bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadian–Chromian Spinels (Sludyanka Metamorphic Complex, South Baikal Area). Magnesian Spinel
Authors: Reznitsky L.Z. , Sklyarov E.V. , Barash I.G.
Published: January 2024

—The paper presents data on two groups of magnesian Cr–V spinel occurring as rock-forming minerals in various types of Cr–V bearing rocks of the Sludyanka metamorphic complex (South Baikal area, Siberia, Russia): (i) low-Al magnesiochromite–magnesiocoulsonite spinels and (ii) Al spinels varying from V-bearing aluminous magnesiochromite and Al–Cr coulsonite to spinel proper with minor contents of Cr and V, and with complex zoning patterns. Spinels in the Sludyanka rocks are also present as iron-magnesian accessories, among which high-Cr varieties are compositionally similar to mantle-derived spinel from igneous rocks and to inclusions in diamonds. Comparison of formation conditions for mantle spinels in igneous lithologies and spinel phases in metamorphic rocks shows that their mineral chemistry is mainly controlled by the bulk composition of the igneous and sedimentary protoliths, respectively. Detrital spinel may be a false indicator poorly applicable to paleogeodynamic reconstructions and diamond potential evaluation.
Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Anaphylaxis to Local Anesthetics in Dental Practice
Authors: Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Gallardo-Bastidas Juan , Borrero Gabriela Rouillon , Mautong Hans , Silva Paola Mena , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Cano Leonardo , Robles-Velasco Karla
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The absence of a comprehensive understanding of potential anaphylactic reactions to local anesthetics (LAs) and management can result in grave consequences.
Aims: To assess Latin American dentists' knowledge, preparedness, and competency in managing anaphylactic reactions to LAs.
Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to February 2022.
Setting: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries.
Materials and Methods: Board-certified dentists answered a survey comprising 26 structured questions. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were performed in Stata 17.0.
Interventions: None.
Results: Of 507 respondents, lidocaine was the most frequently used LA (88.1%). While 85.2% could identify dyspnea as a symptom of anaphylaxis, only 50.1% knew the correct route for epinephrine administration, and just 43.5% had epinephrine in their emergency kits. Confidence in managing anaphylactic reactions was low (9.6%). Older age was inversely related to both knowledge of anaphylaxis management and the possession of epinephrine (P=0.003 and P=0.0001, respectively).
Discussion: Our study highlights a concerning discrepancy between the practical readiness of Latin American dentists in handling anaphylaxis.
Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the need for educational interventions to improve the readiness to identify and handle anaphylactic emergencies in dental practice.
Experimental and integrated computational study on CCUS technology utilizing desalinated brine.
Authors: Park Jinwon , Choi Won Yong , Jang Kyumin , Lee Sungsoo , Kim Eunsil , Moulay Ikram , Myung Jiwon , Oh Seojin , Yoo Yunsung , Kang Dongwoo , Gaur Ankur , Cho Jae Hyun , Lee Sang-Yup , Lee Dongwook
Published: January 2024

In response to the pressing need to combat global climate change, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology has gained prominence in environmental remediation. This study leverages the practicality of CCUS to develop a wet absorption process and mineral carbonation utilizing seawater-based industrial wastewater. The experiments involved the utilization of seawater and the simulation of actual flue gas conditions. The optimal conditions for NaOH production, ion separation, CO2 absorption, and mineral carbonation are determined by analyzing parameters, including flow rates, concentrations, and pH levels. The experimental results are complemented by computational studies using an Aspen Plus, which elucidates the process kinetics and predict the performance of the absorption process at the pilot-plant scale. The economic feasibility of the commercial-scale implementation of the seawater-based CO2 utilization process is also evaluated considering both the potential environmental and economic benefits. This study provided valuable insights into a sustainable and economically viable approach for CO2 utilization and NaOH production from seawater.
Evaluation of genomic markers mrkD, pgaC and wcaJ involved in biofilm formation to aid in rapid screening of K. pneumoniae biofilms from endotracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: Ragupathi Naveen Kumar Devanga , Sethuvel Dhiviya Prabaa Muthuirulandi , G Anju , Murugan Dhivya , Baskaran Ashtawarthani , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Monk Peter N. , Karunakaran Esther , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: January 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified as one of the most important opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms are the two main factors involved in the persistence of infections. Conventional detection methods involve culture isolation and identification followed by biofilm assay that takes 48–72 hrs. Timely detection of biofilm-forming resistant pathogens is essential to appropriately treat the infection with the right dose and combinations. The present study focusses on evaluating an RT-PCR panel using mrkD, pgaC and wcaJ genes to screen for biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae from ETA/BAL specimens. The assay accurately identified K. pneumoniae harboring samples with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 ng/µl total RNA. Representative culture-negative-PCR-positive samples were subjected to metagenomics which identified K. pneumoniae reads in these samples confirming the specificity of RT-PCR. mrkD and pgaC acts as K. pneumoniae specific identification, whereas wcaJ act as negative marker for biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae. In addition, RT-PCR results correlated well with the phenotypic biofilm forming assay. This RT-PCR assay is the first of its kind for rapid identification of biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae. The result of this study highlights that the rapid detection of K. pneumoniae biofilms based on the RT-PCR results coupled with clinical conditions would be appropriate to treat emerging infections or to prevent re-infections in the clinical settings.
The efficacy and safety of trans-vaginoscopy cervical polypectomy during pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Luping , Wang Ming , Zhang Shengpeng , Han Dan , Guo Lei , Feng limin
Published: January 2024

Purposes:
To investigate efficacy and safety of cervical polypectomy under vaginoscopy in pregnant women.
Methods
The pregnant patients with cervical polyps were retrospectively included in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 2017 to April 2023. A vaginoscopy technique for cervical polypectomy without a speculum, cervical forceps, and anesthesia was applied for group A, and conservative management was used for group B. The rate of spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), the timing and mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.
Results
90 pregnant patients with cervical polyps who underwent cervical polypectomy were included into group A (n = 48) and patients without operation were assigned to group B (n = 42). At baseline, the rate of vaginal bleeding pre-operation, the length and width of the cervical polyp were higher in group A than in group B. The median interval from vaginal bleeding to polypectomy was 3.5 weeks and the median time of polypectomy was performed at gestational week 19 in group A. There was no difference on the incidence of spontaneous abortion in two groups (4.2% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000). However, a significantly lower frequency of preterm birth (4.2% vs. 21.4%, p = .030) and PROM (18.8% vs. 45.2%, p = .025) were observed in group A than in group B. There was no difference in the timing, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes in both groups.
Conclusions
The cervical polypectomy under vaginoscopy reduced the risk of preterm delivery and PROM in pregnant women with symptomatic cervical polyps.
One-pot microfluidic fabrication of micro ceramic particles
Authors: Cho Nam-Joon , Zhou Chenchen , Liang Shuaishuai , Qi Bin , Liu Chenxu
Published: January 2024

In the quest for miniaturization across technical disciplines, microscale ceramic blocks emerge as pivotal components, with performance critically dependent on precise scales and intricate shapes. Sharp-edged ceramic microparticles, applied from micromachining to microelectronics, require innovative fabrication techniques for high-throughput production while maintaining structural complexity and mechanical integrity. This research unveils a revolutionary "one-pot microfluidic fabrication" technique, blending two innovative device fabrication strategies, "groove & tongue" and sliding assembling. This approach yields a remarkable variety of microparticles, each intricately shaped and precisely crafted, significantly surpassing traditional methods in both production speed and quality. Optimally designed sintering profiles enhance microparticles’ shape retention and structural strength. Extensive compression and scratch tests validate the superiority of microparticles, suggesting their practicability for diverse applications, such as precise micromachining, sophisticated microrobotics and delicate microsurgical tools. This advancement marks a paradigm shift in microscale manufacturing, offering a scalable solution to meet the demanding specifications of miniaturized technology components.
Genome-wide Mendelian randomization and multi-omics integration identify drug targets for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Guo Hehua , Nie Yalan , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan , Sun Yalu
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Despite the intricate and varied range of symptoms, there are now no recognized effective therapeutic methods. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a commonly employed method for repurposing existing licensed medications and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Hence, our objective was to discover new treatment targets for IBS and investigate their pathophysiological mechanisms and potential adverse consequences.
Methods
A two-sample MR analysis was conducted to determine the causal impact of druggable genes on IBS by merging data from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Afterward, the colocalization analysis was conducted to identify possible druggable genes associated with the extent of treatment response in IBS patients. Furthermore, the phenome-wide MR approach was utilized to evaluate the potential detrimental impacts of pharmacogenes in treating IBS. In addition, the study conducted multi-omics integration analyses to explore potential pathogenic mechanisms of the druggable genes for IBS.
Results
56 potential druggable genes for IBS were discovered by combining IBS GWAS and druggable eQTL data. Following the completion of the colocalization investigation, a total of 8 putative druggable genes for IBS were ultimately discovered. Except for NEU1's association with the quantity of LAMP1, CEACAM6, and DPP4 proteins, further phenome-wide MR analysis revealed that the prospective druggable genes for IBS did not exhibit any potential adverse effects. Eight putative druggable genes for IBS were found to influence IBS from several different angles, including gastrointestinal metabolites, microbiota, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusions
The study employed the MR analysis to identify putative druggable genes for IBS. These discoveries not only offer a new theoretical basis for current approaches but also have the potential to facilitate the creation of more precise treatments and innovative drugs for IBS.
Benthos meets plankton: Isopods sampled in the Japan Trench by means of plankton nets fixed to large bottom trawls
Authors: Brandt Angelika , Bergmeier Franziska , Casaubon Anchita , Kano Yasunori , Kelch Andreas , Knauber Henry , Okamoto Kai , Ohta Mizuki , Shiraki Shoki , Yamamoto Daiki , Kojima Shigeaki
Published: January 2024

During the expedition KH-23-5 with RV Hakuho Maru to the Kuril-Kamchatka (KKT) and Japan Trenches (JT) in September 2023, bottom trawls were deployed with plankton nets and yielded a high number of supra- and epibenthic benthic organisms, especially a high number of isopod crustaceans (Peracarida, Malacostraca). In total, we sampled 2,634 specimens of Isopoda from at least 14 families and the suborder Epicaridea at 28 stations. Five families occurred with more than 100 specimens, these were the Munnopsidae with the highest number of specimens (1,122 individuals), followed by Haploniscidae with 564, Macrostylidae with 430, Ischnomesidae with 245, and Desmosomatidae with 168 individuals. Station C8 yielded the highest number of individuals (488) and at station F11 only a single isopod was sampled. Our data document the efficiency of these additional plankton nets and we recommend to deploy bottom trawls with plankton nets in future more frequently.
Allelopathic and autotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Codonopsis pilosula root secretions.
Authors: wang xue , Qiu Daiyu , Li Qian , Ren Fengying , jiang kan
Published: January 2024

Aims
Water-soluble components in root exudates of C. pilosula are auto-toxic and allelopathic, severely limiting its growth. To effectively alleviate limitations to continuous cropping of C. pilosula.
Methods
C. pilosula seedlings were cultured by hydroponics and aqueous leachate were collected. The growth indexs and enzyme activity of C. pilosula seedlings were measured under the treatment of aqueous extracts of C. pilosula root exudates. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to qualitatively identify the chemical constituents in an aqueous solution of root secretion of C. pilosula at a concentration of 125 mg/mL.
Results
The inhibitory effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity, gradually increased with the increase in concentration of the aqueous extracts of C. pilosula root exudates. The auto-toxic comprehensive effect of the aqueous extracts of root exudates of C. pilosula were strongest at 50 mL concentration and during the reproductive period, reducing SOD and POD activity, and MDA content of C. pilosula seedlings by 72.3, 71.7, and 83.3% (P < 0.05) compared to the control. Three major allelopathic components, acetic acid, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane, and methoxybenzene oxime were isolated and identified in the aqueous extract of root exudates of C. pilosula. Acetic acid had the highest relative content, accounting for 44.1% of all chemical components.
Conclusions
The aqueous extracts of root exudates of C. pilosula had a significant auto-toxic effect on seed germination and seedling growth of C. pilosula, with the strongest such effect during the reproductive period of C. pilosula, and low molecular weight organic acids were the main allelopathic components.
Host protein ARF1 is a proviral factor for SARS-CoV-2 and a candidate broad-spectrum therapeutic target
Authors: Ning Yun-Jia , Zhang Cunhuan , Min Yuan-Qin , Xue Heng , Liu Kunpeng , Tian Yichao , Yang Ziying , Zhao Zihan , Yang Hang , Shan Chao , Sun Xiulian
Published: January 2024

SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants pose continuing threats to public health, necessitating further research into detailed infection mechanisms and broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. SARS-CoV-2 assembles at the ER–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), where the viral membrane (M) protein highly accumulates to act as the central driver of the viral morphogenesis. However, which host factors are involved in the ERGIC accumulation of M and whether they could be exploited as broad-spectrum antiviral targets remain unclear. Here, we identified an M-interacting host protein ARF1 as a proviral factor that bolsters the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in cultured cells and the viral infection and pathogenicity in K18-hACE2 mice. Mechanistically, by interacting with M, ARF1 facilitates M accumulation to the ERGIC and thus M-driven virion production. Consistently, pharmacological ARF1 inhibition by small molecules disrupted ARF1 and M concentration at the ERGIC, blocking virion assembly and propagation. Furthermore, a designed peptide mimicking the M-targeted motif of ARF1 competitively blocked the M-ARF1 interaction, M accumulation at the ERGIC, M-driven virion assembly, and SARS-CoV-2 and its variants’ propagation in vitro. Moreover, the peptidomimetic inhibitor exhibited a therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenicity in vivo. These findings provide critical insights into the basic biology of SARS-CoV-2 propagation and show the potential to develop pan-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies by targeting ARF1 and/or the ARF1-M interaction interface.
DAB2IP inhibits glucose uptake by modulating HIF-1a ubiquitination under hypoxia in breast cancer
Authors: Shen Jie , Dong Hongliang , Jia Weiyi , Meng Weijian , Zhang Rui , Qi Zhihong , Chen Zhuo , Xie Sophia , Min Jiang , Liu Liang
Published: January 2024

Metabolic reprogramming becomes more and more important in tumor biology. Among various metabolic type, glucose metabolism represents as the major energy source and is often dysregulated in breast cancer. DAB2IP is widely reported to be a tumor suppressor and act as a scaffold protein to suppress tumor malignancy in breast cancer. Interesting, DAB2IP was also found to be a potential regulator in glucose uptake, however, the concrete mechanism is still not delineated. In this present research, we found DAB2IP could inhibited glucose uptake under hypoxia condition in breast cancer cells through suppressing HIF-1a signals. Mechanically, DAB2IP could interact with E3 ubiquitin ligase, STUB1, via its PER domain, thus triggering STUB1 mediated HIF-1a ubiquitylation and degradation, and finally inhibit glucose metabolism and tumor progression. Deleting PER domain could abrogate DAB2IP-related inhibitory effect of glucose uptake, intracellular ATP production and lactic acid production in breast cancer. These findings exhibit the biological role of DAB2IP in cancer-related glucose metabolism, and unveils a novel mechanism of DAB2IP in regulating STUB1-driven HIF-1a ubiquitylated degradation in breast cancer.
Comparative analysis of data preprocessing methods and machine learning models for geographical origin prediction in an imbalanced Panax notoginseng dataset using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng XueFeng , Buhari Abudhahir , Liu Juan
Published: January 2024

This study explores the application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and machine learning to accurately determine the geographical origin of Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng), a critical component in traditional Chinese medicine. Given the complexity of P. notoginseng geographical origin identification, especially in the face of imbalanced datasets, the study systematically evaluates a range of data preprocessing methods, including autocorrelation, data standardization, Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC), Standard Normal Variate (SNV), Savitzky-Golay (S-G) smoothing, first-order derivative (1D), second-order derivative (2D), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Furthermore, it assesses various machine learning models such as Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Regression (LR), and neural networks in this context. First by assembling and preparing a substantial dataset of NIRS of P. notoginseng from different geographical locations. The dataset's imbalance, reflective of real-world scenarios, necessitates specialized data handling strategies. The study meticulously applies each preprocessing technique to this dataset, followed by the deployment of different machine learning models. This dual approach allows for an in-depth comparison of how each combination influences the accuracy of geographical origin prediction. Findings of the study reveal that specific combinations of data preprocessing methods and machine learning models yield substantial improvements in predicting the geographical origin of P. notoginseng. These combinations are pivotal in addressing the imbalances inherent in the dataset, thereby enhancing the reliability of the predictions. The research contributes significantly to the field by not only providing a solution to the problem of geographical origin prediction in imbalanced datasets but also by laying down a methodological framework that can be adapted for similar challenges in the broader area of herbal medicine research. This study serves as a cornerstone in the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine and modern scientific methods, offering a robust, data-driven approach to ensuring the authenticity and quality of vital medicinal herbs like P. notoginseng. Its implications extend beyond this specific application, providing insights and methodologies that could revolutionize quality control and authentication processes in herbal medicine globally.
Numerical simulation of flow around the legs during walking in water with implications for hydrotherapeutic exercise
Authors: Patel Umang , Sup Frank , Modarres-Sadeghi Yahya
Published: January 2024

One of the common hydrotherapeutic exercises is walking in water because buoyancy reduces joint loading and increases mobility for a patient. The fluid drag forces (the forces that act on the person from the fluid in the direction opposing the direction of motion) cause changes in muscleactivations, as walking in water changes the forces that act on the leg compared with overground walking. Here, through a series of numerical simulations, we quantify how the flow forces that act on the leg due to its motion in water change over a walking gait cycle. We show that besides drag forces that act on the walking legs and peak when the leg is accelerated forward, relatively large lateral forces (in the direction perpendicular to the direction of motion) also act on the leg. Theseforces are caused by the rapid acceleration of the opposite leg when the two legs are close, creating an asymmetric pressure distribution around the leg. These results are unexpected and could have significant implications for designing hydrotherapeutic plans for patients by considering the lateral forces besides the drag forces that act on the body while walking in water.
Active optical phased array integrated within a micro-cantilever
Authors: Fowler Daivid , Guerber Sylvain , Mollard Laurent , Dieppedale Christel , Rhun Gwenael Le , Hamelin Antoine , Faugier-Tovar Jonathan , Abdoul-Carime Kim
Published: January 2024

Using wafer level fabrication techniques, we combine silicon photonics and MEMS technologies to demonstrate the integration of an active photonic beam-steering circuit into a piezoelectric actuated micro cantilever. An optical phased array (OPA), operating at a wavelength of 905nm, provides output beam scanning over a range of 17° in one dimension, while the inclination of the entire circuit and consequently the angle of the output beam in a second dimension can be independently modified over a range of up to 40° via the piezoelectric actuator. This combination of existing commercial silicon technologies can provide continuous, low-divergence, solid-state beam scanning for sensing applications, while avoiding the disadvantages associated with the use of a widely tunable source laser.
Automatic classification of retinal detachment using a deep transfer learning algorithm based on multimodal fundus images: a multicenter study
Authors: Gan Fan , Wan Qi , Fan Huimin , Chen Wanyun , Qin Weiguo , Li Xiaonan , Liu Teng , Cao Jian , Liu kangcheng , You Zhipeng
Published: January 2024

Background
Early diagnosis and accurate classification are pivotal for realizing precision medicine and personalized treatment in managing retinal detachment. In this study, we devised a multi-modal diagnostic system that leverages B-scan, OCT, and UWF imaging technologies to achieve a precise classification of retinal detachment.
Methods
From May 2020 to April 2023, we collected UWF, B-scan, and OCT images for each patient. An automatic model was developed to segment retinal detachment lesions on the UWF images. These images were then input into five transfer learning models for feature extraction. Using PCA, we reduced the dimensionality of the features from each model. Next, we sequentially fused the model features and modality features to create multi-modality feature subsets. Through Spearman correlation and lasso regression, we identified key features. Based on these key features, we developed five machine learning models and selected the top-performing one as our primary multi-modality model. This optimal algorithm was also used to construct single-modality models for B-scan, OCT, and UWF images. Lastly, we compared the performance of the multi-modality and single-modality models on various validation sets.
Results
The multi-modality model exhibited better performance than the best single-modality model (UWF model), showing improvements of 6.79% and 0.04 in accuracy and AUC on the internal validation set (90.3%, 0.96), and 6.54% and 0.03 on the external validation set (83.0%, 0.94) respectively.
Conclusion
We developed a multi-modal deep transfer learning model using UWF, B-scan, and OCT images and achieved excellent performance. This model could serve as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice, assisting ophthalmologists in the initial classification of retinal detachment cases.
Exposure to Gulf war illness-related chemicals exacerbates alcohol- induced liver damage in rodents
Authors: Petrescu Anca , Venter Julie , Danilenko Daria D , Medina Daniela , Grant Stephanie , An Su Yeon , Williams Elaina , Mireles Patrick , Tjahja Matthew , DeMorrow Sharon
Published: January 2024

Gulf War Illness (GWI) describes a series of symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf war consisting of cognitive, neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Two chemicals associated with GWI are the insecticide permethrin (PER) and the nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine-bromide (PB). In this study we assessed the effects of PER and PB exposure on pathology and subsequent alcohol (EtOH)-induced liver injury, and the influence of a macrophage depletor, PLX3397, on EtOH-induced liver damage in PER/PB- treated mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected daily with vehicle or PER/PB for 10 days, followed by 4 months recovery, then treatment with PLX3397 and a chronic-plus-single-binge EtOH challenge for 10 days. PER/PB exposure resulted in the protracted increase in liver transaminases in the serum and induced chronic low-level microvesicular steatosis and inflammation in GWI vs Naïve mice up to 4 months after cessation of exposure. Furthermore, prior exposure to PER/PB also resulted in exacerbated response to EtOH-induced liver injury, with enhanced steatosis, ductular reaction and fibrosis. The enhanced EtOH-induced liver damage in GWI-mice was attenuated by strategies designed to deplete macrophages in the liver. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to GWI-related chemicals may alter the liver’s response to subsequent ethanol exposure.
Sweet corn association panel and genome-wide association analysis reveal loci for chilling-tolerant germination
Authors: Wu Zhenxing , Wang Tingzhen , Chen Jianjian , Zhang Yun , Lv Guihua
Published: January 2024

Sweet corn is highly susceptible to the deleterious effects of low temperatures during the initial stages of growth and development. Employing a 56k chip, high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing was conducted on 100 sweet corn inbred lines. Subsequently, six germination indicators—germination rate, germination index, germination time, relative germination rate, relative germination index, and relative germination time—were utilized for genome-wide association analysis. Candidate genes were identified via comparative analysis of homologous genes in Arabidopsis and rice, and their functions were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The findings revealed 38,613 high-quality SNPs, with 16 significantly correlated SNPs. Within 50 kb upstream and downstream of the identified SNPs, 46 associated genes were identified, of which six were confirmed as candidate genes. Their expression patterns indicated that ZM11ΒHSDL5 and ZM2OGO likely play negative and positive regulatory roles, respectively, in the low-temperature germination of sweet corn. Thus, we determined that these two genes are responsible for regulating the low-temperature germination of sweet corn. This study contributes valuable theoretical support for improving sweet corn breeding and may aid in the creation of specific germplasm resources geared towards enhancing low-temperature tolerance in sweet corn.
Low-Entropy-Penalty Synthesis of Giant Macrocycles for Good Self-Assembly and Emission Enhancement
Authors: Li Chunju , Sun Xiao-Na , Liu Ao , Xu Kaidi , Zheng Zhe , Xu Kai , Dong Ming , Li Jian , Zhang Zhi-Yuan
Published: January 2024

Macrocycles are key tools for molecular recognition and self-assembly. However, traditionally prevalent macrocyclic compounds exhibit specific cavities with diameters usually less than 1 nm, limiting their range of applications in supramolecular chemistry. The efficient synthesis of giant macrocycles remains a significant challenge because an increase in the monomer number results in cyclization-entropy loss. In this study, we developed a low-entropy-penalty synthesis strategy for producing giant macrocycles in high yields. In this process, long and rigid monomers possessing two reaction modules were condensed with paraformaldehyde via Friedel–Crafts reaction. A series of giant macrocycles with cavities of sizes ranging from 2.0 nm to 4.7 nm were successfully synthesized with cyclization yields of up to 72%. Experimental results and theoretical calculations revealed that extending the monomer length rather than increasing the monomer numbers could notably reduce the cyclization-entropy penalty and avoid configuration twists, thereby favoring the formation of giant macrocycles with large cavities. Significantly, the excellent self-assembly capacity of these giant macrocycles promoted their assembly into organogels in various solvents. The obtained xerogels exhibited enhanced photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of up to 83.1%. Mechanism investigation revealed that the excellent assembly capacity originated from the abundant π–π interactions sites of the giant macrocycles. The outstanding emission enhancement resulted from the restricted nonradiative decay processes of rotation/vibration and improved radiative decay process of fluorescence. This study provides an effective and general method for achieving giant macrocycles, thereby expanding the supramolecular toolbox for host–guest chemistry and assembly applications. Moreover, the intriguingly assembly and photophysical properties demonstrate the feasibility of developing novel and unique properties by expanding the macrocycle size.
Effects of Electronic Sports on the Cognitive Skills of Attention, Working Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Imanian Maryam , Khatibi Amin , Heydarinejad Sedighe , Saemi Esmaeel , Veisia Esmaeil
Published: January 2024

Increasing popularity of electronic sports (esports) prompted the authors of this paper to explore the effects of esports in the cognitive skills of attention, working memory, and cognitive skills among gamers. A total of 40 undergraduate physical education students with no history of playing esports participated in this study. The students were randomly assigned to two groups, namely Singe Players and CO-Players. The two groups played the esport FIFA in single player and co-player modes for a period of eight weeks. Stroop task was used to assess changes in attention while working memory was assessed through N-back task and cognitive flexibility was explored using Wisconsin card test. In addition, paired sample t-test was used to evaluate changes in both single-players and co-players while potential variations between the two groups were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The findings suggested that FIFA can improve attention and working memory in both single-player and co-player groups. However, cognitive flexibility was only improved for the co-player group. These findings show that esports can improve a number of cognitive skills such as attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility and that these techniques can be used towards different goals including learning and instruction.
Relationship between plasma atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and Klotho protein: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Chunwei , Chen Chengwen , Wang Liudi , Chen Lingyao , Wang Suwen , Yuan Xiang , Bao Wei , Gong Haibin
Published: January 2024

Background: The plasma atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is an indicator that measures the degree of lipid abnormalities and the risk of atherosclerosis, while Klotho protein is a protein with anti-aging biological functions. However, the relationship between these two factors has not been studied.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and serum anti-aging protein Klotho in the US population.
Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016. The AIP index was calculated using TG and HDL-C, and the concentration of Klotho protein was measured using an ELISA kit. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, a multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the relationship between AIP and Klotho protein. Additionally, smooth curve fitting and segmented regression models were applied to test threshold effects and calculate inflection points.
Results: The study included 6,155 eligible adults with a mean age of 57.37 ± 10.75 years, of which approximately 48.22% were male. The results of multivariable linear regression showed that after adjusting for potential confounders, AIP was independently negatively associated with Klotho protein (β = -77.91, 95% CI (-131.61, -24.20)), which was consistent with the results when AIP (quartiles) was treated as a categorical variable (p trend = 0.0048). A non-linear relationship was observed between AIP and Klotho protein, with an inflection point at 0.02. On the left side of the inflection point (AIP ≤ 0.02), for every unit increase in AIP, the level of Klotho protein decreased by 200. On the right side of the inflection point (AIP > 0.02), this relationship was not observed. Subgroup analyses showed a stronger association between AIP and Klotho protein levels in females and non-drinkers, with values of -170.31 (-255.62, -94.99) and -306.24 (-520.18, -92.30) respectively.
Conclusion: A non-linear relationship exists between AIP and Klotho protein. When AIP is less than 0.02, there is a negative correlation between AIP and Klotho.
FungiRegEx: A tool for patterns identification in Fungal Proteomic sequences using regular expressions
Authors: Terron-Macias Victor , Mejía-Miranda Jezreel , Canseco-Pérez Miguel , Muñoz-Mata Mirna , Terron-Hernández Miguel
Published: January 2024

In the context of genome-scale research, it is imperative to automatically analyze numerous species and sub-species to discern distinctive features present in multiple proteomes that contain specific sequences of interest since they provide specific properties. Complex sequences must be recognized within an organism’s complete set of proteomes to accomplish this. This study introduces FungiRegEx, a user-friendly software for automatic genome-scale proteome analysis of fungi organisms, addressing the limitations of existing tools. FungiRegEx utilizes real-time data retrieval of the different species from the JGI Mycocosm database without downloading any files. With a user-friendly GUI, the tool offers efficient regular expression searches across 2,402 fungal species from the JGI Mycocosm portal. Validation with the sequence AXSXG or effector RXRL demonstrates FungiRegEx’s effectiveness in identifying user-defined patterns in the retrieved sequences. FungiRegEx accelerates result retrieval compared to manual processes, providing a console-free and programming-free experience; this tool allows customization, result filtering, and the possibility of saving the results for future research. FungiRegEx offers a promising solution for researchers exploring specific sequences in the fungal proteomes. It combines speed, adaptability, and ease of use, displaying the results in a GUI and making it easy to read. Its architecture ensures optimized resource usage and deployment flexibility, allowing the customization of specific software parameters. The tool’s potential for future research and exploration is emphasized, providing a nuanced perspective on its practical use within the fungal genomics community.
Neutralizing and decoupling the effects of lithium medication
Authors: Ahmed Irfan , Khan Muhammad Shehzad , Magsi Hina , Rizvi Syed Maaz Ahmed , Aziz Tariq , Lashari Najeeb ur Rehman , Ali Zulfiqar , Zhang Yanpeng , Alda Martin , Bergink Veerle , Lau Condon
Published: January 2024

Lithium-induced hypothyroidism in the neonate is a growing concern for lactating mothers. Maternal hypothyroidism in the postpartum period could lead to hypothyroidism in the infant via maternal compromised thyroid hormones (likely T4) in breast milk, and lithium in breast milk could have a direct effect on the neonatal thyroid axis. We have investigated lactating dams and pups, lithium-treated, with and without iodine supplement and control dams. We employed Enzym-linked immunosorbent assay and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to assess hormone profiles and intrathyroidal iodine content. The mechanism for supplemented iodine uptake in the presence of lithium is hypothesized by change in membrane potential across the blood vessel and follicular cell(lactocyte) caused by variation in the gradient concentration of negative iodide ion, positive lithium, sodium, and potassium ions. Interestingly, lithium administered directly to pups from control mothers (average dose 900 mg/50kg/24 hours), did not affect their weight, thyroid hormones, blood urea, and intrathyroidal iodine content despite traces of lithium found in their blood and thyroid. The iodine pathway in presence of lithium content in both thyroid follicular cell and lactocyte has been regulated by gradient concentration of negative (iodide) and positive ions (lithium, potassium, and sodium). The results also demonstrate that lithium administration in lactating dams alters thyroid hormones (T4) and blood urea in both dams and pups, which could be reversed by iodine supplement. In future, supplementing iodine may be potentially useful in clinical practices to address the neonate concerns of lactating mothers and their infants either caused by prolonged lithium medication or maternal iodine deficiency.
Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a novel biomarker for intra- amniotic infection in obstetrics: a pilot trial
Authors: Zeiner Sebastian , Wohlrab Peter , Rosicky Ingo , Schukro Regina Patricia , Klein Klaus Ulrich , Wojta Johann , Speidl Walter , Kiss Herbert , Muin Dana
Published: January 2024

Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a rare but serious condition with potential complications such as preterm labor and intrauterine fetal death. Diagnosing IAI is challenging due to varied clinical signs. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been hypothesized to evolve around IAI. This study focused on measuring circulating mtDNA levels, a proposed biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction, in maternal serum and placenta of women with confirmed IAI and healthy controls. 12 women with confirmed IAI (IAI group) were enrolled following premature preterm rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and compared to 21 healthy women (control group). Maternal blood from the placenta was obtained two weeks pre-partum, peripartum, and postpartum. In the IAI group, maternal blood was taken once weekly until delivery. Circulating cell-free mtDNA was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Upon admission, in the IAI group, mean mtDNA levels were 735.8 fg/µl compared to 134.0 fg/ul in the control group (p < 0.05). After delivery, in the IAI group, mean mtDNA levels in the placenta were 3010 fg/µl versus 652.4 fg/ul (p < 0.05). Circulating cell-free mtDNA could serve as a valuable biomarker for IAI prediction and diagnosis. Future research should establish reference values for sensitivity in predicting IAI.
Evaluating the Effects of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. Extracts, Individually and in Combination, on Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Gene Expression Related to Growth, Digestion, Antioxidant, and Immune Responses in Rainbow Trout
Authors: KARATAŞ Boran
Published: January 2024

Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry requires nutritionally well-balanced and sustainable feed alternatives. Microalgae such as Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. have attracted attention for their potential usability in fish culture due to their growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of these microalgae extracts on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and gene expression related to growth, digestion, antioxidant, and immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout, each weighing an average of 8.92 ± 0.04 g, were randomly allocated into 12 fiberglass tanks, with 15 fish per tank. The study comprised four treatments, including a control group (K) and experimental groups fed with 0.5% Chlorella sp. (CH), 0.5% Schizochytrium sp. (SC), and a combination of 0.25% Chlorella sp. + 0.25% Schizochytrium sp. (CH + SC) for 60 days. The results indicated that individual inclusion of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts up to 0.5% in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance and feed utilization. However, the combination of both microalgal extracts at the 0.5% level demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters. Notably, the expression level of the growth hormone (GH-I) gene was higher in the CH + SC and SC groups compared to the control group, indicating a potential impact on growth-related mechanisms. Regarding body composition, there were no significant differences in moisture, lipid, and ash among groups. However, fish fed the mixed treatment-supported diet exhibited high crude protein. Additionally, the expression of genes inducing digestive enzymes significantly increased in fish fed the mixed diet, suggesting enhanced digestive activity. Furthermore, the study revealed significant increases in the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT, GPx) in all experimental groups compared to the control group, indicating an improvement in antioxidant status. Immunological assessments demonstrated significant differences in the expression of immune-related genes among treatments. Adding algal extracts to the diet positively affected the expression of immune-related genes, such as LYZII, TNF-α, and IL-1β, suggesting enhanced immune responses. This work demonstrated a mixed diet containing Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts positively influenced the growth performance of rainbow trout while enhancing digestive activity, immune responses, and antioxidant status. These findings support a combination of 0.25% Chlorella sp. and 0.25% Schizochytrium sp. in supplementary feed for rainbow trout in aquaculture practices. This research contributes valuable insights toward developing optimized aquafeeds for the aquaculture industry.
A Novel Method for Extraction of High Purity and High Production Phytophthora sojae Oospores
Authors: Chu Xiaomeng , Yin Ziyi , Yue Pengjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Yue , Sun JiaYi , Kong ZiYing , Ren Jian , Liu XiaoHan , Lu ChongChong , Zhao Haipeng , Li Yang , Ding Xinhua
Published: January 2024

Background:
Phytophthora sojae, a soilborne oomycete pathogen, has been a yield limiting factor for more than 60 years on soybean. The resurgence of P. sojae（Phytophthora sojae）is primarily ascribed to the durable oospores found in soil and remnants of the disease. P. sojae is capable of infesting at any growth periods of the soybean, and the succeed infestation of P. sojae is predominantly attributed to long-lived oospores present in soil. Comprehending the molecular mechanisms that drive oospore formation and their significance in infestation is vital for effectively managing the varied diseases it causes. However, the existing challenges in isolating and extracting significant quantities of oospores pose limitations in investigating the sexual reproductive stages of P. sojae.
Results:
This study focused on optimizing and refining the culture conditions and extraction process of P. sojae, leading to the establishment of an efficient and dependable method for extracting this organism. Optimized novel approachyielded greater quantitiesof high-purity P. sojae than traditional methods. Fortunately, the viability of newly approached oospores did not differ significantly from that of the traditional one, as much the same survival and germination rates of new oospores were detected in deficiency obstructs project implementation (MTT) and plate coating assays. Moreover, in potting experiments, no drastically difference in the pathogenicity of oospores was conducted between the novel and traditional method.
Conclusion:
Consequently, the proposed method for extracting P. sojae oospores efficiently yields a substantial quantity of highly pure, viable, and pathogenic oospores. The enhancements in oospore extraction techniqueswill promote the research on the sexual reproductive mechanisms of P. sojaeand lead to the creation of innovative and effective approaches for managing oomycete diseases.
Clinical analysis of submandibular triangle masses in the past 10 years
Authors: Huang Donghai , Wu Yu , He Zhiying
Published: January 2024

Objectives
Lack of retrospective studies on submandibular triangle masses with large Chinese sample.
Methods
Basic demographic informations, history, physical examination, imaging data and histopathological results of 608 patients who underwent surgery in submandibular triangle in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2009 to June 2019 were collected. Statistical analysis were performed. Differences between malignant and benign masses were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results
405 males and 203 females were included. The average age was 43.17 ± 19.6 years old (range from 1–80). Congenital masses, inflammatory masses and tumors accounted for 2.6%, 63.5%, 33.9%, respectively. Benign tumors ,borderline tumors ,malignant tumors accounted for 48.4%, 1.6%, 50.0%, respectively. Pleomorphic adenoma and lymphoma were the most common benignancy and malignancy. Metastatic tumors were mostly originated from the head and neck cancers. Univariate analysis showed that there were significantly differences in gender, age, smoking, drinking, chewing betel nut, characteristics of the masses (pain, mobility, texture), and cervical lymph nodes. Multivariate analysis showed that age, drinking and chewing betel nut were high risk factors for malignancy.
Conclusion
Comprehensive analysis of the clinical parameters was helpful for preopreative diagnosis of submandibular triangle masses.