bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of immune-boosting beverage, energy beverage, hydrogen peroxide superior, polishing methods and fine-grained dental prophylaxis paste on color of CAD-CAM restorative materials
Authors: Yılmaz Kerem , Özdemir Erdem , Gönüldaş Fehmi
Published: July 2024

Background The effect of an immune-boosting beverage (SAM) containing Sambucus Nigra, an energy beverage (ENE), an in-office bleaching (BLE) agent with 25% hydrogen peroxide superior, glazing (GLA) or polishing (POL) methods, and professional dental prophylaxis (PDP) on the color of CAD-CAM restorative materials is unknown.
Methods In total 210 specimens were prepared, consisting of CAD-CAM feldspathic (FC), zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic (ZLS) and hybrid ceramic (HC). The ceramic specimens were divided according to the polishing methods of glazing (GLA) and mechanical polishing (POL). All materials were divided into two groups: with and without BLE. A 25% hydrogen peroxide superior (HPS) gel was used for BLE. After the baseline (BAS) measurement, the specimens were immersed in 3 different beverages (distilled water (DIS), SAM, ENE). After 28 days, a fine-grained (RDA 7) prophylaxis paste was applied. Statistical analysis of ∆E00 color difference values was performed by 3-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α=0.05).
Results The effect of all other actions except material-BLE-beverage on color for BAS-Day 28 was statistically different (p<0.05). The effect of material, material-BLE, beverage on color for Day 28-PDP was statistically different (p<0.05). After 28 days, the lowest color change was found in FC-GLA and HC immersed in DIS (p=0.0001) and the highest in FC-POL immersed in ENE (p=0.0002). PDP was efficient in color recovery in HC immersed to DIS, ENE and SAM (p=0.0010). For FC, HC and ZLS, BLE caused a higher color change (p<0.0001). Regardless of the material, the highest color change for BLE-beverage was found in BLE-treated specimens immersed in ENE (P=0.0496) and the lowest color change was found in non-BLE-treated specimens immersed in SAM (p=0.0074).
Conclusions In materials pre-exposed to 25% HPS, the effect of PDP on color recovery was lower than in unexposed materials. Mechanical polishing produced higher color change in FC compared to glazing, but the values were equal for ZLS. For material/polishing method, HC was the most effective. ENE caused higher color change than DIS and SAM. PDP was more effective than ENE in restoring color to DIS- and SAM-immersed specimens.
Inflammation-Related Gene Profiling in Colorectal Cancer: A New Prognostic Signature
Authors: Yin Wen , Chen Xuanqin , Jia Qian , Zhang Chao , Yuan Liping , Liu Sha , Xiao Wanmeng , Luo Gang , Shi Xiaomin , Xin Chen , Lü Muhan , Yu Zehui
Published: July 2024

Background Inflammation can influence the development of CRC as well as immunotherapy and plays a key role in CRC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of inflammation-related genes in CRC risk prediction.
Methods The transcriptomic and clinical information of colorectal cancer patients was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and externally validated with the GSE39582 dataset. Consistency clustering was used to molecularly typify and genotype patients. Genes for model construction were screened using univariate Cox, LASSO Cox, and multivariate Cox regression, and model validation was performed by K‒M survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In addition, we combined nomograms for further prediction of patient prognosis. Finally, the possible mechanisms of inflammation-related genes in CRC were explored by functional enrichment analysis, immune microenvironment analysis and immune checkpoint analysis.
Results We identified two molecular subtypes and three genetic subtypes, two risk subgroups according to median risk values, constructeda prognostic model including thirteen genes (TIMP1, GDF15, UCN, KRT4, POU4F1, NXPH1, SIX2, NPC1L1, KLK12, IGFL1, FOXD1, ASPG, and CYP4F8), and validated the performance of each aspect of the model in an external database. Patients in the high-risk group had worse survival with reduced immune cell infiltration and a greater tumor mutational load. The risk score correlated strongly with the immune checkpoints PD1, PDL1, PDL2, and CTLA4, and it is possible that high-risk patients are more sensitive to treatment involving immune checkpoints. qPCR further verified that ASPG expression in the CRC tumors of our patients was significantly lower than that in the normal tissues and was a protective factor.
Conclusion In summary, we developed a prognostic marker associated with inflammatory genes to provide new directions for subsequent studies and to help clinicians assess the prognosis of CRC patients as well as to guide clinical treatment with different sensitive drugs.
Efficacy of Baduanjin combined with Tuina for patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: wang weijian , lu chao , gao feng , Yang Haoping , zhang shinian
Published: July 2024

Background: Non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue that imposes a significant economic burden due to its high healthcare costs and frequent recurrences. In China, Baduanjin and Tuina are commonly practiced for the treatment of NCNP, yet scientific evidence evaluating their effectiveness remains limited. The objective of this study is to assess the relative effectiveness of Baduanjin combined with Tuina compared to Tuina alone in managing patients with NCNP.
Methods/design: A randomized controlled trial in which 82 patients with non-specific chronic neck pain will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the Tuina group or the Baduanjin combined with Tuina group in a 1:1 ratio. The interventions for both groups will be carried out three times a week for 4 weeks. The patients in the two groups will receive follow-up 1 month after the intervention. The primary outcome will be the changes in the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Active Range of Motion (AROM). The data will be analyzed at the baseline, 4 weeks during the intervention, at the end of the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. The significance level sets as 5%. The safety of interventions will be evaluated after each treatment session.
Discussion: The aim of this trial is to assess whether the combination of Baduanjin and Tuina is at least as effective as Tuina alone in treating patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP). This study aims to furnish clinicians and stakeholders with crucial insights into the potential of this complementary and alternative therapy for managing NCNP.
Trial registration: ChiCTR registry (ChiCTR)2400083714. Registered on April 30,2024.
A method of “Noninjecting Resection using Bipolar Soft coagulation mode; NIRBS” for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor: A pilot study
Authors: Tokuhara Mitsuo , Sano Yasushi , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Nakata Hidetoshi , Nakahira Hiroko , Furukawa Shingo , Ohtsu Takuya , Nakamura Naohiro , Ito Takashi , Torii Ikuko , Yamashina Takeshi , Shimatani Masaaki , Naganuma Makoto
Published: July 2024

Background: Complete endoscopic resection of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is technically challenging, especially with an extremely high risk of adverse event (AE), although various endoscopic resection methods including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), underwater EMR (UEMR), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been tried for SNADETs. Hence, a novel simple resection method that can completely resect tumors with a low risk of AEs should be developed.
Aims: A resection method of Noninjecting Resection using Bipolar Soft coagulation mode (NIRBS) which has been reported to be effective and safe for colorectal lesions is adapted for SNADETs. In this study we evaluated its effectiveness, safety, and simplicity for SNADETs measuring ≤20 mm.
Results: This study included 13 patients with resected lesions with a mean size of 7.8 (range: 3–15) mm. The pathological distributions of the lesions were as follows: adenomas, 77% (n = 10) and benign and non-adenomatous lesions, 23% (n = 3). The en bloc and R0 resection rate was 100% (n = 13). The median procedure duration was 68 sec (32–105). None of the patients presented with major AEs including bleeding and perforation.
Conclusions: NIRBSs for SNADETs measuring ≤20 mm may be a method to resect SNADETs efficiently, safely, and in a short procedure duration.
LINC00342 regulates the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway via the miR-149-5p/FGF11 axis and affects the progression of oral cancer
Authors: Chen Yimiao , Wang Yanchun , Zhang Wenbo
Published: July 2024

Background
A large amount of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of oral cancer (OC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of a novel lncRNA, LINC00342, in OC and its molecular mechanism.
Methods and results
In this study, differentially expressed LncRNA/miRNA/mRNAs were analyzed by Gene Expression Omnibus database, and their expression levels and effects on cell viability and cell cycle in OC cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. The binding between RNAs was analyzed by dual luciferase, and western blot was used to detect the activation of relevant pathways. Our study showed that, in contrast to miR-149-5p, the expression of LINC00342 and fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) were upregulated in OC cells, and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that they bind to miR-149-5p in a direct targeting manner. In addition, inhibition of LINC00342 expression resulted in decreased proliferation rate and migration ability of OC cells, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, and inhibition of PI3K-AKT signaling. And inhibition of miR-149-5p or overexpression of FGF11 reversed the effects of si-LINC00342.
Conclusions
LINC00342 promotes PI3K-AKT signaling by activating FGF11 through adsorption of miR-149-5p, thereby regulating the progression of OC.
Semantic SLAM system for mobile robots based on large visual model in complex environments
Authors: ZHENG CHAO , ZHANG PENG , LI YANAN
Published: July 2024

Intelligent optical detecting tracking technologies play important roles in many fields, one of which is to help unmanned devices such as UAVs, autonomous vehicle and intelligent robots to achieve accurate localization and mapping. For medical and nursing robots, the first step in participating in the treatment and nursing process is to accurately locate their location in the ward, and perceive the surrounding environment of the ward.However, when faced with more complex or constantly changing surrounding environments, especially when medical and nursing robots facing a large flow of medical personnel and patients in wards, the hospital environment is relatively complex, then traditional positioning and mapping methods based on geometric features such as points and lines cannot achieve accurate results for medical nursing robots. In this paper, combined with the characteristics of complex dynamic environments encountered in actual wards, we propose a method to obtain high-level semantic information in the surrounding environment and use it for medical and nursing robot’s localization and mapping. Experiments have shown that the semantic based SLAM technology proposed in this article can help medical and nursing robots achieve more accurate localization and mapping results compared to the current popular SLAM technologies, and the use of semantic information can also enable medical and nursing robots to recognize medical devices, laying the foundation for performing other higher level tasks.
Identification of Emerging Drug Targets for Pulmonary Functions Through Mendelian Randomization Analysis of the Plasma Proteome
Authors: Liang Jinghao , Lin Yijian , Liu Yuanqing , Lin Hongmiao , Xie Zixian , Wu Tongtong , Zhang Xinrong , Zhou Xinyi , Tan Zhaofeng , Cheng Ziqiu , Yin Weiqiang , Guo Zhihua
Published: July 2024

Background
The deterioration of lung function is strongly linked to a heightened risk of several diseases and an increase in mortality. Conditions such as COPD, ILD and asthma are notably connected to this decline. Proteins with genetic associations hold potential as promising therapeutic targets to enhance lung function.
Method
Initially, we assessed 4907 plasma genetic markers through MR at deCODE to identify links with lung function, pinpointing potential therapeutic targets. This was followed by pathway analysis, bidirectional MR, Steiger filtering, and colocalization analysis to establish causal links and investigate therapeutic potential. Utilizing this dual-stage network MR design, the mediation effects of proteins in the linkages between smoking, BMI, and lung functions were estimated. Validation was performed utilizing additional datasets from two external databases. Finally, we evaluated the druggability and associated side effects, paving the way for therapeutic interventions in pulmonary conditions.
Result
This study identifies multiple proteins as promising therapeutic targets for lung function, adhering to Bonferroni standards. Genetically predicted protein levels of 38, 28, and 37 proteins significantly correlate with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC, respectively, with these results replicated across databases. No reverse causality was found, and Bayesian colocalization analysis shows that 15 proteins share genetic loci with lung function. Some proteins mediate pathways by which BMI and smoking affect lung function. 5 proteins are noteworthy therapeutic targets. Finally, target proteins are associated with few side effects in PheW-MR.
Conclusion
Our finding indicated that the identified proteins could potentially serve as effective therapeutic targets for lung function.
The co-expression of Crohn’s disease and colon cancer network was analyzed by bioinformatics-CXCL1 Tumour microenvironment and prognosis-related gene CXCL1
Authors: Mao Zijuan , Gu Yuyang , Dai Qiang , Tao Ganxue , Fei Zhenhua , Xu Yangjie
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the molecular links and mechanisms between Crohn’s disease (CD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods
This study used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD (GSE112366) and CRC (GSE110224), analyzed by 'edgeR' and 'limma'. The Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes explored DEG functions, and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) informed the protein-protein interaction network construction visualized in Cytoscape (version 3.7.2). Cyto-Hubba identified key genes, whose biomarker potential for CD and CRC was evaluated.
Results
The study discovered 61 DEGs, with 44 up- and 17 down-regulated, linked to immune responses and signaling pathways. CXCL1, highly expressed in colon cancer, correlated with better prognosis and lower staging. It also showed associations with immune infiltration and checkpoint molecules, suggesting a role in cancer progression and retreat.
Conclusion
CXCL1 may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer from inflammatory bowel disease.
Methylene Blue Reduces Monoamine Oxidase Expression and Oxidative Stress in Human Cardiovascular Adipose Tissue
Authors: Aburel Oana-Maria , Brăescu Laurențiu , Buriman Darius G. , Merce Adrian P. , Bînă Anca M. , Borza Claudia , Mornoș Cristian , Sturza Adrian , Muntean Danina M.
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases represent the major cause of morbidity mainly due to chronic heart failure. Epicardial (EAT) and perivascular adipose tissues (PVAT) are considered major contributors to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic pathologies. Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are mitochondrial enzymes recognized as sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiometabolic pathologies. Methylene blue (MB) is one of the oldest protective agents, yet no data are available about its effects on adipose tissue. The present pilot study was aimed at assessing the effects of MB: i) on MAO expression and ii) oxidative stress in EAT and PVAT harvested from patients with heart failure subjected to cardiac surgery (n=25). Adipose tissue samples were incubated with MB (0.1 µM/24h) and used for the assessment of MAO gene and protein expression (qPCS and immune fluorescence) and ROS production (confocal microscopy and spectrophotometry). The human cardiovascular adipose tissues contain both MAO isoforms, predominantly MAO-A. Incubation with MB reduced MAOs expression and oxidative stress; co-incubation with serotonin, the MAO-A substrate, further augmented ROS generation, an effect partially reversed by MB. In conclusion, MAO-A is the major isoform expressed in EAT and PVAT and contribute to local oxidative stress; both effects can be mitigated by methylene blue.
Synthesis, enzyme inhibition and molecular docking studies of novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole thioether derivatives
Authors: ÖLMEZ Nevin ARIKAN , NOMA Samir Abbas Ali , KAYA Yunus , OSMAN Bilgen
Published: July 2024

A new series of thioethers containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring were synthesized by the modified Riemschneider Reaction. The corresponding thiocyanate derivatives of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained in good yields by the reaction of 3-aryl-5-chloromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds with NH4SCN in triethylene glycol at 60 °C as a new method. Thioether derivatives were synthesized by reacting 5-thiocyanato-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazole with various tertiary or secondary alcohols in solvent-free conditions for 10-30 minutes at 60 °C. The synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic methods (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS). All 1,2,4-oxadiazole-thioethers were tested for xanthine oxidase (XO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition potential. The results showed that 4 h has more potential inhibition activity than positive control for XO (IC50= 0.41 ± 0.067 µM) and AChE/BChE (IC50= 0.95 ± 0.42 µM / 1.49 ± 0.45 µM) and is considerably greater than other compounds. Moreover, our experimental study was supported by molecular docking to describe the binding mode of new structures to enzymes.
Correlation Between Invariable Blood Proteins and Heart Rate Variability in Long-Duration Space Flights
Authors: Pastushkova Ludmila , Rusanov Vasily , Goncharova Anna , Kashirina Darya , Nosovsky Andrey , Luchitskaya Elena , Krapivnitskaya Tatyana , Larina Irina
Published: July 2024

The article analyzes how long-duration space missions effect on the heart rate variability parameters and invariable blood proteins. The results are discussed taking into correlation between them. Seven Russian cosmonauts took part in the research during their missions to the International Space Station. Samples of dry blood drops were collected as part of the space experiment ''OMICs-SPK'', electrocardiogram samples were collected as part of the space experiment "Cardiovector". It was established a linear relationship between the concentrations of some proteins and spectral analysis parameters of heart rate at all stages of space flight. In the context of the physiological cardiovascular regulation, the linear correlation found between the six invariant proteins and HRV may be evidence of how and to what extent an adaptive regulation system provides flexible control over the periphery when several processes influence each other. The heart rate variability provides high adaptability, which makes it possible to quickly cope with the challenges of an aggressive and changing environment, maintain homeostatic processes and provide valuable information about the body's ability to function effectively in microgravity.
Mitochondrial genome of critically endangered enigmatic Kazakhstan endemic desert dormouse Selevinia betpakdalaensis (Rodentia: Gliridae) and its phylogenetic relationships with other dormice species
Authors: Petrova¹ Tatyana V. , Panitsina¹ Valentina A. , Bodrov¹ Semyon Yu. , Abramson¹ Natalia I.
Published: July 2024

Dormice (family Gliridae), is an ancient group, in the Oligocene and Early Miocene it was the entirely dominant rodent family, and current diversity is represented with few extant species. The Kazakhstan endemic, desert dormouse Selevinia betpakdalaensis is one of the most enigmatic dormouse species. The lack of genetic data did not allow Selevinia to be included in the previous molecular phylogenetic analysis. In the current study we report the first genetic data for S. betpakdalaensis as well as mitochondrial genomes for several other species of the Gliridae family (Myomimus roachi and Glirulus japonicus) retrieved from the museum specimens and Graphiurus murinus assembled from SRA data. The assembled mitochondrial genomes were combined with available mitochondrial data from the Genbank to reconstruct the mitochondrial phylogeny of Gliridae. Taking into account the distortion of the phylogeny as a result of the analysis of the saturated third codon position, we obtained for the first time a resolved phylogeny of the subfamily. The first split within Gliridae (separation time of the Leithiinae subfamily) is estimated as an average of 34.6 Mya, while Graphiurinae and Glirinae subfamilies divergence time is assessed about 32.67 Mya. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the relationship between Selevinia and the mouse-tailed dormouse genus Myomimus previously shown based on cranial and mandibular morphology.
The biological synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic utility of Fusarium oxysporum silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sikkander A. Mohamed , Yasmeen Khadeeja , Haseeb. Mohamed
Published: July 2024

The use of fungi in the safe, economical, and ecologically benign synthesis of silver nanoparticles is emerging as a major field in nanotechnology. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum is used in the current study to investigate the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Since putrefying banana fruit, the assessment fungus that was derivative after PDA was inaccessible. Proceeding the foundation of morphologic traits, Fusarium oxysporum was acknowledged. The mechanism of silver nanoparticle making by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum was considered. The situation remained originate that as soon as exposed to silver ions, Fusarium oxysporum harvests silver nanoparticles. When the produced nanoparticles were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, the peak of the spectra was found to be at 420 nm. Silver nanoparticles were subjected to a TEM-based morphological analysis, which revealed that the particles are spherical in shape and have a diameter of between 50 and 100 nm. The TEM analysis of the fungus's response to the silver ion suggests that the protein may be in charge of stabilizing the silver nanoparticles. A large-scale biosynthesis process for "microbial nanotechnology" would benefit greatly from the speedy synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
Preparing flake nanocelluloses with hydrophobic surface from the spent liquor of cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Li Jiebai , Liu Dongyan , Jia Xilin , Guan Guangguang , Zhang Wenbo , Wei Jingyuan , Zhou Yangtao
Published: July 2024

It is of great value to reuse of the dissolved carbohydrates from the spent liquor produced in the acid hydrolysis process of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). In the present study, a special flake-like nanocellulose crystals (FCNCs) were self-assembled from the dissolved cellulose chains with low molecular weight via a "bottom-up" approach. The average diameters of FCNCs were 712 nm, with thickness in the range of 3 ~ 3.5 nm. They exhibited superior thermal stability relative to CNCs. XRD characterization revealed that the FCNCs with the cellulose type II structure possessed the hydrophobic (110) plane as the exposed surface which endowed the material with relatively hydrophobic property. Confirmed by the contact angle tests, the water contact angle value of FCNCs film was as high as 72.0°, almost twofold of that of CNCs film.
Prognostic Value of Cellular Senescence, Lymphatic Proliferation, and Histological Findings in the Follow-up of Post-covid-19 Interstitial Lung Disease Sequelae.
Authors: Pilia María Florencia , Sansano Irene , Varona Diego , Sánchez-Calleja Marina , Romero-Mesones Christian , Espejo David , Culebras Mario , Cruz María Jesús , Muñoz Xavier , Ojanguren Iñigo , Ramón Santiago
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND
In some patients post COVID-19 interstitial lung disease (ILD) sequelae persist beyond 6 months after hospital discharge. Little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of certain histopathological findings, cellular senescence, and lymphatic proliferation in patients with ILD sequelae.
METHODS
This prospective observational study of patients hospitalized at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital due to COVID-19 pneumonia and presenting respiratory symptoms, radiological alterations, and pulmonary function test impairment during the 3-month follow-up visit after discharge. Lung cryobiopsies were performed, and the histopathological findings and expression of senescence and lymphatic proliferation (P16 and D2-40) were analyzed.
RESULTS
Between March 2020 and February 2021, 4,332 patients were hospitalized at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital due to COVID-19 pneumonia, and 1,403 were visited in the Respiratory Clinic 3 months after discharge. The first 66 patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, radiological alterations, and decreased pulmonary function tests during the post hospitalization follow-up underwent cryobiopsy for diagnostic purposes. Multivariate regression showed that Masson bodies in the 3-month cryobiopsy were related to a higher forced vital capacity at 6 months whereas higher expression of senescence and lymphatic proliferation markers, such as P-16 and D2-40, in the histological samples were related to decreased carbon monoxide transfer test values at 6 months.
CONCLUSION
Senescence and lymphatic proliferation are related to worse pulmonary function outcomes in the mid-term follow-up of patients with post-COVID-19 ILD.
Study on the effect of root system of grass irrigation plants on the reinforcement of iron tailing sands.
Authors: Hai Long , Fan Guoli , Zhao Yabo , Wang Jiarui
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the problems of shallow destabilization and soil erosion that are prone to occur when rainfall falls on slopes in the iron tailings mine area, research was carried out on the mechanical effects of the root systems of grass-irrigated plants (alfalfa, purple clover, and purple fringe acacia) on the reinforcement of iron tailings mine sands.It used single root tensile test and indoor straight shear test to analyze the degree of impact of each factor on the shear resistance of 2 vegetation genres on iron tailings sands.The findings of the test indicate that: (1)There was a power feature function relationship exists as between root tensile force and root diameter of the 2 plant species, and the individual root tensile strength was correlated in negative way with the root diameter.(2)The shear strength and cohesion of the root-tailings sand complex gradually increased with increasing root content.it has a relatively small variation in the angle of internal friction and an optimal root content exists.The root system improves the shear strength of tailings sands mainly in terms of increased cohesion.(3)The root-tailings sand composite has the same trend in shear strength and cohesion,it increases and then decrease with the moisture content., but the change in the angle of internal friction is not significant.In conclusion, the study of the tensile and shear resistance characteristics of the root system of irrigated grasses can provide a reference for the reinforcement of iron tailings slopes.
Effect of chloroplast ATP synthase on reactive oxygen species metabolism in the cotton cytoplasmic male sterile line Jin A
Authors: Zhang Li , Jing Panpan , Geng Biao , Shi Jinjiang , Zhang Jinlong , Liang Dong , Yang Yujie , Qu Yunfang , Huang Jinling
Published: July 2024

Background
Abnormal programmed cell death in the tapetum is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the main factors leading to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). These abnormalities are caused by genetic interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic genes. No studies have investigated the role of chloroplast ATP synthase in ROS metabolism.
Results
To explore the role of chloroplast genes in ROS metabolism, sequencing of the chloroplast genome from the next generation and single-molecule real-time sequencing of chloroplast DNA from the CMS line Jin A were performed. The results showed that the length of the chloroplast genome of the CMS line Jin A was 160,042 bp, and the genome consisted of 131 genes, including 112 functional genes. Analysis of the functional annotation and sequence comparison showed that Jin A CMS plants had 29 genes annotated with single nucleotide polymorphisms compared to Gossypium hirsutum plants, including ATP synthase subunits, NAD(P) H-quinone redox reductase subunits, and photosystem complex subunit genes. Compared to those of Jin B maintainer plants, the relative expression of atpB, atpE, and atpF significantly decreased in the anthers of Jin A CMS plants at the microspore abortion stage. The relative expression of these genes in the three-line hybrids F1 significantly increased compared with that in the Jin A CMS plants. The ROS levels in the leaves increased in the atpE and atpF silenced cotton plants.
Conclusions
In summary, our study showed that atpE and atpF of ATP synthase subunits gene were closely related to ROS metabolism. These results provide a basic information for the analysis of ATP synthase function in cotton.
Feature selection and modeling forest tree canopies using supervised and unsupervised neural network self-organizing maps (case study: District 2, Kacha, Rasht, Iran)
Authors: Asl Sima Lotfi , Navroodi Iraj Hassanzad , Kalteh Aman Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Canopy is a component of gross primary production, and the corresponding dimensions reflect tree health. There is a need to study canopies in the forests of northern Iran, in particular the Hyrcanian Forests, due to their unique biodiversity, endangered conditions, and their role in climate moderation. The sampling was executed using a systematic random method with grid dimensions of 150 × 200 meters. In these circular sample plots, each covering an area of 0.1 hectares, the sampling intensity was designated at 3.3%.. Within each plot, in addition to recording topographical attributes such as elevation, slope, aspect, and of trees greater than 7.5 centimeters(DBH) essential data was gathered. The current study aims to use the SSOM neural network to estimate forest tree canopies in the District 2, Kacha using self-organizing maps (SOM)-selected variables. The SOM neural network results reveal the significant role of the elevation, slope, aspect, and diameter at breast in the map structure. After selecting major features affecting tree canopies with the SOM neural network, elevation, slope, aspect, and diameter at breast variables were introduced to the supervised self-organizing maps (SSOM) neural network to estimate Fagus Orientalis Lipsky, Carpinus betulus L., Diospyros lotus L., Alnus subcordata CAM, and Parrotia persica (DC) CAM tree canopies. The result show that the SOM neural network focuses on key factors to increase modeling efficiency by removing unnecessary data and improving prediction accuracy by ensuring the use of selected variables. Further more, the strong performance of SSOM neural network in tree canopy estimation, particularly Fagus Orientalis trees, by utilizing SOM-selected features. It further highlighted the network's ability to use selected features for accurate and reliable estimations.
Emerging Harris Hawks Optimization for the Environmental Prediction of Mycotoxins in Food-Virtual Water Samples: A Comparative Study of Nature-Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Usman Abdullahi G. , Mati Sagiru , Naganna Sujay Raghavendra , Daud Hanita , Suleiman Ahmad Abubakar , Ishaq Aliyu Ismail , Abba Sani I.
Published: July 2024

The need for qualitative determination of mycotoxins in food samples is of paramount importance in designing procedures for their prevention, as well as understanding their adverse effects on humans and animals. In this article, a machine learning technique, specifically support vector regression (SVR) hyphenated with two metaheuristic algorithms - Harris-hawks optimization (HHO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) models (i.e., SVR-HHO and SVR-PSO) was used to forecast the chromatographic behaviour of various classes of mycotoxins in food samples. Three different metrics were employed to anticipate the model's performance: mean square error (MSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The simulation results showed that the M3 input variable combination demonstrated higher performance accuracy than M1 and M2 with both SVR and its hybridized versions (SVR-HHO and SVR-PSO) during both the training and testing stages. In general, the hybridized model, based on the used assessment measures, SVR-HHO performed better in the training and testing phases than the other two data-driven techniques. Overall, the results show that employing chromatographic techniques, machine learning and metaheuristic approaches can both accurately predict the qualitative characteristics of mycotoxins in food samples.
From ridge to reef. Land use dynamics and ecosystem services in the Yuna River basin: insights for policymaking.
Authors: Valenzuela Víctor Gómez , Bonilla-Duarte Solhanlle , Ramírez Katerin , Gonzalez Claudia Caballero , Espina Ana Pou
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to analyze the land use land change dynamics in the Yuna River basin in the northeast region of the Dominican Republic (DR), considering their implications for ecosystem services. The Yuna basin is one of the most critical watersheds in the Caribbean, connecting the northeastern hills of the Cordillera Central to the Atlantic Ocean in the Samaná Bay. The basin is also connected to the global value chains of agricultural and mining commodities, such as organic cocoa exports and gold, from several mining concessions in its territory. The Basin faces socioeconomic pressures expressed in the timeless analysis of land-use dynamics, which can jeopardize the basin's ability to provide ecosystem services in the medium and long term. It suggests developing an approach based on the adaptive management of ecosystems and deploying a payment for environmental services scheme for watershed restoration.
Choline applications alleviate Cd uptake and toxicity of Solanum lycopersicum seedlings
Authors: AKPINAR Aysegul , CANSEV Asuman
Published: July 2024

In this study, cadmium (Cd) stress, one of the most common heavy metal pollutants, was investigated and the effect of exogenous choline applications before and after Cd stress on reducing Cd uptake and toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings was determined. Choline is a natural molecule effective in stress tolerance and is thought to be effective in Cd stress tolerance in tomato plants. In our study, growth parameters of tomato plants, photosynthetic pigment content, changes in Cd accumulation depending on choline applications before and after Cd stress, oxidative stress state (malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amount) caused by Cd stress were investigated. The effect of the antioxidant defense system on Cd stress tolerance was also investigated, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the enzymatic system and glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the non-enzymatic system. When choline was applied to Solanum lycopersicum seedlings before cadmium stress, there was a reduction in Cd accumulation in roots and leaves and significant improvements in plant performance. Our research provides results that will enhance the quality and efficiency of crop production in heavy metal-polluted areas under today's conditions.
Effect of glucose supplementation on human bronchial epithelial cells infected with Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Emrich Roberta Pereira Soares , Bueno Giovanna Ferreira , Santos Wanessa Maria dos , Pereira Aline Beatriz Mahler , Silva Leonardo Euripedes de Andrade , Silva Paulo Roberto da , Silva-Vergara Mario Leon , Rogerio Alexandre Paula
Published: July 2024

Diabetes could be a risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent individuals. A model frequently used to understand cellular changes in diabetes consists of exposure to high concentrations of glucose in vitro. In the airways, epithelial cells are crucial for the establishment of cryptococcosis. We evaluated the effects of the combination of Cryptococcus neoformans and glucose concentrations (at 5mM or 15mM) on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) for 24h. No cytotoxic effect was observed in cells stimulated by C. neoformans and/or treated with glucose supplementation. C. neoformansincreased IL-6 and IL-8 productions and NF-kB, ERK1/2 and STAT3 activations in BEAS-2B cells when compared to control. In contrast to increased IL-6 production and STAT3 activation the IL-8 production and ERK1/2 activation markedly decreased upon culturing of cells stimulated by C. neoformans and supplemented by glucose when compared to cells only infected with C. neoformans. In addition, the glucose supplementation increased the internalization of C. neoformans in cells but reduced the percentage of C. neoformans on the surface and its growth. Conclusion: The glucose supplementation promoted pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells infected with C. neoformans.
Sleep Fragmentation and Hypoxaemia as Key Indicators of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Georgeson Thomas , Atkins Lacey , Zahnleiter Alex , Terrill Philip I , Eeles Eamonn , Coulson Elizabeth J , Szollosi Irene
Published: July 2024

Background
This study aimed to characterize the prevalence of cognitive impairment in older individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), and to identify characteristics associated with impairment status.
Methods
We analysed existing cross-sectional datasets that measured the performance of 89 adult patients (aged 50–85 years) with OSA on the ACE-R cognitive test. Receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression analysis were utilized to identify associations between impairment status and various factors, including demographic characteristics, self-reported sleepiness, cognitive complaints, and OSA severity.
Results
According to established thresholds (ACE-R ≤ 88), 36% of participants were cognitively impaired. When adjusted for age and education, the strongest factors associated with impairment status were prior measures of arousal index (cut-off: ≥28events/hr, OR: 5.67, p < 0.01), sleep mean SpO2 (cut-off: ≤92%, OR: 3.52, p < 0.05), 3% oxygen desaturation index (cut-off: ≥27events/hr, OR: 3.75, p < 0.05), and sleep time spent under 90% SpO2 (cut-off: ≥9%, OR: 3.16, p < 0.05). Combining these factors achieved a high sensitivity (≥ 93%) of detecting impairment within this cohort. Conversely, the apnoea-hypopnoea index, daytime sleepiness, and cognitive complaints were not associated with impairment status.
Conclusions
The ACE-R identified a significant proportion of patients with OSA as having cognitive impairment. Traditional indices of sleep fragmentation and hypoxemia may allow clinicians to identify at-risk patients for cognitive evaluation, however further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore whether poor cognitive performance can be remediated via OSA treatment.
Addressing Gender Bias in Generative Large Language Models
Authors: Zhou Hanqing , Inkpen Diana , Kantarci Burak
Published: July 2024

The examination of gender bias, alongside other demographic biases like race, nationality, and religion, within generative large language models (LLMs), is increasingly capturing the attention of both the scientific community and industry stakeholders. These biases often permeate generative LLMs, influencing widely used products and potentially compromising user experiences. A growing body of research is dedicated to enhancing gender representations in natural language processing (NLP) across a spectrum of generative LLMs. This paper explores the current research focused on identifying and evaluating gender bias in generative LLMs. A comprehensive investigation is conducted to assess and mitigate gender bias across five distinct generative LLMs. The mitigation strategies implemented yield significant improvements in gender bias scores, with performance enhancements of up to 46% compared to zero-shot text generation approaches. Additionally, we explore how different levels of LLM precision and quantization impact gender bias, providing insights into how technical factors influence bias mitigation strategies. By tackling these challenges and suggesting areas for future research, we aim to contribute to the ongoing discussion about gender bias in language technologies, promoting more equitable and inclusive NLP systems.
Dacomitinib as first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small- cell lung cancer: Real-world data and Insights
Authors: Shin Ji Eun , Jung Hyun Ae , Park Sehhoon , Sun Jong-Mu , Lee Se-Hoon , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung-Ju , Shim Byoung Yong
Published: July 2024

Dacomitinib demonstrated superior survival benefit compared to gefitinib as a first-line treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with common EGFR mutations through ARCHER 1050. However, there is limited real-world data concerning its efficacy and safety. This study included patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC who received dacomitinib as a first-line treatment between January 2021 and December 2022 at Samsung Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital. This study assessed the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety profile of dacomitinib, and subsequent treatments after dacomitinib failure. In total, 153 patients were included in this study. Exon 19 deletion was observed in 50.3% of patients, while the L858R mutation in exon 21 was observed in 46.4% of patients. 45.1% of patients had brain metastasis. The ORR was 84.3%. The median follow-up duration was 16.9 months, with a median PFS of 16.7 months (95% CI, 14.4 to 25.2). Based on the type of EGFR mutation, the median PFS was 18.1 months (95% CI, 14.5 to NE) in patients with exon 19 deletion, and 15.9 months (95% CI, 12.5 to NE) in patients with L858R mutation. Grade 3 or higher adverse events were observed in 7.2% of patients. Initially administered at a dose of 45 mg, dose reduction was necessary for 85.6% of patients, with a final dosage of 30 mg in 49.0% and 15 mg in 36.6% of cases. Out of the 60 patients who experienced disease progression, 31 underwent tissue re-biopsy and 25 underwent liquid biopsy. Overall, T790M mutation was detected in 40.9% of patients who progressed after dacomitinib. The survival benefit of dacomitinib has been demonstrated, indicating its promising efficacy in a real-world setting. The detection rate of the T790M mutation after dacomitinib treatment failure was comparable to that of other second-generation EGFR-TKIs.
Can Teacher Mobility Promote the Development of Chinese Students' Social and Emotional Skills? —— An Empirical Study Based on the SESS 2019 Data
Authors: Huang Xuzhong , Yang Heqing , Hao Yipu , Cao Jing , An Ni
Published: July 2024

The Chinese government regards teacher mobility as a policy tool to allocate teacher resources in counties and has carried out the teacher mobility policy for nearly 30 years, but the relationship between teacher mobility and student development in China is unclear, hindering the in-depth implementation of related policies. Based on the SESS 2019 survey China Suzhou data, this study analyzed the effects of teacher mobility on students' social and emotional skills development using OLS regression methods, interaction terms, and conditional quantile regression with 10-year-old and 15-year-old students as the research subjects. The study found that teacher mobility had a significant positive effect on students' social and emotional skills. These effects did not differ significantly between male and female student groups, but the effects differed significantly between students from different family socioeconomic statuses, with students from higher family socioeconomic statuses benefiting more. The quantile regression results found that teacher mobility had a significant effect on students in the low and high quartiles of social and emotional development (Q10%, Q25%, and Q90%), and a non-significant effect on students in the middle quartile (Q50% and Q75%). Therefore, in China, governmental departments should take effective measures to continuously and deeply promote the teacher mobility policy in order to promote the development of students' social and emotional skills, but they also need to be wary of generating new problems of educational inequality.
Does digital literacy promote household consumption? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiao Ling , Li Yucong
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses the impact and key mechanisms of micro-level digital literacy on household consumption in China's low-consumption context using China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data. The results reveal that micro-level digital literacy positively affects household consumption after controlling related individual, household, and regional factors. Mechanism analysis suggests that the improvement of micro-level digital literacy promotes household consumption mainly through improving income, expanding social networks and increasing online payment. Further analyses indicate that micro-level digital literacy has a greater promoting effect on daily household consumption, healthcare and education expenses than other types of consumption and among individuals with lower educational levels and those in younger and middle-aged demographics. Moreover, digital literacy has increased households' investment in human capital such as healthcare and cultural education. This study theoretically contributes to understanding the formation of consumption behaviors in digital era, and provides some implications for policymakers to enhance efforts in cultivating digital literacy among specific groups to address the situation of low consumption in China.
Suitability of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis based on egg production characteristics
Authors: Csivincsik Ágnes , Moloi Sibusiso , Halász Tibor , Nagy Gábor
Published: July 2024

Echinococcus multilocularis is the most important food-borne parasite in Europe. Its natural definitive host is red fox while other canid species play a secondary role in the maintenance of its endemics. However, recent studies call attention to the potential of golden jackal (Canis aureus) as a suitable definitive host for E. multilocularis. Our study aimed to evaluate the egg production ability, as an indicator of reproductive success, of E. multilocularis adults in different hosts and crowding conditions. With investigation of 111 and 82 parasites from 33 red foxes and 29 golden jackals, respectively, this study ascertained that the proportion of worms with mature eggs were significantly lower in golden jackals than in red foxes. Those worms, which produced mature eggs in golden jackal hosts, originated from less crowded infrapopulations than their fox-originated counterparts. Other characteristics of parasitism, such as mean intensity, fertile worm count, and mean egg production were similar in the two hosts. Comparing these findings to evolutionary data on different canid taxa, we hypothesised that mutual presence of red fox and a differently evolved host of E. multilocularis might contribute to the formation of stable parasite circulation in these multi-host systems.