bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QTL mapping and genome-wide association analysis reveal genetic loci and candidate gene for resistance to gray leaf spot in tropical and subtropical maize germplasm
Authors: Pan Yanhui , Jiang Fuyan , Shaw Ranjan K. , Sun Jiachen K. , Li Linzhuo , Yin Xingfu , Bi Yaqi , Kong Jiao , Zong Haiyang , Gong Xiaodong , Ijaz Babar , Fan Xingming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Gray leaf spot (GLS) is a major foliar disease of maize (Zea mays L.) that causes significant yield losses worldwide. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying gray leaf spot resistance is crucial for breeding high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. In this study, eight tropical and subtropical germplasms were crossed with the temperate germplasm Ye107 to develop a nested association mapping (NAM) population comprising 1,653 F2:8 RILs consisting of eight recombinant inbred line (RIL) subpopulations, using the single-seed descent method. The NAM population was evaluated for GLS resistance in four different environments, and genotyping-by-sequencing of the NAM population generated 593,719 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Linkage analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted to identify candidate genes regulating GLS resistance in maize. Both analyses identified 25 QTLs and 149 SNPs that were significantly associated with GLS resistance. Candidate genes were screened 20Kb upstream and downstream of the significant SNPs, and three novel candidate genes (Zm00001d051039, Zm00001d051147, and Zm00001d044845) were identified. Zm00001d051039 and Zm00001d051147 were located on chromosome 4 and co-localized in both linkage (qGLS4-1 and qGLS4-2) and GWAS analyses. SNP-138,153,206 was located 0.499kb downstream of the candidate gene Zm00001d051039, which encodes the protein IN2-1 homolog B, a homolog of glutathione S-transferase (GSTs). GSTs and Protein IN2-1 homolog B scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) under various stress conditions, and GSTs are believed to protect plants from a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses by detoxifying reactive electrophilic compounds. Zm00001d051147 encodes a probable beta-1,4-xylosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of xylan in the cell wall, enhancing resistance. SNP-145,813,215 was located 2.69 kb downstream of the candidate gene. SNP-5,043,412 was consistently identified in four different environments and was located 8.788 kb downstream of the candidate gene Zm00001d044845 on chromosome 9. Zm00001d044845 encodes the U-box domain-containing protein 4 (PUB4), which is involved in regulating plant immunity. The findings of this study are significant for marker-assisted breeding aimed at enhancing resistance to GLS in maize and laying the foundation for further elucidation of the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to gray leaf spot in maize and breeding of new disease-resistant varieties.
Genome-wide association analysis revealed genetic markers linked to grain yield and yield related traits in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] grown in acidic soils
Authors: Brhane Haftom , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot , Tesfaye Kassahun , Lule Dagnachew , Abreha Kibrom B. , Hammenhag Cecilia , Ortiz Rodomiro , Geleta Mulatu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim
Finger millet is a nutritionally rich crop cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Soil acidity has a major impact on the crop’s yield and productivity as tolerant cultivars that perform well in acidic soils are limited. This study aimed at evaluating major finger millet phenotypic traits under acidic soils followed by identifying associated markers.
Method
A total of 288 finger millet genotypes were field evaluated for 8 major phenotypic traits including grain yield under acid soil conditions at Bako and Gute field sites in Ethiopia. In addition, the same genotypes were subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing to generate single nucleotide polymorphism markers to analyze association mapping.
Results
Data analysis revealed significant phenotypic variation in all targeted traits among the studied genotypes. Genotypes Ec-100093 (322.7 g), Ec-215803 (310.2 g), and Ec-203322 (301.2 g) were relatively high-yielding, whereas genotypes Ec-229721 (31 g) and Ec-242110 (31.2 g) had the lowest grain yield across the two locations. The broad-sense heritability of the traits ranged from 0.04 for the number of effective tillers (NET) to 0.78 for days to emergence (GY). The marker-trait association analysis using Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway model revealed 23 SNP markers significantly associated with one or more traits. Among the273 significant markers, one associated with days to emergence, seven with days to heading, four with days to maturity, three with grain yield (GY), two with ear length, one with plant height, two with number of fingers, and three with the number of effective tillers (NET).
Conclusions
Once validated with further research, the identified novel markers associated with the targeted traits will potentially be useful for genomics-driven finger millet improvement.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-diabetes and diabetes among khat (Catha edulis forsk) chewers in Bahir Dar Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Damtie Destaw , Seyoum Tarik 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Khat chewing is associated with lifestyles and dietary habits that have a direct link to the increase of blood glucose levels. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-diabetes and diabetes among khat chewers in Bahir Dar. In this cross-sectional study, 265 khat chewers were selected using snowball sampling. The association and strength of association between DM and risk factors were determined using univariate and multivariable logistic regressions in SPSS version 25. The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus was 21.1% and 14.0%, respectively. DM was associated with being married, being widowed, chewing khat for 5 to 10 years, chewing 51 to 100 grams of khat per chewing session, medical history of hypertension, sitting for ≥ 3 hours a day for chewing, and having high waist circumference (p < 0.05). The independent predictors of DM in this study were khat chewing frequency of 5 to 7 days a week (AOR = 6.322) and chewing ≥ 100g khat per chewing session (AOR = 4.721). Khat chewers in Bahir Dar show higher diabetes rates than national averages. Key risk factors include frequent, high-quantity khat use. Reducing consumption can lower risk.
Influence of Interstitial Lung Disease on Systemic Sclerosis Hospitalizations, A National Study (2002-2020)
Authors: Jobanputra Julia , Furtado Nikhil , Jabbar Ali Bin Abdul , Dilsaver Danielle , Asghar Noureen , Mirza Mohsin , Nahas Joseph , Tauseef Abubakar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that can cause generalized inflammation and is characterized by fibrosis of the skin, organs and vasculopathy. Limited SSc is more common and typically less serious and less frequent diffuse has a higher mortality rate due to end organ damage. One of the most common complications of SSc is interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD is characterized by fibrosis, scarring, and inflammation of the lungs. ILD has a 30% prevalence and a 40% 10-year mortality in patients with SSc worldwide. Hospitalizations for SSc were abstracted from the 2002–2020 using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), an all-payer administrative database in capturing 97% of hospital discharges in the Untied States. The primary aim was to evaluate whether in-patient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospital cost differed if SSc patients had underlying ILD. We estimated multivariable logistic regression and log-normal models controlling for age, biological sex, race/ethnicity, income, and hospital setting. ILD was associated with 88% greater adjusted odds of in-patient mortality (aOR 95% CI: 1.53 to 2.31, p < 0.001), 15% longer stays (aOR 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.28, p = 0.000), and 33% higher adjusted hospital costs (aOR 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.40, p < 0.001). These findings concluded that SSc with ILD has a significant impact on hospitalization outcomes.
Iranian nurses’ understanding of moral distress in pediatric wards
Authors: Rahmani Narges , Roshan FatemehSadat Seyed Nematollah , Nabavian Majedeh , Alipour Hossein 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: As direct and continuous providers of patient services, nurses are more exposed tovarious types of psychological stress in the work environment compared to other members of the health system. Nurses working in pediatric wards are in contact with children, and their families are more exposed to moral distress.This study aimed to investigate Iranian nurses’ understanding of moral distress in pediatric wards.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through inductive content analysis in 2023-2024. Data were collected through semi-structured and individual interviews and analyzed simultaneously and continuously using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach.
Twelve participants among nurses with moral distress experiences were selected through purposive sampling from Babol and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences.
Results: The study findings include four main classes and eight subclasses: 1) moral distress related to colleagues (doctor and nurse colleagues), 2) moral distress related to parents (conflict with children’s rights and distrust in nurses), 3) moral distress related to organizational factors (lack of manpower and proper equipment), and 4) psychological tensions following moral distress (mental conflict and exhaustion).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the need for mechanisms by managers and officials to hold educational programs and workshops to help reduce moral distress levels in nurses. To this end, it is necessary to identify the stressful conditions caused by nursing care in this ward and reduce nurses’ exposure to stress in moral dilemmas.
Improvements to steepest descent method for multi-objective optimization
Authors: Chen Wang , Tang Liping , Yang Xinmin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an efficient strategy for improving the multi-objective steepest descent method proposed by Fliege and Svaiter (Math Methods Oper Res, 2000, 3: 479--494). The core idea behind this strategy involves incorporating a positive modification parameter into the iterative formulation of the multi-objective steepest descent algorithm in a multiplicative manner. This modification parameter captures certain second-order information associated with the objective functions. We provide two distinct methods for calculating this modification parameter, leading to the development of two improved multi-objective steepest descent algorithms tailored for solving multi-objective optimization problems. Under reasonable assumptions, we demonstrate the convergence of sequences generated by the first algorithm toward a critical point. Furthermore, for strongly convex multi-objective optimization problems, we establish the linear convergence to Pareto optimality of the sequence of generated points. The performance of the new algorithms is empirically evaluated through computational comparisons on a set of multi-objective test instances. The numerical results underscore that the proposed algorithms consistently outperform the original multi-objective steepest descent algorithm.
Employing Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for the Identification of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Ya , Li Zheng , Li Zhongqiang , Wang Huaizhi , Regmi Dinkar , Zhang Jian , Feng Jiming , Yao Shaomian , Xu Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer poses a significant health risk to women worldwide, with approximately 30% being diagnosed annually in the United States. The identification of cancerous breast tissues from non-cancerous ones during surgery is crucial for the complete removal of tumors.
Results
Our study innovatively utilized machine learning techniques (Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)) alongside Raman spectroscopy to streamline and hasten the differentiation of normal and late-stage cancerous breast tissues in mice. The classification accuracy rates achieved by these models were 94.47% for RF, 96.76% for SVM, and 97.58% for CNN, respectively. To our best knowledge, this study was the first effort in comparing the effectiveness of these three machine-learning techniques in classifying breast cancer tissues based on their Raman spectra. Moreover, we innovatively identified specific spectral peaks that contribute to the molecular characteristics of the murine cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.
Conclusions
Consequently, our integrated approach of machine learning and Raman spectroscopy presents a non-invasive, swift diagnostic tool for breast cancer, offering promising applications in intraoperative settings.
Dural puncture epidural technique improved haemodynamic stability compared with spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hu Yang , Zhong Yu , Du Ming-cheng , Long Xiang , Jiang Jing-jing , Gong Yuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The dural puncture epidural technique could provide better haemodynamic stability in elective caesarean delivery compared with spinal anaesthesia. We aimed to investigate if the dural puncture epidural technique could reduce the incidence of hypotension in elective caesarean delivery compared with spinal anaesthesia.
Methods: This was a single-centre, parallel-group, randomised, double-blind controlled trial at the Yichang Central People’s Hospital. Healthy women aged 20–40 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II, undergoing elective primary caesarean delivery, and with foetuses with vertex presentation at 38–40 weeks of gestation were enrolled. The patients were randomised into group S (spinal anaesthesia) and group D (dural puncture epidural technique) with different neuraxial placement. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypotension during the operation. The secondary outcomes were time from injection to the end of operation, average dose of rescue ephedrine, incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting, heart rate, neonatal umbilical vein pH, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min.
Results: The findings of our study revealed that the dural puncture epidural technique reduces the incidence of hypotension in caesarean delivery compared with spinal anaesthesia, without affecting heart rate. There was no significant difference in the onset time from injection to the end of operation, and no severe adverse effects were found in our study.
Conclusions: The dural puncture epidural technique could provide better haemodynamic stability when the risks and benefits to the mother and her foetus are considered together.
Trial registration: The trial was registered on October 30, 2021 at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100052541).
Intelligent Detection Technology for Concrete Cracks in Bridge Baseplate Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Dai Chunquan , Li Haisheng , Yu Haiyang , Zeng Xiaoming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the continuous advancement of urbanization, the demand for the use of bridges has increased, and the demand for bridge health monitoring also sharply increased. Because of the particularity of its location, there are many difficulties in the crack detection of bridge baseplate. This paper proposed an intelligent detection technology for concrete cracks in bridge baseplate based on machine vision. Firstly, the images of concrete crack in bridge baseplate were collected by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the images were binarized, and the binarized images were used as the data set. Then, we improved the VGG model, proposed the VGG-A9 model suitable for crack image classification, set the ReLU function, added the batch normalization layer and dropout layer to optimize the model. The VGG-A9 model was trained and verified through the constructed data set, the loss function curve and classification accuracy curve were analyzed. It can be seen that the VGG-A9 model has low loss value, high accuracy and fast convergence speed. Finally, the crack feature parameters were extracted from the classified crack binary images as the basis for the service reliability evaluation of bridges, which provide reference for the intelligent detection and operation maintenance of bridges.
Sharing tripartite nonlocality sequentially using only projective measurements
Authors: Xu Yiyang , Sun Hao , Guo Fenzhuo , Dong Haifeng , Wen Qiaoyan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Bell nonlocality is a valuable resource in quantum information processing tasks. Scientists are interested in whether a single entangled state can generate a long sequence of nonlocal correlations. Previous work has accomplished sequential tripartite nonlocality sharing through unsharp measurements. In this paper, we investigate the sharing of tripartite nonlocality using only projective measurements and sharing classical randomness. For the generalized GHZ state, we have demonstrated that using unbiased measurement choices, two Charlies can share the standard tripartite nonlocality with a single Alice and a single Bob, while at most one Charlie can share the genuine tripartite nonlocality with a single Alice and a single Bob. However, with biased measurement choices, the number of Charlies sharing the genuine tripartite nonlocality can be increased to two. Nonetheless, we find that using biased measurements does not increase the number of sequential observers sharing the standard tripartite nonlocality. Moreover, we provide the feasible range of double violation for the parameters of the measurement combination probability with respect to the state.
MTOR promotes astrocyte activation and participates in neuropathic pain through an upregulation of RIP3
Authors: Dong Bingru , Li Danyang , Song Shasha , He Na , Yue Shouwei , Yin Sen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP), a chronic pain condition, is mostly the result of astrocyte activation within the spinal cord. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with this effect. We found that following chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery, there was an increase of mTOR in astrocytes and an activation of astrocytes within the spinal cords. Overexpressing mTOR by intrathecal injection of TSC2-shRNA further promoted CCI-induced neuroinflammation and astrocyte activation. Knockdown of astrocytic mTOR reversed hyperalgesia and rescued the downregulation of spinal glutamate metabolism-related protein expression. Interestingly, overexpression of mTOR resulted in the RIP3 up-regulation, and pharmacological inhibition of RIP3 eliminated the mTOR-induced astrocyte activation. Mechanistically, we found that mTOR controlled the expression of RIP3 in astrocytes through ITCH-mediated ubiquitination and an autophagy-dependent degradation. Taken together, our results reveal an unanticipated link between mTOR and RIP3 in promoting astrocyte activation, providing new avenues of investigation directed toward the management and treatment of NP.
25-hydroxy vitamin D levels associated with cardiovascular risk factors among military personnel based on obesity status
Authors: Eghbalian Mostafa , Akbari Hesam , Moradalizadeh Saeideh , Norouzi Mojtaba , Nasab Habibeh , Karamali Mazyar , Imani Mousa , Zahiri Hossein , Raei Mehdi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Vitamin D is an essential prohormone for body functions. Obesity and vitamin D deficiency both affect each other. Many obese individuals exhibit a combination of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods
The present study was conducted cross-sectional in 2023. The study population was considered to be 216 military personnel from Tehran. Blood samples were taken from the subjects to measure high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse were also measured. Using a questionnaire, demographic information and information about the history of some diseases were collected from the study subjects.
Results
The mean age was 41.06 years, and the mean work experience was 8.02 years. A higher percentage of diabetic or pre-diabetic subjects were obese or overweight (p < 0.001). The average level of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in subjects with normal weight was 27.23 times lower than other subjects. In normal-weight subjects in the study, there was a negative association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and DBP (β= -0.061).
Conclusion
We discovered a significant link between 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency in military personnel and heightened cardiovascular risk factors. Subsequent studies employing a longitudinal approach are necessary to validate our results and shed more light on the influence of vitamin D on cardiovascular risk.
A simplified approach of pumping rate optimization for production wells to mitigate saltwater intrusion: A case study in Vinh Hung district, Long An province, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Quy-Nhan , Tran Thanh-Le , Dang Tran-Trung , Pham Minh-Hoang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the investigation of optimal groundwater extraction in coastal regions, conventional assumptions typically revolve around unconfined aquifers with specified boundary conditions. In such cases, intricate solutions for groundwater management have been documented. However, within extensive delta plains, the extraction wells are frequently drilled in confined aquifers with a not much variable density flow. This circumstance, characterized by paleo-saltwater intrusion, is further complicated by the placement of wells at a considerable distance from the coastal line. As a result, the design and implementation of groundwater supply systems in these areas necessitate strategic groundwater management to optimize groundwater utilization while mitigating the potential risk of saltwater intrusion. To address this challenge, analytical solutions and an optimization problem approach have been applied to solve the differential equations governing confined aquifers with salt-freshwater interfaces. These methodologies provide simplified yet dependable conditions tailored to the study area. A case study conducted in Vinh Hung district, Long An province, is focused on determining the optimal pumping rate for production wells to forestall saltwater intrusion during groundwater extraction. The findings contribute valuable insights into achieving an equilibrium between maximizing groundwater utilization and preventing saltwater intrusion in the aquifer systems by simplified approach.