bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a liquid chromatography method for the analysis of oil extract of artemisia cina
Authors: Ordabayeva S. K. , Serikbayeva A. D. , Farshad H. S. , Bakhytkyzy G. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The problem of development and implementation of own drugs in Kazakhstan today is acute and urgent. The solution to this problem is possible through the use of own resources – domestic medicinal plant raw materials. A promising medicinal raw material is Artemisia cina – an endemic medicinal plant of the of the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan.Aim. Designing a liquid chromatography methodology to analyze the oil extract obtained from Artemisia cina.Materials and methods. Standard sample (SS) of santonin, Artemisia cina’s oil extract. The substance was identified and quantitatively determined using an Agilent Technologies 1200 liquid chromatograph (USA) equipped with ChemStation software.Results and discussion. The main active substance of the oil extract was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Choosing the separation conditions for the column involves determining the best composition of the mobile phase and the rate of elution. There were used a reversed-phase system with sorbent C18 and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and a phosphate buffer with a pH of 6.8. Chromatographic studies of the substance were carried out in a gradient mode at an analytical wavelength of 237 nm. The retention time of the standard sample (SS) of santonin matched the retention time (tR) of santonin isolated from the oil extract of Artemisia cina and amounted to 14.3 minutes.Conclusion. A liquid chromatography method has been established for the identification and quantitative determination of the oil extract, focusing on the main active substance, santonin.
Learning and Teaching Geological Field Skills in a Virtual World: Insights From an Undergraduate Virtual Fieldtrip in Kinlochleven, Scotland
Authors: Genge Matthew J. , Laurent Valentin , Mason Philippa J. , Spencer Alan R. T. , Sutton Mark D. , Whittaker Alex C. 
Published: November 2024

Virtual fieldtrips enable the teaching of field geology remotely or in classroom-settings by leveraging video-game technologies. We describe the development of a virtual fieldtrip to Kinlochleven in Scotland to teach undergraduate students geological mapping skills in a structurally complex, polyphase deformed metamorphic terrain. An area of ∼4 km
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of the Highlands was digitally replicated within the game engine Unity and featured 82 outcrops digitized from field data by photogrammetry. Key concepts in the development were: (1) usability on low-specification computers, (2) participant communication within-app, (3) multiscale visualisation of localities, (4) contextualisation of localities within terrain, and (5) a high degree of immersion to replicate the outdoor fieldwork experience. Technology constraints, however, required compromise between the number of localities used and their resolution. Evaluation and assessment data suggests the virtual fieldtrip was effective in delivering the key learning objectives of the course. Student behavioural indicators, furthermore, suggest that the immersive strategy successfully produced a high degree of engagement with the activity. A major limitation of the virtual fieldtrip was in the development of skills requiring spatial visualisation, in particular, the spatial association of features across multiple scales. The virtual fieldtrip had benefits for inclusivity, making fieldwork more accessible than its outdoor equivalent. However, a digital divide was observed to exist between groups depending on experience with gaming and virtual worlds. In addition, neurodiverse group of students required adaptations to assist with spatial awareness in virtual environments. The data obtained suggests that virtual fieldtrips cannot fully replace their outdoor equivalents, however, they are valuable in supplementing and supporting outdoor fieldtrips, in particular by increasing inclusivity and enabling field time to be used optimally.
Comparison of long-read sequencing and MLPA combined with long-PCR sequencing of CYP21A2 mutations in patients with 21-OHD
Authors: Lan Tian , Wang Jin , Chen Kaibi , Zhang Jianru , Chen Xiaohong , Yao Hui 
Published: November 2024

Background21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is caused by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. Due to the complex structure and the high genetic heterogeneity of the CYP21A2 gene, genetic testing for 21-OHD is currently facing challenges. Moreover, there are no comparative studies on detecting CYP21A2 mutations by both second-generation sequencing and long-read sequencing (LRS, also known as third-generation sequencing).ObjectiveTo detect CYP21A2 variations in 21-OHD patients using targeted capture with LRS method based on the PacBio (Pacific Biosciences) Sequel II platform.MethodsA total of 67 patients with 21-OHD were admitted in Wuhan Children’s Hospital. The full sequence of CYP21A2 gene was analyzed by targeted capture combined with LRS based on the PacBio Sequel II platform. The results were compared with those of long-polymerase chain reaction (Long-PCR) combined with multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) detection. Based on the in vitro study of 21-hydroxylase activity of common mutations, the patient genotypes were divided into groups of Null, A, B, and C, from severe to mild. The correlation between different genotype groups and clinical typing was observed.ResultsThe study analyzed a total of 67 patients. Among them, 44 (65.67%) were males and 23 (34.33%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.9:1. A total of 27 pathogenic variants were identified in the 67 patients, of which micro-conversion accounted for 61.9%, new variants of CYP21A2 accounted for 8.2%; deletion accounted for 22.4% (CYP21A2 single deletion and chimeric TNXA/TNXB accounted for 12.7%, chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 accounted for 9.7%); and duplication accounted for 3.0% (CYP21A2 Gene Duplication). I2G was the most common variant (26.9%). Targeted capture LRS and MLPA combined with Long-PCR detection of CYP21A2 mutations showed 30 detection results with differences. The overall genotype-phenotype correlation was 82.1%. The positive predictive rate of the Null group for salt wasting (SW) type was 84.6%, the A group for SW type was 88.9%, the group B for simple virilization (SV) type was 82.4%, and the group C for SV type was 62.5%. The correlation coefficient rs between the severity of the phenotype and the genotype group was 0.682 (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionTargeted capture combined with LRS is an integrated approach for detecting CYP21A2 mutations, allowing precise determination of connected sites for multiple deletions/insertions and cis/trans configurations without analyzing parental genomic samples. The overall genotype-phenotype correlation for 21-OHD is generally strong, with higher associations observed between genotype and phenotype for group Null, A, and B mutations, and larger genotype-phenotype variation in group C mutations. Targeted capture with LRS sequencing offers a new method for genetic diagnosis in 21-OHD patients.
Oxidative balance score and the potential for suffering rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Yu Hao , Fu Jianfei , Zhuo Renjie , Xu Jin , Liu Liya , Dai Manyun , Li Zhen 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveOur study was conducted to explore the link between oxidative balance score (OBS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA total of 21,415 participants were included in our research from five cycles (2011–2012, 2013–2014, 2015–2016, 2017–2018, and 2017–2020) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Moreover, 20 elements related to diet as well as lifestyle were combined to calculate OBS. The relationship between OBS and RA was assessed by employing multivariable regression analysis, and further exploration was carried out through subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and sensitivity analysis. Multiple covariates were selected to adjust the model for more robust results.ResultsIn our cross-sectional study, a higher OBS has a protective effect on the development of RA (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97 to 0.99). In contrast to individuals aged ≥60, the result is more prominent in the population aged 20–60 (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.98). Marital status appears to introduce interference in the relationship between OBS and RA, and unmarried individuals exhibited different outcomes (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.04) compared to others. The positive influence of OBS was more evident in patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, while it was stronger in individuals without diabetes and liver disease.ConclusionA higher OBS correlates with a reduced odd of RA. Further studies are needed to shoot more sights on improving dietary habits and lifestyles to gain proper OBS and explore whether OBS can be one of the measurements utilized to measure the risk of RA.
Identification and validation of mRNA profiles linked to ATP- induced cell death represent a novel prognostic model for breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhongwen , Zhang Haolong , Zhang Zheng , Sandai Doblin , Lu Ping , Zhang Haoling , Wu Jianjun 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundCell death mechanisms are integral to the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC), with ATP-induced cell death (AICD) attracting increasing attention due to its distinctive specificity and potential therapeutic applications.MethodsThis study employed genomic methodologies to investigate the correlation between drug sensitivity and types of AICD in BC. Initially, data from TCGA were utilized to construct a prognostic model and classification system for AICD. Subsequently, a series of bioinformatics analyses assessed the prognostic and clinical significance of this model within the context of BC.ResultsAnalysis revealed a cohort of 18 genes associated with AICD, exhibiting prognostic relevance. Survival analyses indicated that overall survival rates were significantly lower in high-risk populations compared to their low-risk counterparts. Furthermore, prognostic indicators linked to AICD demonstrated high accuracy in predicting survival outcomes in BC. Immunological assessments indicated heightened expression of anti-tumor infiltrating immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules in low-risk populations, correlating with various anti-tumor immune functions. Ultimately, a comprehensive prognostic model related to AICD was developed through univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analysis. As Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration increased, the viability of BC cells exhibited a general decline at each time point. Notably, ATP diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential in BC cells while enhancing it in normal breast epithelial cells. Additionally, ATP inhibited the migration of BC cells and promoted their apoptosis. ATP also stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MCF-10A cells, with implications for the immune response in BC cells. Compared to the control group, expression levels of CLIC6, SLC1A1, and CEMIP were significantly reduced in the ATP intervention group, whereas ANO6 expression was elevated. ANO6, CEMIP, and CLIC6 share genetic variants with BC, while SLC1A1 does not exhibit genetic causal variation with the disease.ConclusionA valuable prognostic model associated with AICD has been established, capable of accurately predicting BC prognosis. The induction of cell death by ATP appears to play a protective role in BC progression. These findings carry significant implications for the implementation of personalized and tailored treatment strategies for BC patients.
Allogeneic fibroblasts ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes in rabbits
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Yizhuo , Shi Lei , Zhou Li , Zhou Shenao , Wan Hongjin , Yang Xiao , Zhao Jie 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionLow back pain (LBP) was commonly induced by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which is accompanied by the loss of disc height and osteophyte generation. Cell-based therapy is a promising treatment for preventing the degeneration of interverbral disc. In our study, allogeneic fibroblasts are shown to ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes in rabbits.MethodsWe established a rabbits-derived fibroblast (Rab-Fib) which could be expanded in vitro and constructed puncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model. Histologic and imaging examinations and analyses were performed after 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.ResultsOur data indicate that stable and reliably-extracted allogeneic fibroblasts can effectively ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration by reducing osteophytes.ConclusionOur study provides a basis for advancing the further translation of fibroblasts in intervertebral disc therapy.
Network-based statistics reveals an enhanced subnetwork in prefrontal cortex in mild cognitive impairment: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Wu Peirong , Lv Zeping , Bi Yinuo , Li Yijiang , Chen Hong , Jiang Jianfan , Pang Suyan , Zhao Xin , Jiang Wenyu 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally considered to have a high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease. Our study aimed to investigate the abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in prefrontal cortex (PFC) in patients with MCI and explore the relationship between the observed changes and cognitive function.MethodsSixty-seven patients with MCI and 71 healthy individuals were recruited for this study. All participants underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) examinations.ResultsCompared with healthy controls (HC), the patients with MCI exhibited significantly lower MoCA scores (p &lt; 0.001). Through FC analysis, an enhanced subnetwork was observed in the right prefrontal cortex of the MCI group, covering four pairs of channel connections: CH12-CH15, CH12-CH16, CH13-CH15, and CH13-CH16. Moreover, the FC values of these four channel pairs and the education duration were significantly correlated with MoCA scores. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model was performed to observe the independent factors of cognition decline, serving the education duration and the average FC values of subnetwork as independent variables and the MoCA scores as the dependent variable. The regression model showed a total of 25.7% explanation power (adjusted R2 = 0.257, F = 24.723, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOur study suggested that the enhanced subnetwork within the right PFC may be involved in the pathophysiology of MCI and serve as a potential target for the treatment of MCI.
Transcriptome and metabolome profiling unveil the accumulation of chlorogenic acid in autooctoploid Gongju
Authors: Zhao Li , Cao Yu , Shan Gaomeng , Zhou Jiayi , Li Xintong , Liu Peng , Wang Yansong , An Songhao , Gao Ri 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundGongju is recognized as one of the four traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and its main constituents are chlorogenic acid (CGA) and its derivative material. CGA content in autooctoploid Gongju are considerably elevated compared with those in parental tetraploid Gongju at different flowering stages. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing the regulation CGA content remain poorly understood.MethodsTherefore, we conducted integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses of different flowering stages in autooctoploid and tetraploid Gongju to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms governing CGA biosynthesis.ResultsTranscriptome analysis showed that the number of differentially expressed genes in the budding stage (BS), early flowering stage (EF), and full flowering stage (FF) of tetraploid and octoploid Gongju were 3859, 11,211, and 6837, respectively. A total of 563, 466, and 394 differential accumulated metabolites were respectively identified between the bud stages of tetraploid and octoploid Gongju (4BS vs. 8BS), between the early flowering stages of tetraploid and octoploid Gongju (4EF vs. 8EF), and the full flowering stages of tetraploid and octoploid Gongju (4FF vs. 8FF) groups. The integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed that the expression of pma6460 and mws0178, which are key enzymes involved in the CGA synthesis pathway, increased during the flowering stages of octoploid Gongju relative to that of tetraploid Gongju. The expression levels of CmHQT and CmC3H genes associated with CGA synthesis were higher in octoploid plants than in tetraploid plants at various flowering stages. To investigate the potential regulation of transcription factors involved in CGA synthesis, we analyzed the coexpression of CmC3H and CmHQT with CmMYBs and CmbHLHs. Results indicated that transcription factors, such as CmMYB12 (Cluster-30519.0), CmMYB26 (Cluster-75874.0), CmMYB5 (Cluster-94106.0), CmMYB1 (Cluster-71968.7), CmbHLH62 (Cluster-32024.1), CmbHLH75 (Cluster-62341.0), CmbHLH62 (Cluster-32024.8), CmbHLH75 (Cluster-60210.0), and CmbHLH16 (Cluster-90665.1) play a pivotal role in CGA synthesis regulation. The present study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CGA accumulation in autopolyploid Gongju.
Stochastic simulation to optimize rice breeding at IRRI
Authors: Seck Fallou , Prakash Parthiban Thathapalli , Covarrubias-Pazaran Giovanny , Gueye Tala , Diédhiou Ibrahima , Bhosale Sankalp , Kadaru Suresh , Bartholomé Jérôme 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionGenetic improvement in rice increased yield potential and improved varieties for farmers over the last decades. However, the demand for rice is growing while its cultivation faces challenges posed by climate change. To address these challenges, rice breeding programs need to adopt efficient breeding strategies to provide a steady increase in the rate of genetic gain for major traits. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) breeding program has evolved over time to implement faster and more efficient breeding techniques such as rapid generation advance (RGA) and genomic selection (GS). Simulation experiments support data-driven optimization of the breeding program toward the desired rate of genetic gain for key traits. MethodsThis study used stochastic simulations to compare breeding schemes with different cycle times. The objective was to assess the impact of different genomic selection strategies on medium- and long-term genetic gain. Four genomic selection schemes were simulated, representing the past approaches (5 years recycling), current schemes (3 years recycling), and two options for the future schemes (both with 2 years recycling). ResultsThe 2-Year within-cohort prediction scheme showed a significant increase in genetic gain in the medium-term horizon. Specifically, it resulted in a 22%, 24%, and 27% increase over the current scheme in the zero, intermediate, and high genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) contexts, respectively. On the other hand, the 2-Year scheme based on between-cohort prediction was more efficient in the long term, but only in the absence of GEI. Consistent with our expectations, the shortest breeding schemes showed an increase in genetic gain and faster depletion of genetic variance compared to the current scheme. DiscussionThese results suggest that higher rates of genetic gain are achievable in the breeding program by further reducing the cycle time and adjusting the target population of environments. However, more attention is needed regarding the crossing strategy to use genetic variance optimally.
Technology-facilitated sexual violence among Italian youths: validation of the technology-facilitated sexual violence victimization scale
Authors: Orsolini Laura , Yılmaz-Karaman İmran Gökçen , Selvi Kerim , Reina Salvatore , Longo Giulio , Volpe Umberto 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTechnology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV), i.e. the use of digital communication technologies for facilitating sexual violence and harassment, represents a concern due to its exponential growth, particularly among youths. Few studies investigated TFSV, mainly due to the lack of a validated assessment tool, such as the TFSV-Victimization scale (TFSV-VS). Our study aimed to investigate the TFSV phenomenon in a sample of Italian young adults (aged 18-24), through the validation of the Italian translated version of TFSV-VS.MethodsThe study consisted of two phases: 1) validation of the Italian version of TFSV-VS; b) evaluation of TFSV lifetime and during the last 12 months among Italian youths.ResultsIn our sample, 78.6% and 56.1% of subjects reported a lifetime and 12-months TFSV victimization, respectively. Digital sexual (70.4% and 46.6%), gender and/or sexuality-based harassment (43% and 29.6%) are those most represented. A gendered and sexuality-based pattern in lifetime TFSV was observed, mainly observed among females (p=0.005) and sexual/gender minority (SGM)(p=0.001). Being female (p&lt;0.001) and perceiving low social support (p = 0.030) were associated with higher subjective distress related to traumatic TFSV experiences. Being female (p&lt;0.001), younger (p=0.006) and perceiving low social support (p=0.030) were associated with the highest psychological distress due to TFSV.ConclusionsItalian TFSV-VS shows good psychometric properties. Our findings observed a gendered trend of TFSV, by suggesting TFSV as a phenomenon influenced by SGM belonging.
Impact of Ozone Exposure on the Biochemical Composition of Wheat, Broccoli, Alfalfa, and Radish Seeds During Germination
Authors: Bernate Ilze , Kince Tatjana , Radenkovs Vitalijs , Juhnevica-Radenkova Karina , Cinkmanis Ingmars , Bruveris Juris , Sabovics Martins 
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the use of gaseous ozone (O3) to promote the germination of edible seeds. While its ability to improve seedling vigor and stimulate germination is acknowledged, there has been limited research on the impact of gaseous O3 on the biochemical profile, including phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity, of cereals, seeds, and their sprouts. The lack of information has led to the initiation of this study, which aims to assess the impact of ozone treatment duration at a concentration of 50 ppm 1 L min−1, ranging from 1 to 5 h, on the biochemical attributes of broccoli (Brassica oleracea), radish (Raphanus sativus), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds, and sprouts, as well as wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains and sprouts. By optimizing O3 exposure parameters, including duration, this approach has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for enhancing the microbiological and nutritional quality of seeds and cereals. The findings revealed that O3 treatment generally had an adverse impact on TPC in seeds, cereals, and sprouts, resulting in a significant reduction in TPC post O3 treatment. Wheat grains, in particular, displayed the lowest TPC following ozone exposure, with an average decrease of 39.4% compared to the untreated sample. However, it is noteworthy that alfalfa seeds exhibited a positive response to 4 and 5 h O3 treatment, manifesting an average increase in TPC of 13.0% and 27.7%, respectively. In turn, broccoli, radish, and wheat sprouts displayed the lowest TPC, with values of 47.7%, 20.2%, and 18.0% lower than the control samples, respectively. This study revealed that plant responses to O3 exposure varied, and the effects of O3 treatment on TPC levels depended on O3 exposure time. Furthermore, the effect of O3 on the sugar content of the seeds, cereals, and sprouts varied among different plant types, with some showing an increase in content and others showing no substantial changes. This suggests that, depending on the type of seed, O3 may have both positive and neutral effects.