bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA Targets PAP1 To Mediate Melanization in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) Infected by Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Zhang Zhantao , Jin Fengliang , Huang Junlin , De Mandal Surajit , Zeng Lu , Zafar Junaid , Xu Xiaoxia
Published: December 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in important biological processes by regulating posttranscriptional gene expression and exhibit differential expression patterns during development, immune responses, and stress challenges. The diamondback moth causes significant economic damage to crops worldwide. Despite substantial advancements in understanding the molecular biology of this pest, our knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs in regulating key immunity-related genes remains limited. In this study, we leveraged whole transcriptome resequencing data from P. xylostella infected with Metarhizium anisopliae to identify specific miRNAs targeting the prophenoloxidase-activating protease1 (PAP1) gene through bioinformatic analysis. Seven miRNAs (pxy-miR-375-5p, pxy-miR-4448-3p, pxy-miR-279a-3p, pxy-miR-3286-3p, pxy-miR-965-5p, pxy-miR-8799-3p and pxy-miR-14b-5p) were identified and validated. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that pxy-miR-279a-3p binds to the open reading frame (ORF) and pxy-miR-965-5p to the 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR) of PAP1. Our experiments demonstrated that injecting a pxy-miR-965-5p mimic significantly reduced PAP1 expression in P. xylostella larvae, suppressing PO activity and increasing larval mortality rate. Conversely, the injection of inhibitors obtained opposite results. Furthermore, we identified four LncRNAs (MSTRG.32910.1, MSTRG.7100.1, MSTRG.6802.1, and MSTRG.22113.1) that potentially interact with pxy-miR-965-5p. Interference assays using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) revealed that silencing MSTRG.7100.1 and MSTRG.22113.1 increased the expression of pxy-miR-965-5p. These findings shed light on the potential role of pxy-miR-965-5p in the immune response of P. xylostella to M. anisopliae infection and provide a theoretical basis for biological control strategies targeting the immune system of this pest.
Assessment of Nutritional Status in Critically Ill Patients Using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool—MUST
Authors: Díaz Chavarro Blanca Cecilia , Molina-Recio Guillermo , Assis Reveiz Jorge Karim , Romero-Saldaña Manuel
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To identify factors linked with nutritional risk via the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scale assessment among critically ill patients from a hospital in Cali (Colombia). Materials and methods: A retrospective, analytical observational study was conducted with patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Sociodemographic, clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed, as well as their association with nutritional risk and patient mortality. Binary logistic regression was applied to outline nutritional risk. Results: Overall, 28.4% prevalence of elevated nutritional risk was observed. An association was found between nutritional risk and hemoglobin and hematocrit values, primary diseases accounting for ICU admission, gastrointestinal symptoms, and nutritional support route (p < 0.05). Mortality was 11.6% and it was correlated with nutritional risk, hemoglobin, and blood urea nitrogen. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal symptoms and the type of nutritional support received during hospitalization may increase nutritional risk, whereas polycythemia was a protective factor. We found an associative model to determine nutritional risk with high specificity and an adequate diagnostic validity index.
Plastic Zone Radius Criteria for Crack Propagation Angle Evaluated with Experimentally Obtained Displacement Fields
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Guillermo , Pertuz-Comas Alberto David , Bohorquez-Becerra Oscar Rodolfo , Braga Arthur M. B. , Parra-Prada Dario
Published: December 2023

Monitoring and maintenance of cracked structures are generally done using structural integrity assessments. The plastic zone (PZ) crack path (CP) criteria state that a crack grows in the direction when the radius of the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip reaches a minimum value. The PZ can be evaluated using Stress intensity factors (SIF). The SIFs under mixed-mode loading were extracted from literature from three samples: two SENT samples made from polycarbonate and one modified C(T) sample made from low-carbon steel. In addition, the CP angle was evaluated for the W and R-criteria. It was found that both can predict the CP for lateral cracks in both tested materials and monotonic and cyclic load when the mode-mixity does not change considerably from one crack length to the next one or goes beyond 0.2. Moreover, the R-criterion exhibited an error as high as 1.7%, whereas the W-criterion showed a 6% error on the last crack length for the low carbon steel sample under cyclic load, which had a 100% increase in mode-mixity. Finally, the applicability of LEFM is checked, while the CP is sought by finding the size of the PZ.
Molecularly imprinted biomimetic SPR sensor decorated with gold nanoparticles
for selective and sensitive detection of bisphenol A
Authors: GÖKTÜRK ILGIM , YILMAZ FATMA , Aşır Süleyman , TÜRKMEN DENİZ , Denizli Adil
Published: December 2023

MIPs inspired by antigen-antibody interactions have received substantial interest as a biomimetic artificial receptor system in environmental applications. Herein, we present a molecularly imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor integrated with Au nanoparticles for the identification of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The synthetic wastewater samples were analyzed to ensure the method's reliability and feasibility. Under ideal conditions, the suggested approach performed well in terms of analytical performance to BPA, with a wide linear range of 0.1 to 10 ppb and LOD of 10 ng/L. The sensor results and the Langmuir adsorption model have good agreement. It has also been shown that repeated use of the biosensor can be achieved. According to selectivity studies, BPA adsorbed within the imprinted cavities favorably compared to 4-nitrophenol and phenol.
The produced BPA-imprinted SPR sensor provides improved sensitivity based on the signal amplification strategy, unconjugated sensing without the need for labeling, real-time sensing, low sample consumption rates, quantifiable assessment, and very good kinetic rate constant calculation in actual samples. Also, because the produced sensor is reusable with relative standard deviations (RSD)<1.25, indicating the sensor's accuracy, the SPR-based biomimetic BPA sensor is simple to practice and may be an economical option.
On Bicomplex (p,q)-Fibonacci Quaternions
Authors: Çelemoğlu Çağla
Published: December 2023

Here, we describe the bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci numbers and the bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci quaternions that are based on these numbers and give some of their equations, including the Binet formula, generating function, Catalan, Cassini, d’Ocagne’s identities, and some summation formulas for both of them. Finally, we create a matrix for bicomplex (p,q)- Fibonacci quaternions, and we obtain a determinant of a special matrix that gives the terms of that quaternion.
Industrial Process Management Model to Improve Productivity and Reduce Waste.
Authors: Ortiz Cesar Rodrigo , Quezada Luis , Oddershede Astrid
Published: December 2023

: One of the challenges facing operations management is the design, choice and imple-mentation of action plans adapted to the magnitude of the deviations of the variables of an industrial process. Making conscious and quick decisions is crucial to achieving im-provements in productivity. This will be achieved if the organization's internal and external communication model is strategically designed, considering specific cultural factors and the symmetry or asymmetry required in the communication model.
However, how do we organize ourselves and through what channels do we communicate within a production process to generate Big Data that combines data from technologies and the perception, comprehension and projection of experienced humans? Our purpose is to create an operations management model that facilitates the incorporation of technology, allows a prompt response to failures, and promotes the sustainability of processes, without losing sight of its alignment with the organizational strategy.
The developed model was implemented in an operations management team, following the guidelines of an action researcher methodology. This resulted in the design of an operations management model and a detailed methodology for its implementation, achieving sig-nificant improvements in the metrics of the current process, making it a success story.
Increased PIEZO1 expression is associated with worse clinical outcomes in hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Poole Rylee Ann , Wang Qingfei , Ray Alo , Takabe Kazuaki , Opyrchal Mateusz , Katsuta Eriko
Published: December 2023

PIEZO1 plays a crucial role in the human body as a mechanosensory ion channel. It has been demonstrated that PIEZO1 is important in tissue development and regulating many essential physiological processes. Studies have suggested that the PIEZO1 ion channel plays a role in invasion and progression in cancer; elevated levels of PIEZO1 have been correlated with increased migration in breast cancer cells, chemo-resistance and invasion in gastric cancer cells, and increased invasion of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, high PIEZO1 expression levels were correlated with a worse prognosis in glioma patients. On the other hand, studies in lung cancer have attributed high PIEZO1 levels to better patient outcomes. However, the clinical impact of PIEZO1 in breast cancer is not well characterized. Therefore, our goal was to determine the clinical relevance of PIEZO1 in breast cancer. Analysis of breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was conducted to investigate PIEZO1 expression levels and correlation to survival, followed by validation in an independent dataset, GSE3494. We also performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and analyzed immune cell levels in breast tumors from TCGA through a CIBERSORT algorithm. Our results demonstrated that PIEZO1 expression levels are higher in hormone receptor (HR) negative than HR positive cohorts. High PIEZO1 expression is correlated with a significant decrease in survival in HR negative cohorts, suggesting that PIEZO1 could be utilized as a prognostic biomarker in HR negative breast cancer. GSEA showed that various signaling pathways associated with more invasive phenotypes and resistance to treatments, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, and multiple signaling pathways, are enriched in high PIEZO1 HR negative tumors. Our results also demonstrated a decrease in CD8+ and CD4+ T cell infiltration in high PIEZO1 HR negative tumors. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanistic roles of PIEZO1 in HR negative breast cancer.
A Comparation of Watermelon Flesh Texture across Different Ploidy Levels Using Histology and Cell Wall Measurements
Authors: Lu Xuqiang , He Nan , Anees Muhammad , Yang Dongdong , Kong Weikang , Zhang Jiwen , Yuan Luming , Luo Xiaowen , Zhu Hongju , Liu Wenge
Published: December 2023

Watermelon fruits of different ploidy exhibit significant variations in texture. In order to investigate the primary factors influencing texture differences, this study was conducted to investigate the differences in fruit texture development using homozygous autogamous diploid (2X)lines and their autotriploid (3X) and autotetraploid (4X) lines 'Yixuan'. The research encompassed fruit development, flesh texture profile analysis (TPA), flesh cell wall polysaccharide content, and flesh cell microstructure analysis, specifically in 2X, 3X, and 4X watermelon fruits.The results showed that as watermelon fruits matured, several characteristics exhibited an ascending trend, including fruit weight, TSS (total soluble solids) content, rind hardness, flesh cell size, and cell wall polysaccharide contents such as crude fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and protopectin. Conversely, the flesh texture parameters and soluble pectin content of the flesh cell wall gradually declined. Notably, significant differences in fruit flesh texture and flesh cell structure were observed among fruits of different ploidy at the 32d. Specifically, 2X fruits displayed considerably lower rind hardness, reduced flesh texture (Hardness, Fracturability, Chewiness, Gumminess), and cell density compared to 3X and 4X fruits. Additionally, 2X fruits exhibited larger cell sizes than 3X and 4X fruits. However, no significant differences were observed in the content of flesh cell wall polysaccharide contents across various ploidy levels.These findings suggested that the variation in texture among watermelon fruits of different ploidy can be attributed to the size and arrangement of flesh cells. Importantly, this research provided a foundation for further exploration of the intrinsic regulatory factors and molecular mechanisms contributing to texture variation in polyploid watermelon fruits.
Deciphering Winter Sprouting Potential of Erianthus procerus for Sugarcane Improvement under Subtropical Climates
Authors: Meena Mintu Ram , K Mohanraj , Kumar Ravinder , Raja Arun Kumar , Chabbra ML , Kulshreshtha Neeraj , Krishnappa Gopalareddy , Huskur Kumaraswamy Mahadeva Swamy , Angannan Suganya , Perumal Govindaraj , Govindakurup Hemaprabha
Published: December 2023

The utilization of wild genera in sugarcane has been recognized as an important strategy to enhance the genetic base to impart biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in hybrid cultivars. A set of 15 Erianthus procerus derived hybrids along with five popular check varieties were evaluated for two years (2018–19 and 2019–20) for agro-morphological, quality, physiological traits and three years (2018–19, 2019–2020, and 2020–21 for winter sprouting potential. The E. procerus hybrid GU 12-19 recorded the highest winter sprouting potential with a winter sprouting index (WSI) of 10.6 and a percent superiority of 279 over best check (Co 0238) followed by GU 12-22 with WSI: 8.5 and % superiority over best check was 204. The other top-performing hybrids, GU 12-21 and GU 12-29, recorded the excellent winter sprouting potential with WSI of 7.2 and 6.9 respectively. The four E. procerus hybrids identified with higher WSI were also resistant to the prevalent races of red rot in both tropical and subtropical conditions. The association analysis revealed significant correlations between various traits, particularly fibre content with a maximum number of associations, which indicates its multifaceted impact on sugarcane characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) summarized the data, explaining 57.6% of the total variation for measured traits and genotypes, providing valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of the E. procerus-derived hybrids under subtropical climate. The anthocyanin content of E. procerus hybrids was better than the check varieties with a mean of 0.147 (2018–19) and 0.144 (2019–20) and range of 0.123–0.179 (2018–19) and 0.111–0.172 (2019–20), anthocyanin plays a vital role in mitigating the cold injury, acting as an antioxidant in cool weather conditions, particularly in sugarcane. Further, seven hybrids recorded more than 22% fibre threshold, indicating their industrial potential. These hybrids would be potential donors for cold tolerance and high ratooning ability along with red rot resistance under subtropical climate.
Vancomycin Graft Presoaking in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Graft Rerupture as Compared With No Vancomycin Presoaking
Authors: Charalambous Charalambos P. , Ahmed Emadeldin M. , Kayali Fatima , Nautiyal Hritik , Kuršumović Kenan , Sutton Paul M.
Published: December 2023

Background:

To determine whether there is any difference in graft rerupture rates and clinical outcomes between cases having vancomycin graft presoaking vs. no vancomycin presoaking in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. Full published studies reporting on the relation between vancomycin graft presoaking and rates of graft rerupture and/or clinical outcomes in ACLR surgery vs. no vancomycin graft presoaking were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. The study's protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021290608).

Results:

The literature search identified 907 records. After removing duplicates and those not meeting inclusion criteria, 8 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the estimated risk of hamstring graft rerupture was lower in cases presoaked with vancomycin vs. those having no presoaking (3.2% vs. 6.2% rerupture rate, risk ratio [RR] = 0.507, 95% CI, 0.39-0.737, p < 0.001). Similarly, the estimated risk of graft rerupture was lower in cases presoaked with vancomycin vs. those having no presoaking when the analysis included various ACL graft types (2.7% vs. 3.9% rerupture rate, RR = 0.557, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.403-0.771, p < 0.001). Meta-analysis also showed that vancomycin graft presoaking was associated with similar International Knee Documentation Committee scores as compared with no presoaking when looking at hamstring grafts (estimated mean difference 0.112, 95% CI, −2.359 to 2.582, p = 0.929) or when considering various graft types (estimated mean difference 0.933, 95% CI, −0.140 to 2.006, p = 0.088).

Conclusion:

Vancomycin graft presoaking is a safe practice and does not compromise ACL graft rerupture rates or clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Telaah Kritis Kekerasan Simbolik antara Guru dan Peserta Didik di Sekolah Menengah Atas
Authors: Reresi Marsianus , Rahawarin Bernard Antonius , Ngoranubun William
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah secara kritis relasi guru dan peserta didik dalam perspektif teori Pierre Bourdieu tentang kekerasan simbolik. Peneliti menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologi untuk mengamati secara langsung perilaku guru dan peserta didik dalam berelasi dan berinteraksi di lingkungan sekolah. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri  8 Saumlaki, Kabupaten Kepulauan Tanimbar, Ambon. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yakni observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan studi dokumentasi. Subjek penelitian dipilih dengan menggunakan teknik snowball. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa melalui teknik analisis secara deskriptif ditemukan bahwa bahwa dalam relasi guru dan siswa terkandung kekerasan simbolik yang tidak disadari karena minimnya pemahaman dan kesadaran guru dan siswa serta adanya ketidaksetaraan kuasa simbolik. Maka perlu strategi untuk mewujudkan sekolah yang bebas dari kekerasan simbolik. Rekomendasi penelitian, adanya kebijakan sekolah yang menekankan budaya sekolah yang lebih dialogis tanpa ada unsur kekerasan simbolik. Guru hendaknya mengembangkan pemahaman dan kesadaran yang obyektif mengenai kekerasan simbolik dan adanya pengakuan objektif melalui habitus. Peserta didik sebaiknya bersikap kritis terhadap perilaku guru yang mengandung kekerasan simbolik dan berani menyampaikan kepada guru.
media vocationalogy mata pelajaran produk kreatif dan kewirausahaan (PKK): hasil belajar siswa SMK di kabupaten Malang
Authors: Andayani Endah , Agustina Rini , Rulita Nurfaizana Della , Sya'roni Imron
Published: December 2023

This study discusses the effect of implementing Vocationalology media on Creative Products and Entrepreneurship (PKK) Subjects on Learning Outcomes of Vocational High School Students in Malang Regency. The population in this study were 156 students of SMK in Malang Regency, with the sampling technique using cluster sampling. This type of research is quantitative research using experimental methods. The statistical method of this study uses t-test analysis. Based on the hypothesis test found in this study there is a significant difference in results between the implementation of Media Vocationalology in the Subject of Creative Products and Entrepreneurship (PKK) on Learning Outcomes of Vocational High School Students in Malang Regency. The results of the Paired Samples Test show the number 0.000 which is a significant difference between student learning outcomes before using Media Vocationalogy compared to after using Media Vocationalogy.
A scoping review investigating the effects of simulation based training on surgical skills and confidence of Ophthalmology trainees in performing Glaucoma, Oculoplastic and Orbital surgical procedures.
Authors: Hignett Sarah , Khan Sheema , Williams Michael
Published: December 2023

Background: Reduced clinical training opportunities and ethical concerns of trainees newly learning surgical procedures on patients have necessitated consideration of the role of simulation. Simulation allows a standardised training format which is reproducible, but it is not known if it has translational downstream improvements in patient care.Methods: The aim of this review is to assess the effects of simulation based training on surgical skills and confidence of Ophthalmology trainees within the Ophthalmic sub-specialities of Glaucoma, Oculoplastic and Orbital surgery (GOO).Results: This was a scoping review of the literature using MEDLINE and EMBASE to collate models used, outcomes measured and outcomes observed. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used to measure the quality of the studies. Levels of simulation based translational outcomes proposed by McGaghie et al. were used.Discussion: Fifteen studies were included. Simulation based training has high acceptability with subjective reports from participants being overwhelmingly positive in it’s ability to improve confidence in performing surgical procedures related to GOO. With regards to improvements in surgical skills, the results suggest that there are some improvements such as reduction in time taken to perform procedures and improvement in objective skills assessment scores.Conclusion: Simulation based training improves confidence of Ophthalmology trainees in performing surgical procedures related to GOO. Evidence of its effects on downstream processes is lacking, however, such downstream patient-related effects are difficult to associate with a specific educational intervention, as many other factors will be involved over time.
Automation risk and local development in micro-regions: evidence from Hungary
Authors: Németh Julianna , Szabó Norbert , Sipos Norbert
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates automation risk in an Eastern European country, Hungary, at the subnational level. Local economies are increasingly characterised by different development paths and divergence thus efficiently tackling the diverse economic and societal challenges of automation in the local economies requires the understanding of the relationship between automation risk and development perspectives at the local level. Using a national wage survey database, this paper adopts the framework developed by Frey and Osborne in Hungarian NUTS4 regions to understand the spatial distribution of automation risk and its connection to economic development. Results indicate that more productive regions tend to benefit from automation by simultaneously decreasing their exposure over time and creating more jobs. Less developed regions, however, seem to face many challenges. Some of them can reduce exposure, however, at the cost of job destruction. Lagging regions, on the other hand, tend to increase their automation risk over time due to the increasing number of low-quality jobs and/or decreasing number of high-value-added jobs.
JEL code: J31
Acute kidney injury after pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Yoshida Shunsuke , Hashimoto Shin-ichiro , Uemura Makiko
Published: December 2023

Pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (peg-G-CSF) is a safe long-acting form of G-CSF to improve chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. However, hyper response of neutropenia can be induced soon after an administration of peg-G-CSF. Neutrophil response is sometimes associated to fever, bone pain, and headache, however, this drug is generally safe and well-tolerated in cancer patients. Acute renal failure is rare adverse event of peg-G-CSF. We observed severe cell lysis resulted in acute renal failure in a combination use of peg-G-CSF and dexamethasone.
Exploration of the molecular characteristics and potential clinical significance of shared immune-related genes between preterm preeclampsia and term preeclampsia
Authors: Huang Zhengrui , Sun Lu , Gao Yudie , Shi Meiting , Zhang Ping , Ding Yuzhen , Wang Jian , Wei Jiachun , Yang Xiuli , Li Ruiman
Published: December 2023

Background
Preeclampsia is a severe obstetric disorder that significantly affects the maternal and neonatal peri-partum safety and long-term quality of life. However, there is limited research exploring the common mechanisms and potential clinical significance between early-onset preeclampsia and full-term preeclampsia from an immunological perspective.
Methods
In this study, data analysis was conducted. Initially, immune-related co-expressed genes involving both subtypes of preeclampsia were identified through Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were further employed to investigate the shared pathways regulated by immune-related genes. Binary logistic regression identified co-expressed genes with diagnostic value for preeclampsia, and a diagnostic model was constructed. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) predicted the potential biological functions of the selected genes. Lasso and Cox regression analyses identified genes closely associated with gestational duration, and a risk score model was established. A 4-gene feature, immune-related gene model for predicting the risk of preterm birth in preeclamptic pregnant women, was developed and validated through qPCR experiments. Immune cell infiltration analysis determined differences in immune cell infiltration between the two subtypes of preeclampsia.
Results
This study identified 4 immune-related co-expressed genes (CXCR6, PIK3CB, IL1RAP, and OSMR). Additionally, diagnostic and preterm birth risk prediction models for preeclampsia were constructed based on these genes. GSEA analysis suggested the involvement of these genes in the regulation of galactose metabolism, notch signaling pathway, and RIG-I like receptor signaling pathway. Immune pathway analysis indicated that the activation of T cell co-inhibition could be a potential intervention target for immunotherapy in early-onset preeclampsia.
Conclusion
Our study provides promising insights into immunotherapy and mechanistic research for preeclampsia, discovering novel diagnostic and intervention biomarkers, and offering personalized diagnostic tools for preeclampsia.
Coral reef fish biomass and nutrient availability losses from thermal stress
Authors: Zamborain-Mason Jessica , Eurich Jacob , Viana Daniel , Mellin Camille , Pinsky Malin , Hooidonk Ruben van , Golden Christopher
Published: December 2023

Thermal stress driven by climate change is a major threat to tropical coral reef ecosystems1, with marine heatwaves expected to increase in frequency and intensity throughout the century. While corals are most often the focus of impacts2,3, thermal associated changes on reef fishes may lead to important flow-on effects for the nutrients available for people dependent on reef fisheries for food4. Here, we examine the cumulative impacts of thermal stress on reef fish assemblages between 1996 and 2020 to project the potential impacts of different climate change scenarios on reef fish biomass and associated nutrients available to human populations. We show that reefs that have experienced greater thermal stress in the past tend to have less reef fish biomass across all trophic guilds, and reduced nutrient availability across all nutrients. Applying such association to future thermal stress projections implies a continued decline in reef fish biomass and nutrient provision throughout the century. However, spatial variability in thermal stress projections pinpoints the locations and reef-based food systems that could (i) suffer the largest biomass and nutrient availability losses, and (ii) benefit the most from implementen climate mitigation strategies. Overall, our study provides empirical evidence that both climate change mitigation and adaptation are needed to bolster reef fish assemblages and associated tropical nutrition security.
Different anatomic patterns of the indirect tendon of the rectus femoris
Authors: Meca Sandra Mechó , Posse Iñigo Iriarte , Ortega Raquel Lisbona , Pérez-Andrés Ricard , Grivé Ricard Pruna , Rodríguez-Baeza Alfonso
Published: December 2023

Purpose-The rectus femoris (RF) forms the anterior portion of the quadriceps muscle group. It has a proximal tendinous complex (PTC), which is constituted by a direct tendon (DT), an indirect tendon (IT), and a variable third head. DT and IT converge into a common tendon (CT). The purposes of this study are to add anatomical knowledge about the PTC and describe 3 anatomical variants of the IT and, on their basis, to categorize 4 different morphological patterns, through the analysis of 48 cadaveric lower limbs. Method-In this study, 48 hemipelvis from bodies donated to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona have been dissected to examine the PTC of the RF. Results-The following anatomical variants were described: inferior aponeurotic expansion in 23/48 cases (47.9%); superior aponeurotic expansion in 21/48 cases (43.7%); and abnormal origin of the myotendinous junction of the RF in the free portion of the IT in 19/48 cases (39.6%). Based on two of these variants, the following morphological patterns were defined: standard IT (19/48 cases, 39.6%), superior and inferior complex IT (15/48 cases, 31.2%), inferior complex IT (8/48 cases, 16.7%), and superior complex IT (6/48 cases, 12.5%). Conclusion-We can categorize 4 different IT morphological patterns, three of them are complex and we suggest that these complex patterns can cause an increased IT stiffness and so can be considered non-modifiable risk factors for RF injuries. Therefore, it would be convenient to identify complex patterns and perform injury prevention actions through specific physical preparation programs.
Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) participates in cold acclimatization of Actinidia arguta depending on the ethylene signal transduction pathway
Authors: Eh Tong-Ju , Lei Pei , Phyon Jong-Min , Kim Hyon-Il , Xiao Yue , Eh Nam-Myong , Ma Le , Li Jianxin , Jin Guangze , Meng Fanjuan
Published: December 2023

Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) is a perennial deciduous vine that has a very strong overwintering ability. We speculated that trehalose metabolism, which plays a pivotal role in the stress tolerance of plants, may be involved in the cold acclimatization of A. arguta. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of AaTPPA, encoding a trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), was upregulated in response to low temperature. AaTPPA expression levels were much higher in lateral buds, roots, and stem cambium than in leaves in autumn. In AaTPPA-overexpressing (OE) Arabidopsis thaliana, trehalose levels were 8 ~ 11 times higher than that of the wild type (WT) and showed different phenotypic characteristics from WT or overexpression lines of OtsB, the E. coli TPP gene. Surprisingly, AaTPPA-OE A. thaliana had significantly higher freezing tolerance than WT and OtsB-OE lines. Transient overexpression of AaTPPA in A. arguta leaves increased ROS scavenging capacity and the contents of soluble sugars and proline. AaERF64, an ethylene-responsive transcription factor, was induced by ethylene treatment, and bound to the GCC-box of the AaTPPA promoter to activate its expression. AaTPPA expression was also induced by abscisic acid (ABA). Overall, the temperature decrease in autumn induces AaERF64 expression through the ethylene signal transduction pathway, which in turn upregulates AaTPPA expression, leading to the accumulation of osmotic protectants including soluble sugars and proline in the overwintering tissues of A. arguta.
Synergistic Interdecadal Effects of the North Pacific and North Atlantic SST on Precipitation over eastern China as revealed in the ECHAM5 simulations
Authors: Wu Minmin , Zhang Rong-Hua , Zhi Hai , Hu Junya
Published: December 2023

In this investigation, we examine the individual and synergistic effects of sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Pacific and North Atlantic on precipitation interdecadal variations over eastern China using the Multi-Taper Method-Singular Value Decomposition (MTM-SVD) method based on the European Center Hamburg model version 5 (ECHAM5) simulations. Results reveal that the model adequately reproduces the quasi-periodic precipitation responses corresponding to interdecadal SST forcing in the North Pacific, North Atlantic and both regions. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is closely related to a meridional tri-polar precipitation pattern over eastern China. This precipitation pattern is attributed to the western Pacific subtropical high and surface pressure anomalies over northern East Asia, influenced by the joint effects of a mid-latitude wave train and SST anomalies in the central-western North Pacific. The North Atlantic basin-scale SST (NABS) correlates positively with precipitation over North China and negatively with precipitation over Southwest China. This precipitation pattern is affected by the westward shift of the atmospheric activity center over East Asia associated with the mid-latitude wave train across Eurasia. The combined SST forcing from the North Pacific and North Atlantic results in a meridional precipitation dipole pattern, and partially explains the precipitation interdecadal variation as observed. That is, as the PDO warm phase transitions to the NABS warm phase, rainbands experience an interdecadal northward shift from South China to North China. These results are pivotal for understanding how interdecadal SST forcing in the North Pacific and North Atlantic influences the precipitation distribution over China, thereby contributing to improvements in interdecadal climate prediction.
Ovicidal, larvicidal and adulticidal activity of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) essential oil and tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) against Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Mohamed Hend Ibrahim , Arafa Waleed M. , Ahmed Osama M. , El-Dakhly Khaled Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Haemonchosis is a helminthic disease affecting ruminants worldwide. The anthelminthic resistance has become raised. Medicinal plants are safely used as synthetic anthelmintics. Currently, the efficacy of black pepper essential oil (BPO) and tea tree oil (TTO) were in vitro evaluated against H. contortus adults, eggs and larvae at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/ml in addition to the commercially used albendazole at a concentration of 10 µg/ml. Oils were used in both normal and nanoparticles-loaded forms. Oxidative stress enzymes of worms were estimated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for treated worms was done. Both normal and nanoemulsion forms of both BPO and TTO stopped the adult motility [BPO 2.5 hours (hrs), NBPO 1.5hrs, TTO 3 hrs, NTTO 1.5 hrs] and induced a marked decrease in the oviposition. Post treatment, the egg development and hatching were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced. The damage of the egg shell, embryonal cessation and destruction of larvae occurred. Noticeable elevated antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT, glutathione transferase GST and glutathione GSH) were found, while oxidative enzymes (lipid peroxidation LPO and nitric oxide synthase NOS) deceased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for both oil-treated worms revealed anterior ends damage and several cuts associated with cuticular pores. The use of albendazole induced more or less anthelmintic activities, enzymatic activities with less morphological alterations of adults revealed by SEM. This study proved the marked anthelmintic potency of the BPO and TTO and their nanoemulsion forms against H. contortus rather than the widely used anthelminthic drugs.
Association between Urine Parabens and Liver Function in US Adolescents: A cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2007–2016
Authors: Li Linfei , Hu Gunchu , Luo Xiong , Wei Zuxing , Yu Zhuowen , He Jun
Published: December 2023

Paraben esters are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, personal hygiene products, food and drugs. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of exposure to Paraben esters on adolescent liver function. We analyzed data from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Finally, 1845 adolescents aged 12 to 19 were selected as a random sample. Analysis of the Effect of Urinary Parabens on Liver Function Indexes Using Weighted Linear Regression.Then, we applied the weighted quantile sum (WQS) analysis and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to examine the associations between parabens and liver function indicators. Based on the results from three different models, four parabens and their total were negatively associated with ALB and ALP, and positively associated with TBIL. Moreover, among the parabens, butyl paraben and propyl paraben had the highest weights.Overall, our results indicate that parabens are significantly but weakly associated with changes in liver function in US adolescents. Further research is needed to explore these relationships.
Isolation of Streptomyces inhibiting multiple-phytopathogenic fungi and characterization of lucensomycin biosynthetic gene cluster
Authors: Park Heung-Soon , Kang Seung-Hoon , Choi Si-Sun , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: December 2023

Soil microorganisms with diverse bioactive compounds such as Streptomyces are appreciated as valuable resources for the discovery of eco-friendly fungicides. This study isolated a novel Streptomyces from soil samples collected in the organic green tea fields in South Korea. The isolation process involved antifungal activity screening around 2400 culture extracts, revealing a strain designated as S. collinus Inha504 with remarkable antifungal activity against diverse phytopathogenic fungi. S. collinus Inha504 inhibited seven phytopathogenic fungi, including Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger, in bioassays and showed a control effect against F. oxysporum infected red pepper, strawberry, and tomato in the in vivo pot test. Genome mining of S. collinus Inha504 revealed the presence of the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) in the chromosome encoding a polyene macrolide which is highly homologous to the lucensomycin (LCM), a compound known for effective in crop disease control. Through genetic confirmation and bioassays, the antifungal activity of S. collinus Inha504 was attributed to the presence of LCM BGC in the chromosome. These results could serve as an effective strategy to select novel Streptomyces strains with valuable biological activity through bioassay-based screening and identify biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for the metabolites using genome mining approach.
Comparing Symptom Clusters in Cancer Survivors by Cancer Diagnosis: A Latent Class Profile Analysis
Authors: Lee Lena J. , Han Claire J. , Saligan Leorey , Wallen Gwenyth R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Research on symptom clusters in oncology is progressing, but knowledge gaps remain. One question is whether the number and types of Symptom Subgroups differ based on cancer diagnosis. However, no research has compared Symptom Subgroups in heterogeneous populations based on cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify the clustering of four highly prevalent symptoms (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression), and (2) compare symptom clusters across the seven populations of cancer survivors (prostate, non-small cell lung, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast, uterine, cervical, and colorectal cancer).
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data obtained from the My-Health study in partnership with four Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries located in California (two), Louisiana, and New Jersey. The sample included 4,762 cancer survivors 6-13 months following diagnosis of one of the seven cancer types mentioned. Latent class profile analysis was used.
Results: Subjects were primarily young (59% age 21-64 years), Caucasian (41%), married/cohabitating (58%) and unemployed (55%). The number of symptom subgroups varied across these seven cancer populations: (1) four-class solution in prostate, lung, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and breast cancer survivors; (2) three-class solution in uterine and cervical cancer survivors; and (3) two-class solution in colorectal cancer survivors.
Conclusion: Identifying symptom subgroups by cancer diagnosis has the potential to develop innovative and effective targeted interventions in cancer survivors. Further research is needed to establish extensive knowledge in symptom clustering between treatment regimens, and short-term and long-term cancer survivors.
Insights into the seismogenic structures of the arc-continent convergent plate boundary in eastern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Wen-Shan , Wu Y.M. , Yeh P.Y. , Lai Y.X. , Ke S.S. , Ke M.C. , Yang C.Y.
Published: December 2023

The doubly vergent orogen in Taiwan is a relatively young and active arc-continent collision caused by the convergence of Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plates occurring along a complicated seismogenic plate boundary. This study aims to investigate the evolutionary and tectonic features of the retro-wedge, a region contributing to the uplifting and shortening of the Taiwan orogen. Through the utilization of seismic tomographic image and relocated seismicity, we identify three potential seismogenic structures along the convergent plate boundary: the Longitudinal Valley Fault, the Ludao–Lanyu Fault, and the Central Range Fault. A significant discovery in our investigation of a west-dipping backthrust of the Central Range Fault, extending from the north Hualien city to the southeastern offshore at a distance of 300 km. The fault is responsible for the formation of a crustal-scale pop-up structure, contributing to the development of a double vergent orogenic wedge in the retro-wedge. The genesis of the basement-involved backthrust is attributed to the indentation of the exhumed forearc mantle wedge and remnant forearc crust into the Backbone Range during collision. Consequently, the plate boundary exhibits two opposite vergent thrust systems of the Longitudinal Valley Fault–Ludao–Lanyu Fault and Central Range Fault, which evolved during different stages of collision-incipient and mature following the closure of the forearc basin of the North Luzon Trough and Longitudinal Valley, respectively. These findings contribute novel insights into the tectonic framework of the convergent zone and provide valuable constraints for geodynamic models of arc-continent collision
Underground karst development characteristics and their influence on exploitation of karst groundwater in Guilin city， Southwest China
Authors: Pu Zhenggong , Huang Qibo , Liao Hong-Wei , Wu Hua-ying , Jiao You-Jun , Luo Fei , Li Teng-Fang , Zhao Guang-Shuai , Chang-pei Zou
Published: December 2023

Exploitation and utilization of karst groundwater is an effective way of solving the imbalance between supply and demand of water resources in Guilin City, southwestern China. In this study, we carried out a systematic investigation of the underground karst developmental characteristics and their influence on the migration and occurrence of karst groundwater in Guilin city. The results show that the thick limestone formation of D3r is the most ideal aquifer because it has the highest karst development and the most abundant karst groundwater. The main karst development zone is above 90 m a.s.l., and it accounts for 88.5 % of the karst caves, 11.5 % karst caves are located in the weak karst developed zone of 40-90 m a.s.l, and below 40 m a.s.l., the karst is not developed. Thus, the borehole depth for groundwater extraction is suggested to be approximately 100-120 m owing to the ground-surface elevation of Guilin city being 140-160 m a.s.l. The zone above 120 m a.s.l. is not optimal for karst groundwater exploitation because of its high karst cave filling rate (82.89 %) and low water-filling cavity ratio (16.95-30.08 %), in which the karst groundwater easily connects with surface water therefore an increase of possibility of collapse when extracting groundwater. The zone between 120-90 m a.s.l. could be more optimal for groundwater extraction due to its medium scale of karst caves, relatively low karst cave filling rate (62.07 %), and high water-filling cavity rate (30.43 %-62.10 %) relatively. Meanwhile, a favorable groundwater exploitation and utilization region is located in the eastern study area, which has the highest underground karst development, with the highest percentage of boreholes encountering caverns (80.21 %), linear karst rates (8.58 %), and the lowest karst cave filling rate (65.61 %). This study provides a scientific basis for the exploitation of karst groundwater and construction of a backup emergency water sources for Guilin City.
Measuring Cultural Specificity of Professional Vocabulary
Authors: Leon Volha , Piniuta Iryna , Karachun Tatyana , Kryshtop Inessa
Published: December 2023

This paper explains some reasons for communication breakdown in professional discourse in cross-cultural and intercultural communication, which lie in the difference of what is associated with a particular word of the same language in different cultures. To avoid misinterpretation, misunderstanding and misconception in the professional communication in English between teachers representing different communicative cultures, the authors suggest a quantitative semantic tool to measure the risk of misinterpretation of professional vocabulary. The research aims to determine the degrees of semantic in-equivalence of pedagogical culture-specific vocabulary which is used in professional discourse practices by American and Belarusian teachers in their interactions in English, and identify linguistic and extralinguistic factors that create misunderstandings. To determine the degree of specificity of professional vocabulary, it was suggested to apply cultural specificity index, which was developed by the authors specifically to achieve the measurable objectives of the given research and to facilitate further studies in the highlighted area of concern. The semantic analysis of respondents’ subjective definitions of 26 vocabulary items resulted in their classification and clarification in the context of cross-cultural understanding.