bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies for recurrent selection programs aiming upright common bean plants
Authors: Júnior Indalécio Cunha Vieira , Berchembrock Yasmin Vasques , Pádua José Maria Villela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), upright plant architecture is highly valued for agriculture. As plant architecture is controlled by many genes, recurrent selection is the optimal strategy for breeding programs. Additionally, conducting mass selection before flowering to intercross selected plants in the field increases efficiency by reducing the number of harvest cycles needed to complete a selective breeding cycle. For this to be effective, the plant's architecture at flowering must accurately predicts its trait at harvest. Based on that, the objective of this study was to verify whether there is an association between plant architecture at flowering and at harvest and to study the relationship between traits of plant architecture and grain yield. The traits assessed included plant height and plant architecture scores at flowering and harvest, stem diameter, grain yield, and the mass of one hundred grains. Sixty-two progenies from each S0:2, S0:3 and S0:4 generation, with two commercial cultivars as controls, were evaluated across three environments in a triple lattice experimental design. Genetic and phenotypic parameters and correlation coefficient were estimated. Progenies selection was carried out using index Z, and subsequently, the correlated response in the traits was determined. It was found that the correlation between heights and architecture scores at flowering and harvest were of high magnitude. There was also a low correlation between plant architecture traits and grain yield. The results of this study suggest that selecting upright plants during the flowering stage is feasible, and that plant architecture and grain yield are expressed independently.
Exploring the Antidepressant Mechanism of Codonopsis pilosula through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis
Authors: Lin Mu , Liao Jiangrong , Gong Yadong , Xiao Ran , Liu Mubo , Ding Huihong , Ma Qingqing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the antidepressant properties and underlying mechanisms of Codonopsis pilosula using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis.
Methods
The principal constituents of Codonopsis pilosula were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Genecards and the Online Mendelian Human Inheritance Database (OMIM) were utilized to gather genes associated with depression. Subsequently, Cytoscape software and the STRING database were employed to construct a components-targets network and protein interaction network models for Codonopsis pilosula. The DAVID database was applied for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the targets, while Autodock software was utilized for molecular docking of the primary active compounds of Codonopsis pilosula with its key targets.
Results
This investigation identified 18 primary components in Codonopsis pilosula, which have the potential to modulate numerous targets and impact 57 signaling pathways. Through integration of prior research findings and molecular docking validation, it was observed that Lobetyolin, the key constituent of Codonopsis pilosula, exhibits binding affinity with the pivotal target Tumor Protein P53 (TP53).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Codonopsis pilosula may elicit antidepressant effects through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach, laying a foundation for further exploration and clinical utilization of Codonopsis pilosula in the prevention and management of depression.
Motivations for a Career in Teaching: Medical Students’ Projections towards their Future Role
Authors: González-Amarante Pilar , Romero-Padrón Manuel A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical educators play a crucial role in the perpetuation of the medical profession. Recent concerns have arisen regarding the quality and quantity of current teachers. To comprehend this shortage, it is key to understand future physicians’ attitudes towards venturing in education, their motivations and possible detracting factors. This study aims to explore graduating students' attitudes towards a future teaching role and identify motivating and hindering factors.
Methods
Sixty-eight students in their final year of medical training answered a digital questionnaire. Responses were processed using descriptive statistics and qualitative coding for the open-ended questions.
Results
Teaching was the second most prevalent aspiring role (59%) after the clinical one. Motivations included the following themes: Contribution to the Future of Medicine, Self-Centered Motivations, Non-Economical Advantages, Sense of Duty and Economical Advantages. Conversely, hindering factors revealed consistent themes: Non-Economical Disadvantages, Economical Disadvantages, Cost-Benefit Rationale, Disadvantages Related to Teaching, and Self-Centered Demotivation. Students’ recent experience across the undergraduate path provided insights about the influence of different agents, teachers’ exemplary attributes, and their own confidence and projection for their future role. Teaching is predominantly viewed as an honorable and aspirational role but constrained by inadequate economic compensation. Students feel confident on this path, with limited understanding of teacher professionalization.
Conclusions
Exploring the perspectives of graduating students, delving into their motivations and demotivations, holds the potential to tackle issues from a deeper perspective. This understanding can be instrumental in strategically prioritizing efforts to meet the increasing demand for both quantity and quality in educating future professionals.
Stepwise Multi-Temperature Thermogravimetric Analysis (SMT-TGA) for Rapid Alloy Development
Authors: Monceau Daniel , Enjalbert Hugo , Desgranges Clara , Sanviemvongsak Tom , Casadebaigt Antoine , Perez Thomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Stepwise Multi-Temperature Thermogravimetric Analysis (SMT-TGA) method is a rapid and time- and material-efficient measurement procedure for oxidation kinetics over a wide range of temperatures. It is suitable for alloy design and material selection procedures. It involves subjecting a sample to a series of steps at increasing temperatures, followed by steps at decreasing temperatures to identify possible effects on the evolution of oxide layer microstructures on oxidation kinetics. This method has been tested for a wide range of metallic alloys in the present work, allowing for the mapping of possible ranges of parabolic oxidation kinetics of industrial alloys between 600 and 1300°C. Two examples of effects of thermal history have also been described in this publication.
Monitoring Lipopolysaccharide-induced Macrophage Polarization by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Yilmaz Deniz , Culha Mustafa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Macrophages are among the most important components of the innate immune system where the interaction of pathogens and their phagocytosis occur as the first barrier of immunity. When nanomaterials interact with the human body, they have to face macrophages as well. Thus, understanding of nanomaterials-macrophage interactions and underlying mechanisms is crucial. For this purpose, various methods are used. In this study, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proposed by studying lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced macrophage polarization using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an alternative to the current approaches. For this purpose, RAW 264.7 cells were polarized by LPS, and polarization mechanisms were characterized by nitrite release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and monitored using SERS. The spectral changes were interpreted based on the molecular pathways induced by LPS. Furthermore, polarized macrophages by LPS were exposed to the toxic AuNPs doses to monitor the enhanced phagocytosis and related spectral changes. It was observed that LPS induced macrophage polarization and enhanced AuNPs phagocytosis by activated macrophages elucidated clearly from SERS spectra in a label-free non-destructive manner.
Repurposing Rifaximin against Klebsiella pneumoniae via Targeting of Transcription Anti-termination Protein RfaH for Novel Antimicrobial Development
Authors: Ashraf Anam , Choudhary Arunabh , Khan Mohammad Ali , Noor Saba , Islam Asimul , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Anti-termination protein RfaH plays a crucial role in promoting virulence across various Gram-negative pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). RfaH directly interacts with RNA-polymerase and ribosomes, which in turn facilitates the activation of operons associated with capsule, cell wall, and pilus biosynthesis. This study aimed to investigate the repurposing potential of rifaximin, a well-established antibiotic, against KP by strategically targeting RfaH, a pivotal anti-terminator protein in transcription. Fluorescence studies observed an excellent binding affinity between rifaximin and RfaH (Ka = 7.38 x 106M−1). Intriguingly, rifaximin treatment causes a significant reduction in capsule production in KP when compared to untreated controls, elucidating its inhibitory influence on RfaH activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Rifaximin was calculated as 100µM and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 200µM against KP (ATCC 700603 strain). Docking and MD simulation studies provided detailed atomic insights into the Rifaximin binding to RfaH and structural dynamics of the RfaH-Rifaximin complex. These multifaceted findings collectively investigated the potential of rifaximin as a repurposed antibiotic against KP. Finally, a strong interaction of RfaH with rifaximin and subsequent inhibition of the growth of KP provides a novel avenue for antimicrobial development for addressing the persistent global challenge of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Dietary supplementation with grape seed extract improves energy metabolism by enhancing the production of inosine in the rumen of dairy cows
Authors: Shao Qi , Feng Haihua , Li Guojin , Usman Muhammad , Loor Juan J. , Fang Zhiyuan , Chen Meng , Li Chenxu , Yu Hao , Hao Xue , Ju Lingxue , Zhang Cai , Li Yuanxiao , Song yuxiang , Gao Wenwen , Lei Lin , Liu Guowen , Du Xiliang , Li Xinwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The ruminal microbiota plays a key role in the supply of nutrients and energy-generating compounds to the animal. However, during the transition into lactation dairy cows experience dysbiosis of the microbial community and negative energy balance, both of which render animals prone to metabolic disorders and decreased milk production. Grape seed extract (GSE) can modulate the ruminal microbiota in vitro, but whether it could improve energy metabolism and inflammation during the transition period is unclear.
Results
Feeding GSE during the transition period led to greater milk yield and lower milk somatic cell count. In addition, GSE led to greater concentrations of glucose and lower concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid, acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A), and the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum. The ruminal microbiota composition and their metabolites were altered, with the concentration of microbiota-derived inosine being greater both in serum and rumen due to feeding GSE. There was a positive correlation in cows fed GSE between inosine and abundance of differentially enriched genera, better milk performance and improved metabolic and inflammation-related markers. In vitro studies showed that inosine acted through adenosine receptors to reduce lipid accumulation, and increase insulin sensitivity and gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes, and inhibit lipolysis and inflammation in adipocytes. In dairy cows with ketosis, inosine treatment alleviated negative energy balance, liver injury, and hepatic lipid accumulation, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and decreased lipolysis and inflammatory response in adipose tissue.
Conclusions
GSE improves energy metabolism and inflammatory state around parturition by promoting the production of ruminal microbiota-derived inosine. Thus, feeding GSE and inosine can be a potential strategy to alleviate metabolic disorders and inflammation in dairy cows during the transition period.
The State of the Lower Volta Delta Beaches in Ghana from Field Observations
Authors: Angnuureng Donatus B. , Brempong Emmanuel K. , Kpogo-Nuwoklo Komla Agbéko , Dada Olusegun A. , Ofosu Godwin Tutu , Ekumah Nanabanyin O. , Attipoe Esinam , Jayson-Quashigah Philip-Neri , Klubi Emmanuel , Ondoa Gregoire Abessolo , Almar Rafael , Acheampong Emmanuel , Agyapong Docia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Field observations along West Africa are of extreme importance for understanding rapid beach geomorphological changes. Here, we conducted comprehensive field surveys to understand the geomorphological and hydrodynamic conditions of Ghana's lower Volta Delta. Over five months, in situ data were collected along 90 km of coast, examining temporal bathymetry, beach profiles, beach width variations, waves, and grain sizes. The primary objective was to determine the factors behind the significant coastal erosion and flooding, destabilizing the coastal ecosystems and communities. Results show that grain sizes are in the range of 0.2 < D50 < 0.5 mm. The beach slope, which varies between the flattest 0.4% at Blekusu, Keta Fort, Atiteti and the steepest 21% at Atorkor, is substantial for the returning floods experienced at some sections. Despite the same regional climatic environment, the study reveals contrasted coastal behaviors, with different sections of the Delta exhibiting distinct alterations in beach profiles and widths. Global wave model data (e.g. ERA5), widely used for coastal assessment in terms of magnitude, are significantly inconsistent with in-situ measurements in shallow water as found this study which could affect modeling of wave dynamics in shallow waters. This work serves as a database for current and future projects.
UAM-Net: Unified Attention EfficientNet for Robust Deepfake Detection
Authors: Sudarshana Kerenalli , Vamsidhar Yendapalli 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The widespread usage of deepfake technology in the rapidly growing area of digital media poses an imminent threat to the authenticity and truthfulness of multimedia content. Deep learning techniques have created hyper-realistic altered visuals, which have caused severe issues in several domains, like social media, politics, and entertainment. This problem necessitates the development of effective deepfake detection tools. Present-day deepfake detection methods rely heavily on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and associated deep learning architectures. Although these methods have been helpful, they usually fail to capture relational and contextual information within images fully. Their ability to recognize subtle variations typical of sophisticated deepfakes is hindered by it. This paper presents a novel deep learning framework called Unified Attention Mechanism into EfficientNet model (UAM-Net). It integrates channel and spatial attention processes inside the EfficientNet architecture. UAM-Net concentrates on channel and spatial information to increase classification accuracy and feature extraction. UAM-Net performs better than current state-of-the-art models in DFDC-Preview Dataset assessments. UAM-Net achieved an AUC-ROC of 99.81%, recall of 98.95%, accuracy of 97.91%, precision of 96.92%, and F1 score of 97.93%. These results reveal how effectively the model performs in various circumstances and highlight its remarkable ability to differentiate between real and fake data. In addition, UAM-Net takes advantage of Class Activation Mapping (CAM). The CAM provides useful insights into the model's decision-making process and enhances its interpretability and application reliability.
Association between Depression, Anxiety Symptoms, Bacteroides Stercoris Abundance in Stool and Functional Constipation: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Wang Houdong , Yin Lu , Shen Zhong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Globally, functional constipation (FC) is a significant health problem. Therefore, greater understanding of the modifiable risk factors is needed to develop effective treatment and preventive strategies. The presence of depression symptoms (DS), anxiety symptoms (AS), and Bacteroides stercoris abundance in stool (BSAIS) has been found to be correlated with FC based on the previous observational study. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between these factors and FC remains uncertain due to observational study limitations.
Methods Mendelian randomization (MR) leverages genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs), exploiting genetically determined variability to evaluate causal relationships. In this two-sample MR analysis, genetic data were obtained from separate cohorts with DS AS, BSAIS, and FC. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified genetic variants associated with DS, AS, BSAIS, and FC, which were utilized as IVs to infer causality.The study utilized bidirectional MR analysis to examine the influence of DS AS, and BSAIS on the risk of FC, as well as the potential for reverse causation. Subsequently, sensitivity tests including MR Egger, Inverse variance weighted (IVW), and MR-egger_intercept were performed to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy in the IVs, thereby providing a reliable and confident estimation of the causal effect.
Results Utilizing bidirectional two-sample MR analysis, we investigated the potential causal associations between DS, AS, BSAIS, and FC using data from the IEU open GWAS database. Our analysis, based on the IVW method of two-sample MR analysis, revealed significant causal effects of DS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.122, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.031-1.221, P = 0.008), AS (OR = 1.129, 95% CI: 1.037-1.230, P = 0.005), and BSAIS (OR = 1.137, 95% CI: 1.048-1.233, P = 0.002) on FC. Furthermore, we observed reverse causal effects of FC on DS (OR = 1.156, 95% CI: 1.048-1.275, P = 0.004) and AS (OR = 1.164, 95% CI: 1.057-1.281, P = 0.002). Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy in the IVs, as indicated by P values exceeding 0.05.
Conclusion This study suggests a potential causal relationship between DS, AS, BSAIS, and FC, along with the presence of reverse causality. No heterogeneity or pleiotropy were revealed by sensitivity tests, making these findings reliable and confident. The mitigation of symptoms of depression and anxiety and manipulation of gastrointestinal microbiota composition may potentially ameliorate symptoms of FC, and vice versa.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Assessment of Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide and Graphene Nanoparticles on A549 cell line
Authors: Mercado-Casares Borja , Fito-López Carlos , Roca-Pérez Luis , Boluda-Hernández Rafael , Andreu-Sánchez Oscar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The utilization of Zinc oxide (ZnO), Copper oxide (CuO), and graphene nanoparticles has attracted substantial interest within the industrial sector, notably in the realm of inkjet printing. Consequently, the primary aim of this research was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of these nanoparticles using the MTT assay and the Comet assay on the A459 cell line. In this context, it is necessary to assess the environmental and human health implications of these novel materials, with the intention of categorizing them as emerging contaminants if it was necessary. The characterization of ZnO, CuO, and graphene nanoparticles revealed particle sizes in the range of 10–70 nm for the metal oxides, and multi-layer graphene platelets with lateral size < 0.6 µm. Our findings demonstrated a concentration-dependent relationship between increasing nanoparticle concentration and both cytotoxicity and DNA damage. Specifically, MTT assay results indicated a higher level of toxicity associated with ZnO nanoparticles, whereas genotoxicity was more pronounced with CuO nanoparticles. Furthermore, all nanoparticles exhibited lower EC50 values in the Comet assay. In summary, the current study unveils the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ZnO, CuO, and graphene nanoparticles on the A549 cell line.
Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cystathionine Beta-synthase Deficiency
Authors: Balci Mehmet Cihan , Gedikbasi Asuman , Dogan Sukru Anil , Kahraman Sevde , Tatoryan Suzin , Neijmann Sebnem Tekin , Karaca Meryem , Atalar Fatmahan , Gokcay Gulden 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (CBSD) is the most prevalent inherited disorder of homocysteine metabolism in the transsulphuration pathway. Research have suggested oxidative stress and inflammation as candidate pathogenic mechanisms in CBSD. This study aims to evaluate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress biomarkers in cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (CBSD) patients, which may aid in understanding the pathogenesis of CBSD and improving treatment. The study group comprised 23 patients with a diagnosis of CBSD and healthy controls. We analysed serum levels of NAD+ and NADH by fluorometric assay, FGF-21 and GDF-15 by ELISA, mitochondrial DAMPs by real time qRT-PCR, total homocysteine levels in plasma by enzymatic test and compared the results in CBSD group with healthy controls. In patient group, a positive correlation was found between the total homocysteine level and both GDF-15 and NAD+/NADH levels. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between total homocysteine levels and both total NAD++NADH and NADH levels. The alterations in NAD+, FGF-21, GDF-15 levels, and NAD+/NADH ratio in patients suggest that oxidative damage coexists with mitochondrial dysfunction in CBSD. Assessment of oxidative damage and addition of anti-oxidant therapy together with mitochondrial support may have additional benefits in reducing long-term morbidity in CBSD patients.
Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns: Characteristics of Life Events Across Adulthood
Authors: Radjenovic Sonja , Rupprecht Fiona S. , Nikitin Jana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines life-event characteristics across adulthood. We hypothesized that older adults would report less anticipated, less normative, less positive, less controllable, and more strenuous life events than younger adults due to increasing developmental losses and decreasing gains. We also expected older adults to cope better with unfavorable events due to their life experience and emotion regulation skills. Using multilevel modelling on a sample of 6,688 participants aged 18–90, we found that older adults reported less favorable life events but coped better when experiencing the same events as younger adults. Furthermore, life-event characteristics were consistently linked to well-being across adulthood. Our findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between individuals across and within life events when studying age-related experiences.