bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc Bioaccumulation in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) Across Urban and Rural Areas of Meknes, Morocco: A Marker of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Haddadi Youssef , Chahlaoui Abdelkader , Taouraout Aziz , Ichennarn Imane , Belkhiri Abdelkhalek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines zinc (Zn) bioaccumulation in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) across different urban and rural zones of Meknes, Morocco, to evaluate its role as an indicator of environmental pollution. Fifty adult house sparrows were collected from five sites: an industrial zone (IZ), Meknes Town Centre (TC), Sidi Said Bus Station (SS), Fez-Meknes Main Road (MR), and a rural site (Ref). Zinc concentrations in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, feathers, bones, lungs, and blood were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Results showed high zinc concentrations in the liver (111.43 ± 4.25 µg/g) and kidneys (56.68 ± 3.50 µg/g) of the industrial zone, and significant levels in the rural zone. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between the sites. House sparrows proved to be effective bioindicators of zinc pollution, reflecting the variability of environmental contamination between urban and rural areas.
Evaluating the Need and Feasibility of Micro Irrigation Systems for Sustainable Irrigation
Authors: Chourasia Sandeep Kumar , Chhetri Suzan Karkee , Pandey Ashish 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Irrigation plays a vital role in the sustainability of agriculture and the improvement of farm yields. Although the Indian government has made substantial investments in developing irrigation projects, there remains a significant gap between the created irrigation potential and its utilization due to losses in canal conveyance and inefficient conventional irrigation methods in the canal command. Most modernization works are focussed on implementing micro irrigation for tube well irrigation systems, a problem since 64% of Indian districts experienced a water table decline between 2002 and 2016. With this in mind, the present study examines the command area of Gadarjudda minor of the Upper Ganga Canal in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India, to assess the necessity and viability of micro irrigation in the canal command area. The evaluation is done by evaluating the current canal status, designing the gravity flow piped irrigation network, and conducting a social survey to determine farmers' willingness, awareness, and purchasing capacity toward adopting micro irrigation systems on their farms. High conveyance loss, erratic water distribution, and poor maintenance highlight the importance of micro irrigation in the study area. The profile of the minor canal is sufficient to allow gravity flow in the pipe network, with velocity and pressure head within the permissible limits. A social survey revealed that farmers showed a high level of willingness to adopt microirrigation, but a low purchasing capacity discourages its adoption. For the canal water fed micro irrigation system in Gadarjudda minor government support, awareness among farmers, active participation of farmers Associations, and piped irrigation network are deemed mandatory.
Exploring the Toxicity and Antiresorptive Activity of a Diterpene from Egletes viscosa (L.) less. in Mice: in silico and in vivo Studies
Authors: de Sousa Iara Lais Lima , de Melo Iracema Matos , Freire Jordania Marques de Oliveira , Lima Andreia Silva , Pimenta Antonia Torres Ávila , Lima Mary Anne Sousa , Mesquita River Jordan Oliveira , Luciano João Henrique Silva , Costa José Jackson do Nascimento , Goes Paula , Leitão Renata Ferreira de Carvalho , Ferreira Vanessa Costa de Sousa , Pereira Karuza Maria Alves , Braz Helyson Lucas Bezerra , Chaves Hellíada Vasconcelos , Bezerra Mirna Marques 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Egletes viscosa (macela) is known for its gastroprotective properties in traditional medicine in Brazil. Herein, we evaluated the toxicity and antiresorptive activity of 12-acetoxyhawtriwaic acid lactone (12-AHAL), a diterpene obtained from E. viscosa. 12-AHAL has been demonstrated to have biological effects which might be important during periodontitis, a bone disorder. Molecular docking studies analyzed ADMT-Tox properties of 12-AHAL and evaluated its binding performance against targets associated with bone loss. Periodontitis was induced by a ligature around the mandibular first molars. The mice received (gavage) 12-AHAL (12.5; 25; 50 mg/kg) for 14d. Bone loss was assessed through morphometric and histometric analysis. Picrosirius Red staining was performed in mandible sections. We investigated in gingival tissues by RT-qPCR RANK-L/OPG and catalase mRNA expression levels, and by colorimetric assay catalase and superoxide dismutase-SOD activities. The in vivo toxicity of 12-AHAL was evaluated. In silico assays suggested good oral bioavailability and hepatotoxicity, and the interactions of 12-AHAL with RANKL/OPG and catalase showed firm bonds. In in vivo experiments, 12-AHAL reduced bone loss. Although 12-AHAL (25 or 50 mg/kg) produced liver and renal toxicity, 12-AHAL (12.5 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity, increased collagen type I, reduced RANK-L mRNA levels and increased OPG and catalase mRNA levels, and enhanced catalase and SOD activities. 12-AHAL (12.5 mg/kg) was safe and had anti-resorptive effects during periodontitis in mice, showing antioxidant activity with the involvement of the RANK-L/OPG pathway. These findings point to a novel application for E. viscosa and highlights the need for cautious utilization of medicinal plants.
The MYB transcription factor PpMYB5 regulates Pp4CL1/Pp4CL2 expression to promote lignin biosynthesis of fruit russeting in the flat nectarine
Authors: Miao Yule , Duan Wenyi , Li Ang , Meng Junren , Wang Hongmei , Pan Lei , Sun Shihang , Cui Guochao , Shi Caiyun , Niu Liang , Zeng Wenfang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Nectarine russeting is usually considered to be a non-invasive physiological disease that usually occurs on late maturing cultivars and seriously affects their appearance quality and commercial value. The cause of nectarine fruit rust is currently unknown. In this study, we compared two flat nectarine cultivars, ‘zhongyoupanweidi’ (HD; russeting-free cultivar) and ‘zhongyoupanweihou’ (TH; russeting-prone cultivar), with respect to nectarine russeting by means of microscopy, transcriptomics, and hormone analysis. Compared to HD fruits, TH fruits had a broken cuticle, missing wax layer, and heavy lignin deposition. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed significant alternations in expression of genes related to lignin synthesis. Moreover, structure genes Pp4CL1 and Pp4CL2, MYB transcription factor (TF) gene PpMYB5 were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Molecular experiments and transgenic evidence suggested that PpMYB5 regulates Pp4CL1/Pp4CL2expression to promote lignin synthesis. Overall, in addition to providing new insights into the formation of mechanism for nectarine russeting, our study also establishes a foundation for nectarine russeting prevention.
The genetic control of resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in resistant tomato genotypes is determined by different genes
Authors: Costa Djayran Sobral , Souza Elineide Barbosa , Carvalho Rejane Rodrigues Costa e , Costa Ester da Silva , Silva Adriano Márcio Freire e , Costa Kleyton Danilo da Silva , Filho José Luiz Sandes de Carvalho , Varjão Luís Felipe Barbosa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The tomato crop is one of the most studied fruit vegetables when it comes to genetics and breeding, with the aim of developing future cultivars that meet the needs of farmers and the consumer market. One of these needs is resistance to soil-borne diseases such as bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, which causes major economic losses. One of the first steps in obtaining new cultivars is to determine the genetic control of their characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the Ralstonia solanacearum resistance loci of two resistant tomato genotypes are the same or not, based on an inheritance study. To this end, F1, F2, BC11 and BC21 generations were evaluated in one experiment, and 60 F2:3 progenies were evaluated in a second experiment. In both experiments, the genitors Yoshimatsu and Hawaii 7996 were used as a control. A descriptive rating scale was used to evaluate all the treatments. The main result was that the genetic control of resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in the two resistant tomato genotypes is determined by different genes. Two recessive genes were found in Yoshimatsu and one in Hawaii 7996.
Dynamics of Heavy Metals in the Blood of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) Across Different Urban Habitats in Meknes, Morocco
Authors: Haddadi Youssef , Chahlaoui Abdelkader , Taouraout Aziz , Belkhiri Abdelkhalek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines the accumulation of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) in the blood of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) across various urban habitats in Meknes, Morocco. Fifty adult sparrows were captured from five distinct sites, including industrial, high-traffic, and rural areas. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Results show significant variations in heavy metal concentrations depending on the site. The highest levels were found in the industrial zone, with lead (Pb) at 336.02 µg/L, cadmium (Cd) at 12.28 µg/L, and zinc (Zn) at 1736.09 µg/L. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering revealed three distinct pollution clusters: Cluster 0 (high Zn, low Pb and Cd), Cluster 1 (moderate levels of all metals), and Cluster 2 (high levels of all metals). These findings highlight the ecological and health risks associated with urban pollution and the value of house sparrows as effective bioindicators.
Occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in urban surface water sources in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. M. Majedul , Islam Md. Atikul , Neela Farzana Ashrafi , Hasanuzz Abul Farah Md. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) result in thousands of human deaths annually worldwide. Surface waters are impacted by anthropogenic factors, which contribute to the emergence and spread of ARB in the aquatic environment. There has been a notable lack of study on antibiotic resistance in surface water, particularly in developing nations like Bangladesh, where antibiotics are widely consumed and are not disposed properly. In this study, bacteria strains isolated from three rivers and two lakes in Khulna city, Bangladesh were characterized for their antibiotic resistance using disc diffusion method. Overall, of 56 isolates of bacteria from samples of the surface water sources, most were resistant to Ciprofloxacine (75.0–87.5%) and Ceftriaxone (65.6–78.1%). Ampicillin showed (9.4–18.8%) a comparatively lower resistance rate than that of Ciprofloxacine and Ceftriaxone. The prevalence of ARB was observed to be higher during the wet seasons compared to the dry seasons. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that Shigella flexneri was dominant (17.9%) in surface water followed by Escherichia fergusonii (12.5%), Proteus mirabilis (10.7%) and Enterobacter quasihormaechei (8.9%). The genus level analysis showed that Enterobacter (23.5%), Shigella (20.6%), and Escherichia spp (14.7%) were found most abundant both in the rivers and lakes water. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for routine surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in surface water sources nationwide, as well as the implementation of safe disposal practices for antibiotics utilized in healthcare, animal husbandry, and aquaculture.
Risky Weapon Carrying Behaviors, Youth Violence, and Substance Use Among Young Black Males in Chicago: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Emezue Chuka N. , Bishop-Royse Jessica , Udmuangpia Tipparat , Dan-Irabor Dale , Anakwe Adaobi , Julion Wrenetha A. , Karnik Niranjan S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
. The study evaluates the prevalence of risky weapon-carrying behaviors (WCB) among YBM in Chicago and examines their associations with various forms of direct and vicarious violence—youth violence, community violence, and partner abuse—as well as substance use and substance-related aggression.
Methods
. We performed Pearson Chi-square tests and multivariable negative binomial regression analysis on cross-sectional data from 266 violence-involved young Black males (YBM) in Chicago. This data was collected using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Our dependent variable, weapon-carrying behavior, was measured by the frequency of weapon carrying, including items such as guns, knives, and clubs, over the past year.
Results
. In a sample of 266 YBM (ages 15–24, 99% African American), the mean age was 18.32 ± 3.10 years, and 42.7% had some high school education. The 30-day weapon-carrying incidence was 17.3%, with 19.1% threatening someone with a weapon ≥ 2–3 times in the past year. About one-third engaged in partner violence (30.4%), primarily psychological (36.7%) and physical (28.3%) abuse. Approximately 64.8% experienced some form of violence or aggression in the past year, and 76.4% witnessed community violence. Over 20.8% reported binge drinking, and 43.6% engaged in illicit drug use, with 37.2% participating in or initiating violent acts following alcohol or drug consumption. Negative binomial regression results revealed that exposure to direct and vicarious violence, along with substance use, significantly increased the likelihood of carrying weapons. Specific risk factors such as recent threats or injuries, witnessing violence, involvement in physical altercations, and substance-related aggression significantly predict WCB. Age and relationship dynamics also critically influence these behaviors. Additionally, for each year of age, the risk for WCB increased by 22%.
Conclusions
. This study identified significant associations between different types of violence, substance use, and risky WCB among YBM in Chicago. The results underscore the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, multifaceted interventions addressing both individual and psychosocial factors behind risky WCB. These interventions are crucial for reducing gun violence and improving urban community safety, offering vital data to inform policies and interventions for youth protection in similar environments.
Loss of Sirtuin 7 impairs cell motility and proliferation and enhances S-phase cell arrest after 5-fluorouracil treatment in head and neck cancer
Authors: Halasa Marta , Afshan Syeda , Wawruszak Anna , Borkowska Agata , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Przybyszewska-Podstawka Alicja , Kalafut Joanna , Baran Marzena , Stepulak Andrzej , Nees Matthias 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7), a member of the sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, plays a vital role in cancer, exhibiting context-dependent functions across various malignancies. Our study investigates the role of SIRT7 depletion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. In vitro and 3D organotypic models demonstrated that SIRT7 knock-out attenuates cancer cell viability, proliferation, and motility as well as induces downregulation of migration- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression. Moreover, the SIRT7 loss potentiates slower organoid formation and less invasive organoid morphology, validated by vimentin downregulation. The SIRT7 loss potentiates S-phase arrest in cell cycle progression after 5-FU treatment and elevates the ratio of dead cells. Additionally, SIRT7 deletion reduces the expression of G1 phase-associated proteins, Cyclin D and CDK4. Altogether, our study highlights SIRT7 as a promising therapeutic target in HNSCC, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment modalities such as combinational treatment.
Efficacy of a one-week digitally delivered attachment priming and mindfulness practice intervention for improving stress, insomnia, and emotion regulation in university students: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stevenson Jodie C. , Matthews Meghann , Akram Umair 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Despite existing wellbeing services, university students remain particularly vulnerable to mental health difficulties. Recently, mindfulness-based practice and attachment security priming paradigms are evidenced to improve psychological wellbeing. This study comparatively examined immediate and sustained therapeutic potential of a digitally delivered repeated attachment priming and mindfulness-based practice protocol in improving student mental health deployed over a one-week period. Using a randomised controlled design, N=122 UK undergraduate students were equally allocated to one of three conditions: repeated security priming, mindfulness practice, or waitlist control. After completing measures of perceived stress, insomnia, and emotion regulation at baseline, experimental treatment groups completed five consecutive days of attachment priming or mindfulness-based practice. All groups completed the same questionaries: on immediate completion of day five (T2); four weeks post-completion (T3). Relative to controls, students receiving treatment displayed significant improvements in perceived stress, insomnia symptoms, emotion regulation, and drop-out intention at T3 compared to baseline. Attachment priming yielded the most promising improvements compared to mindfulness-based practice. We add to the literature emphasizing the need for improvements and novel therapeutic additions to current practices of counselling and student support services in higher education. Here, digital delivery of mindfulness practice and attachment priming may serve as an adjunct or standalone alternate for institutions failing to provide students with an adequate degree of support within a timely manner.
Effect of Soil Nonlinearity in Seismic Ground Response Analysis and Liquefaction Assessment of Kolkata Soil in India
Authors: Mallick Monirul , Mandal Kalyan Kumar , Sahu Ramendu Bikas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Soil response under earthquake loading is highly nonlinear even at low strain. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of soil non-linearity on seismic response of layered soil deposit under a considered bed rock motion. 1D effective stress-based ground response analysis has been conducted using the nonlinear finite element program Cyclic1D. Two different sites of Kolkata metropolitan city having two distinct soil formations such as Normal Kolkata Deposit (NKD) and River Channel Deposit (RCD) are selected for ground response analysis. Three different earthquake motions such as the 1940 Imperial Valley, 2001 Bhuj and 2011 Sikkim are used as input motions .The reliability of the present model is performed by comparing the results of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and its magnification factor profile with that predicted using SHAKE 2000 computer program based on equivalent linear approach. The results show that PGA at surface ranges from 0.109 g to 0.119 g for NKD soil and 0.072 g to 0.091 g for RCD soil. The range of variation of peak spectral acceleration for 5% damping ratio is 0.51 g to 0.67 g for NKD soil and 0.33 g to 0.46 g for RCD soil of Kolkata. The effects of fluctuation of ground water table and mildly-inclined infinite slope has also been studied. It is observed that properties of input earthquake motion, local site condition, topography and location of ground water table have profound influence on ground response. Further, liquefaction potential of Kolkata soil has been assessed using the results obtained from the present analysis. It is found that top 12 m of RCD soil is susceptible to liquefaction if these considered input earthquake motions are experienced at bedrock.
Aldosterone promotes calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in mice through the AIF-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xin , Zhao Yingzi , Jiang GuoTao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective To examine the impact of aldosterone on calcification in murine vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via the Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 (AIF-1)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Methods Mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were cultured in vitro, and calcification was induced by treatment with aldosterone at a concentration of 100 nM. The level of calcification in mouse VSMCs was evaluated using colorimetric assays assessing the presence of ALP activity, and qRT-PCR identifying the expression of calcification-related markers such as RUNX2, α-SMA, OCN, and ALP mRNA. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein level of expression associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (LRP6, p-LRP6, GSK3β, p-GSK3β, β-catenin), as well as AIF-1. Plasmid transfection techniques were utilized to either knock down or overexpress AIF-1, and the subsequent alterations in these markers were observed.
Results (1) Comparing the aldosterone treatment group with the control group, the ALP activity increased significantly. In conjunction with this increase, RUNX2, OCN, and ALP mRNA levels increased, as did LRP6, p-LRP6, GSK3, p-GSK3, -catenin, and AIF-1 protein levels. Additionally, an important decrease in the expression of -SMA mRNA was observed (P< 0.05). (2) Comparing the aldosterone + oe-AIF-1 with the aldosterone + oe-NC group showed significant increases in the ALP activity, whereas the aldosterone + sh-AIF-1 showed significant decreases. (P< 0.05). (3) The aldosterone + oe-AIF-1 group exhibited significantly upregulated expression of AIF-1, p-LRP6/LRP6, p-GSK3β/GSK3β, and β-catenin proteins relative to the aldosterone + oe-NC group (P< 0.05). This was concurrent with increased mRNA expression of RUNX2, OCN, and ALP, and decreased α-SMA mRNA expression (P< 0.05).
Conclusion In the process of calcification, aldosterone affects mouse VSMCs, and AIF-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation is the mechanism behind its action.
Tinnitus is associated with increased extracellular matrix density in the auditory cortex of Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Tziridis Konstantin , Maul Antonia , Rasheed Jwan , Krauss Patrick , Schilling Achim , Schulze Holger 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Most scientist agree that subjective tinnitus is the pathological result of an interaction of damage to the peripheral auditory system and central neuroplastic adaptations. Here we investigate such tinnitus related adaptations in the primary auditory cortex (AC) 7 and 13 days after noise trauma induction of tinnitus by quantifying the density of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the AC of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The ECM density has been shown to be relevant for neuroplastic processes and synaptic stability within the cortex. We utilized a mild monaural acoustic noise trauma in overall 22 gerbils to induce tinnitus and a sham exposure in 16 control (C) animals. Tinnitus was assessed by a behavioral response paradigm. Animals were separated for a presence (T) or absence (NT) of a tinnitus percept by a behavioral task. The ECM density 7 and 13 days after trauma was quantified using immunofluorescence luminance of Wisteria floribunda lectin-fluoresceine-5-isothiocyanate (WFA-FITC) on histological slices of the primary AC, relative to the non-auditory brainstem as a reference area. At both timepoints, we found that the WFA-FITC luminance of the AC of NT animals was not significantly different from that of C animals. However, we found a significant increase of luminance in T animals’ ACs compared to NT or C animals’ cortices. This effect was found exclusively on the AC side contralateral to the trauma ear. These results point to a hemisphere specific process of stabilization of synaptic connections in primary AC, which may be involved in the chronic manifestation of tinnitus.