can better restore the property distribution of the source, improve the computing efficiency and reduce memory requirements. The method was applied to the gravity data of South China Sea to obtain the 3D density structure, and the boundaries of ocean-continent transition were obtained based on the density and magnetic susceptibility variation characteristics. The results can better reveal the process of South China Sea expansion.
Environmental Assessment of Woven Hemp Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites and Potential Applications in Aerospace and Electric Scooter Industries
Authors: Zarafshani Hanie , Watjanatepin Ponnapat , Lepelaar Mark , Verbruggen Jens , Ouagne Pierre , Luca Rosario , Li Qinyu , Scarpa Fabrizio , Placet Vincent , Acker Karel
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to present a hemp-based natural fibres composite value chain that could be implemented in biocomposite structures and replace synthetic fibres. Life cycle assessment (LCA) allows the assessment of the environmental footprint of the hemp fibre reinforcement value chain. This general case is complemented with two hemp fibre reinforcement applications, i.e. (1) a hemp fibre reinforced epoxy-based aircraft dashboard panel and (2) a hemp fibre reinforced epoxy-based biomonocoque for an electric scooter. LCA is also used to assess the environmental footprint of the application cases. All the hemp fibre-based value chain applications shown here demonstrate a lower environmental footprint than the fossil-based reinforcement value chain, particularly regarding the global warming potential, among other impact categories except for the case where the specific tensile strength was used as the functional unit for comparison. Impact categories related to agricultural activities, such as the eutrophication potential, land use, and freshwater consumption, are higher for the hemp-based value chains than for conventional synthetic fibre-based solutions. This study shows how conventional synthetic fibre products have the potential to be replaced by hemp-based natural fibre solutions depending on the required applications, which could lower the environmental footprint and help contribute to the ongoing climate mitigation efforts.
Emerging role and clinical implication of mRNA scavenger decapping enzyme in colorectal cancer
Authors: Dimberg Jan , Shamoun Levar , Johansson Gustaf , Landerholm Kalle , Wågsäter Dick
Published: August 2023

Turnover of RNA is a regulated process that in part controls gene expression. This process is partly controlled by the scavenger decapping enzyme (DcpS). This study aimed to investigate the expression of DcpS in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue, to evaluate its prognostic significance in patients with CRC and to investigate potentially targeted genes by DcpS. DcpS expression was localized to the epithelial cells of both control and cancer tissue. Tumor and paired control tissue samples from 100 patients who underwent surgical resection for primary colorectal adenocarcinomas were utilized. mRNA and protein of DcpS was significantly up-regulated in the patients with CRC and the mRNA level was higher in rectal cancer tissue compared to colon cancer tissue (p < 0.05). Lowest tertile levels of DcpS mRNA in cancer tissue was associated with a decreased cancer-specific survival rate with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.7 (95% CI = 1.02–12.3), independent of disease stage. The low level of DcpS mRNA was a predictor of poorer survival in patients with rectal and disseminated cancer and in patients receiving adjuvant treatment (p < 0.05). After silencing DcpS in Caco-2 cancer altered expression of several genes associated with RNA, cell cycle regulation, alternative splicing and microRNA was observed and resulted in 23% decrease of proliferation. These results indicate that DcpS has potential as a prognostic factor for CRC but further studies in a broader cohort are warranted to evaluate the significance of the findings in the clinic.
Caproate production from Enset fiber in one-pot two-step fermentation using anaerobic fungi (Neocallimastix cameroonii strain G341) and Clostridium kluyveri DSM 555
Authors: Seid Nebyat , Ochsenreither Katrin , Neumann Anke
Published: August 2023

Background
Lignocellulosic biomass plays a crucial role in creating a circular bioeconomy and minimizing environmental impact. Enset biomass is a byproduct of traditional Ethiopian Enset food processing that is thrown away in huge quantities. This study aimed to produce caproate from Enset fiber using Neocallimastix cameroonii strain G341 and Clostridium kluyveri DSM 555 in one-pot two-step fermentation.
Results
The process started by growing N. cameroonii on Enset fiber as a carbon source for 7 days. Subsequently, the fungal culture was inoculated with active C. kluyveri preculture and further incubated. The results showed that N. cameroonii grew on 0.25 g untreated Enset fiber as the sole carbon source and produced 1.16 mmol acetate, 0.51 mmol hydrogen, and 1.34 mmol formate. In addition, lactate, succinate, and ethanol were detected in small amounts, 0.17 mmol, 0.08 mmol, and 0.7 mmol, respectively. After inoculating with C. kluyveri, 0.3 mmol of caproate and 0.48 mmol of butyrate were produced, and hydrogen production also increased to 0.95 mmol compared to sole N. cameroonii fermentation. Moreover, after the culture was supplemented with 2.18 mmol of ethanol during C. kluyveri inoculation, caproate, and hydrogen production was further increased to 1.2 and 1.36 mmol, respectively, and the consumption of acetate also increased.
Conclusion
A novel microbial cell factory was developed to convert untreated lignocellulosic Enset fibers into the medium chain carboxylic acid caproate and H2 by a co-culture of the anaerobic fungi N. cameroonii and C. kluyveri. This opens a new value chain for Enset farmers, as the process requires only locally available raw materials and low-price fermenters. As the caproate production was mainly limited by the available ethanol, the addition of locally produced ethanol-containing fermentation broth would further increase the titer.
Enhancing Breast Cancer Histopathological Image Classification using Attention-Based High Order Covariance Pooling
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Ahmed Amr , Maul Tomas , Liao Iman Yi
Published: August 2023

The type of cancer that affects female patients most frequently is breast cancer. Computer-aided diagnosis, these days, proves to be helpful for many diseases including breast cancer. Deep learning based approaches have yielded encouraging results in many computer vision applications. In the case of breast cancer histopathological image classification, many methods have been proposed but the accuracy is still insufficient for full deployment. Due to this reason, we propose a deep learning based approach, DHA-Net which consists of an attention module and a high-order pooling layer incorporated into a ResNet-18 architecture. DHA-Net was applied to three well-known datasets in the field of breast cancer histopathological image classification, i.e. BreakHis, BACH2018 and a closely related Kaggle-Breast cancer histopathology dataset. In this area of medical imaging, experiments have shown that DHA-Net works better than other existing techniques.
Viral Genome Sequencing to Decipher In-Hospital SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Events
Authors: Esser Elisabeth , Schulte Eva C. , Graf Alexander , Karollus Alexander , Smith Nicholas H. , Michler Thomas , Dvoretskii Stefan , Angelov Angel , Sonnabend Michael , Peter Silke , Engesser Christina , Radonic Aleksandar , Thürmer Andrea , von Kleist Max , Gebhardt Friedemann , Costa Clarissa Prazeres da , Busch Dirk H. , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Blum Helmut , Keppler Oliver T. , Gagneur Julien , Protzer Ulrike
Published: August 2023

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need to better define in-hospital transmissions, a need that extends to all other common infectious diseases encountered in clinical settings.
Objectives: To evaluate how whole viral genome sequencing can contribute to deciphering nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Methods: 926 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from 622 staff members and patients were collected between February 2020 and January 2021 at a university hospital in Munich, Germany, and analysed along with the place of work, duration of hospital stay and ward transfers. Bioinformatically defined transmission clusters inferred from viral genome sequencing were compared to those inferred from interview-based contact tracing. An additional dataset collected at the same time at another university hospital in the same city was used to account for multiple independent introductions.
Results: Clustering analysis of 619 viral genomes generated 18 clusters ranging from 3 to 29 individuals. Sequencing-based transmission clusters showed little overlap to those based on contact tracing data. The viral genomes were significantly more closely related to each other than comparable genomes collected simultaneously at other hospitals in the same city (n=681), suggesting nosocomial transmission. Longitudinal sampling from individual patients suggested possible cross-infection events during the hospital stay in 19.2% of individuals (14 of 73 individuals).
Conclusion: Clustering analysis of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences can reveal cryptic transmission events missed by classical, interview-based contact tracing, helping to decipher in-hospital transmissions. These results, in line with other studies across the world, advocate for viral genome sequencing as pathogen transmission surveillance tools in hospitals.
Neural Network-Based Cross-Channel Chroma Prediction for Versatile Video Coding
Authors: Liang Fang , Zhang Jingde
Published: August 2023

Despite linear models being introduced in the latest Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standard to exploit the correlation among luma and chroma channels for removing redundancy, these models cannot take into account the nonlinearity of components, resulting in degraded intra prediction precision. In this paper, a neural network-based method is proposed for cross-channel chroma intra prediction to enhance the coding efficiency. Specifically, the neighboring reference and co-located samples are separately input into the proposed network to exploit spatial and cross-channel correlations fully. Furthermore, in order to acquire a more compact representation of residual signals, a transform-based loss is employed to enhance the effectiveness of the compression. The proposed method is integrated into VVC, competing with the intrinsic chroma prediction regarding rate-distortion optimization to enhance coding performance further. The extensive experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the VVC test model (VTM) 7.0, achieving average bitrate savings of 2.68% and 2.11% for U and V chroma components, respectively.
Effect of endocrine disrupting compounds present in food on the enzymatic activity of methionine synthase in neuronal cells
Authors: García-Cerón Gabriela , Solano-González Alba Fernanda , Bonilla-Brunner Andrea , Araiza-Olivera Daniela , Gutiérrez-Aguilar Manuel , Ramiro-Cortés Yazmin , Rosetti Marcos Francisco , Garcia-Arrazola Roeb
Published: August 2023

EDCs can target the nuclear hormone receptors (NHR) leading to changes in the reduced/oxidized ratio of metabolites related to the methionine synthase (MS) activity. As a result, DNA methylation patterns are altered, and epigenetic changes may take place. This mechanism proposal has been named as redox DNA methylation (RDM). In the present work, in vitro neuron cell cultures were exposed to the two most common varieties of EDCs reported in food: phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). As a result, enzymatic activity of MS was reduced up to 3-fold in comparison to cultures that were not exposed to EDCs. Our results demonstrate that some endocrine disrupting compounds in food can significantly reduce the enzymatic activity of methionine synthase in neurons leading to possible epigenetic changes associated to neurocognitive conditions.
Built-in electric fields in heterostructured lamellar membrane with highly efficient charged mass rejection
Authors: Jiang Zhongyi , Chen Chongchong , Wu Xiaoli , Chen Jingjing , Liu Siyu , Wang Yongzheng , Wu Wenjia , Zhang Jie , Wang Jingtao
Published: August 2023

Separation membranes with homogeneous charge channels are the mainstream to reject the transport of charged mass by forming electrical double layer (EDL). However, the EDL often compresses effective transport space of solvent and weakens channel-ion interaction, hindering solvent transport and lowering ion rejection efficiency. Here, built-in electric fields (BIEFs) are constructed in lamellar membranes by directly assembling the heterostructured nanosheets, which contain alternate positively charged nanodomains and negatively charged nanodomains. We demonstrate that the built-in electric fields are perpendicular to horizontal channel and the direction switches alternately. This eliminates EDL effect and forces ions to repeatedly collide with the channel walls. Thus, highly efficient rejection for charged mass (salts, dyes, and organic acids/bases) and simultaneously ultrafast water transport are achieved under both forward osmosis and nanofiltration processes. Particularly, in real seawater nanofiltration at 2 bar, this membrane realizes a rejection of 99.4% for total salts with water permeance of 24.8 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. Such mass transport behavior is quite different from that in homogeneous charge channels. Furthermore, the ion transport behavior in 2D channels without EDL is elucidated by validating classic horizontal projectile motion model.
Time Domain Characteristic Analysis of Non-coupled PCNN
Authors: Deng Xiangyu , Yu HaiYue , Huang XiKai
Published: August 2023

The Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) model is a multi-parameter neural network, the input-output characteristics are greatly affected by parameters setting. The traditional non-coupled PCNN model, which only uses the gray value as input, results in a certain inhibition of the network's pulse firing characteristics. In this paper, based on the traditional non-coupled PCNN model, from the perspective of system equations, the firing characteristics of the non-simplified uncoupled PCNN model with coupled linking term is studied, and the mathematical expressions for firing time and interval were summarized. By constructing different neighborhood linking weight matrix patterns, the impact of the linking weight matrix and coefficients on network characteristics was analyzed, and the constraint conditions for parameters aE, VE, and VF were provided. Finally, through experiments simulation, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified, providing theoretical support for researching on fully parameterized PCNN and the application of the studied model in image processing.
Epidemiological aspects of individuals with mental disorders in the referral system: the experience of a Community Mental Health Center in the northeast of Iran
Authors: Talebi Mahdi , Niroumand Shabnam , Gholami Mobin , Samarghandi Azadeh , Nemati Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Background
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide mental health services to patients at low cost, with less stigma, in a domiciliary setting. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological and variety of mental disorders and treatment dropout among patients attending the only CMHC of Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Furthermore, the association of demographic variables with referral from primary health care centers was investigated.
Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 662 patients who contacted this center between January 2014 and December 2021. We completed a checklist that included information on demographics, diagnosed mental disorders, referral status, and the number of psychiatric visits, all of which psychiatrists fully completed clinical records. The frequency distributions of all variables were conducted with SPSS11.5. In addition, the association between epidemiological findings and patient referral (referral system or self-referral) and the association between epidemiological findings and the number of psychiatric revisits were examined by the Chi-square test.
Results
Of 662 patients, 472 (71%) women and 190 (29%) men were enrolled, and the mean age of all patients was 29 years. Among the 475 adult patients, 367 (77.3%) patients were married and had primary or secondary education (40.4%), and the majority of them were housewives (56.4%). Major Depression Disorder (32%), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (18.3%) were the two most common mental illnesses in patients. Most patients (70.7%) were referred to this center via the referral system. Moreover, non-working patients (housewives and unemployed patients) and the female gender were associated with more referrals to this center through the referral system. 431 patients (65.1%) did not return for a second visit, and the higher number of psychiatric visits was associated with a lower level of education.
Conclusions
It is recommended that primary health care centers (PHCs) undergo certain modifications to enhance the screening process for psychiatric patients, focusing on common mental disorders. Referral of mental illnesses to CMHCs should be taken more seriously, especially in women with low socioeconomic status. Better health services in CMHCs can encourage patients to continue treatment in CMHCs.
A Carrier-Free Supramolecular Nano-Twin-Drug for Overcoming Irinotecan- Resistance and Enhancing Efficacy against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yuan Miaomiao , Chen Tong , Jin Lu , Zhang Peng , Xie Luoyijun , Zhou Shuyi , Fan Lianfeng , Wang Li , Zhang Cai , Tang Ning , Guo Lihao , Xie Chengmei , Duo Yanhong , Li Ling , Shi Leilei
Published: August 2023

Irinotecan (Ir) is commonly employed as a first-line chemotherapeutic treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, tremendous impediments remain to be addressed to surmount drug resistance and ameliorate adverse events. Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) participates in the maintenance of genome stability and the repair of DNA damage, thus playing a critical role in chemotherapy resistance. In this work, we introduce a novel curative strategy which utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by dynamic supramolecular co-assembly of Ir and a PARP inhibitor (PARPi) niraparib (Nir) through π-π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions. The Ir and Nir self-assembled Nano-Twin-Drug of (Nir-Ir NPs) could enhance efficacy against CRC by synergistically inhibiting the DNA damage repair pathway and activating the tumor cell apoptosis process without obvious toxicity. In addition, the Nir-Ir NPs could effectively reverse irinotecan-resistance by inhibiting the expression of multiple resistance protein-1 (MRP-1). Overall, our study underscores the distinctive advantages and potential of Nir-Ir NPs as a complementary strategy to chemotherapy by simultaneously overcoming the Ir resistance and improving the anti-tumor efficacy against CRC.
Application of the Tight Binding Method onto the von-Neumann Equation
Authors: Abdi Alan , Schulz Dirk
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a numerical framework for the analysis of quantum devices based on the von-Neumann (VN) equation, which involves the concept of theTight Binding Method (TBM). The model is based on the application of the Tight Binding Hamiltonian within Quantum Liouville Type Equations and has the advantage that the atomic structure of the materials used is taken into account. Furthermore, the influence of a Complex Absorbing Potential and its essential contribution to the system stability with respect to the eigenvalue spectrum is discussed.
Optimize UAV reliability with a new hybrid approach
Authors: Boucerredj Leila , Meneceur Souhaila , Bouafia Abderrhmane
Published: August 2023

In this work, we propose a new hybrid approach to optimize the reliability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) based on two complementary approaches. The first approach is based on the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which is an informal method based on the establishment of a table describing the failure modes of the elements of the system and their effects, the aim of using this method is to optimize the search of critical scenarios that leads the system to the failure state. The second approach is based on Developed Stochastic Petri nets formalism coupled with the reliability laws (RLSPNs) according to the nature of the components (electronic, electrical, mechanical, software, …etc.) of the system, this simplifies the reliability evaluation of the system components as well as the reliability of the complete system. The goal of this approach is to determine the main causes of the failure of the system, optimize the search of critical scenarios, and study the reliability of system components; in order to have the most reliable and least reliable components. This detailed study will certainly make it possible to propose improvements that can in the future improve the reliability of the complete system.
Inhibitory Control Training Improves Cold but Not Warm Cognition in Typically Developing Preschoolers
Authors: Nejati Vahid , Ghotbi Ladan , Raskin Sarah
Published: August 2023

Inhibitory control, as a fundamental executive function, has been found to be associated with a range of cognitive processes. In this study, our objective was to enhance inhibitory control through a targeted training program and assess its impact on delay discounting and risky decision making. Thirty-two typically-developing children (age mean 6.89 ± 0.32 years) were recruited in a random clinical trial design in two equal intervention and active control groups. Go/No-Go, Flanker, continuous performance, delay discounting, and balloon analogue risk tasks were used for assessment in three baseline, post- intervention, and 3-months follow-up sessions. The intervention group received the program for attentive rehabilitation of inhibition and selective attention (PARISA) and the active control group participated in a story telling class, both in 12 sessions. The results of the study indicate significant improvements in sustained attention, interference control, and prepotent inhibition among participants in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes observed in delay discounting and risky decision making. These findings suggest that the inhibitory control training primarily enhances aspects of cold cognition and attentional processes. However, the observed improvements did not extend to reward processing or warm cognition.
Social cohesion in semi-public places: A study of Oude Noorde neighborhood in Rotterdam
Authors: Uka Gazmend
Published: August 2023

Lack of social cohesion in semi-public places is what this research is about. The main objective of this research is to see how semi-public places affect social cohesion in Oude Noorden, to identify barriers between different ethnic groups, and to explain the importance of semi-public places. In this research are analyzed two community centers, two mosques and are used secondary data from two public places in this neighborhood, the combination of data from public and semipublic places and synthesizing those data is what it makes different this study. More than half of Rotterdam's population is non-Dutch. Diversity in ethnicity, cultural, attitude, and lifestyle brings hipper diversity as a subject to describe differences. In recent decades, population mobility seeking benefits and secure locations to dwell has been facilitated by easy ways to relocate, wars, legislative changes, and numerous conflicts. As a result of this shift, the areas where immigrants live are residential neighborhoods. The Oude Noorden neighborhood in Rotterdam's north side has accepted a high number of emigrants. The first findings of this research are that not all places have the same importance and comprehension. Public places differ from semi-public places, and semi-public places differ in terms of social cohesion. Furthermore, semi-public places like schools, religious buildings, libraries, and community centers have a role in terms of social cohesion. Primary schools provide access only for limited ages, religious buildings have belief groups, and libraries usually are only for students, while community centers are comprehensive and give opportunities for people to contribute to social cohesion. To become a cohesive society those community centers must continue to rise their role in society.
Assessment of the relationship between colorectal cancer and systemic inflammatory regulators: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yu-Liang , Li Min , Zheng Jin-Min , Shi Zheng-Yi , Chen Huan-Huan , Wang Xiao-Tong , Kong Fan-Biao
Published: August 2023

Background
Inflammation is intricately intertwined with cancer progression; however, the causal link between inflammatory factors and their propensity to either promote or mitigate colorectal cancer (CRC) remains substantively unexplored. In response to this knowledge gap, we undertook a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, aimed at rigorously evaluating the causal relationship between 41 distinct genetic proxies representing inflammatory factors and the development of colorectal cancer.
Method
Cytokine levels were analyzed in a cohort of 8,293 individuals using data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) focusing on exposures. Preliminary analysis made use of GWAS data related to colorectal cancer (CRC) obtained from the GWAS catalog database with accession number GCST012879. Causality analysis primarily employed the random inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by MR-Egger and weighted median techniques. To enhance the study's robustness, sensitivity analyses encompassed the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis. Employing a comprehensive approach encompassing Mendelian Randomization, Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression, and Colocalization Analysis, the study examined cytokines that exhibited statistical significance in the IVW analysis. Moreover, a Confounding Analysis was conducted to evaluate the direct impact of cytokines on CRC occurrence.
Result
The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between Interferon-gamma (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01–1.28, p = 0.039), Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.14, p = 0.032), Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Subunit (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86–0.99, p = 0.035), and Stem Cell Factor (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79–0.98, p = 0.023) and CRC.
Conclusion
This study presents compelling evidence regarding the causal interplay between four specific inflammatory factors and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the multifaceted analyses employed introduce fresh insights into our understanding of the role played by colorectal cancer. These discoveries hold promising implications for enhancing CRC screening, prevention, and therapeutic strategies.
An Analysis of Floral Consumption Values and Their Difference for Genders and Geographic Regions
Authors: Yeh Tzu-Fang , Huang Li-Chun
Published: August 2023

Studying the value of consumption is believed to have diagnostic value in the analysis of consumer choice behavior and, therefore, is helpful in improving the efficiency of the market. The objective of this study was to identify the consumption value that consumers seek from floral products, while also clarifying the context of that consumption value. A total of 644 valid questionnaires from a consumer survey were used for the statistical analysis. The statistical results of the factor analysis revealed that sensory hedonics, emotion conditioning, curiosity fulfillment, monetary worth, and showing care to others were the main types of the consumption value in relation to floral products. Different consumer groups were found to emphasize different types of floral consumption value. Female consumers reveal a stronger demand for the value of emotion conditioning and curiosity fulfillment, while male consumers are more likely to seek the value of sensory hedonics. Consumers in rural areas reveal a stronger demand for the value of curiosity fulfillment and monetary worth, while the consumers in urban areas reveal a stronger demand for the value of emotion conditioning, with regard to the consumption value of flowers. The study results provide florists with the key value points as they seek to increase the attraction of floral products to consumers.
Using Growing Degree Days, Agrometeorological Variables, Linear Regression, and Data Mining Methods to Help Improve Prediction of Sweetpotato Harvest Date in Louisiana
Authors: Villordon Arthur , Clark Christopher , Ferrin Don , LaBonte Don
Published: August 2023

Predictive models of optimum sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) harvest in relation to growing degree days (GDD) will benefit producers and researchers by ensuring maximum yields and high quality. A GDD system has not been previously characterized for sweetpotato grown in Louisiana. We used a data set of 116 planting dates and used a combination of minimum cv, linear regression (LR), and several algorithms in a data mining (DM) mode to identify candidate methods of estimating relationships between GDD and harvest dates. These DM algorithms included neural networks, support vector machine, multivariate adaptive regression splines, regression trees, and generalized linear models. We then used candidate GDD methods along with agrometeorological variables to model US#1 yield using LR and DM methodology. A multivariable LR model with the best adjusted r2 was based on GDD calculated using this method: maximum daily temperature (Tmax) – base temperature (B), where if Tmax > ceiling temperature [C (90 °F)], then Tmax = C, and where GDD = 0 if minimum daily temperature <60 °F. The following climate-related variables contributed to the improvement of adjusted r2 of the LR model: mean relative humidity 20 days after transplanting (DAT), maximum air temperature 20 DAT, and maximum soil temperature 10 DAT (log 10 transformed). In the DM mode, this GDD method and the LR model also demonstrated high predictive accuracy as quantified using mean square error. Using this model, we propose to schedule test harvests at GDD = 2600. The harvest date can further be optimized by predicting US#1 yield using GDD in combination with climate-based predictor variables measured within 20 DAT.
Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizers in Vegetable Production: A Review
Authors: Guertal E.A.
Published: August 2023

Slow-release nitrogen (N) fertilizers offer many potential benefits for vegetable production. In sandy soils, their use may lessen N leaching. If the slow-release fertilizer has a release pattern that matches crop needs, N uptake by the growing crop may become more efficient. Additionally, if slow-release fertilizers can be applied as a preplant application, production costs could be lessened, eliminating the need for multiple applications of soluble N fertilizer. Synthetic slow-release fertilizers can be separated into two general groups: those that are slow release as a byproduct of a chemical reaction (such as urea-formaldehyde), and those that are slow release via a sulfur, wax, or resin coating around the fertilizer prill. In vegetable crop research, much of the available literature has focused on use of sulfur coat urea and urea-formaldehyde, as they have been in the fertilizer market for 40 years. Newer research has evaluated resin-coated products. In most studies, use of slow-release N fertilizers as a preplant treatment did not decrease crop yield, but yield was rarely increased when compared with standard split applications of soluble N. Based on available research, the benefits of using slow-release N fertilizers in vegetable crop production will come from reduced environmental risk and savings in production costs.
Exploratory Assessment of Consumer Preferences for Chestnut Attributes in Missouri
Authors: Aguilar Francisco X. , Cernusca Mihaela M. , Gold Michael A.
Published: August 2023

This article explores consumers' preferences for different chestnut (Castanea spp.) attributes and studies differences across potential market segments. The study was conducted between 2003 and 2007 during the Missouri Chestnut Roast festival. The festival, held annually in October during the chestnut harvest season, is one of mid-Missouri's premier family-oriented events. A longitudinal study completed among festival visitors in 2003, 2004, and 2006 to identify chestnut characteristics that influence purchasing decisions was complemented with a conjoint analysis in 2007. The conjoint analysis used a conditional logit model to investigate responses from pairwise product profile comparisons. The attributes investigated include chestnut size (small, medium, and large), price ($3, $5, and $7 per pound), production process (organic and conventional), and origin (Missouri, United States, and imported). Results suggest a strong preference for locally and U.S.-grown compared with imported chestnuts. Local growers that provide the market with medium-size chestnuts that carry organic certification could command a market premium compared with imported/nonorganic certified chestnuts.
Floral Crop Production in High Tunnels
Authors: Wien H. Chris
Published: August 2023

High tunnels are well suited for use in the production of floral crops, especially cut flowers. Through the increases in temperature afforded at both ends of the growing season, high tunnels allow earlier and later harvests than are possible in the field. During summer, rain protection and a relatively calm environment provides an ideal growing environment to cut flower crops. In U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 through 5, the higher temperatures of a high tunnel permit culture of warm-season crops like celosia (Celosia argentea) during summer. Cut flower production allows intensive production on a small land area and provides a high level of income. For these reasons, high tunnels have become a standard part of cut flower growers' farms. Most commonly, they are single-bay structures with roll-up sides, but use of multi-bay complexes is becoming more popular for larger-scale growers. In USDA Hardiness Zones of 7 and higher, high tunnels are shaded in summer to lower interior temperatures and enhance production of shade-tolerant species. Overall, techniques of moderating temperature extremes with shading and ventilation, or use of low tunnels inside to increase minimum temperatures are important options for cut flower production. In the presentation, comparisons will be made in growth and earliness of production and yield for several cut flower species grown in the field and an adjacent high tunnel.
Mulched Maple and Oak Leaves Associated with a Reduction in Common Dandelion Populations in Established Kentucky Bluegrass
Authors: Kowalewski Alexander R. , Buhler Douglas D. , Lang N. Suzanne , Nair Muraleedharan G. , Rogers John N.
Published: August 2023

Previous research has shown that maple (Acer spp.) leaf litter resulted in fewer common dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) when mulched into established turfgrass. However, the leaves used in that research may have contained herbicide residues and were separated by genus, not species. Our research compared the effects of pesticide-free mulched maple and oak (Quercus spp.) leaves on dandelion populations in an established kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) stand maintained as a residential lawn on sandy loam soil. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effectiveness of maple or oak leaf mulches as an organic common dandelion control method and to identify which maple species and rates (particle size and rate per unit area) provided the most effective control. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with treatments arranged as a 5 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial, with tree leaf species, leaf particle size, leaf application rate, and control as main factors. Leaf species were red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (A. saccharinum), sugar maple (A. saccharum), high sugar content sugar maple, and red oak (Quercus rubra). Particle sizes were coarse (0.4–1.0 inch2) and fine (≤0.2 inch2), and application rates were low (0.5 kg·m−2) and high (1.5 kg·m−2). Mulch applications were made in Fall 2003 and 2004 and data were collected beginning in Spring 2004 on kentucky bluegrass spring green-up, and common dandelion plant counts. The high application rate, regardless of tree genus or species, resulted in the highest green-up ratings. Common dandelion plant counts after one (2003) and two (2003 and 2004) mulch applications at the high rate showed that up to 80% and 53% reduction was achieved, respectively. Results indicate that mulching leaves regardless of genus (oak or maple) or maple species into established turfgrass as a leaf litter disposal method will increase spring green-up and contribute to a reduction in common dandelion population.
Effects of Fertilization and Microbial Inoculants Applied at Transplanting on the Growth of Mexican Fan Palm and Queen Palm
Authors: Broschat Timothy K. , Elliott Monica L.
Published: August 2023

Container-grown mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) transplanted into a field nursery having phosphorus (P)-sufficient and P-deficient soils were treated at the time of planting with four commercial microbial inoculants (each containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, alone or with other microbial components or fertilizers), two fertilizers, or nothing (control). All but the control palms received applications of an 8N–0.9P–10K palm fertilizer every 3 months for 2 years. None of the treatments improved growth over the control in the P-deficient soil. In the P-sufficient soil, none of the microbial inoculants improved growth over that of similarly fertilized noninoculated palms. Discrepancies were observed regarding nonmycorrhizal fungi and bacteria present in the microbial inoculant products. The type and quantity of these microbes listed on the labels of the microbial inoculant products did not necessarily match the type and quantity actually detected in the products.
Names and Species of Ophiopogon Cultivated in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Fantz Paul R.
Published: August 2023

Species of Ophiopogon Ker-Gawl (aztec grass, monkey grass, mondo grass, and snake's beard) are versatile, evergreen, grass-like perennials used in a variety of landscape situations. The nursery/landscape industry commonly recognizes the Ophiopogon species O. japonicus (Linn. f.) Ker-Gawl and O. plansicapus Nakai, with O. clarkei Hook. f., O. intermedius D. Don, O. graminifolius (L.) Wehrh., O. jaburan (Sieb.) Lodd., O. kansuensis Bat., and O. ohwii Okuyama available, but often misidentified and marketed under other names. Additional taxa are being introduced through botanic gardens and plant expeditions by horticulturists. A taxonomic treatment by the author of liriopogons cultivated in the southeastern United States had been in progress for nearly 15 years. Plants bearing the name O. graminifolius included additional misidentified species of Liriope Lour. and Ophiopogon. Plants bearing the name O. chingii Wang and Chang did not bear inflorescences, but vegetatively appear to be equivalent to O. graminifolius. Plants bearing the name O. mairei H. Lév. and O. wallichianus (Kunth) J.D. Hook. were misidentified as Liriope exiliflora (L.H. Bailey) H.H. Hume. Additional taxa available in botanic gardens included O. bockianus Diels., O. bodnieri H. Lév., O. checkiangensis Koiti Kimura and Migo, O. chingii, and O. marmoratus Pierre ex L. Rodr. Plants bearing the name O. parviflorus (Hook. f.) Hara died without producing reproductive structures; thus, identification to even genus was unattainable. Ophiopogon arabicus Hort., O. nigra Hort., and O. nigrescens Hort. were invalid names used in the trade for O. planiscapus. This treatment includes original morphological descriptions from data obtained in the study, observational notes, and a table with a key to segregation of taxa.
Preliminary Observations on the Traffic Tolerance of Four Seashore Paspalum Cultivars Compared to Hybrid Bermudagrass
Authors: Brosnan J.T. , Deputy J.
Published: August 2023

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a prostrate, perennial turfgrass used on golf courses and athletic fields in warm-season climates. Research data on the traffic tolerance of seashore paspalum compared with hybrid bermudagrass (Cyndon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis) is minimal. A study was conducted in 2008 to evaluate the traffic tolerance of ‘Sea Isle 2000’, ‘Salam’, ‘Sea Dwarf’, and ‘Sea Isle 1’ seashore paspalum relative to ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass. Traffic was applied with a Cady Traffic Simulator (CTS) and traffic tolerance was assessed visually through measurements of percentage of turfgrass cover after 36, 54, 72, and 90 passes were applied with the CTS. After 90 passes (45 simulated professional football games) with the CTS, ‘Salam’, ‘Sea Dwarf’, and ‘Sea Isle 1’ seashore paspalum exhibited greater traffic tolerance than ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass; ‘Sea Isle 2000’ seashore paspalum exhibited the least amount of traffic tolerance in this study. These data suggest that some seashore paspalum cultivars may be a suitable alternative to hybrid bermudagrass on athletic fields in warm-season climates.
Competencies for a United States Horticulture Undergraduate Major: A National Delphi Study
Authors: Basinger Ashley R. , McKenney Cynthia B. , Auld Dick
Published: August 2023

A competency-based curriculum involves defining set knowledge, skills, and values for a particular education. Many technical undergraduate majors have developed a list of competencies for evaluation, assessment, and improvement of higher education curriculum. This national Delphi study is the first concise list of competencies described for a horticulture curriculum. A sample of horticulture educators within the United States (n = 22) were selected as experts in horticulture education and curriculum improvement through an e-mail requirement letter sent to university chairs. Information on age, teaching position, and bachelor's degree earned by panel member and department size was collected and it was determined these factors did not impact the panel members' decision on ranking competencies. The three-round Delphi study results provide a list of competencies considered to be important or not important in the general horticulture education field. The final compilation of competencies describes a total of 108 specific learning outcomes, with 41 horticulture technical competencies, 34 life science technical competencies, and 33 professional competencies. Overall, this competency skills list may be useful for future assessment and development of horticulture curricula.
Exploring Ways to Enhance Student Learning During Study Abroad: Landscape Exploration of Brazil
Authors: Barton Susan , Bruck Jules , Nelson Chad
Published: August 2023

A study abroad trip to Brazil was conducted by the University of Delaware's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in Jan. 2008 to study diverse ecosystems in three major regions: Mata Atlantica (Atlantic forest), Pantanal (wetland), and Amazon (rain forest). Students spent time in Cuiaba, Manaus, Brasilia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Different garden styles were studied throughout Brazil. Student learning occurred through student presentations, blog assignments, site visits, interaction with local contacts, observational exercises, reflection exercises, immediate feedback assessment test quizzes, cultural experiences, and a culminating project. Thirteen students attended the program with three faculty directors. Two courses were offered: Field Sketching of Landscape Subjects (PLSC 167) and Arts and Ecosystems (PLSC 267). Class goals were to understand the differences between ecosystems within Brazil and more familiar ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic United States; to learn how natural ecosystems inspire landscape design; and to become aware of major environmental issues in Brazil. An effective study abroad program not only exposes students to unique experiences, but also helps students use those experiences to change their perspectives and understanding. Because of the variety of human learning styles, offering a range of educational activities is important so that all students have an opportunity to respond favorably.