bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of Alternative TrkA Splicing identifies TrkAIII as a novel potentially targetable participant in PitNET progression.Type of the Paper (Article)
Authors: Sbaffone Maddalena , Jaffrain-Rea Marie-Lise , Cappabianca Lucia , Carbonara Francesca , Gianno Francesca , Feola Tiziana , Ruggieri Marianna , Zelli Veronica , Maccarone Rita , Guadagni Stefano , Clementi Marco , Arcella Antonietta , Esposito Vincenzo , Carozza Giulia , Martelli Ilaria , Farina Antonietta Rosella , Mackay Andrew Reay
Published: January 2024

PitNETs, although typically benign, comprise a small percentage of therapy-resistant aggressive, occasionally metastatic tumors, underpinning a need to identify novel therapeutic targets. PitNETs carry few mutations but associate with conditions that promote alternative splicing as an oncogenic alternative and express the TrkA neurotrophin receptor, which exhibits oncogenic alternative TrkAIII splicing in other tumors. Alternative TrkAIII splicing was assessed by RT-PCR in 53 PitNETs and compared to HIF1a, HIF2a, SF3B1, SRSF2, U2AF1 and JCPyV large T antigen mRNA expression, unconventional Xbp1 splicing, SF3B1 mutation, and TrkA isoform(s) immunoreactivity by confocal immunofluorescence (IF). Alternative TrkAIII mRNA splicing was detected in all invasive PitNET phenotypes, was significantly elevated in invasive compared to non-invasive PIT1 PitNETs, relatively high in invasive and non-invasive SF1 and TPIT PitNETs, and was associated with IF consistent with intracellular TrkAIII activation but not with hotspot SF3B1 mutations, altered SF3B1, SRSF2 and U2AF1 splice factor mRNA expression, JCPyV large T antigen expression or unconventional Xbp1 splicing. A potential role for hypoxia in TrkAIII mRNA splicing was supported by significant elevation of HIF2a mRNA expression in invasive PIT1 PitNETs. These data demonstrate that alternative TrkAIII splicing, potentially promoted by hypoxia, occurs frequently in PitNETs and may associate with IF consistent with intracellular TrkAIII activation, supporting a potential role for TrkAIII in PitNET pathogenesis and progression, identifying TrkAIII as a novel potential target in refractory PitNETs.
Penguatan Kompetensi Literasi dan Numerasi Guru Sekolah Dasar di Kabupaten Pandeglang dan Kota Serang Banten
Authors: Andriana Encep , Yuliana Rina , Yandari Indhira Asih Vivi
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to describe the implementation of strengthening literacy and
numeracy competencies in the city of Serang and Pandeglang district. The
subjects of dedication, namely SDN Banjarwangi and SDN Purut were chosen
as partners because they have the potential for the majority of teachers to
have high motivation and awareness to develop their potential and
professionalism. The method of implementing community service is carried
out through four stages, including 1) Preparation, which is carried out to
prepare for the implementation of community service. 2) Implementation, this
stage is carried out through training/workshop activities for teachers in
selected elementary schools. 3) Assistance, this stage is carried out by forming
a group team and assisting the service participants. and 4) Reporting, this stage
is carried out by the team by compiling a report on the implementation of the
service. The results of this community service activity include
training/workshop activities and mentoring that can provide knowledge and
experience in improving literacy and numeracy professional competence as
well as skills in developing literacy and numeracy-based learning tools suitable
for learning for elementary school students.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF HYDROPONIC MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L.) PRODUCTION AT PT INDIGEN KARYA UNGGUL THROUGH BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
Authors: Arifin Zainal , Ananda Noor Lailya Ma’arifa Putri
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to find the obstacles and threats that hinder the melon production process at PT Indigen Karya Unggul, formulate new strategies based on the advantages and opportunities owned by the company by minimizing the shortcomings and threats that exist, and create a new business model canvas prototype that can be applied by the company in the context of business development. The data collection technique that researchers apply is the interview and observation method accompanied by direct interviews. The type of research chosen is qualitative research. The analysis of the business development strategy that can be applied by the company with the new business model canvas prototype is the addition of human resources to run the existing business lines needs to be done so that existing human resources can be specialized according to the field of work so that the targets of each business line can be realized. In addition, PT Indigen Karya Unggul can use the new business model canvas prototype in carrying out its business activities. Especially in the customer segment block, including by expanding the intended market segment, reaching markets that have not been reached before, and creating attractive and creative marketing content.
The Age, Composition, and Provenances of Terrigenous Rocks in the South of the Sangilen Block of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Kuznetsova L.G. , Dril’ S.I. , Shkol’nik S.I.
Published: January 2024

—We have first determined the petrogeochemical, Sm–Nd isotope, and U–Th–Pb geochronological (detrital-zircon LA-ICP-MS) characteristics of terrigenous rocks from a thick sequence in the south of the Sangilen block, which is part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The rocks are heterogeneous in facies composition: From west to east, there is a transition from graywacke sandstones with an admixture of pyroclastics to much more silicic lithoid arenites. Geochronological data on detrital zircons from the predominant graywacke sandstones mark the following intervals of concordant ages (Ma): 787–907, 1870–2236, 2613–2725, and 2900–2980. With regard to the oldest determined age (early Cambrian, 520 Ma) of the igneous rocks intruding these sandstones, the possible period of accumulation of terrigenous sequences in the south of the Sangilen block is estimated at 790–520 Ma. The obtained geochemical, Sm–Nd isotope, and U–Th–Pb geochronological data point to Neoproterozoic and early Precambrian island arc and continent-marginal complexes as probable provenances for the terrigenous deposits of the “southern band”. The relative proportions of rocks of these complexes in the deposits changed with distance from the sedimentary basin (from west to east, in modern coordinates): The portion of early Neoproterozoic juvenile rocks decreased, and the portion of early Precambrian metamorphic complexes increased. The Paleoproterozoic and Mezoarchean detrital zircons found in the terrigenous rocks of the Sangilen block could not originate from any known Precambrian complexes of the Tuva–Mongolian microcontinent. This gives grounds to regard other craton blocks of the CAOB as their sources.
Praderas algales de Chondracanthus chamissoi en Ica (Perú): Una evaluación de la distribución de su biomasa y su captura de carbono
Authors:   , Cerna Arrué Ariana Paola
Published: January 2024

Las praderas algales pueden contribuir significativamente al secuestro de carbono (C); a pesar de ello, en el Perú existen pocos estudios disponibles sobre sus reservas. Evaluar estos stocks, permite proponer mejores medidas para el uso sostenible de estas praderas manteniendo sus servicios ecosistémicos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo estimar la distribución de la biomasa y cuantificar la captura del carbono capturado en praderas algales de Chondracanthus chamissoi en la playa Laguna Grande (Ica-Perú). Para estimar la biomasa, se delimitó el área que ocupaba cada parche de alga en cada zona de muestreo y se usaron transectos perpendiculares a la costa en parcelas ubicadas al azar. En laboratorio, se midió la biomasa seca (BS) y el contenido de C (esto último utilizando un analizador elemental). Se identificó variación en la distribución y área de cada mes. El mes de setiembre del 2021 presentó la mayor biomasa total (50416.4 kg; 50.4 t) y captura de carbono (13 t C); entre los meses de febrero y junio, no se halló biomasa algal. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la biomasa y almacenamiento de C entre las zonas de muestreo, el tiempo y la interacción entre estas dos variables; la captura de carbono disminuye con la llegada de los meses cálidos y con la extracción más intensiva del alga. Nuestros resultados brindan información valiosa para conocer la distribución de la biomasa y captura de carbono a lo largo del tiempo en el área de estudio, lo que servirá para realizar un proceso de extracción más sostenible.
Design of a high efficiency cross-domain medical image retrieval system using augmented transfer learning
Authors: Ahmed Syed Tanzeem , Zuber Mohd , Jadhav Yogesh , Patel Ashish , Patil Vishal
Published: January 2024

Retrieving medical images from a large inter-domain dataset requires multiple high efficiency processing models. These models include, but are not limited to, image classification, domain specific feature extraction & selection, ranking and post processing. A wide variety of system models have been designed to perform these tasks, but have limited accuracy, and retrieval performance due to improper cross-domain feature processing. In order to improve performance of cross-domain medical image retrieval systems, this text proposes a transfer learning mechanism, that learns from features of one domain, and applies the trained models to other domains. The proposed method uses a combination of VGGNet19, AlexNet, InceptionNet and Xception Net models for ensemble learning, along with wavelet and bag of features (WBoF) for efficient feature extraction. Each of the individual models were applied to different medical domains, and their retrieval accuracies were evaluated. Based on this evaluation, it is observed that VGGNet19 has better performance on computer tomography (CT) images, AlexNet model has better performance on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, InceptionNet model has better performance on positron emission tomography (PET) images, while Xception Net has better retrieval performance for ultrasound (USG) images. Using this observation, a highly efficient augmentation model is designed, which achieves an accuracy of 98.06%, precision of 65.9%, recall of 76.1%, and area under the curve (AUC) performance of 98.9% on different datasets. This performance is compared with a wide variety of medical image datasets including Center for Invivo Microscopy (CIVM), Embrionic and Neonatal Mouse (H&E, MR), LONI image data archive, The Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS), & CT scans for Colon Cancer (CSCC). It was observed that the proposed model outperforms most of the recent state-of-the-art models, and achieves consistent parametric results across multiple domain medical images.
Cognitive performance of grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) during a discrimination learning task: Effect of the emotional valence of stimuli
Authors: Mortessagne Eugénie , Bovet Dalila , Nozières Camille , Pouydebat Emmanuelle , Pifferi Fabien
Published: January 2024

Emotions are omnipresent in many animals’ lives. It is a complex concept that encompasses physiological, subjective, behavioural and cognitive aspects. While the complex relationship between emotion and cognition is well studied in humans, it has yet to be explored in other primate species, such as lemurs. In our study, we evaluated the performance of N=48 grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) in a discrimination learning task using visual emotional stimuli. We tested whether the type of visual stimulus (positive, negative or neutral) influenced the cognitive performance of mouse lemurs. Individuals had to learn to discriminate between two platforms according to the associated visual stimuli and to jump to the target platform (leading to a reward). Our main finding was that emotional stimuli, whether positive or negative in valence, impaired cognitive performance when used as a target. Specifically, the lowest success rate occurred when the target was associated with the emotional stimuli, and the highest success rate occurred when it was associated with neutral stimuli. Our results show a similar pattern to that found in other primate species and support the adaptative role of emotion. This study is the first to explore how emotions interfere with the cognitive abilities of a lemur species. This highlights the importance of acknowledging emotion in mouse lemurs as well as studying the emotion-cognition interaction in a wider range of primate species.
Four classic “de novo” genes all have plausible homologs and likely evolved from retro-duplicated or pseudogenic sequences
Authors: Bozorgmehr Joseph Hannon
Published: January 2024

Despite being previously regarded as extremely unlikely, the idea that entirely novel protein-coding genes can emerge from non-coding sequences has gradually become accepted over the past two decades. Examples of “de novo origination”, resulting in lineage-specific “orphan” genes, lacking orthologs, are now produced every year. However, many are likely cases of duplicates that are difficult to recognize. Here, I re-examine the claims and show that four very well-known examples of genes alleged to have emerged de novo “from scratch” - namely FLJ33706 in humans, Goddard in fruit flies, BSC4 in baker’s yeast and AFGP2 in codfish - all have plausible evolutionary ancestors in pre-existing genes. In the case of the first two, highly diverged retrogenes that code for regulatory proteins may have been misidentified as being orphans. The antifreeze glycoproteins in cod, moreover, are shown to have likely not evolved from repetitive non-genic sequences but, as in other related cases, from an apolipoprotein that may well have been pseudogenized before later being reactivated. These findings detract from various claims made about de novo gene birth and show there has been a tendency not to invest the necessary effort in searching for homologs outside of a very limited syntenic or phylostratigraphic methodology. An approach used here for improving homology detection draws upon similarities, not just in terms of statistical sequence analysis, but also with biochemistry and function, in order to obviate failure.
Effect observation of problem-based learning in obstetric and gynecological clinical nursing teaching
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhu Ruixue
Published: January 2024

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a "problem" centered teaching method, and it is also a critical new way needed in the nursing teaching of obstetrics and gynecology. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effect of problem-based learning (PBL) in clinical nursing teaching of obstetrics and gynecology.
Methods: 90 trainee nursing students of obstetrics and gynecology were randomly divided into control group (n=45, using traditional teaching mode) and PBL group (n=45, using PBL), and the teaching quality and other indicators were compared.
Results: The teaching quality, assessment scores, graduation scores and satisfaction of nursing interns in the PBL group were all higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The application of PBL in obstetrics and gynecology nursing teaching is of great significance.
Additive manufacturing of a 3D-segmented plastic scintillator detector for tracking and calorimetry of elementary particles
Authors: Sgalaberna Davide , Weber Tim , Boyarintsev Andrey , Kose Umut , Li Botao , Sibilieva Tetiana , Berns Siddartha , Boillat Eric , De Roeck Albert , Dieminger Till , Dolan Stephen , Franks Matthew , Grynyov Boris , Hugon Sylvain , Jaeschke Carsten , Rubbia André
Published: January 2024

Plastic-scintillator detectors are among the most common devices used for the detection of elementary particles. They provide good particle identification combined with excellent time resolution, whilst being inexpensive due to the affordability of plastic materials. Particle tracking is achieved by segmenting the scintillator into smaller, independent, optically-isolated voxels.
Enhancing the performance of future particle detectors necessitates larger total volumes, possibly combined with even finer segmentation. However, manufacturing such designs with current production strategies is challenging. These strategies involve a variety of time-consuming and costly fabrication processes, followed by the assembly of millions of individual parts. The difficulty in scaling up such a complex workflow underscores the need for technological advancements, which can be met by additive manufacturing. This method enables the construction of complex, monolithic geometries in a single operation. These geometries consist of fine three-dimensional granular sub-structures and require the integration of multiple types of plastic materials, as well as space to accommodate optical fibers, all within a compact volume of several cubic meters.
This article presents the fabrication and performance evaluation of the first additive manufactured single-block plastic scintillator detector. To achieve this, a new method called Fused Injection Modeling has been specially developed. The detector is capable of three-dimensional tracking of elementary particles and accurately measuring their stopping power. Its performance is comparable to the current state of the art of plastic scintillator detectors.
This work paves the way towards a new feasible, time and cost-effective process for the production of future scintillator detectors, regardless their size and difficulty in geometry.
Environmental pollution as a result of a vacuum deficit in the working areas during asbestos removal work.
Authors: Obmiński Andrzej
Published: January 2024

The paper presents examples of the consequences of the lack of negative pressure in the work zone during asbestos removal. The results obtained for dust concentrations generated during these works in the work zone were relatively low compared to the literature data. This was due to the leakage of barriers restricting the work zone and the 'leakage' of dust. Therefore the asbestos content in the outdoor air in the vicinity of the renovated rooms was increasing. In the discussed cases, those works polluted the outdoor air for up to 15 m. The risk of asbestos dust content in the cleaned building outside the work area also increased. Those places often are not well controlled. Therefore, this may lead to long-term retention of asbestos dust in the facility despite the completion of the process of removing asbestos products from it. For example, non-friable asbestos- cement sheets removal in those work conditions increased contamination up to 3000 f/m3 outside the work zone. In the case of work with friable asbestos in building type “LIPSK”, contamination locally was up 21 000 f/m3. These values are above the average concentration of asbestos fibres in buildings of this type normally used and after works to correct asbestos removal (< 300–400 f/m3). Reported indoor air research results from the work zone in the case of the lack of negative pressure, without documented sampling conditions and contractor working methods, can falsely suggest a high standard of work quality.
An increase of lysosomes through EGF-triggered endocytosis attenuated zinc-mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization and neuronal cell death
Authors: Kim Yang-Hee , Eom Jae-Won , Lee Jin Yeon
Published: January 2024

In the context of acute brain injuries, where zinc neurotoxicity and oxidative stress are acknowledged contributors to neuronal damage, we investigated the pivotal role of lysosomes as a potential protective mechanism. Our research commenced with an exploration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its impact on lysosomal dynamics, particularly its neuroprotective potential against zinc-induced cytotoxicity. Using primary mouse cerebrocortical cultures, we observed the rapid induction of EGFR endocytosis triggered by EGF, resulting in a transient increase in lysosomal vesicles. Furthermore, EGF stimulated lysosomal biogenesis, evident through elevated expression of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) and the induction and activation of prominent lysosomal proteases, particularly cathepsin B (CTSB). This process of EGFR endocytosis was found to promote lysosomal augmentation, thus conferring protection against zinc-induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and subsequent neuronal death. Notably, the neuroprotective effects and lysosomal enhancement induced by EGF were almost completely reversed by the inhibition of clathrin-mediated and caveolin-mediated endocytosis pathways, along with the disruption of retrograde trafficking. Furthermore, tyrosine kinase inhibition of EGFR nullified EGFR endocytosis, resulting in the abrogation of EGF-induced lysosomal upregulation and neuroprotection. An intriguing aspect of our study is the successful replication of EGF’s neuroprotective effects through the overexpression of LAMP-1, which significantly reduced zinc-induced LMP and cell death, demonstrated in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Our research extended beyond zinc-induced neurotoxicity, as we observed EGF’s protective effects against other oxidative stressors linked to intracellular zinc release, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+). Collectively, our findings unveil the intricate interplay between EGF-triggered EGFR endocytosis, lysosomal upregulation, an increase in the regulatory capacity for zinc homeostasis, and the subsequent alleviation of zinc-induced neurotoxicity. These results present promising avenues for therapeutic interventions to enhance neuroprotection by targeting lysosomal augmentation.
The influence mechanism of Real-Time Online Education Platform on Learner User Behavior
Authors: Mei Siyang , She Shengxiang , Liu Xin , Li Feng
Published: January 2024

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has triggered revolutionary changes in the field of education, especially the rise of real-time online education platform. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons of learner users' satisfaction and how to influence the willingness to continue using. Firstly, this paper combines the success model of information systems to construct a model of influencing factors of learner users' satisfaction about real-time online education platforms. Secondly, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 670 learners of China's real-time online education platform, then the structural equation model was used to analyze the main influencing factors of learners' satisfaction and how to influence the willingness to continue using real-time online education platform. The paper found that the professionalism and honesty of teacher quality, the usefulness, abundance, and appropriateness of content quality, as well as the technical and convenient feature of platform quality that predicted learner satisfaction, which has a positive impact on the willingness to continue using. The research provided a series of design strategies and improvement suggestions to improve the learner experience of real-time online education platform.
Women’s influence on adaptation strategies when fisheries change
Authors: Nakamura Katrina , Kuchepatov Julie
Published: January 2024

Women play central roles in fish industries and in adaptation strategies when fisheries change. Yet, the methods and approaches taken by women are not well-clarified or acknowledged with the result that, when fisheries change, fisheries policies and programs can be ill-equipped. We applied a gender lens to adaptation strategies in fisheries by surveying Fishery Improvement Project implementers across the aquatic value chain and comparing changes in fishery governance. Project implementers enumerated 100 fishery roles and described multiple forms of leadership by women fishers, cooperative representatives, harvest agents, primary processors, domestic partners of fishers, community fisher representatives and quality assurance technicians. Projects led by women (self-identified) had stronger scores for fisheries governance with 71% showing positive score increases since the project began as compared to 23% in the reference population. Key factors in successful fisheries adaptation were field data collection and time spent with local stakeholders over changes in the fishery. However, localized initiatives by women that did not fit easily into project templates went unrecognized by funders with the result that field work crucial to successful adaptation was being performed with voluntary labour at unsustainable levels. Investments in social capital and in women’s leadership at all levels of decision-making appear crucial to successful adaptation in fisheries.
Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Osumi Hiroki , Wakatsuki Takeru , Yamamoto Noriko , Taguchi Senzo , Nakayama Izuma , Ooki Akira , Ogura Mariko , Takahari Daisuke , Chin Keisho , Yamaguchi Kensei , Shinozaki Eiji
Published: January 2024

Background
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locoregional anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) in Western countries. However, there have been few reports on the clinical outcomes of CCRT in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of CCRT, prognostic factors, and the clinical impact of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of ASCC in Japan.
Methods
Patients with locoregional ASCC were enrolled between 2007 and 2017. All patients received CCRT consisting of ≥ 45 Gy of radiation, 5-fluorouracil, and mitomycin C. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were estimated. The expression of p16 and PD-L1 was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining (IHC).
Results
This study included 36 patients, of whom 30 (83.3%) were female. Among the participants, 32 (88.9%) achieved complete clinical remission, while six (16.7%) experienced recurrence. The five-year DFS and five-year OS were 72.2% and 84.7%, respectively. Major AEs of grades ≥ 3 included neutropenia in 10 (27.7%) and perianal dermatitis in eight (22.2%). In a univariate analysis, male sex, lymph node metastasis, and large tumor size were significantly associated with worse outcomes. In a multivariate analysis, tumor size was an independent factor related to short DFS. Of the 30 patients whose biopsy specimens were available for IHC, 29 (96.7%) were positive for p16, and 13 (43.3%) were positive for PD-L1. However, PD-L1 expression did not show any clinical impact.
Conclusions
The comparative etiology, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors of CCRT observed in Japanese patients with locoregional ASCC were consistent with Western data.
Molecular cloning and functional analysis of ScHAK10 gene promoter from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Luo Hai-Bin , Huang Cheng-Mei , Cao Hui-Qing , Xu Lin , Wu Kai-Chao , Deng Zhi-Nian , Wu Xing-Jian , Ye Li-Ping , Yi Xiao-Ping , Wei Yuan-Wen
Published: January 2024

Transcriptional regulation of the high-affinity K+ (HAK) transporter gene is an important mechanism of plant response to low potassium stress. Cloning and analysis of the promoter of potassium transporter gene is not only helpful to its expression pattern and regulation mechanism but also important to improve the potassium absorption efficiency in sugarcane. The potassium transporter gene ScHAK10 is highly expressed and induced by low potassium stress in sugarcane，but the functions of its promoter is still unclear. In the present article, the 1918 bp promoter region of the ScHAK10 gene (pScHAK10) was cloned by genomic walking technique. Computational analysis affirmed the existence of abiotic stress-responsive cis and core cis-elements, such as TATA box, CAAT box, phytohormone responsive, stress response and light response motifs. GUS histochemical staining of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings showed that the leaf, corolla, and root tip were deeply stained, and paraffin sections of root tip tissue showed GUS staining in ductal tissue of A. thaliana shallowly stained. The 5′-terminal deletion of the promoter was cloned, and the lengths of 1918 (full), 1623 (Q1), 1332 (Q2), 957 (Q3), 576 (Q4), and 357 bp (Q5) were cloned into the GUS reporter vector for A. thaliana transient transformation. The transgenic plants generated through a single event exhibited a promising expression of the GUS reporter protein, which was treated with salt, low potassium, IAA and cold stress conditions. The results showed that the promoter activity correlates with the promoter fragment's length, and the long promoter fragment exhibits higher training. The Q5 was the least active and could not drive GUS expression. Under abiotic stress, the expression of GUS enzyme activity varies among different promoter fragments. Under low potassium and high salt stress, Q3 and Q4 showed the highest promoter activity. The Q1 and Q4 led the highest promoter activity during IAA and cold stress. These findings help to understand the molecular mechanism of ScHAK10 expression regulation and provide a theoretical basis for improving potassium uptake efficiency and breeding potassium-efficient varieties in sugarcane.
Advancing Public Health through Technological Rehabilitation: Insights from a National Clinician Survey
Authors: Capecci Marianna , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Straudi Sofia , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Baldini Nicolò , Pepa Lucia , Andrenelli Elisa , Smania Nicola , Ceravolo Maria Gabriella , Morone Giovanni , Bonaiuti Donatella
Published: January 2024

Introduction: In the evolving healthcare landscape, technology has emerged as a key component in enhancing system efficiency and offering new avenues for patient rehabilitation. Despite its growing importance, detailed information on technology's specific use, types, and applications in clinical rehabilitation settings, particularly within the Italian framework, remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the use of technology and its needs by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation medical doctors in Italy. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey aimed at 186 Italian clinicians affiliated with the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (SIMFER). The online questionnaire consists of 71 structured questions designed to collect demographic and geographical data of the respondents, as well as detailed insights into the prevalence and range of technologies they use, together with their specific applications in clinical settings." Results: A broad range of technologies, predominantly commercial medical devices, has been documented. These technologies are employed for various conditions, including common neurological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, dementia, and rheumatologic issues. The application of these technologies indicates a broadening scope beyond enhancing sensorimotor functions, addressing both physical and social aspects of patient care. Discussion: In recent years, there's been a notable surge in using technology for rehabilitation across various disorders. The upcoming challenge is to update health policies to integrate these technologies better, aiming to extend their benefits to a wider range of disabling conditions, marking a progressive shift in public health and rehabilitation practices.
Strain-Induced Control of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond: A First-Principles Study on Orientation Regulation
Authors: Zeng Ziquan , Guo Yangyang , Gong Shijing , Wu Botao , li bo
Published: January 2024

This study employs first-principles computational methods to investigate the impact of strain on Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, focusing on the orientation control effects at varying defect concentrations. The influence of tensile strain along the [111] direction during annealing at 1323 K on NV centers is systematically explored. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the proportion of [111]-oriented NV centers (A-type NV centers) under tensile strain, enhancing their stability and relative abundance within the lattice. This effect is attributed to the increased formation energy of A-type NV centers, boosting the strength of sensor signals. Meanwhile, the formation energy of NV centers in other orientations is lowered, thereby intensifying the contrast of A-type NV center signals. Furthermore, we observe that strain modulation is more effective at lower doping concentrations. Achieving ideal orientation control in experiments necessitates precise management of the relative content of nitrogen atoms and vacancies. This research provides valuable insights into accurately manipulating NV center orientation through doping and strain, thereby advancing the development of defect-based quantum information processing and sensing technologies.
Exploring Triglyceride-Glucose Index's Role in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy: A Comprehensive Study of Its Impact on Disease Severity and Prognostic Accuracy
Authors: Shi Xiaopeng , Xu Lijun , Ren Jia , Jing Lijuan , Wei Kaifeng , Qin Lijie
Published: January 2024

Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a complex condition with variable outcomes. This study investigates the potential of the Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as a marker for disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients.
Methods: Our cohort comprised 1578 SAE patients from the MIMIC-IV database, stratified based on TyG index tertiles. We analyzed baseline characteristics, disease severity, and prognostic outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were employed for survival analysis, while Spearman rank correlation and various statistical tests were used to assess correlations between TyG index and clinical outcomes.
Results: The study population's median age was 65.96 years, predominantly male (60.1%). Higher TyG index scores correlated with elevated clinical severity scores (APSIII, LODS, OASIS, SAPSII, and CCI) and increased ICU and hospital stay durations. TyG index categorization revealed significant differences in 90-day survival probabilities, with "high TyG" associated with a 25% increased mortality risk compared to "low TyG". Furthermore, TyG index showed a moderate positive correlation with ICU stay duration and use of norepinephrine and vasopressin, but not with dopamine and epinephrine use.
Conclusions: The TyG index is a significant independent predictor of disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients. High TyG levels correlate with worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality risk, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing SAE.
Reallocating just 10 minutes to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from other components of 24-hour movement behaviors improves cardiovascular health in adults
Authors: Ji Yemeng , Atakan Muhammed , Yan Xu , Wu Jinlong , Kuang Jujiao , Peng Li
Published: January 2024

Background: As components of a 24-hour day, sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and sleep are all independently linked to cardiovascular health (CVH). However, insufficient understanding of components’ mutual exclusion limits the exploration of the associations between all movement behaviors and health outcomes. The aim of this study was to employ compositional data analysis (CoDA) approach to investigate the associations between 24-hour movement behaviors and overall CVH.
Methods: Data from 581 participants, including 230 women, were collected from the 2005-2006 wave of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This dataset included information on the duration of SB and PA, derived from ActiGraph accelerometers, as well as self-reported sleep duration. The assessment of CVH was conducted in accordance with the criteria outlined in Life's Simple 7, encompassing the evaluation of both health behaviors and health factors. Compositional linear regression was utilized to examine the cross-sectional associations of 24-hour movement behaviors and each component with CVH score. Furthermore, the study predicted the potential differences in CVH score that would occur by reallocating 10 to 60 minutes among different movement behaviors.
Results: A significant association was observed between 24-hour movement behaviors and overall CVH (p<0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Substituting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for other components was strongly associated with favorable differences in CVH score (p<0.05), whether in one-for-one reallocations or one-for-remaining reallocations. Allocating time away from MVPA consistently resulted in larger negative differences in CVH score (p<0.05). For instance, replacing 10 minutes of light physical activity (LPA) with MVPA was related to an increase of 0.21 in CVH score (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.11 to 0.31). Conversely, when the same duration of MVPA was replaced with LPA, CVH score decreased by 0.67 (95% CI -0.99 to -0.35). No such significance was discovered for all duration reallocations involving only LPA, SB, and sleep (p>0.05).
Conclusions: MVPA seems to be as a pivotal determinant for enhancing cardiovascular health among general adult population, relative to other movement behaviors. Consequently, optimization of MVPA duration is an essential element in promoting overall health and well-being.
Preparation of Silicon Monoxide by Using Electric Current Assisted Sintering Process
Authors: He Minqi , Zhao Peng , Luo Xiao , Li Jiangjiang
Published: January 2024

This study uses Electric Current AssistedSintering (ECAS) technology to heat a mixture of silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), exploring a new method for preparing silicon monoxide (SiO). The effects of the Si:SiO2 mass ratio, reaction time, and powder size on the preparation of SiO using ECAS heating were investigated and discussed.The generation of SiO vapor was confirmed through the analysis of sample components and their morphology characterization before and after heat treatment. In particular, the study found that the optimal temperature range for condensing SiO vapor in a vacuum environment is 330 to 480°C (Cross-section current density 10.57A/cm2). At a condensation temperature of 480°C, SiO(g) condensate, characterized by a unique red-brown appearance and a spherical microstructure, was successfully obtained, with a Si:O atomic fraction ratio of approximately 1:1. In addition, according to the real-time voltage changes during the reaction, the entire reaction process is divided into four stages. Hope this study can open up new possibilities for the preparation of silicon monoxide at low temperatures.
Association between adverse nutrition status by BMI and increased time-to-pregnancy in planed pregnancy couples: A cohort study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yuxian , Gu Dongling , Xie Yanyuan , Li Bing
Published: January 2024

Background
This study addresses China's low fertility and aging issues by examining the impact of overweight and obesity on fertility. Given inconsistent results in previous research, mostly focused on females, our study targets couples in Guangzhou. We investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Time to Pregnancy (TTP) to provide evidence-based strategies for enhancing reproductive outcomes in China.
Methods
This cohort study, utilizing the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkups Project (NFPCP), employs a Cox regression model to assess the correlation between different BMI categories and TTP. Heatmaps are utilized to investigate the association between various BMI combinations of couples and TTP. Additionally, we use Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) curves to explore the non-linear relationship between male and female BMI and TTP.
Results
The results showed that overweight and obese females (fecundability ratios (FR)0.783, 95%CI 0.644,0.954) and males (FR0.857, 95%CI 0.758,0.970) had longer TTP compared with normal weight, regardless of controlled covariates, while underweight females and males also had longer TTP, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Among all BMI combinations, couples in the overweight and obese groups had the lowest fertility, with a 34% decrease in fertility (TTP) compared to couples in the normal BMI combination (FR0.66; 95% CI 0.50,0.85). After adjusting for all covariates in the RCS model, female BMI surpassing 23.65 and male BMI within the range of 23.4 to 29.4continued to indicate a decrease in fertility (FR less than 1) with statistical significance.
Conclusions:
Elevated BMI, both in females and males, emerges as a significant predictor of prolonged TTP.
Color, Proximate Composition, Bioactive Compounds and Antinutrient Profiling of Rose
Authors: Mallick Sharmila Rani , Hassan Jahidul , Hoque Md. Azizul , Sultana Hasina , Kayesh Emrul , Ahmed Minhaz , Ozaki Yukio , Siddiqui Manzer H.
Published: January 2024

Rose (Rosa sp.) is one of the most important ornamentals which is commercialize for its aesthetic values, essential oils, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceuticals and food industries in the world. It has wide range of variations that is mostly distinguished by petal color differences which is interlinked with the phytochemicals, secondary metabolites and antinutrient properties. Here, we explored the color, bioactive compounds and antinutritional profiling and their association to sort out the most promising rose genotypes. For this purpose, we employed both quantitative and qualitative evaluation by colorimetric, spectrophotometric and visual analyses following standard protocols. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications where ten rose accessions labelled R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were used as plant materials. Results revealed in quantitative assessment, the maximum L*, a* and b* value was recorded from rose accessions R4, R6 and R10, respectively which is further confirmed with the visually observed color of the respective rose petals. Proximate composition analyses showed that the highest amount of carotenoid and β-carotene was found in R10 rose accession, anthocyanin and betacyanin in R7. Among the bioactive compounds, maximum tocopherol, phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in R8, R6 and R3 while R1 showed the highest free radical scavenging potentiality with the lowest IC50 (82.60 µg/ mL FW) compared to the others. Meanwhile, the enormous variation was observed among the studied rose genotypes regarding the antinutrient contents of tannin, alkaloid, saponin and phytate whereas some other antinutrient like steroids, coumarines, quinones, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were also figured out with their presence or absence following qualitative visualization strategies. Furthermore, according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), correlation matrix and heatmap dendogram and cluster analysis, the ten rose accessions were grouped into three clusters where, cluster-I composed of R3, R4, R5, R8, cluster-II: R9, R10 and cluster-III: R1, R2, R6, R7 where the rose accessions under cluster III and cluster II were mostly contributed in the total variations by the studied variables. Therefore, the rose accessions R9, R10 and R1, R2, R6, R7 might be potential valuable resources of bioactive compounds for utilization in cosmetics, food coloration, and drugs synthesis which have considerable health impact.
Neural Mechanisms Responsible for Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Dependent Enhancement of Somatosensory Recovery
Authors: Malley Kaitlyn M. , Ruiz Andrea D. , Darrow Michael J. , Danaphongse Tanya , Shiers Stephanie , Ahmad Fatima N. , Beltran Clareth Mota , Stanislav Benjamin T. , Price Theodore , II Robert L Rennaker , Kilgard Michael P , Hays Seth A
Published: January 2024

Impairments in somatosensory function are a common and often debilitating consequence of neurological injury, with few effective interventions. Building on success in rehabilitation for motor dysfunction, the delivery of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) combined with tactile rehabilitation has emerged as a potential approach to enhance recovery of somatosensation. In order to maximize the effectiveness of VNS therapy and promote translation to clinical implementation, we sought to optimize the stimulation paradigm and identify neural mechanisms that underlie VNS-dependent recovery. To do so, we characterized the effect of tactile rehabilitation combined with VNS across a range of stimulation intensities on recovery of somatosensory function in a rat model of chronic sensory loss in the forelimb. Consistent with previous studies in other applications, we find that moderate intensity VNS yields the most effective restoration of somatosensation, and both lower and higher VNS intensities fail to enhance recovery compared to rehabilitation without VNS. We next used the optimized intensity to evaluate the mechanisms that underlie recovery. We find that moderate intensity VNS enhances transcription of Arc, a canonical mediator of synaptic plasticity, in the cortex, and that transcript levels were correlated with the degree of somatosensory recovery. Moreover, we observe that blocking plasticity by depleting acetylcholine in the cortex prevents the VNS-dependent enhancement of somatosensory recovery. Collectively, these findings identify neural mechanisms that subserve VNS-dependent somatosensation recovery and provide a basis for selecting optimal stimulation parameters in order to facilitate translation of this potential intervention.
Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Epidural Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Steroid Injections for Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Le Viet-Thang , Nguyen Anh Minh , Nghiem Thao Phuong , Nguyen Nhu Quynh Thi , Bui Dung Tuan Hoang , Do Phuoc Trong
Published: January 2024

Caudal epidural steroid injections are a common intervention for managing radicular symptoms in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis. Existing studies on the efficacy of various epidural injection routes often involve heterogeneous groups. In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio, we investigated the effectiveness of caudal Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) versus Steroid Injection for Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This study included 60 patients (n = 30 for each group) requiring intervention for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis, conducted at the Pain Management Unit, University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from June 2021 to June 2023. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in pain and disability scores at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Caudal Epidural Injection (CEI) emerges as a safe and effective modality for managing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS), delivering excellent short-term outcomes. Notably, ultrasound-guided caudal epidural PRP and steroid injections for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis exhibit comparable effectiveness in terms of both pain relief and functional improvement.