bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High temperature effects on maize photosynthesis during stress and recovery phase at the seed setting stage
Authors: Teng Li , Qing Liu , Shumei Wang , Xuepeng Zhang , Yuanquan Chen , Wangsheng Gao , Peng Sui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

With the climate change, high temperature (HT) stress will have more serious impacts on maize production. Photosynthesis is the basis of crop yield, which is also sensitive to HT. HT effects are not only occurred during the stress periods, but also lasted after the stress is lifted, but with few attention. To explore the maize photosynthesis after HT removal, two maize varieties with different heat sensitivity (Jinhai 5 (JH) in 2021; JH and Xianyu 335 (XY) in 2022) were exposed to HT using the pot experiment. Photosynthesis and relevant physiological indicators were measured during stress and recovery phase. Results showed that at the ending of HT, maize photosynthesis was significantly inhibited in the two years. Photosynthesis of JH was not recovery at 2 d and 3 d after HT removal in 2021 and 2022, which was 23.8% and 14.7% lower than control. For XY, the photosynthesis was 11.2% lower than control at 5 d after HT removal in 2022. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were significantly changed during HT periods. The lasting effects were not showed in JH, but occurred in XY. Malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased by 49.5%, 21.6% and 36.8% under HT, and accumulation were also found at the 2 d after HT removal, with much higher for POD and SOD (38.3% and 40.1%). Meanwhile, the arrangement and morphology of chloroplasts in mesophyll cells significantly changed, and even could not recover at 4 d after HT removal. Finally, HT stress caused significant yield penalty on maize.
2D Basement Relief Inversion using Sparse Regularization
Authors: Barboza Francisco Márcio , Silva Anthony da Cunha Romão E , Carvalho Bruno M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Basement relief gravimetry is crucial in geophysics, especially for oil exploration and mineral prospecting. It addresses an inverse geophysical problem, where geological model parameters—depths of constant-density prisms representing the basement relief—are inferred from gravitational anomaly data. These problems are often ill-posed, meaning small data changes can cause significant solution variations. To counter this, regularization techniques, such as Tikhonov's method, are used to stabilize solutions. This study compares several regularization techniques applied to gravimetric inversion, including Smoothness Constraints, Total Variation, the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) with Daubechies D4 wavelets. Optimization methods, like the Genetic Algorithm (GA), are employed to minimize the objective function and find optimal prism depths. GA, inspired by natural selection, iteratively selects the best solutions to minimize the objective function. The analysis shows that all regularization techniques and the GA are effective, with Smoothness Constraints being the most effective for synthetic models. For real-data models, all methods performed similarly.
Endovascular Transcatheter Photodynamic Ablation to Downstage Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Followed by Surgery: A Proof-of-Concept Study in a Porcine Model
Authors: Vazquez Alain Garcia , Saeidi Tina , Verde Juan , Wanert Fanélie , Spiridon Irene Alexandra , Schmid Axel , Swanstrom Lee , Lilge Lothar , Bogaards Arjen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancers can involve large intrapancreatic blood vessels early, making complete tumour resection technically challenging or impossible for surgeons. A minimally invasive treatment that clears vessels from encasing tumours is needed so more patients may undergo curative surgery. We hypothesise that effective ablation of perivascular tumours is possible through endovascular transcatheter photodynamic ablation (PDA).
Methods
Utilising in silico Monte Carlo calculations, the known needle-based photodynamic dose responses from previous Phase I/II studies were converted to endovascular transcatheter-based energy delivery. Subsequently, an in vivo dose escalation study in the porcine pancreas (n = 7) was performed utilising a prototype ablation catheter developed as part of this study.
Results
The simulations determined the recommended phase 1 PDA dose ranges to produce a 4, 8, or 12 mm margin of perivascular necrosis. In the porcine pancreas model, increasing doses produced increasingly large perivascular necrotic margins (0-15mm) while the vessel maintained its integrity for up to 7 days post-ablation, as determined by CT imaging and histopathology.
Conclusions
These proof-of-concept results demonstrate endovascular transcatheter PDA can produce adequate perivascular necrosis in a large animal model while preserving vessel integrity, justifying further investigation in Phase I/II clinical studies.
Revolutionizing Agriculture: Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts against soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Malik Mansoor Ahmad , Ahmad Nusrat , Bhat Mohd Yaqub , Wani Abdual Hamid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of various natural plant extracts on soil fungi, particularly targeting phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic species Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium citrinum, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium metavorans, Fusarium solani and Aspergillus aflatoxiformans, were used in the present study. In vitro studies were carried out to evaluate the antifungal activity of three plant extracts performed both in aqueous and methanolic solutions. The findings indicated that the plant extracts exhibited robust antifungal activity, resulting in significant inhibition of mycelial growth across all tested fungi compared to the control. The extracts from Phytolacca acinosa and Atropa acuminata demonstrated the highest effectiveness in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the tested fungi, whereas Salix albaexhibited comparatively lower efficacy. The findings of this study validate the potential of plant extracts as natural fungicides for controlling pathogenic fungi, there by reducing dependence on synthetic fungicides. However, the extracts from Phytolacca acinosa and Atropa acuminata, identified as the most efficient, hold promise as potential agents for controlling these pathogenic fungi.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes and Immune Infiltration Characteristics in Psoriasis Patients
Authors: Yue Rui , Yang Peng , Xie Jie , Long Xinxin , Xie Aidi , Chen Yuxiang , Chen Xiaoli , Huang Yundi , Qiu Lifang , Peng Xuebiao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Psoriasis, a chronic and recurring disease, has a strong link to lipid metabolism. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their functional pathways associated with psoriasis to uncover new therapeutic targets. We leveraged GEO datasets for DEGs analysis in psoriasis. GSEA, GSVA, WGCNA, & ssGSEA probed lipid metabolism genes' roles in psoriasis processes & immune changes. An RBP-mRNA network illuminated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Our findings revealed 3,839 DEGs, with 1,775 upregulated and 2,064 downregulated genes in psoriatic samples compared to controls. GSEA highlighted significant enrichment of immune-related pathways such as the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. WGCNA identified a black module strongly positive correlated with lipid metabolism containing 151 genes (r = 0.9216, p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis pointed to fatty acid metabolism and peroxisome pathways as critical in disease pathogenesis. Hub genes like AACS, HSD11B1 and GATA6 demonstrated high diagnostic potential with area under the ROC curve values exceeding 0.85. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant differences in 27 types of immune cells between psoriasis and healthy control groups. Those findings provided a comprehensive molecular landscape of psoriasis, identifying potential new targets for therapeutic intervention and enhancing our understanding of the disease's underlying mechanisms.
Ultrasound Characteristics in Predicting Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zeinalkhani Fahimeh , Abbasi Mobina , Sadighi Nahid , Hakim Peyman Kamali , katouli Fatemeh shakki , Rahmani Shahriar , Tahamtan Mohammadreza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Breast cancer, which is highly prevalent worldwide, presents with a range of molecular subtypes: luminal A (LA), luminal B (LB), triple-negative (TN), and HER2 positive (HER2+), each with unique prognostic and treatment implications. The utility of breast ultrasound in predicting these subtypes remains underexplored.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 140 women with primary invasive breast cancer treated at the Cancer Institute from April 2022 to March 2023. Standard ultrasound imaging and comprehensive clinical-pathological data, including molecular subtypes identified via immunohistochemistry, were used. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 22), focusing on correlations between ultrasound features and molecular subtypes.
Results: The average age of participants was 49.75 years, with tumor sizes averaging 27.1 mm. LA was the most common subtype (48%), followed by LB (25%), TN (18%), and HER2+ (7%). Significant correlations were found between ultrasound features and molecular subtypes, particularly the presence of calcification and tumor shape. The TN type showed the highest calcification rate (30.7%), followed by the LA subtype at 29.4%. The irregular shapes across all subtypes were a common morphological characteristic, while the variation in the frequency of round and oval shapes highlights potential subtype-specific differences.
Conclusions: Ultrasound features correlate with specific molecular subtypes of breast cancer, suggesting potential diagnostic value in subtype differentiation. However, limitations such as the single-center scope and small sample size may affect the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to validate these preliminary results and potentially expand the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound in breast cancer subtyping.
Effects of short-term melatonin supplementation on sleep quality in college students with high frequency of screen-based sedentary behaviour: a two-stage study
Authors: You Chuanqi , Cui Yupeng , Yang Shaofeng , Ren Zhe 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to further clarify the association between Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior (SSB) and sleep quality, and to explore the effects of short-term melatonin supplementation on the sleep quality of college students with high-frequency screen-based sedentary behavior.
Methods
The study is divided into two phases. Phase one is a cross-sectional study involving 104 college students, where we assessed the relationship between SSB and sleep quality in college students, as well as the differences in sleep quality among students with varying frequencies of SSB. In phase two, 40 participants were recruited from those screened in phase one to participate in a melatonin intervention experiment, utilizing a 2x2 factorial experimental design: melatonin with high-frequency SSB (HM, n = 10), placebo with high-frequency SSB (HP, n = 10), melatonin with low-frequency SSB (LM, n = 10), and placebo with low-frequency SSB (LP, n = 10). Measurement indicators included PSQI scores, sleep duration, bedtime, wake-up time, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency to evaluate improvements in sleep quality after melatonin/placebo interventions.
Results
Phase one results indicated a significant correlation between SSB and PSQI scores (r = 0.845, P < 0.01), sleep duration (r=-0.66, P < 0.01), bedtime (r = 0.76, P < 0.01), and sleep efficiency (r = 0.734, P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in sleep quality between the low-frequency and high-frequency groups (P < 0.001). In phase two, after melatonin/placebo intervention, the HM group showed significant improvements in PSQI scores, sleep duration, bedtime, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency (P < 0.01). Additionally, there were no significant differences in sleep quality and related variables among the HM, LM, and LP groups post-intervention.
Conclusions
There is a significant correlation between SSB and sleep quality, with higher SSB associated with poorer sleep quality. The sleep quality of college students with high-frequency SSB can be significantly improved through short-term melatonin supplementation, indicating a potential beneficial intervention effect of melatonin in this population.
Surgical outcomes of cervical spinal cord tumor in elderly patients assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire
Authors: Nagoshi Narihito , Ito Shuhei , Okubo Toshiki , Ozaki Masahiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Takeda Kazuki , Iga Takahito , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Watanabe Kota 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Study Design. Single-institution retrospective study
Objectives. To assess postoperative functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in elderly patients who underwent cervical spinal cord tumor surgery using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ).
Setting.
Single university hospital
Methods. This retrospective study included 97 patients who underwent surgery for cervical spinal cord tumors between 2000 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: a younger group (patients <65 years old) and an elderly group (patients ≥65 years old). Surgical outcomes were evaluated using JOA scores and JOACMEQ, with statistical comparisons between age (younger vs. elderly) and tumor types (intramedullary vs. extramedullary).
Results. Preoperative JOA scores were significantly lower in the elderly group compared to the younger group. Postoperative recovery rates were similar between the two groups. Extramedullary tumor resections in the elderly showed notable functional improvements. Conversely, elderly patients with intramedullary tumors exhibited poorer outcomes in lower extremity function and QOL, as measured by the JOACMEQ.
Conclusion. Surgical intervention for cervical spinal cord tumors in elderly patients can yield functional and QOL outcomes similar to those in younger patients, especially for extramedullary tumors. However, intramedullary tumor resections in the elderly may result in less favorable outcomes, particularly in lower limb function and QOL. These findings underscore the importance of thorough preoperative counseling for elderly patients, highlighting potential risks and benefits based on tumor type.
Anti-cancer effect of Mesenchymal Stem
Authors: Khalil Charbel , Gemayel Jack , Salameh Rawad , Haddad Lara , Ghanem Hady , Moutran Dina , Akouch Khalil , Hachem Georges , Rustom Majed , Hanna Colette , Ibrahim Ahmad , Ghadieh Hilda , Harb Frederic 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Despite the fact that MSCs are clearly associated to tumor development, the absence of methods for precisely identifying the various MSC populations and the paradoxical association between MSC and tumor has hampered the development of MSC-based oncological therapies. In this study, we try to investigate the effects of human umbilical cord derived (UC-MSCs) and their secretome, alone or compared to 5-FU, on the proliferation of CRC cell lines, their migration ability, and their expression of tumor markers. Chemotherapy combinations including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have been the gold standard in the treatment of CRC, but their use is hindered by the development of side effects or chemo-resistance by patients. On the other hand, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) and their immunomodulatory cytokines and chemokines, known as the MSC secretome, are showing favorable effects on immune and inflammatory diseases in clinical trials. Due to their tropism to inflammatory signals, mesenchymal stem cells have been used for cell therapy or as a vehicle to deliver therapeutics to tumors. Measurements of colorectal cancer tumor marker proteins were computed by ELISA. Proliferative, apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects of the MSCs were measured by Flow cytometry (FCM). MMPs expression was measured by RT-PCR.
Which technique is preferable for grade 2-3 hemorrhoidal disease: Laser vs. rubber band ligation?
Authors: EMRAL Ahmet Cihangir , GULEN Merter , EGE Bahadır 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to compare the short and long-term results (postoperative pain, complications, return to daily life, recurrence) between patients who underwent hemorrhoids laser procedure (HeLP) and rubber band ligation (RBL) due to grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease.
METHODS
The results of patients who underwent HeLP and RBL between June 2020 and June 2023 for grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease were evaluated retrospectively. The patient information was examined in terms of operation time, postoperative 1st, 7th and 14th day visual analog scale (VAS) values, the amount of analgesic used in the first 7 postoperative days, return to normal life (days), recurrence within 1 year and other complications (postoperative bleeding, thrombosis, urinary retention, infection/abscess, anal stenosis, deterioration in continence).
RESULTS
A total of 260 patients were included in the study, 166 of whom underwent RBL and 94 HeLP. Operation time, hospital stay (hours), VAS values, postoperative 7-day analgesic use (mg), worsening of incontinence, time to return to normal life (days), complications and recurrence within 1 year evaluated. HeLP has statistically significant lower postoperative 1st day pain and less analgesic use (mg) than RBL (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The reduced pain and fewer analgesic use provided by HeLP, especially on the first postoperative day, improves patients' satisfaction.
Quantifying Climate Change Risk through Natural Hazard Losses to Inform Adaptation Action
Authors: Mongold Emily , Baker Jack W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of many natural hazards. In particular, coastal communities are often exposed to multiple hazards, exacerbated by climate change. We present a methodology to quantify the increase in multi-hazard risk due to climate change. The methodology includes probabilistic description of independent hazard pathways, defined as sets of individual and cascading hazards that are statistically independent, run for multiple levels of climate change impact. We also quantify the risk reduction from adaptation actions. The approach integrates probabilistic hazard analysis and loss assessment. With this approach, we identify the hazards contributing most to risk under multiple amounts of climate change. This methodology is applied to a case study of residential housing in Alameda, California, USA, considering how sea level rise impacts multiple hazards: earthquakes, coastal flooding, and tsunamis. For the case study location, we identify the highest risks shift from earthquakes to coastal flooding as sea levels rise. We assess how different adaptation actions would reduce the risk today and under sea level rise, highlighting the need to consider frequent and infrequent losses.
Australian and New Zealand medical students’ confidence and preparedness to prescribe
Authors: Mokrzecki Sophie , Perks Stephen , Pain Tilley , Gupta Tarun Sen , Mallett Andrew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Writing a medication prescription is an expected competency junior doctors internationally feel underprepared to complete. Providing clarity in medical prescribing education standards and assessment criteria may address the lack of preparedness.
The primary aim of this study is to understand Australian and New Zealand (NZ) final-year medical students’ confidence and preparedness to write a discharge or outpatient prescription. Secondarily, identify by whom, when, and using what modalities education on prescription writing should be provided.
Methods
This quantitative analytical cross-sectional survey was developed through REDCap®. Ethical approval allowed email survey distribution to participants from June to December 2022. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS v29. Likert-scale responses were cross tabulated against participant confidence and preparedness to handwrite and electronically write discharge or outpatient prescriptions. Mixed model logistic regression analyses determined the preferred education modalities, educator, and time during medical degree to receive prescription writing education.
Results
Final-year medical students from Australia (n=123) and NZ (n=51) completed the survey. Participants felt their university degree didn’t increase their confidence or preparedness to electronically or hand-write prescriptions. Learning on placement was significantly most desirable in comparison to other options. Majority of participants selected pharmacists as the educator and their final year as an ideal time during their medical degree to receive education on prescription writing.
Discussion
The absence of mandated education and assessment on the skill to prescribe was evident. The results showed aself-acknowledgement of under-preparedness and confidence to write medication prescriptions. This suggests a need for further education and specific assessment standards on the skill of prescription writing.
Conclusion
Pharmacist-led mixed-methods education model during the final year of medical education is suggested to address gaps in education and assessment on prescription writing. Providing further education on the skill of prescription writing before graduation may reduce prescribing errors made as junior doctors.
Rapamycin Rescues APC-Mutated Colon Organoid Differentiation
Authors: Ben-Yosef Dalit , Habib Aline , Mamistvalov Rose 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by germline mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. This leads to numerous colorectal adenomas and a high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our stem cell-derived colon organoid model revealed that a heterozygous APC mutation is sufficient to induce colorectal cancer formation. We found a link between APC mutation type, organoid maturation and FAP severity. Here we show that severe germline mutations in hESCs employ diverse mechanisms of carcinogenesis. FAP1-hESCs expressing a truncated 332-amino acid protein exhibited a hyperactivated mTOR pathway, including PTEN inactivation and increased S6K1 and eIF4E activation. This affected oncogenic c-Myc expression and contributed to apoptosis resistance. Rapamycin treatment restored differentiation potential in FAP1 organoids but not FAP2 organoids, which expressed a larger truncated protein without mTOR pathway activation. Our in-vitro colon organoids system findings were validated in human patients. Notably, a colon from a FAP1 patient exhibited high expression of mTOR pathway proteins. These findings highlight the potential of rapamycin for personalized therapy in FAP patients with distinct mTOR-mediated APC mutations. Our colon organoid model is valuable for studying CRC and developing new diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches to prevent or delay tumorigenesis in FAP patients.