bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA-Seq reveals transcriptome changes to heat stress in the breast muscle of adult female chickens
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Xia Shuli , Yu Haitao , Zhao Xianghua , Zhang Genxi , Wang Kang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Heat stress has caused significant impacts on the poultry industry globally. Tianjin-monkey Chicken (TM) is a local naked neck chicken genetic resource in China, characterized by its heat stress resistance due to a low feather coverage.
Results
We conducted heat stress stimulation tests on TM and a normal feathered chicken (Jingfen No. 6 Layer, JF), and the breast muscle tissues were collected for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 157 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1435 DEGs were respectively obtained from the comparisons of JFN-vs-JFT and TMN-vs-TMT. GO enrichment analysis found that biological process (BP) terms including phospholipid homeostasis, regulation of aggrephagy, positive regulation of aggrephagy, and negative regulation of lipase activity may be closely related to heat stress resistance in JF chickens. While catabolism-related BP terms were mainly enriched for DEGs of TM, such as catabolic process, protein catabolic process and cellular catabolic process. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the MAPK signaling pathway was enriched both in TM and JF with high connectivity. In addition, some pathways with higher connectivity (Metabolic pathways, FoxO signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway) may be closely associated with resistance to heat stress in JF. In Tianjin-monkey Chicken, we also identified several pathways potentially involved in heat stress regulation, including Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, Autophagy-animal and Regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Protein-Protein Interaction Networks (PPI) for the 24 co-differentially expressed genes revealed four key genes (Klf9, Asb2, Tmem164 and Arrdc2) associated with heat stress both in JF and TM.
Conclusions
Our findings will enrich the research on heat stress resistance in chicken skeletal muscle, while also providing a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of heat stress resistance in chickens.
Skin Ultrastructural Analysis Reveals a Lack of Iridophores in Adult Individuals of Differently-Colored Species of Galápagos Iguanas
Authors: Scimeca Manuel , Bonfiglio Rita , Colosimo Giuliano , Candi Eleonora , Gerber Glenn P. , Lewbart Gregory A. , Mauriello Alessandro , Melino Gerry , Christian Sevilla , Yufang Shi , Ying Wang , Gentile Gabriele 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Critically Endangered Galápagos pink land iguanas (Conolophus marthae) are one of the rarest species of iguana, found exclusively on Isabela Island, in the Galápagos. A previous histological study provided an explanation of the unique pink color of adult C. marthae. Still, it also raised a question related to the recent discovery that C. marthae hatchlings are not pink upon emergence. Like hatchlings of C. subcristatus, another Galápagos iguana species, they are maculated, but contrary to C. subcristatus, C. marthae hatchlings exhibit a green color pattern. Generally, greenish, and bluish colors in reptiles are primarily due to an interaction between different types of chromatophores in different skin layers. Iridophores are particularly important among chromophores, as they contain guanine nanocrystals capable of reflecting and diffracting light. Green color emerges when the mostly diffracted blue wavelength interferes with carotenoids in xanthophores. In a multiapproach analysis, we investigated the histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of differently-colored skin areas in three species of Galápagos iguanas. We tested for the presence of different types of chromatophores and described characteristics of stratus corneum, stratus germinativum and stratum laxum in the different species. Results demonstrated the absence of iridophores in the skin of adults of the three species, regardless of color, and the presence of stratified epithelium in the stratum germinativum of C. marthae non-black-colored skin. This research furthers interest in the evolutionary significance of pink coloration in C. marthae. The study also calls for additional research to demonstrate the presence of iridophores in pink iguana hatchlings and document possible ontogenetic changes that may lead to the lack of iridophores in adults. An investigation that could take advantage of genome mapping and gene expression along a developmental gradient would be greatly beneficial for advancing the understanding of the genomic basis of pink iguanas and, in general, reptile coloration.
Identification of candidate genes and genomic prediction of soybean fatty acid components in two soybean populations
Authors: Wang Fengmin , Zhao Tiantian , Feng Yan , Ji Zengfa , Zhao Qingsong , Meng Qingmin , Liu Bingqiang , Liu Luping , Chen Qiang , Qi Jin , Zhu Zhengge , Yang Chunyan , Qin Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Soybean, a source of plant-derived lipids, contains an array of fatty acids essential for health. A comprehensive understanding of the fatty acid profiles in soybean is crucial for enhancing cultivars and augmenting their qualitative attributes. Here, 180 F10 RILs, derived from the cross-breeding of ‘Jidou 12’ and ‘Y9’, were used as primary experimental subjects. Concurrently, a GWAS was conducted on 290 samples from a natural population to scrutinize the five fatty acid components for three consecutive years. The QTL analysis elucidated 23 stable QTLs intricately associated with the five fatty acid components, exhibiting phenotypic contribution rates ranging from 2.78% to 25.37%. In addition, GWAS of the natural population unveiled 102 significant loci associated with these fatty acid components. The haplotype analysis of the colocalized loci revealed that Glyma.06G221400 on chromosome 6 exhibited a significant correlation with stearic acid content, with Hap1 showing a markedly elevated stearic acid level compared with Hap2 and Hap3. Similarly, Glyma.12G075100 on chromosome 12 was significantly associated with the contents of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, suggesting its involvement in fatty acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, genomic selection (GS) for fatty acid components was conducted using ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction based on both random SNPs and SNPs significantly associated with fatty acid components identified by GWAS. GS accuracy was contingent upon the SNP set used. Notably, GS efficiency was enhanced when using SNPs derived from QTL mapping analysis and GWAS compared with random SNPs, and reached a plateau when the number of SNP markers exceeded 3,000.
Genome wide identification of BjSWEET gene family and drought response analysis of BjSWEET12 and BjSWEET17 genes in Brassica juncea
Authors: Heng Shuangping , He Jingjuan , Zhu Xinyu , Cai Jiayu , Fu Mengke , Zhang Shaoheng , Zeng Wei , Xing Feng , Mao Guangzhi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
SWEET (Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) gene family is a unique type of sugar transporter, that plays a vital role in metabolic regulation, growth, development, and stress response in multiple species. This study aimed to systematically identify the SWEET gene family members and detect the regulation of gene expression and potential roles of the SWEET gene family in Brassica juncea.
Results
A total of 66 BjSWEET genes distributed across 17 chromosomes, were identified, and the gene structure and motifs were relatively conserved, with all members containing the MtN3/saliva domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the SWEET gene family could be classified into four subfamilies (Clades I, II, III, and IV). Collinearity analysis showed that there were 118 pairs of segment duplicates, indicating that some BjSWEET genes were probably obtained by segmental duplication. The promoter region of the BjSWEET genes contained a large number of plant hormone-related response elements, stress-related response elements, growth and development elements, and light-responsive regulatory elements. Furthermore, analysis of the expression profiles revealed that the expression levels of the BjSWEET genes differed among the eight different tissues. qRT-PCR analysis of six selected BjSWEET genes revealed that the expression levels of BjSWEET17.2、BjSWEET17.4、BjSWEET12.2 and BjSWEET12.3 were significantly up-regulated under drought treatment, suggesting that these genes may respond to drought stress in Brassica juncea.
Conclusion
This study systematically identified and analyzed the SWEET gene family members in B. juncea for the first time, which lays the foundation for further research on the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance in B. juncea and provides theoretical guidance for the application of these genes in other species.
Connecting human wellbeing, urban trees, and greenspace in Singapore: Alternative novel approaches.
Authors: Edwards Peter , Yean Seanglidet , Goh Yun Si , Simcock Robyn , Lee Bu Sung (Francis) , Zhou Jiazu , Ping Heng Zheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

There is growing recognition that urban trees play a vital role in human wellbeing. Singapore, as a “City in a Garden”, provides an interesting case study to examine urban trees and sound attenuation and mobility. Using innovative modelling and spatial data, we examined the placement of trees and the effects of their canopies on noise levels in high rise buildings. We found that tree canopies and multiple layers of vegetation deliver between 1 and 3 db of attenuation. This vegetation also improved shading. Mobility modelling shows that Singaporeans fondness for greenspace and trees continues. Top reasons for park visits includ nature reserves, neighbourhood parks and tourist attractions. Our integration of remote sensing, ecology, and social science is of critical importance in more fully understanding the interconnection and integration of urban greenspace, trees and wellbeing. These insights can enhance decision-making processes, underscoring the value of holistic approaches to sustainable urban development.
Evaluation of choroidal thickness in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Niyousha Mohammadreza , Razmaray Hadis , Mohammadi Fateme , Hassanpoor Narges 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate choroidal thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Twenty-five patients diagnosed with grade 2 NAFLD between the ages of 20 and 40 along with 20 age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. After full ophthalmological examination, choroidal thickness (CT) at fovea, nasal 500, nasal 1000, temporal 500 and temporal 1000-micron distances was obtained for both eyes using enhanced depth imaging (EDI)-OCT.
Mean ages of NAFLD patients and healthy controls were 34.25±2.00 and 33.41±2.00 respectively. Statistical analysis showed that in the measurements taken from 1000-micron nasal to the left fovea, CT was 320.25±36.16 μm in NAFLD group and 298.05±36.90 μm in healthy group which showed a significant difference between two groups (p=0.046). No other measurements were statistically significant between groups (p > 0.05 for all measurements).
In concussion, Choroidal thickness was not affected in grade 2 NAFLD.
Validation and Assessment of Patients' and Their Caregivers' Attitude Toward Medications Deprescribing in Qatar: A Cross-sectional study of Home Health Care Services in Qatar
Authors: Mohamed Asmaa Abdelaziz , Yakti Ola , Mubarak Essa , Ahmed Afif , Hussain Ammar Ali , Hail Moza Sulaiman H Al , Mahamoud Ibrahim , Chandra Prem 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Polypharmacy remains a pressing concern among the elderly population, often leading to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital admissions. Studies have underscored polypharmacy as a robust predictor of potentially inappropriate medication use and associated poor clinical outcomes in individuals aged 65 and older. Despite the decline in medical treatment effectiveness with aging, patients and caregivers often express reluctance to discontinue regular medications, necessitating a deeper understanding of their perceptions and beliefs regarding deprescribing.
Methods: This study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of patients and their caregivers toward deprescribing of medications in Qatar. The first phase involved translating and validating the caregivers' version of the revised Patients’ Attitudes Toward Deprescribing (rPATD) tool. Subsequently, a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing validated self-administered questionnaires in both English and Arabic.
Results: a significant proportion of both patients and caregivers perceived their medication burden as inconvenient and burdensome. While satisfaction with current medications was generally high, a notable willingness to discontinue medications under physician recommendation was observed. Moreover, participants expressed a strong desire to be involved in deprescribing decision-making processes, highlighting a culture of person-centered care. Despite this, concerns regarding adverse events, medication efficacy, and the necessity of medications persisted among respondents.
Conclusion:this study provides insights into the attitudes and perceptions surrounding deprescribing among elderly patients and their caregivers in Qatar, emphasizing the importance of tailored deprescribing strategies and shared decision-making in clinical practice.
Systemic cytokines related to cognitive function 6-9 months and 12-15 months after SARS- CoV-2 infection
Authors: Nuber-Champier Anthony , Breville Gautier , Voruz Philippe , de Alcântara Isabele Jacot , Cionca Alexandre , Allali Gilles , Lalive Patrice H , Benzakour Lamyae , Lövblad Karl-Olof , Braillard Olivia , Nehme Mayssam , Coen Matteo , Serratrice Jacques , Reny Jean-Luc , Pugin Jérôme , Guessous Idris , Landis Basil N , Assal Frédéric , Péron Julie Anne 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background.
Cognitive symptoms persisting beyond the acute phase of COVID-19 infection are commonly described for up to 1 year after infection. The relationship between cognitive performance, in particular episodic memory processes observed chronically after infection, and cytokine levels in the acute phase of COVID-19 has not yet been identified in humans.
Aim.
Determine whether the levels of cytokines IL1β, IL-6 and TNFα secreted in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated and predict verbal and visuospatial episodic memory performance in humans 6 to 9 months and 12 to 15 months post-infection.
Method.
The associations and predictive value of the concentration of cytokines measured in acute phase (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) from plasma samples of N = 33 hospitalised COVID-19 patients (mean age 61 years, 39–78, 65% in intensive care) in relation to their verbal and visuospatial episodic memory performance measured at 6–9 months and 12–15 months post-infection were analyzed. To do this, we used Spearman correlations and generalised linear mixed models.
Results.
IL-1β levels were associated with verbal episodic memory total recall scores 6–9 months post-infection. At 12–15 months post-infection IL-1β predicted verbal episodic memory scores and IL-6 predicted visuo-perceptive process.
Conclusion.
This study demonstrated that the severity of inflammatory reaction at acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts verbal episodic memory performance in the long-term post-infection.
A Wireless Continuous Monitoring System for Vital Signs
Authors: Zhang Lei , Su Cheng , Wang Yongkang , Wei Shiyu , Liu Chang , Wan Yong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Continuous vital sign monitoring is a widely used clinical diagnostic and treatment method. Traditional vital sign monitoring methods often confine the patient's mobility and pose a higher risk of infection. Some studies have investigated wireless monitoring devices to address these issues, but most of these devices only provide single-module functionality for electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. In this article, we propose a wireless vital sign monitoring system to overcome these limitations. The system comprises of mobile monitoring devices, bedside relay screens, and a multi-scenario vital sign collaboration platform that can collect all the aforementioned physiological indicators. Furthermore, the data collected by these devices were compared and validated against monitoring devices that adhere to China Food and Drug Administration(CFDA) standards. The results demonstrate a close alignment of the data obtained from our system to that obtained from standard equipment, which has also received recognition from medical practitioners. Additionally, by leveraging medical Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technology, this system can establish a comprehensive vital sign database, paving the way for the development of innovative clinical diagnosis and treatment models in the future.
The application of nomogram model integrating clinical factors and multi-modal MRI radiomics features for predicting cervical lymph nodes metastasis for patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter study
Authors: Liu Sheng , Xiong Jianjun , Zhang Aihua , Su Xingzhou , Zhou Yuhang , Liu Minda , Li Yang , Zhang Zheng , Li Zhenning , Liu Fayu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to build and test the nomogram model integrating clinical factors and multi-modal MRI radiomics features to predict the risk of cervical lymph nodes metastasis (CLNM) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients, and further validate the clinical utility of the model in cT1-T2 subgroup and cN0 subgroup.
Materials and Methods
A total of 326 patients enrolled from 2 centers made up group Ⅰ (including T1-Weighted Images (T1WI) and Fat-suppressed T2-Weighted Images (FS-T2WI)) and group Ⅱ (including T1WI, FS-T2WI and T1-Weighted Contrast Enhanced MRI (CE-MRI)). Patients were divided into training set, internal test set and external test set. Radiomics features from the three MRI sequences and clinical factors were extracted and selected. Radiomics models, clinical models and the combined models (nomogram models) integrating clinical factors and multi-modal MRI radiomics features were constructed respectively in two groups. cN0 subgroup and cT1-T2 subgroup analyses were performed. The performance of the three models was compared.
Results
The combined model integrating clinical factors and multi-modal MRI radiomics features in group Ⅱ had the best performance, with the AUCs of 0.983, 0.944 and 0.770 in the training set, internal test set and external test set. cN0 subgroup and cT1-T2 subgroup analyses confirmed excellent performance of the combined model in group Ⅱ, with the AUCs of 0.975 (0.944–0.992), 0.944 (0.720-1.000) and 0.728 (0.553–0.843) for cN0 subgroup, and the AUCs of 0.959 (0.860-1.000), 0.960 (0.871-1.000) and 0.804 (0.506-1.000) for cT1-T2 subgroup.
Conclusions
The combined model based on clinical factors and multi-modal MRI radiomics features including T1WI, FS-T2WI and CE-MRI can well predict the risk of preoperative CLNM for OTSCC patients.
Seismic Performance of Open Ground StoreyBuilding Coupled with Shear Wall ConsideringInfill Wall Stiffness - A Case Study
Authors: Yousif Mustafa Salsal , Pragalath D.C. Haran 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

An open ground storey (OGS) is a sort of building plan in which the ground floor or lower levels of a structure include open spaces that are not surrounded by walls or columns, such as parking areas, commercial spaces, or lobbies. OGS buildings are known to be at risk of structural damage and collapse during an earthquake due to a lack of stiffness and strength in the open ground storey, which underestimates inter-level drift and force demand in ground storey columns. To compensate, multiple methods of fragility analysis are used to predict the possibility of the building failing at a certain Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). The current study focuses on the seismic performance of OGS structures coupled with shear walls; the chosen building is designed in accordance with the ACI code. They were employed during dynamic time-history analysis to develop the dis- placement profile of the structure by constructing synthetic earthquakes based on the UBC 1997 response spectrum. For each of the selected OG’S buildings, probabilistic seismic demand models (PSDM) and accompanying fragility curves have been developed for various performance levels. For reference, similar studies are performed on bare frames as well as on infilled frames. It is found from the present study that the infilled walls have a slight influence on the building due to the presence of shear walls as they are known for good resistance to lateral loads nevertheless the infilled walls showed a slight reduction of the building displacement.
Bloodstream infections at a tertiary hospital in The Gambia - A one-year retrospective study
Authors: Rahden Paul , Barrow Ebrima , Bah Haddy , Bittaye Sheikh Omar , Nygren David , Badjan Abdoulie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health concern, particularly in western Sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes causes of bacteraemia and antimicrobial resistance at a tertiary hospital in The Gambia.
Methods
This retrospective analysis included all blood cultures performed at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia, from September 2022 to August 2023. Blood culture positivity-rates and pathogens were described. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion (CLSI).
Results
In total, 288/645 (45%) blood cultures were positive. A majority were drawn in intensive care units (63%) and in neonatal or paediatric patients (56%). The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus 106/288 (37%), Klebsiella spp. 41/288 (14%), other bacteria within the Enterobacterales order 33/288 (11%), Pseudomonas spp. 22/288 (8%) and Acinetobacter spp. 19/288 (7%). 28/288 (10%) were classified as contaminants. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was seen in 34/58 (59%) tested. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were seen in 36/40 (90%) of Klebsiella spp. and in 16/28 (57%) of other bacteria within the Enterobacterales order. Acquired antibiotic resistance, beyond wild-type, was reported in 17/20 (85%) of Pseudomonas spp. and 16/19 (84%) of Acinetobacter spp.
Conclusion
Overall, blood culture positivity rates were high, indicating restrictive testing. The presented data highlight blood culture findings primarily among critically ill and neonatal or paediatric patients, with nosocomial infections likely overrepresented. Despite probable selection bias, alarmingly high MRSA- and ESBL-rates were described. These findings highlight the urgent need of accessible microbiological diagnostics, antibiotic stewardships and infection control measures in West Africa. Importantly, generalizability of findings to community-acquired infections remains restricted.