bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reductional dysploidy and genome size diversity in Pooideae, the largest subfamily of grasses (Poaceae)
Authors: Winterfeld Grit , Tkach Natalia , Röser Martin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The nuclear genome sizes of 59 species from 33 genera of the Poaceae subfamily Pooideae were investigated by flow cytometry (FCM). This subfamily is characterized by a wide range of holoploid (2C values) and monoploid (1Cx values) genome sizes and mean chromosome sizes (MC), including both the highest and some of the lowest values of the entire grass family. For example, the tribe Brachypodieae has the smallest monoploid genomes and chromosomes, followed by the majority of Stipeae and individual representatives of the tribes Ampelodesmeae, Duthieeae and Meliceae, which belong to the phylogenetically ‘early-diverging’ lineages. Comparatively large genome and chromosome sizes were found in the Lygeeae and some Meliceae. The ‘core Pooideae’ had the largest values in the subfamily, with the greatest variation in Aveneae, Festuceae and Poeae. The tribes Bromeae and especially Triticeae, which includes wheat and related crops, had larger minimum monoploid genome and chromosome sizes compared to the other ‘core Pooideae’ tribes. It appears that the occurrence of exclusively rather large monoploid genomes (> 3.4 pg/1Cx) and chromosomes (MC ≥ 0.5 pg) is restricted to Triticeae. The origin of x = 7 of the ‘core Pooideae’ from x = 12 of the ‘early-diverging’ Pooideae lineages was apparently not related to an increase in genome size, whereas chromosome fusion caused an increase in chromosome size. The evolutionary aspects of chromosome base number variation in Pooideae are discussed, and new chromosome numbers are presented, including the first polyploid (2n = 4x = 20) of the model plant Brachypodium distachyon s.s.
Examining the Influence of Personal eHealth Literacy on Continuance Intention towards Mobile Health Applications: A TAM-Based Approach
Authors: Ukaegbu Oscar Chidiebere , Mingyue Fan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the influence of personal eHealth literacy (PEHL) on users' trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use of Mobile Health Applications (MHAs), utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework.
Methods
Data from 430 participants in Nigeria were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This methodology enabled a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationships among PEHL, trust, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and continuance intention regarding MHAs. Statistical analyses within the TAM framework were conducted to rigorously evaluate the data and identify significant findings.
Results
Path analysis revealed significant positive associations between PEHL and trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use of MHAs. These results emphasize the role of individual competencies in shaping perceptions of digital health resources. Additionally, trust emerged as a key mediator in the relationship between PEHL and users' continuance intention to use MHAs, indicating its crucial role in sustaining engagement with these platforms.
Conclusions
The findings contribute to theoretical advancements in eHealth literature by elucidating the factors influencing users' continuance intention towards MHAs. Moreover, they provide practical insights for the design and implementation of MHAs to enhance user acceptance and engagement in digital healthcare ecosystems.
Machine learning-based identification of biomarkers associated with NEBL in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tao Yunxi , Xu Shenglong , Ge Xuhua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Patients with diabetes had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease by reporter, and the nebulette (NEBL) gene were closely related with cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of the NEBL gene on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the underlying molecular mechanisms, have yet to be conclusively validated. Therefore, this study aims to mine NEBL related biomarkers in DN by bioinformatics analysis. A total of 157 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with DN and NEBL gene were excavated, and they were associated with biological processes of mesonephric development and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Besides, totally 19 candidate genes were screened by correlation and expression analyses, among which, MPP5, TGFBR3, PCMTD2 and C1orf21 related to NEBL were deemed as biomarkers via Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), Boruta and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms, the ability of NEBL and biomarkers to distinguish DN from controls was accurate. Immunoinfiltration certified that the contents of 12 differential immune cells were significantly increased in DN group. Then, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that NEBL and biomarkers were observably enriched in ribosome, intestinal immune network for immunoglobulin A (IgA) production and so on. Finally, drug-gene network revealed bisphenol A and Valproic Acid might be pivotal drugs regulating the expression of NEBL and biomarkers.In this sutudy, totally four biomarkers (MPP5, TGFBR3, PCMTD2 and C1orf21) related to NEBL were screened by bioinformatic analysis, providing a novel reference for effective clinical diagnosis and treatment of DN.
Enhancement of systemic acquired resistance in rice by F-box protein D3-mediated strigolactone signaling
Authors: Kusajima Miyuki , Fujita Moeka , Takahashi Ikuo , Mori Takamasa , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Thanh Toan Le , Yoneyama Koichi , Akiyama Kohki , Buensanteai Natthiya , Asami Tadao , Nakashita Hideo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Strigolactones (SLs) are butenolide-type plant hormones that play several roles in plants, such as suppressing shoot branching and promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Recently, SLs have been reported to positively regulate disease resistance in plants. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the synthetic SL analog rac-4-bromodebranon (rac-4BD) on systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice. First, we demonstrated in vitro that rac-4BD, similar to the common SL analog rac-GR24, promotes the interaction of SL and karrikin receptor, D14 and D14-like (D14L), respectively, with signaling factor D3. Gene expression analysis and inoculation tests indicated that pretreatment with rac-4BD promotes the effect of the SAR inducer BIT. Activation of SAR was also significantly observed in the SL and karrikin signal-deficient rice mutant d3. These results suggest that D3-mediated SL signaling by rac-4BD treatment does not directly activate rice immunity but induces a priming state in the plant that enhances SAR induction.
Emergency medical services’ experiences with prehospital births in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Withanarachchie Vinuli , Dicker Bridget , Todd Verity , Maessen Sarah E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: Births in the prehospital setting are infrequent yet associated with increased odds of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited understanding of the experiences of emergency medical services (EMS) staff in handling these potentially high-risk situations. We explored the perspectives of EMS personnel in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) when responding to out-of-hospital births.
Methods: Hato Hone St John Ambulance is the largest EMS provider in NZ. Between October and November 2023, all EMS staff were invited to complete an online survey including open text questions about their experiences and challenges attending unplanned birth. Data was coded and organized into themes using Nvivo software and the general inductive approach to thematic analysis.
Results: 147 responses were received and included in the survey. Analysis found participants encountered a range of challenges in providing intrapartum care in the prehospital setting. Two key themes were identified: 1. Navigating complexity and uncertainty in unplanned births, and 2. Practical challenges and unsuitable environments; with several subthemes demonstrating that EMS personnel in NZ respond to obstetric emergencies in diverse circumstances, diligently working to deliver optimal care for both mothers and neonates.
Conclusion:This study describes novel challenges faced by EMS attending unplanned births in NZ and obstacles previously reported by EMS in other jurisdictions. These findings will be invaluable in guiding further research, curriculum, and resource development to better prepare EMS for the challenging and uncertain situations that characterize prehospital birth events.
Knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Fafan Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia (2021)
Authors: Ayehubizu Liyew , Yohannes Semehal , Roble Abdurahman , Aden Abdibaset 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: there are different strategies to improve newborn health which was launch by the federal ministry of health in Ethiopia (FMOH). But the problem is high in Ethiopia 2019, 54.54% of under-five death is in the neonatal period. Due to different reasons the mothers’ practices about neonatal danger sign were not investigated in Somali region. So, if mothers have good knowledge and practices on their sick neonate they will save two-third of the neonate from preventable causes of neonatal death trough child survival strategies.
Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge about neonatal danger signs and its associated factors in Fafan Zone, Somali Region 2021.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 505 respondents. Pre-tested structured Interviewer-administered data collection was applied. Systematic sampling technique was used. For analysis data was entered into EPI data 3.1 and exported to SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics was computed for selected variables and multivariable Binary logistic regressions was done and having P- value <0.05 at 95% CI is a significant variable. Results was presented in descriptive and inferential statistics.
Result: In this study, Mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger sign was low 100 (19.5%) and 37(61.7%) of mother’s only sought appropriate healthcare practices for their neonate who had danger signs.Accordingly, Maternal education (Formal education) [AOR =7.45, 95%CI:(3.89-14.25)], radio or tv presence in home[AOR=3.50, 95%CI: (1.07-11.49)] & having postnatal care [AOR=2.47, 95%CI: (1.11-5.2)], Neonate started vaccine) [AOR=3.5, 95%CI:(1.07-11.49)] and Exclusive breastfeeding [AOR=2.34, 95%CI:(1.19-4.58)] were factors showing significant association with knowledge of the mother on neonatal danger signs at P-value≤0.05
Conclusion & recommendation: In this study, Mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger sign was low 100 (19.5%) and 37(61.7%) of mother’s only sought appropriate healthcare practices for their neonate who had danger signs. Maternal education (Formal education), radio or tv presence in home,having postnatal care, neonate started vaccine and exclusive breastfeeding were factors showing significant association with knowledge of the mother on neonatal danger signs at P-value≤0.05. To increase their understanding and health-seeking behavior, health care provide has to provide health education and counseling (including NDSs, immunization and exclusive breastfeeding) to mothers after birth and during ANC follow-up.
A Numerical Modelling Approach for Designing of Capping Layer on Weak Subgrades with Geogrids
Authors: Jayakody Shiran , Gallage Chaminda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A capping layer is a conventional mechanism used to stabilize weak subgrade, particularly in platform design in the pavement industry, facilitating the operation of heavy machinery. The thickness of the capping layer depends on the in-situ CBR strength and the target strength and stiffness properties of the working platform. Geogrid reinforcement in subgrade stabilization has emerged as a sustainable solution, reducing the demand for quarry aggregates by decreasing the thickness of the capping layer. However, designing the capping layer on a weak subgrade when the strength is below 5% of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is difficult since conducting laboratory tests to investigate the properties of the weak subgrade proves challenging due to its poor workability and inconsistent behaviors. Therefore, this study used numerical analysis to assess the strength and stiffness with the parameters load bearing capacity and strain modulus of stabilized subgrades with a capping layer and, with and without geogrid in the interface of the subgrade and capping layer. The investigation focused on exploring different subgrade properties, considering various CBR values below 5%, and altering the thickness of the granular capping layer. To validate the developed numerical models, experimental data from large-scale model box tests were employed. The obtained results were further analyzed to introduce an efficient and effective mechanism for designing a capping layer thickness with and without geogrids, based on the subgrade strength conditions. The design curves are ultimately applicable to optimizing capping layer design on the weak subgrade of CBR below 5%.
Modified van Genuchten models for describing the entire soil water retention curve
Authors: Chi Chunming , Zhi Jinhu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study presents a modified van Genuchten model that replaces the residual water content parameter (θR) with shift soil water content (∆θ) to fully characterize the soil water retention curve (SWRC). Derived from this, we introduce both two-segment and three-segment models. The single-segment model, despite high adjR2 (0.984–0.999) and low RMSE (0.005–0.031 cm³ cm⁻³), shows deviations for Dune-sand and Loamy sand soils in specific soil matric suction (h) intervals. The two-segment model, with adjR2 ≥ 0.970 and RMSE ≤ 0.020, fits loamy and clayey soils more accurately than sandy soils. The three-segment model excels with adR2 over 0.99 and RMSE below 0.010 cm³ cm⁻³, closely matching measured data, outperforming the other models in representing the SWRC across all soil types. The models' junctions at θFC and θMWC, representing field capacity and maximum molecular capacity, hold physical significance and correspond to hFC and hMWC, respectively. While hFC is optimally 102.5 cm, hMWC values of 103.5, 103.75, and 104.0 cm are suitable, with 104.0 cm being the most recommended for extending the dry segment equation to predict SWRD at h > 104.18 cm.
A three-headed plantaris muscle with a bipartite insertion of its two accessory heads
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Zielinska Nicol , Piagkou Maria , Koptas Krzysztof , Olewnik Łukasz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The plantaris muscle consists of a small muscular and a long tendinous part and is located at the superficial compartment of the posterior leg. The purpose of the current cadaveric report is to describe a rare variant of the plantaris muscle. During a routine dissection, a three-headed plantaris with two accessory heads was identified with a variant insertion of the two accessory heads. All heads originated from the femur popliteal surface, independently the one from the other. The first head contributed to the long and thin calcaneal tendon, and the two accessory heads were mainly inserted via their musculoaponeurotic expansion into the medial femoral condyle. The planatris muscle morphological variability has been extensively studied lately. The incidence of the two-headed muscle has been estimated at 1.6%, while the three-headed muscle corresponds to an even rarer variation.
Polyphenolic Bioactive Compounds from Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville: Extraction, Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Bamidele Muyideen Olaitan , Pérez Olga B. Álvarez , Sandoval-Cortes José , Flores-López María L. , Chavez-González Mónica L. , Aguilar Cristóbal N. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The significance of medicinal plants in inhibiting microbial growth in food and agricultural production as well as their economic viability cannot be overstated. These plants contain secondary metabolites, which are abundant in antimicrobial compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, and their extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against a variety of plant pathogens.
The primary objective of this study was to explore the possibility of using bioactive compounds in plant defenses and their biological applications. To achieve this, antifungal polyphenolic bioactive compounds were extracted from the stems and leaves of L. tridentata using conventional methods. The total polyphenol and antioxidant potential of the extracts were assessed and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
This study compared the polyphenolic constituents of extracts from emerging maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques in the leaves and stems of Larrea tridentata. The extracts were evaluated for total polyphenolic content (hydrolyzable (HT) and condensed tannins (CT)) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH). Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS) was used for qualitative identification of antimicrobial phytochemicals. Furthermore, the extracts were analyzed in vitro for antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata.
The results revealed that 60:40 ethanol:water macerated leaf extract gave the highest hydrolysable tannins (6.41 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g), while its equivalent showed the highest condensed tannins (2.81 mg CE/g). Soxhlet ethyl acetate leaf (SOX ELL) extract showed 1.14 times more condensed tannin content than that of the stems. The antioxidant potential of the extract increased with increasing polarity of the extraction solvent. SOX ELL had higher antifungal effects against F. oxysporum and A. alternata, whereas the 60:40 ethanol: water ratio resulted in 52% inhibition against A. alternata and 43% inhibition against F. oxysporum. Polyphenols with antifungal properties were found in the extracts, including caffeic acid 4-O-glucoside, rhamnetin, protocatechuic acid 4-O-glucoside, kaempferol, (+)-gallocatechin, luteolin, guteolin 7-O-(2-apiosyl-glucoside), gallic acid 4-O-glucoside, cumaric acid 4-O-glucoside, quercetin, NDGA, piceatannol 3-O-glucoside, pterostilbene, tetramethylscutellarein, and cirsimaritin.
L. tridentata leaf extracts exhibit potential effectiveness in the development of biological control agents, which can not only enhance crop protection, but also contribute to overall agricultural sustainability.
Prognostic and predictive significance of p53 and ATRX in neuroendocrine neoplasms of GIT and pancreas and their utility as an adjunct to accurate diagnosis
Authors: Ail Divya Achutha , Paulose Roopa Rachel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose Neuroendocrine neoplasm of GIT and pancreas are heterogenous tumors with varying spectrum of clinicopathological characteristics. WHO 2019 classification, introduced Grade(G) 3 neuroendocrine tumor(NET) distinct from neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC), to triage the patients for appropriate therapy. This distinction largely relies on morphology, which can be challenging at times. Genomic profiling has revealed TP53 and RB1 mutation in NECs while DAXX and ATRX in G3NET. Their role as biological markers in differentiating these entities and their significance as prognostic markers are not yet established. This study aims at analysing the diagnostic and prognostic role of p53 and ATRX in neuroendocrine neoplasms of GIT and Pancreas.Methodology: A single centre, ten year retrospective study. Tumour blocks of all G2, G3 NET and NEC were stained by immunohistochemistry for p53 and ATRX. Strong nuclear staining of > 50% of tumor cells for p53 was considered mutated. Nuclear staining of ATRX in < 5% of tumor cells was considered as ATRX loss.Results Mutated p53 was significantly associated with high grade tumors( NEC + G3NET) as compared to G2 tumors( p = 0.002). p53 mutation was frequent among NEC than G3 NET. Patients with mutated p53 had significantly lower survival irrespective of the grade(p = 0.001). There was no association of ATRX loss with grade or survival.Discussion G3NETs are genetically different from NECs. Molecular surrogates may play a role in accurately identifying these entities. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) for p53 has been used as surrogate for TP53 mutation in many tumors. Use of IHC for p53 in addition to histomorphology may facilitate accurate categorization NEC and G3 NET. Mutated p53 may also be used as an independent prognostic marker in Neuroendocrine tumors of GIT and Pancreas.
Prediction model for compressive strength of rice husk ash blended sandcrete blocks using a machine learning models
Authors: Sathiparan Navaratnarajah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sandcrete blocks are popular for construction but their production relies on cement, a major greenhouse gas contributor. Rice husk ash (RHA), a waste product, can partially replace cement in sandcrete blocks. This study uses machine learning (ML) to predict the compressive strength of these blocks, influenced by factors like the ratio of fine aggregate to binder, RHA to binder ratio, water-to-binder ratio, and curing time. The data was collected from published literature on factors affecting compressive strength from various sources and analyzed 795 observations. The analysis showed that strength increases with longer curing but decreases with higher ratios of aggregate-to-binder, RHA-to-binder, and water-to-binder. The data was divided for training and testing ML models. Five algorithms were investigated, and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model emerged as the best for predicting compressive strength. The XGB model strongly correlated with predicted and measured strength, with an R² value of 0.94 for training data and 0.89 for testing. It also displayed lower error metrics compared to other models. XGB's success is due to its ability to handle complex relationships and prevent overfitting. This study highlights the potential of ML for predicting the strength of RHA-blended sandcrete blocks.
De Novo Design of Hsp70 Inhibitors with Objective Reinforced Generative Adversarial Networks (ORGAN) and Docking
Authors: Li Xin , Li Miao , Liu Yihong , Wang Yuying , Hu Zhiyuan , Qiu Xinlong , Zhang Yanxin , Wang Siyao , Wang Ziqian , Zhang Zhichao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The rise of deep learning technology has brought paradigm shift to drug design, significantly reducing the economic and time burden in the drug development process. We herein report the Objective Reinforced Generative Adversarial Networks (ORGAN) algorithm on the PyTorch framework and combined it with Docking to design small molecules that inhibit the Hsp70/Bim protein complex. From this model, we obtained four compounds: compound 464, compound 759, compound 952, and compound 646, with binding energies of -8.6 kcal/mol, -8.0 kcal/mol, -7.16 kcal/mol, and − 6.7 kcal/mol respectively. This study successfully developed a method that combines ORGAN with Docking to design Hsp70 protein inhibitors for active sites of Hsp70.