bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic interactions of assorted bacterial and fungal agents with biochar ameliorate Vigna radiate L. growth and amino acids adjustment under mercury stress
Authors: Moghaddam sina Siavash , Malaie Shirwan , Pourakbar Latifeh , Xiao Jianbo , Khezrnejad Nabi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) as an abiotic stressor poses significant challenges to plant growth. This study investigates the response of Mung bean plants to three levels of Hg stress (0, 20, and 40 mg/L) using a hydroponic system, inoculated with microbial biostimulators. The two-factorial experiment focused on plant growth, total soluble sugars (TSS), and free amino acids. Results indicated a decrease in plant biomass with increasing in stress severity. Under moderate stress (20 mg/L Hg), arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) were effective in preserving biomass, while under severe stress (40 mg/L Hg), a combination of biochar, AM, and bacterial biostimulants (BAB) was most effective. The highest biomass was recorded by combined treatment of bacteria and AM (BaAM) although it dropped sharply under stress conditions. Except for BaAM, TSS content increased in all moderate stress treatments, particularly with AM, and was notably enhanced by BAB under severe stress. Mung bean plant generally increased the amount of Pro, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Asn, Gly, and Val exposed to Hg stress, while Asp decreased across all stress treatments. Higher Hg tolerance was linked to greater accumulation of TSS and specific free amino acids like Pro, Phe, and Asn. The interaction with microbial inoculation suggests that Mung bean plants adapt to mercury toxicity by altering their sugar and amino acid profiles, which serve as multifunctional molecules and precursors for stress resistance metabolites.
Association Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Insomnia among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Huang Yisen , Wang Yubin , Lin Chanchan , Xu Boming , Zeng Yilin , Chen Peizhong , Huang Yingxuan , Liu Xiaobo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers often suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and insomnia, which affect their quality of life and job performance. This study explores the link between these conditions in healthcare workers to guide health improvements.
Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited healthcare workers from various hospitals in Quanzhou via an online survey. The severity of gastrointestinal and insomnia symptoms was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively. The relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and insomnia was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.
Results
A total of 372 healthcare workers participated in the study, and 53.2% of the participants reported having insomnia symptoms. In the unadjusted model, there was a positive correlation between the GSRS total score and the risk of insomnia (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14–1.28). This positive correlation persisted even after adjusting for confounders such as age, gender, anxiety, depression, somatization, and weekly night shift count (adjusted OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.0-1.16).
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal symptoms and insomnia are significantly positively correlated among healthcare workers. This finding suggests the need to develop interventions that enhance the gastrointestinal and sleep health of healthcare workers, thereby improving their work efficiency and quality of care.
Earthquake Risk Assesment of Urban Quetta, using Multi-criteria Anlaysis
Authors: Syed Ainuddin , Suriyachan Chamawong , Aruninta Ariya , J.K Routray , applicable Jamal- uddin Not , Faiz Shabana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The capital of Balochistan province Quetta is surrounded by mountain ranges with many active seismic faults. The province is subjected to many earthquakes in the past including the deadliest earthquake of 1935. The objective of this paper is to carry out earthquake risk assessment of Quetta city using multi-criteria analysis. For the purpose, the primary data was collected from 400 households using stratified random sampling technique with proportionate allocation and secondary data from USGS and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. SPSS, GIS and Arc-GIS were used to generate the vulnerability, hazard and risk maps applying analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted linear combination (WLC) methods. The results reveal that Quetta is highly vulnerable to earthquake risk in the future; its geology coupled with the human dimension indicates indicate that impacts would be more disastrous in future events. Results of the final earthquake risk map shows that five out of thirteen Zones (Hazargunji, Quetta East, Kharot Abad, Samungli, and Quetta North) are at high risk. Four Zones (Centrum of Quetta, Pashtoon Abad, Saryab, and Hazara Town) are at medium risk. Only three Zones (Quetta Cantt, Satellite Town, and Jinnah Town) are at low risk. The proposed risk map of Quetta city may be used for risk communication, decision making, land use planning and development of critical infrastructure. The paper further recommends the map to be utilized as guide for emergency response systems, and develop mitigation plans including enforcement of building codes, improve emergency response activates and educate people on earthquake preparedness.
Spontaneous pneumothorax in a young male: A case report
Authors: Kudru Chandrashekar Udyavara , Rajagopal Sriraam , Cherukuri Mounika , Shetty Ganesh , Nayak Deepak M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare multisystem disease which is characterised by the development of multiple cysts in the lung parenchyma. It is usually associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, and is frequently found in young females. In our case report, we discuss the disease in a young male, presenting for the first time with spontaneous pneumothorax.
Case presentation:
A 19-year-old previously healthy male presented to the emergency department with a one week history of breathlessness and a non-productive cough. Initial assessment revealed tachypnea and decreased breath sounds on the right side of the chest, prompting suspicion of pneumothorax. The chest x-ray confirmed the diagnosis, and emergency insertion of an intercostal drainage tube was performed. Computed tomography of the thorax showed multiple, bilateral, cystic, thin walled lesions and a moderate pneumothorax on the right side. A lung biopsy was performed and the histopathology revealed features consistent with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The patient was stabilized and discharged with follow-up plans.
Conclusions:
LAM is a rare multisystem disease that mostly affects young females. Although uncommon in males, this case emphasizes the importance of considering LAM as one of the causes of pneumothorax in young adult male patients and highlights the role of lung biopsy for definitive diagnosis when initial workup is inconclusive.
The Amelioration Effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper, Platelet Gel and Momordica charantia on Peripheral Nerve Injury in the Rats: A Stereological and Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Önger Mehmet Emin , Geuna Stefano , ElhajBakhit Abuaker Elssidig , Rainmondo Stefania , Deniz Ömür Gülsüm , Altun Gamze , Kaplan Suleyman 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Peripheral nerve injuries most commonly resultin serious problems affecting quality of life. The present study is designed to research the possible neuroprotective effects of Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Momordica charantia (MC) on regeneration using unbiased stereological techniques.
Material-Method: 30 female 8-10 weeks-Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal groups; control (CG), the group exposed to sciatic nerve resection (Gap) (CGG), additionally following the surgical process ABS, MC and PRP were injected into collagen tube (ABSG, MCG, PRPG). Nucleator and fractionator methods were used to estimate the number of myelinated and unmyelinated axons, axon area, and myelin sheath thickness. Also, an electron microscopic evaluation was performed.
Results: Regarding the number of myelinated axons, significant increases were found in the ABSG, MCG and PRPG compared to CG (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The protective effects of ABS, PRP, and MC on peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental models in rats were shown using electrophysiological and stereological assessment parameters.
A Systematic Analysis Using DNN Based Breast Cancer Identification and Stage Classification Model
Authors: Arasakumaran Umamageswari , Sivapatham Deepa , Lucas Sherin Beevi , Gurusamy Vasukidevi , Arasakumaran Sangari 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The increased incidence of breast cancer on a global level is an important problem in public health, emphasizing the need for rapid and effective techniques for diagnosing the cancer at its earliest stages. This study offers an innovative Deep Neural Network (DNN) technique for identifying and categorizing breast cancer. It utilizes advanced methods of machine learning to improve its precision and efficacy. This study offers an in-depth examination of DNNs for their use of detecting breast cancer. This work concentrates on the DNNs' ability to identify complicated patterns within mammographic images, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy of detection. The proposed DNN design incorporates several levels of abstraction, taking use of the organization possibilities of neural networks. Convolutional layers collect local data, whereas densely associated layers capture global patterns, allowing the algorithm to identify subtle problems that indicate tumors in breasts. The design of the model is optimized by further training on different data sets, guaranteeing its ability to respond to the inherent variations in tissue makeup and lesion characteristics. To attempt to address the challenges related to a lack of data annotations, transfer learning techniques are employed. These methods leverage the knowledge gained from models that have been trained on large datasets. The success rate of the proposed DNN model for identifying and categorizing breast cancer is thoroughly assessed on standard datasets, through assessing its performance with conventional methods and recent algorithms. The model's superior in providing reliable and precise diagnostic results can be seen through the use of assessment standards like the accuracy and confusion matrix. The model suggested has strong diagnostic accuracy, offering an appropriate strategy for early and efficient identification of breast cancers.
Evaluation of Serum Fibronectin Levels and Fibronectin Gene Polymorphism in Patients Receiving Intravesical BCG Therapy for NonMuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Nebioğlu Ali , Tanrıverdi Rojda , Başaranoğlu Mert , Saylam Barış , Ulusoy Ercüment , Bozlu Murat , Akbay Erdem , Tamer Lülüfer , Erdoğan Semra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, prompting research into novel biomarkers and treatment strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum fibronectin levels and gene polymorphisms between patients with NMIBC receiving intravesical BCG treatment and the control group.
Methods: Between June 2022 and December 2022, data of 73 patients who applied to the Mersin University Urology Clinic due to NMIBC and were followed and treated in our clinic, receiving intravesical BCG treatment, when necessary, as well as 56 individuals without any malignancy, were prospectively examined. Serum fibronectin levels were measured using the ELISA method. PCR testing was applied for the fibronectin gene RS10202709 and RS 35343655 gene polymorphisms by using Real-Time PCR.
Results: The mean serum fibronectin level in the patient group was 76.794±66.998ng/ml. Simultaneously, it was 50.486±25.156ng/ml in the control group, and these differences in serum fibronectin levels were statistically significant(p=0.003). Out of the 73 patients included in the study, recurrence of bladder cancer was observed in 53 of them. They were divided into two groups based on the recurrence times: early recurrence and late recurrence. When examined in terms of fibronectin levels, it was calculated that the mean fibronectin level in the early recurrence group was 102±86.1ng/ml.At the same time,it was 44.7±11.8ng/ml in the late recurrence group (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The statistically higher concentrations of serum fibronectin levels in patients with bladder cancer observed in our study are a noteworthy finding.However, we do not anticipate it to be predictive of the response to intravesical BCG treatment.Additionally,the statistically significant findings in our study regarding serum fibronectin level measurements in predicting early and late recurrences suggest that it will provide guiding information about the prognosis of the disease.
Trial registration: Ethical approval for the research was obtained from the Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Local Ethics Committee with the decision dated 23.03.2022, numbered 2022/200.
Discovery of Vibrio cholerae in urban sewage in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Brinch Christian , Otani Saria , Munk Patrick , Beld Maaike , Franz Eelco , Aarestrup Frank M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We report the unexpected discovery of a persistent presence of Vibrio cholerae at very low abundance in the inlet of a single wastewater treatment plant in Copenhagen, Denmark at least since 2015. Remarkably, no environmental or locally transmitted clinical case of V. cholerae has been reported in Denmark for more than 100 years. We, however, have recovered a near-complete genome out of 115 sewage samples taken over the past 8 years, despite the extremely low relative abundance of 1 V. cholerae read out of 500.000 sequenced reads. Due to the very low relative abundance, routine screening of the individual samples did not reveal V. cholerae. The recovered genome lacks the gene responsible for cholerae toxin production, but although this strain may not pose an immediate public health risk, our finding illustrates the importance, challenges and effectiveness of wastewater-based pathogen surveillance.
Application of a Multi-Source Multi-Task Weight Adaptation Framework for Cross-Domain EEG Emotion Recognition(MS-MWA)
Authors: Zhu Yijun , Ma Yuliang , Meng Ming , Luo Zhizeng , Gao Yunyuan , Sun Mingxu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the practical implementation of the Electroencephalography (EEG) emotion recognition system, the development of a universal model applicable to different subjects and sessions is crucial. Previous studies have primarily focused on employing domain adaptation methods to address the differences in EEG distributions between different subjects and sessions.However, traditional approaches overly rely on source domain data, resulting in sensitivity to changes and limited generalization and adaptability. The introduction of multi-task domain adaptation, through diverse training, enhances generalization, making the model more flexible and adaptable to the complex and dynamic nature of real-world environments. Therefore, we propose a Multi-Source Multi-Task Weight Adaptation Framework (MS-MWA). To enhance model generalization, we introduce multiple tasks at different levels, enabling the model to learn hierarchical feature representations. At shallow layers, the model learns domain-invariant features, while at deep layers, it learns domain-specific features, thereby improving the model’s understanding of complex abstractions.To address the challenge of difficulty in adjusting relative weights among various task losses, we propose a multi-task deep learning approach that balances different loss functions using homoscedastic uncertainty between tasks. This method not only reduces the need for continual adjustment of weights for optimal performance but also enhances overall model performance.We evaluated our proposed model on the publicly available datasets SEED and SEED-IV. In cross-subject experiments, our model achieved accuracy rates of 91.35% and 72.20% on SEED and SEED-IV, respectively. In cross-session experiments, our model demonstrated accuracy rates of 92.27% on SEED and 77.47% on SEED-IV.
The mutational landscape of SARS-CoV-2 provides new insight into viral evolution and fitness
Authors: Gout Jean-Francois , Symons Jori , Chung Claire , Verheijen Lambertus , Shemtov Sarah , de Jong Dorien , Amatngalim Gimano , Nijhuis Monique , Vermulst Marc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Although vaccines and treatments have strengthened our ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge in human populations. Because the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by mutation, a better understanding of its mutation rate and spectrum could improve our ability to forecast the trajectory of the pandemic. Here, we used circular RNA consensus sequencing (CirSeq) to determine the mutation rate of six SARS-CoV-2 variants and performed a short-term evolution experiment to determine the impact of these mutations on viral fitness. Our analyses indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 genome mutates at a rate of ~3 ´10-6/base per round of infection and that the spectrum is dominated by C®U transitions. Moreover, we discovered that the mutation rate is significantly reduced in regions that form base-pairing interactions and that mutations that affect these secondary structures are especially harmful to viral fitness. These observations provide new insight into the parameters that guide viral evolution and highlight fundamental weaknesses of the virus that may be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
Linear copolymers based on cholinium functionalized with antibiotic anions for single– and dual–drug delivery systems
Authors: Keihankhadiv Shadi , Neugebauer Dorota 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The novel single and dual drug delivery systems (DDS) were designed by controlled polymerization of pharmaceutically functionalized choline-based monomers, i.e. [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium with counterions of cloxacillin (TMAMA/CLX), and ampicillin (TMAMA/AMP), providing the properties of antibiotics. This strategy was convenient to attain the well-defined linear copolymers with 38–93 mol. % of TMAMA contents, which were regulated by the initial ratio of TMAMA to methyl methacrylate comonomer. The compositions of polymers were controlled by the total monomer conversion (40–75%) resulting in a variable degree of polymerization (DPn = 160–300) and contents of pharmaceutical anions (CLX¯ 51–80% and AMP¯ 78–87%). In aqueous solution, particles of the polymer achieved nanoscale sizes, measuring between 274–380 nm for CLX¯ systems and 288–348 nm for CLX¯/AMP¯ systems. In vitro drug release, which was driven by the exchange reaction of the pharmaceutical to phosphate anions in PBS, imitating a physiological fluid, occurred in the range of 58–76% of CLX¯ (10.5–13.6 µg/mL) in the single systems, and 91–100% of CLX¯ (12.9–15.1 µg/mL) and 97–100% of AMP¯ (21.1–23.3 µg/mL) in the dual systems. In relation to the conventional systems delivering both antibiotics without polymer carrier, the studied choline-based polymer DDS, demonstrating effective content of drug(s) and their (co)release from the polymer carriers, seems to be a great alternative solution.
HRK downregulation and augmented BCL-xL binding to BAK confer apoptotic protection to therapy-induced senescent melanoma cells.
Authors: Montero Joan , Alcon Clara , Kovatcheva Marta , Sanchez Paula Morales , Torres Teresa , Puig Susana , Samitier Josep , Enrich Carlos , Serrano Manuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Senescent cells are commonly detected in tumors after chemo and radiotherapy, leading to a characteristic cellular phenotype that resists apoptotic cell death. In this study, we used multiple melanoma cell lines, molecular markers, and therapies to investigate the key role of the BCL-2 family proteins in the survival of senescent cells. We first used BH3 profiling to assess changes in apoptotic priming upon senescence induction. Unexpectedly, not all cell types analyzed showed a decrease in apoptotic priming, BIM was downregulated, there was variability in BAX expression and BAK remained constant or increased; therefore, there was not a clear pattern for pro-survival adaptation. Many studies have been devoted to find ways to eliminate senescent cells, leading to one of the most studied senolytic agents: navitoclax, a promiscuous BH3 mimetic that inhibits BCL-2, BCL-xL and BCL-W. While it is known the BCL-2 family of proteins is commonly upregulated in senescent cells, the complexity of the apoptotic network has not been fully explored. Interestingly, we found distinct protein expression changes always leading to a BCL-xL mediated pro-survival adaptation, as assessed by BH3 profiling. When analyzing potential therapeutic strategies, we observed a stronger senolytic activity in these melanoma cell lines when specifically targeting BCL-xL using A-1331852, navitoclax or the PROTAC BCL-xL degrader DT2216. We found that the sensitizer protein HRK was systematically downregulated when senescence was induced, leading to an increased availability of BCL-xL. Furthermore, we identified that the main apoptotic inhibition was shaped by BCL-xL and BAK binding increase that prevented mitochondrial permeabilization and apoptosis. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the molecular basis for BCL-xL anti-apoptotic dependence in senescence is described, paving the way for molecules that either prevent HRK downregulation or displace BCL-xL binding to BAK to be used as senolytics.
Enhancing workload quantification for apron controllers in emergency rescue scenarios: integrating emergency rescue personnel states through correlation analysis
Authors: Shao Quan , Jiang Kaiyue , Zhang Shengrun , Li Ruoheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Existing studies often overlook the additional impact of increased communication demands from Emergency Rescue Personnel (ERP) on apron controllers during aircraft-forced landings, leading to inaccurate workload assessments. This paper presents a quantitative approach to improve the evaluation of apron controllers’ workloads during emergency ground rescues by incorporating the states of ERP. Firstly, the approach systematically standardizes and calculates four features (apron controllers’ verbal communication signals, situation awareness, task complexity, and task performance) to quantify their workload. A correlation analysis follows this quantitation to identify key indicators representing the ERP’s states as replacements for the original communication-related features by determining their correlations with the apron controller's workload for improving the accuracy of workload evaluations. Additionally, subjective assessments from experienced apron controllers were collected to verify the effectiveness of the proposed quantitative workload approach by correlating them with the evaluated workload results. An experiment was conducted, in which 6 apron controllers and 10 ERPs were included to perform control and predetermined tasks, respectively, under four diverse emergency scenarios across three different periods, involving bidirectional communication (instructions given before and after each task). Using ERP’s fatigue states as one of the measures of the apron controller’s workload level would result in workload calculations with less error, confirming the superiority of using the new indicators screened by the proposed approach to quantify workload during apron emergency rescue control. This enhances the effectiveness of apron control operations in high-pressure situations, thereby securing more emergency response efforts.