bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimate leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content in winter-wheat using image texture and vegetation indices derived from multi-temporal RGB images
Authors: Yu Xingjiao , Huo Xuefei , Pi Yingying , Wang Yafei , Fan Kai , Qian Long , Wang Wene , Hu Xiaotao
Published: December 2023

Aims
Investigating the potential of combining data dimensionality reduction methods with various linear regression models and machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content (LCC) estimation in winter wheat based on UAV RGB imagery.
Methods
Constructed and compared the performance of three linear regression techniques: multiple linear regression (MLR), ridge regression (RR), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) and three machine learning algorithms: back-propagation neural networks(BP), random forests (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) with spectral vegetation indices (VIs), texture features (TEs) and their combinations extracted from UAV RGB images. Moreover, different data dimensionality reduction methods include principal component analysis (PCA), and stepwise selection (ST) were used to improve the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation.
Results
The highest correlation between texture features and LAI, LCC was obtained with window size 5 × 5, orientation 45° and displacement 2 pixels. Combining VIs and TEs improved the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation for wheat compared to using VIs or TEs alone. The RF model combined with ST_PCA for fusing VIs and TEs achieved the best estimations, with R2 of 0.86 and 0.91, RMSE of 0.26 and 2.01, and MAE of 0.22 and 1.66 for LAI and LCC, respectively.
Conclusions
The fusing of multiple features improved the accuracy of LAI and LCC estimation. ST_PCA, combined with machine learning algorithms, holds promising potential for monitoring crop physiological and biochemical parameters.
Stakeholder Priorities for ART Initiation and Early Retention Interventions in Malawi: A Qualitative Study Comparing International and National Perspectives
Authors: Hariprasad Santhi , Phiri Khumbo , Thorp Marguerite , Holland Katherine , Nyirenda Rose , Gupta Sundeep , Phiri Sam , Sabin Lora , Dovel Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Background
New or returning ART clients are often ineligible for differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, though they are at increased risk of treatment interruption and may benefit greatly from flexible care models. Stakeholder support may limit progress on development and scale-up of interventions for this population. We qualitatively explored stakeholder perceptions of and decision-making criteria regarding DSD models for new or returning ART clients in Malawi.
Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews with internationally based stakeholders (from foundations, multilateral organizations, and NGOs) and Malawi-based stakeholders (from the Malawi Ministry of Health and PEPFAR implementing partners). The interviews included two think-aloud scenarios in which participants rated and described their perceptions of 1) the relative importance of five criteria (cost, effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, and equity) in determining which interventions to implement for new or returning ART clients and 2) their relative interest in seven potential interventions (monetary incentives, nonmonetary incentives, community-based care, ongoing peer/mentor support and counseling, eHealth, facility-based interventions, and multimonth dispensing) for the same population. The interviews were completed in English via video conference and were audio-recorded. Transcriptions were coded using ATLAS.ti version 9. We examined the data using thematic content analysis and explored differences between international and national stakeholders.
Results
We interviewed twenty-two stakeholders between October 2021 and March 2022. Thirteen were based internationally, and nine were based in Malawi. Both groups prioritized client acceptability but diverged on other criteria: international stakeholders prioritized effectiveness, and Malawi-based stakeholders prioritized cost, feasibility, and sustainability. Both stakeholder groups were most interested in facility-based DSD models, such as multimonth dispensing and extended facility hours. Nearly all the stakeholders described person-centered care as a critical focus for any DSD model implemented.
Conclusions
National and international stakeholders support DSD models for new or returning ART clients. Client acceptability and long-term sustainability should be prioritized to address the concerns of nationally based stakeholders. Future studies should explore the reasons for differences in national and international stakeholders’ priorities and how to ensure that local perspectives are incorporated into funding and programmatic decisions.
Cr-doped mesoporous M1 phase MoVTeNbOx catalyze selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid
Authors: Qu Haonan , Li Shuangming , Wang Yiwen , Song Jiao , Li Zhe , Yu Sansan , Zhou Yitong , Zhu Ruiqi
Published: December 2023

In this work, we investigated the doping of MoVTeNbOx catalysts with a small amount of Cr using spray drying. The effect of Cr doping on their crystalline phase structure, physicochemical properties, and catalytic propane oxidation to acrylic acid performance was investigated. The results showed that the catalyst samples were prepared by spray drying from rod stacking into unique spherical shapes. In addition, Cr doping induced a change in the mesopore structure formed by rod stacking, reducing the pore radius of the catalysts from 5–10 nm to 2–4 nm. Meanwhile, Cr doping dramatically reduced the average particle size of the motivations, decreasing the rod cross-sectional area of the catalysts from 234.21 nm to 134.96 nm and the rod length from 1.096 µm to 485.71 nm, which significantly increased the number of (001) active crystalline surfaces. Not only that, Cr doping increased the V5+ content on the catalyst surface from 35.8–72.6%. Together with the mesoporous structure, the Cr-doped MoVTeNbOx showed excellent performance in catalyzing the propane-selective acrylic acid production reaction. Among them, the S-3 sample (V: Cr = 1:0.015) increased the selectivity of acrylic acid from 67.5–84.3% and the acrylic acid yield from 26.4–43.2% when the reaction temperature was 380°C.
Variant load of Mitochondrial DNA in single human Mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hipps Daniel , Porter Anna L.R. , Dobson Philip F. , Tuppen Helen , Lawless Conor , Russell Oliver M. , Pyle Angela , Turnbull Doug M. , Deehan David J. , Hudson Gavin
Published: December 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the parent cells to many cells of the musculoskeletal system including osteoblasts. Previous work has shown that in mouse models mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) pathological variants lead to dysfunction of the respiratory chain of these osteoblasts and the premature development of age related osteoporosis. An increased rate of respiratory chain deficiency has also been observed in human osteoblasts.
An experimental pipeline to isolate single MSCs using flow cytometry was developed before performing next generation sequencing to analyse the pathogenic variant load of 13 patients aged 22-88. In all patients, somatic mtDNA variants were detected in individual cells. As per previous studies, increased variants within the mtDNA control region (D-Loop) were detected. However overall, there was no significant difference in the distribution of variants across the rest of the genome in all patients. Although a higher proportion of non-synonymous variants were seen this was not statistically significant.
It is possible to isolate and sequence individual MSCs and detect somatic mtDNA variants. This gives a snapshot in time of the variant load for each patient. Due to low sample numbers when compared to studies investigating the role of pathogenic mtDNA variants in other cell types, it was not possible to observe any age related increase in pathological variants. However, this this study adds further evidence that clonally expanded, somatic mtDNA variants are common and could contribute to age related diseases including osteoporosis.
Infinite Horizon Nash Equilibrium Models of a Limit Order Book
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Wei Hongxu
Published: December 2023

The paper analyzes some models of a Limit Order Book, determined as a Nash equilibrium among a large number of traders, in infinite time horizon.
We study how the size and shape of the LOB are related to the expected profit rate of traders posting limit orders, and to the random distribution of incoming external buy or sell orders. Formulas are derived which show how the volatility of the stock, and the presence of better informed external agents, determine (i) an increase in the bid-ask spread and (ii) a liquidity reduction, i.e. a decrease in the total amount of stocks posted for purchase or for sale. We also analyze models including ''fast" and ''slow" traders, that can react more or less quickly to changes in the fundamental value of the stock.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 49N90, 91A10, 91B26.
Research on Collaborative Optimization of End Side Mining under the “Dual Carbon” Goal—A Case Study of the Baorixile Open-pit Mine
Authors: LIU Guangwei , ZHANG Jing , BAI Runcai , WANG Dong
Published: December 2023

Under the “dual carbon” goal, various open-pit mines actively participate in the country's call, and use new technologies and methods to extract as much coal as possible After the coal is mined by the traditional method, so as to achieve the goal of efficient utilization of energy resources. The east end slope of Baorixile open-pit mine has reached the critical value of slope stability due to the previous longitudinal mining to the boundary, but the lower part of the end slope coal seam is still covered with coal seams. Therefore, the method of transverse mining and the inner discharge pressure side tracking is adopted for coal mining. In this paper, by clarifying the end slope landslide mechanism, the combination of AutoCAD and Rhino is used to establish a model, and the influence of the width of the end slope plate and the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side on the stability of the slope is analyzed by using FLAC3D, the width of the end slope plate and the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side have been determined with safety as the premise and production capacity as the goal. The research results show that the greater the width of the end slope plate, the better the slope stability; The greater the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side, but the smaller the production capacity. Therefore, considering factors such as safety and production capacity, it is determined that the width of the end slope plate is 40m, the tracking distance of the inner discharge pressure side is 200m, and the recoverable coal mining amount is 7.1403 million tons, stripping amount is 3.7962 million m3, making it the safest and the largest production capacity.
Social Capital is Positively Associated with Self-rated Health Among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Wang Xueshuang , Qidi Zhou , Petrušič Tanja , Mieziene Brigita , Novak Dario
Published: December 2023

Background
This study examines the relationship between self-rated health and social capital among Chinese adolescents and aims to understand the influence of family, neighborhood, and school connections on adolescents' perceived health.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 501 secondary school students (217 males, 284 females, 15–19 years old). Self-perceived health was rated on a five-point scale divided into 'good health' and 'bad health'. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between good self-rated health and social capital in family, neighborhood and school. Gender, self-perceived socioeconomic status, psychological distress and body mass index were considered in the analysis using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
The results indicate a robust correlation between good self-rated health and increased family social capital (OR 2.99; 95% CI: 1.78 to 5.00), increased neighborhood trust (OR 2.42; 95% CI: 1.56 to 3.76), and increased informal social control (OR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.83). Conversely, no statistically significant correlation was found between good self-rated health and school social capital.
Conclusions
These findings underscore the central role of family and neighborhood social capital in shaping the self-rated health of Chinese adolescents. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the specific influences of family and community connections on adolescents' well-being and thus contributes to the broader discourse on adolescent health in Chinese culture.
Proton pump inhibitor induced hypomagnesemia and mortality: mediation analyses in the Diabetes Care System cohort
Authors: Vermeulen E. A. , Rijnhart J. J.M. , Hoekstra T. , Oost L. J. , Baaij J. H.F. , Blom M. T. , Elders P. , Vervloet M. G. , Beulens J. W.
Published: December 2023

Background: Chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and hypomagnesemia are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and both are associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since PPI use can cause hypomagnesemia, we investigated if magnesium is a mediator of the association between PPI use and mortality and CVD in people with T2D.
Methods: This study was performed in 4,037 participants of the Dutch prospective Diabetes Care System cohort. Serum magnesium was measured between 2008-2014 and PPI use was determined the year preceding magnesium measurement. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality with follow-up until 2020, and the secondary outcome was fatal and non-fatal CVD. We performed causal mediation analyses.
Results: Mean serum magnesium was 0.80 mmol/l (SD 0.08) and 1,079 (26.7%) participants received PPI treatment. Median follow-up was 7.0 years [IQR 6.4-11.1], 711 (17.6%) participants died, and 608 (15.6%) had a cardiovascular event. PPI use was associated with a low serum magnesium level and an increased incidence of CVD and mortality. The association between PPI use and all-cause mortality was not mediated by magnesium (natural indirect effect (NIE): survival time ratio (STR) 0.99[95%CI 0.98;1.00] and magnesium was only a minor mediator in the association of PPI use and CVD (NIE: STR 0.98[95%CI 0.97;<1.00].
Conclusion: Serum magnesium was not a mediator of the association between PPI use and all-cause mortality. Magnesium explains only a minor part of the total effect of PPI use on CVD. Additional mediators of the association between PPI and adverse outcomes should be explored.
Temporal Changes in Morphology of the Auditory and Vestibular Organs in C57BL/6J (Cdh23ahl/ahl) Mice
Authors: Yokota Shu , Yoshimura Hidekane , Takumi Yutaka
Published: December 2023

C57BL/6J (Cdh23ahl/ahl) mice present with progressive hearing loss (HL) and are homozygous for the Cdh23 gene variant (c.753A), which is responsible for HL in C57BL/6J (Cdh23ahl/ahl) mice. In humans, the CDH23 gene is responsible for syndromic HL, such as congenital severe HL and bilateral vestibular dysfunction in Usher syndrome type 1D (USH1D), and non-syndromic HL, such as DFNB12, which is progressively impaired hearing at high frequencies. However, few reports have simultaneously evaluated temporal hearing function and temporal changes in the morphology of the auditory and vestibular organs. Therefore, we evaluated the transition of hearing and changes in the number of hair cells (HCs) in the cochlea and vestibule over time. Hearing thresholds gradually increased in the high-frequency range from 32 kHz to 16 kHz. At 36 weeks of age, there was also an increase in clicks and 8 kHz thresholds, which reflects the low-frequency threshold. In the cochlea, the number of inner and outer HCs (IHCs and OHCs, respectively) decreased from the basal turn to the apical turn. The number of OHCs decreased prior to that of the IHCs. The number of HCs in the utricles remained unchanged until 60 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that C57BL/6J (Cdh23ahl/ahl) mice present with DFNB12 features rather than USH1D features.
LAMEE: A Light All-MLP Framework for TimeSeries Prediction Empowering Recommendations
Authors: Xie Yi , Xiong Yun , Gao Xiaofeng , Chen Jiadong , Zhang Yao , Wu Xian , Chen Chao
Published: December 2023

Exogenous variables, unrelated to the recommendation system itself, can significantly enhance its performance. Therefore, integrating these time-evolving exogenous variables into a time series and conducting time series predictions can maximize the potential of recommendation systems. We refer to this task as Time Series Prediction Empowering Recommendations (TSPER). However, as a sub-task within the recommendation system, TSPER faces unique challenges such as computational and data constraints, system evolution, and the need for performance and interpretability. To meet these unique needs, we propose a lightweight Multi-Layer Perceptron architecture with joint Time-Frequency information,named Light All-MLP with joint TimE-frEquency information (LAMEE).LAMEE utilizes a lightweight MLP architecture to achieve computing efficiency and adaptive online learning. Moreover, various strategies have been employed to improve the model, ensuring stable performance and model interpretability. Across multiple time series datasets potentially related to recommendation systems, LAMEE balances performance, efficiency, and interpretability, overall surpassing existing complex methods.
Perspectives of Family Caregivers and Nurses on Hospital Discharge Transitional Care for Muslim Older Adults Living with COPD: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Songwathana Praneed , Jehloh Latifah , Kitrungrote Luppana , Bourbonnais Anne
Published: December 2023

Background The increased number of emergency department visits among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reflects the challenges of hospital discharge transition, especially when they are from a cultural minority. The barriers and facilitators of this discharge from the perspective of formal and informal care providers, such as nurses and family caregivers, are important to identify to provide effective symptom management and quality of care. The purpose of this study was to describe the barriers and facilitators in caring for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during hospital discharge transitional care. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in a hospital of Thailand where Muslim people are a cultural minority. Thirteen family caregivers of Muslim older adults living with COPD and seven nurses were purposive recruited and participated in semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Five barriers and three facilitating factors of symptom management in the discharge transition for Muslim older adults living with COPD were outlined. Barriers included: (1) lack of knowledge about the causes and management of dyspnea, (2) inadequate discharge preparation, (3) language barrier, (4) discontinuity of care, and (5) COVID-19 epidermic. Facilitators included: (1) the ability to understand Malayu language, (2) the presence of healthcare professionals of the same gender, and (3) the presence of Muslim healthcare providers. Conclusion Family caregivers require more supportive care to meet the care needs of Muslim older adults living with COPD. Alternative nurse-based transitional care programs for these older adult caregivers should be developed.
Development of a Mobile GIS Application (LandInfo) for Land Use and Land Cover Field Data Collection
Authors: Sarbazvatan Amirhossein , Karimi Neamat
Published: December 2023

Land use and Land cover (LULC) is considered one of the most basic data for any country. LULC information is used in many cases such as agricultural management, water resource management, urban planning, environmental management, etc. One of the optimal ways to generate low-cost and fast LULC maps is to use remote sensing and satellite imageries. Generation and accuracy assessment of maps requires accurate and reliable field data. The manual method of collecting field data is a traditional and reliable method that has been widely utilized since the past. Despite the advantages, this method has various limitations such as slow speed and time-consuming, limited forms, lack of control over the information of field users, difficult editing, difficulty entering data into the system and things like that. With the introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) to mobile phones and the development of location-based applications, the concept of mobile Geographic Information System (GIS) was formed. Using mobile GIS as a tool to collect field data can overcome many limitations of the manual method. Therefore, this study has developed a GIS mobile application called "LandInfo" in order to obtain optimal and appropriate land information for the preparation and evaluation of LULC maps. The development of LandInfo application was accomplished through a process with four stages including needs assessment, application design, application implementation, and application testing. LandInfo is a native application based on the Android operating system, developed with Android and Java. The results of the study with the LandInfo application have increased the speed of the field data collection operation and resolve the limitations of the manual method. Our results demonstrate 22.97% reduction in data collection time and entering the software in a sample survey between the manual method and using LandInfo application.
Productivity and nutritive value of Urochloa brizantha cultivar Piatã, Megathyrsus maximus cultivar Zuri and cultivar Tamani in Silvipastoral Systems in the Central Region of Minas Gerais1
Authors: Teixeira Elaine Cristina , Pereira Walther Malta Coutinho Rezende , de Souza Fernando Antônio , Neto Miguel Marques Gontijo , Silva Edilane Aparecida da , Borges Iran Dias , Lana Ângela Maria Quintão
Published: December 2023

To evaluate the forage yield Urochloa brizantha cultivar Piatã, Megathyrsus maximus cultivar Zuri and the Tamani cultivar, in silvopastoral systems (SSP) with different tree densities and in pasture in full sun (FS), an experiment was carried out in the municipality of Sete Lagoas located in the Cerrado biome in the central region of Minas Gerais. The experimental design was completely randomized, with split-plots in spaceand six replications. The plots corresponded to four spatial arrangements: three silvopastoral system arrangements (SSP) with Eucalyptus grandis GG100 (15×2, 15×4 and 15×8 m) and one grass monoculture. The subplots were composed of three grasses: U. brizantha cv. Piatã, M. maximus cv. Zuri and cv. Tamani. In the subplots, three cuts were made at 20 cm height from the soil surface, with six replications in each. The forage biomass yield and the proportion of leaf and stem components in the forage biomass were evaluated. At tree densities of 166 and 333 trees/ha in the SSPs, pastures suffered significant reductions in whole-plant biomass production, and in the leaves-to-stems ratio in forage when compared to full pasture. On the other hand, at the density of 84 plants per hectare, the production was similar to that in full sun.
A single-valued neutrosophic credibility numbers multi-attribute group decision-making method based on CPT-EDAS and consensus model
Authors: Liu Pingqing , Shen Junxin , Zhang Peng , Ning Baoaquan
Published: December 2023

Purpose –In this paper, we investigate the multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method for single-valued neutrosophic credibility numbers (SvNCNs), consider a consensus model for group decision-making (GDM) in SvNCN environments, and construct a decision-support system for the evaluation of suppliers of data analysis tools (DAT).
Design/methodology/approach –First, the concept of SvNCNs and the related theory are given, and several dice distance measures for SvNCNs are proposed. Secondly, a consensus model in the SvNCN environment is proposed. At the same time, the subjective and objective weights of attributes are determined by using the AHP method and MEREC method, and the combined weights are calculated based on the Uninorm operator. Then, considering the “limited rationality” behavior of decision makers (DMs), the CPT is integrated into the EDAS method. Finally, an example analysis and comparative analysis are conducted to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the technique.
Findings –This method enriches the MAGDM theory of SvNCNs by considering group consensus, CPT, and the Uninorm operator to determine the combination weights.
Research limitations/implications –This study contributes to the literature on fuzzy set theory and MAGDM methods, enriching the theoretical and application scenarios of SvNCNs.
Practical implications –This research informs decision information for decision theory for SvNCNs, which applies to several domains, such as MAGDM, large-scale group decision-making, mathematical statistics, and artificial intelligence.
Originality/value –This technique combined the consensus model, CPT-EDAS, and Uninorm operator to enrich the decision theory of SvNCNs.
Understanding wildfire communication: a risk assessment through a new socio-ecological index
Authors: Calvani Silvia , Foderi Cristiano , Paoloni Riccardo , Frassinelli Niccolò , Neri Francesco , Marchi Enrico
Published: December 2023

Background
Wildfires, primarily human-induced phenomena, given the causally relation with the land use and climate conditions, have seen an increase in intensity and frequency since the beginning of the last century, driven precisely by climatic and socio-economic changes. This shift made suppression an insufficient approach, warranting further investigation into the human component of forest fire prevention. Social and environmental factor analysis is useful for weighing the impacts of the factors that influence fire prevention. In this study, we assess communication impacts by analyzing information flows about wildfires and local risk in Italy and Tuscany. Additionally, direct wildfire impacts are evaluated through the examination of the number of wildfires and burned surfaces. The study employs quantitative, qualitative, and statistical methods to analyze the quality and quantity of information dissemination and investigates the relationship between wildfires and media communication to determine wildfire risk. A comparative methodology between the two factors is applied for selecting critical areas.
Results
Results from the communication analysis reveal that 2017 marked the highest peak of reported wildfires in Italy (450), with Tuscany showing the greatest amount of news (233). Wildfire-related news is spread throughout the year, peaking in the dry season (June to September). Statistical analyses, including single-variable, combination, and interaction models, indicate the strongest correlation is between chronicle articles from local newspapers and wildfire events (adjusted R2 ≈ 0.63, p-value ≈ 0.53). While highlighting the limits of considered media types, a common trend is identified, culminating in a risk map highlighting vulnerable areas.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the wildfire risk is intricately determined by both ecological and social parameters. Our results point out communication as a social parameter to gauge regional fire awareness levels. The wildfire vs. communication index facilitates the comparison of ecological and social parameters, identifying critical areas in Tuscany. These findings lay the foundation for future community involvement in a risk perception study, described in a follow-up paper. A paradigm shift that places centrality on social aspects and influences changes in the decision-making process, is needed to face environmental issues. Future studies should expand the consideration of media sources to enhance the comprehensiveness of the analysis.
A synthetic microbiome to promote sulfur utilization: Based on dominant microbes in wild rice rhizosphere
Authors: Wang Changji , Chang Jingjing , Tian Lei , Sun Yu , Wang Enze , Yao Zongmu , Ye Libo , Zhang Hengfei , Pang Yingnan , Tian Chunjie
Published: December 2023

Sulfur (S) is one of the main components of important biomolecules, which has been paid more attention in the anaerobic environment of rice cultivation. In this study, 12 accessions of rice materials, belonging to two Asian rice domestication systems and one African rice domestication system, were used by shotgun metagenomics sequencing to compare the structure and function of rhizosphere microbiome between wild and cultivated rice. Compared with cultivated rice, S-cycling microbial community in wild rice rhizosphere showed higher diversity, closer correlation and lower evenness. Furthermore, the sulfur cycle functional genes were significantly different between wild and cultivated rice rhizosphere in the processes of sulfate reduction and other sulfur compounds conversion, implicating that wild rice had a stronger mutually-beneficial relationship with rhizosphere microbiome. To assess the effects of synthetic microbiomes, the dissimilatory sulfate reduction dominated in wild rice was selected as the direction to improve sulfur utilization in cultivated rice. Comamonadaceae and Rhodospirillaceae, two families containing the genes of two key steps in the dissimilatory sulfate reduction, aprA and dsrA respectively, were isolated to construct the synthetic microbiome. Compared with the control group and the inoculated with different proportions groups, the dissimilatory sulfate reduction in cultivated rice rhizosphere was significantly improved in the inoculated with equal proportions group. It confirmed that the synthetic microbiome can promote the S-cycling in rice, and suggested that may be feasible to construct the synthetic microbiome step by step based on functional genes to achieve the target functional pathway. In summary, this study reveals the response of rice rhizosphere microbial community structure and function to domestication, and provides a new idea for the construction of synthetic microbiome.
Nanonoscapine: A Promising Treatment for Prostate Cancer Through Targeting GLI1 and BAX Expression
Authors: Nazari Mohammad Hossein Derakhshan , Heidarian Ronak , Masoudnia Mina , Dastjerdi Rana Askari , Talkhounche Parnian Ghaedi , Taleahmad Sara
Published: December 2023

Noscapine as an opium-derived phthalide isoquinoline alkaloid has been revealed with anti-turmeric impacts by various mechanisms. Attending to the lower side effects of nano-drugs and their delivery benefits, nanonoscapine is expected to disclose better features. In this study, MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed and revealed that the 50 µg/ml concentration during 48h treats prostate cancer cells appropriately, causing the G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing illustrated a correlation between cancer cell progression and GLI1 and BAX suppression. Also, using qRT-PCR, it was observed that nanonoscapine upregulates GLI1 and BAX in cancer cells. Through computational and Bioinformatics analysis, GLI1 overexpression by nanonoscapine was revealed to disrupt nuclear division during mitosis and arrest cells at the G2/M phase by suppressing the expression of CDK1 and inducing the expression of IRAK3. Besides, BAX upregulation by nanonoscapine was detected to enhance GSK3A and BID expressions which foster BAX function in permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membrane and releasing cytochrome c which leads to apoptosis. Moreover, the Kaplan Meier plot for GLI1, BAX, IRAK3, CDK1, GSK3A, and BID indicated that nanonoscapine can improve prostate cancer patients’ survival times. Nanonoscapine can be used instead of noscapine besides chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer since it targets cancer cells and improve patients’ overall survival.
Prognostic impact of the conditioning intensity on outcomes after allogeneic transplantation for MDS with low blasts: A nationwide retrospective study by the adult MDS working group of the Japan Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Itonaga Hidehiro , Miyazaki Yasushi , Fujioka Machiko , Aoki Jun , Doki Noriko , nishida tetsuya , Fukuda Takahiro , Uchida Naoyuki , Ueda Yasunori , Uehara Yasufumi , Katayama Yuta , Ota Shuichi , Kawakita Toshiro , Kato Jun , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Eto Tetsuya , Onizuka Makoto , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Ishiyama Ken
Published: December 2023

Poor prognostic factors, such as transfusion dependency and chromosomal risk, need to be considered in the indication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for patients harboring myelodysplastic syndromes with less than 5% marrow blasts (MDS-Lo). We conducted a nationwide retrospective study to clarify the optimal conditioning intensity for MDS-Lo. Among 1,229 patients, 651, 397, and 181 with MDS-Lo received myeloablative (MAC), reduced-intensity (RIC), and non-myeloablative conditioning (NMAC) regimens, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that the RIC group had better graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse-free survival (GRFS) than the MAC group (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63–0.89, P = 0.001), while no significant differences were observed between the NMAC and MAC groups. Furthermore, overall survival, chronic GVHD- and relapse-free survival, and the incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality did not significantly differ among three groups. The RIC group had a lower incidence of acute (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.97, P = 0.019) and chronic GVHD (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.99, P = 0.045) than the MAC group. In conclusion, the RIC and NMAC regimens are promising options for MDS-Lo patients in addition to the MAC regimen. The careful management of GVHD in MDS-Lo patients receiving the MAC regimen needs to be considered.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and α-pyrones isolated from Cantinoa stricta
Authors: Barbosa Felipe Lukacievicz , Ehrenfried Carlos Augusto , Radulski Débora Rasec , Oliveira Cristhian Santos , Stefanello Maria Elida Alves , Paraná Aleksander Roberto
Published: December 2023

The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of the crude extracts obtained from the leaves of Cantinoa stricta (Lamiaceae) and explore the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts and two isolated compounds: anamarine (ANA) and 10-epi-olguine (eOL). Different extracts were obtained from the leaves of C. stricta and compared by NMR data. Crude ethanolic extract (EEt) and dichloromethane extract (DCM) were selected for the pharmacological tests in mice. The oral administration of EEt and DCM in male Swiss mice significantly reduced the second phase of formalin-induced nociception, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, and carrageenan (Cg)-induced edema. ANA and eOL, the major compounds in EEt and DCM extracts, administered orally or locally (in the paw), also reduced the LPS-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and the Cg-induced edema without changing the thermal acute nociception or the motor performance of the animals. These isolated compounds did not change the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or forskolin but reversed the hyperalgesia induced by dopamine, epinephrine, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by epinephrine was reversed in male but not in female mice, in which this response is not dependent on protein kinase C. These results suggest that C. stricta extracts possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity which is, at least partially related to the presence of ANA and eOL. Differently from the known analgesics, these substances seem to exert their action mainly interfering with the sympathetic component of pain, possibly with protein kinase C.
Cinchona officinalis L. in vitro conservation by means of slow-growth storage and cryopreservation techniques
Authors: Armijos-Gonzalez Rosa Enith , Ramón-Contento Pablo , Cueva-Agila Augusta
Published: December 2023

Cinchona officinalis has experienced anthropogenic pressures for nearly 400 years, such as overexploitation, habitat fragmentation, and the subsequent reduction of genetic diversity. Additionally, the challenge of regeneration in its natural environment makes it a vulnerable species. In this context, various treatments for the in vitro conservation of explants were evaluated in the present study. For short-term conservation, the effects of osmotic substances such as sorbitol, mannitol, and sucrose at different concentrations were assessed. Different concentrations of MS and B5 culture media were also examined for their impact on the growth, budding, mortality, and rooting of explants over 12 months without subcultures. For long-term conservation by cryopreservation, two techniques were tested: vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration. Short-term preservation of explants in sorbitol resulted in low mortality, minimal growth, and limited development of new shoots compared to preservation in sucrose or mannitol, although tissues could be recovered successfully from all storage conditions. After cryopreservation and 45 days of recovery, explants with the lowest mortality (4%) were from the control treatment, cultivated in a medium with sucrose which proved useful as a cryoprotectant, followed by the encapsulation-dehydration treatment. In conclusion, it is possible to conserve C. officinalis tissues in the short-term using in vitro techniques, while further assays are needed for long-term conservation.
Trazodone attenuates the neuroinflammation signaling mechanism and restores the activity of BACE 1 and ChAT in scopolamine-induced AD-like symptoms in male wistar rats
Authors: . Neha , . Pinky , Dhaka Prashant , Das Anvesha , Parveen Darakhshan , Shaquiquzzaman M , Alam Mohammad , Parvez Suhel
Published: December 2023

Trazodone, an antidepressant may play a role in attenuating neuroinflammation induced by scopolamine. We propose the potential novel mechanistic insights that link up between neuroinflammation and memory biomarkers modulate the pathogenesis of AD. Docking studies and histopathological alterations were performed against scopolamine toxicity. Scopolamine was administered into the brain through the peritoneal cavity for the establishment of the AD model. Trazodone (TRAZ) was administered orally used to treat AD-like symptoms in male wistar rats aged between 200–250 g. We confirmed that TRAZ administration significantly attenuates the SCOP-induced cognitive decline targeted neuroinflammation-mediated age-dependent disease progression. TRAZ attenuates the activity of TNF-α, ChAT, and BACE1 and inhibits apoptosis. These findings confirmed that TRAZ has the potential efficacy to modulate the interference in cognitive decline induced by scopolamine. TRAZ is the controlling candidate that regulates the neuroinflammation-dependent memory biomarkers activity response pathway that positively manages apoptosis.
Performance characteristics and lower limb muscle reflex properties in female volleyball athletes and non-athletes
Authors: Pechlivanidou Evmorfia , Livanou Maria Effrosyni , Papadopetraki Argyro , Zambelis Thomas , Philippou Anastassios
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Sports training may lead to alterations in muscle reflex responses of the trained muscles. This study compared performance characteristics and the knee reflex (KR) and soleus Hoffmann (H-)reflex (SR) properties, as well as their potential associations in female volleyball players and non-athletes.
Methods
Nine female amateur volleyball players (VP) in the middle of their competition season and nine age-matched women without athletic background, used as a control group (CG), participated in the study. KR and SR amplitude and latency, handgrip strength (HS), sit-and-reach, jumping performance [countermovement jump (CMJ) using one or both legs, and long jump (LJ)] were assessed.
Results
VP performed better than CG in CMJ-both legs (27.99cm vs 20.02cm; p = 0.006), CMJ-non-dominant leg (13.40cm vs 9.88cm; p = 0.02), HS-dominant arm (33.67kg vs 27.64kg, p = 0.002) and HS-non-dominant arm (32.44kg vs 24.64kg; p = 0.001). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the reflex properties between the groups. A positive correlation was found between SR latency and CMJ-both legs (VP: ρ = 0.7, p < 0.05, CG: ρ = 1, p = 0.01). Interestingly, only in the control group, there was also a positive correlation between KR and SR latencies (ρ = 0.96, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between KR latency and amplitude (ρ= -0.68, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Although volleyball players performed better in vertical (CMJ) jumps, the expected training-induced alterations in KR and SR reflex properties were not observed. This finding, combined with the correlations between SR latency and CMJ in both groups, suggests similar neuromuscular function in the trained and untrained subjects.
Differential impact of high-salt levels in vitro and in vivo on macrophage core functions
Authors: Müller Linda , Nasr Aya Rafea , Jux Bettina , Makdissi Nikola , Trowbridge Justin Wayne , Schmidt Susanne V. , Schultze Joachim L. , Quast Thomas , Schulte-Schrepping Jonas , Kolanus Waldemar , Mass Elvira
Published: December 2023

The consumption of processed food is on the rise leading to huge intake of excess dietary salt, which strongly correlates with development of hypertension, often leading to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack, as well as activation of the immune system. The effect of salt on macrophages is especially interesting as they are able to sense high sodium levels in tissues leading to transcriptional changes. In the skin, macrophages were shown to influence lymphatic vessel growth which, in turn, enables the transport of excess salt and thereby prevents the development of high blood pressure. Furthermore, salt storage in the skin has been linked to the onset of pro-inflammatory effector functions of macrophages in pathogen defence. However, there is only little known about the mechanisms which are involved in changing macrophage function to salt exposure. Here, we characterize the response of macrophages to excess salt both in vitro and in vivo. Our results validate and strengthen the notion that macrophages exhibit chemotactic migration in response to salt gradients in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate a reduction in phagocytosis and efferocytosis following acute salt challenge in vitro. While acute exposure to a high-salt diet in vivo has a less pronounced impact on macrophage core functions such as phagocytosis, our data indicate that prolonged salt challenge may exert a distinct effect on the function of macrophages. These findings suggest a potential role for excessive salt sensing by macrophages in the manifestation of diseases related to high-salt diets and explicitly highlight the need for in vivo work to decipher the physiologically relevant impact of excess salt on tissue and cell function.
In vitro asymbiotic seed germination and micropropagation of Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. – an endemic orchid of Western Ghats, India
Authors: Kaladharan Shivakrishnan , Rengasamy Anbazhakan , Chinnaiyan Rajasekar , Mariappan Muthukumar , Kumar Thiruppathi Senthil
Published: December 2023

Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. or Heyne’s Dendrobium is an endemic epiphytic orchid of Western Ghats categorized as a threatened taxon. The present investigation was aimed for conservational strategy using in vitro regeneration methods. In this investigation, mature pods of the D. heyneanum were collected from the field, and were inoculated aseptically on various nutrient media. Half-strength macro-MS media was found to be an efficient asymbiotic seed germination with 86.70% in 12 days old culture. Different stages (I-VI) of morphogenic characters were observed during entire studies; however, 20.84% of seeds produced young seedlings with roots on half-strength macro-MS media. Micropropagation protocol of D. heyneanum was established by using the protocorms (Stage IV) from the asymbiotic germinated seeds. The metamorphosis was observed on half-strength macro-MS fortified with 0.1 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Thidiazuron (TDZ), Benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Kinetin (KN). Higher frequency of protocorms (90.20%) were found in 1.0 mg/L KN with 95.56% of proliferation, shoot number (6.56) and shoot length (1.13 cm). Different frequency of in vitro flower buds was observed in protocorm at 0.5 mg/L (30.2%) and 1.0 mg/L (22.37%); and callus induction at 2.0 mg/L (20.67%) of BAP. Synergistic effect of plantlets were assessed with different concentration of combination of KN (1.0 mg/L) and auxins - α- Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole- 3- acetic acid (IAA), and Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA) from 0.1 mg/L to 1.0 mg/L). Combination of KN + IAA (1.0 mg/L) induced elongation, 0.92 cm long pseudobulbs and 0.74 cm rooting. The plantlets were then subsequently acclimatized and hardened on pots containing cocopeat and brick pieces. The survival rate was 52.73%. The present study results finding introduced a protocol for in vitro propagation of Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. and thus, can be implemented as an ex-situ conservation.
Critically ill children with SARS-COV-2 Omicron infection at a national children medical center, Guangdong, China
Authors: Lin Fen , Jiang Dao-Ju , Zhang Song , Yang Zhe , Zeng Hua-Song , Liu Zhi-Ping , Yang Li-Ye
Published: December 2023

Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection is described as asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease in most children. SARS-CoV-2 related death in children and adolescents is rare according to the current reports. COVID-19 cases increased significantly in China during the Omicron surge, clinical data regarding pediatric critical patients infected with the omicron variant is limited. In this study, we aim to provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at a national children's medical center in Guangdong Province, China, during the outbreak of the omicron variant infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study from November 25, 2022, to February 8, 2023, which included 63 critically ill children, under the age of 18, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were referred from medical institutions of Guangdong province. The medical records of these patients were carefully analyzed and summarized.
Results
During the study period, 63 children were included. The median age was 2 years (IQR: 1.0–8.0), sex-ratio (male/female) was 1.52. Twelve patients (age ≥ 3 years) were vaccinated. The median length of hospital stay was 14 days (IQR: 6.5–23) and duration of fever was 5 days (IQR: 3-8.5). 30 cases had clear contact history with family members who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Three children who tested positive for COVID-19 infection did not show any abnormalities on chest imaging examination. Out of the total patients, 33 had a bacterial co-infection, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly detected bacterial pathogen. Our cohort exhibited respiratory and nervous system involvement as the primary features. Furthermore, 50 patients required mechanical ventilation, with a median duration of 7 days (IQR 3.75–13.0). Among these patients, 35 developed respiratory failure, 16 patients experienced a deteriorating progression of symptoms and ultimately succumbed to the illness, with multiple organ failure being the attributed cause of death.
Conclusion
We present a case series of critically ill children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. While there is evidence suggesting that Omicron may cause less severe symptoms, it is important to continue striving for measures that can minimize the pathogenic impact of COVID-19 infection in children.