bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Transgressive Segregants for Yield and its Component Traits in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Pramanik K. , Kumari M. , Sahu G.S. , Acharya G.C. , Tripathy P. , Dash M. , Jena C. 
Published: May 2024

Background: Extreme phenotypes carried on by transgressive segregation are, moreover, heritably stable in contrast to heterosis. It has been hypothesized that the development of extreme or “transgressive” traits in segregating hybrid populations assists in the adaptive divergence of hybrid taxa. The investigation on French bean was experimented to evaluate transgressive segregants generated in the F2 generation for yield and related traits. Methods: The present study on French bean was conducted during rabi 2019 to 2022 to elicit data on transgressive segregants produced for yield and related traits in F2 generation. Fertile F1 hybrids were developed from three crosses: IC 632961 × Arka Sukomal, IC 632961 × Arka Arjun and Arka Arjun × IC 63296. Heterosis was estimated for yield and related traits in these hybrids. The F2 progeny were evaluated in open field condition. Mean, standard deviation and percentage of transgressive segregants were estimated for quantitative traits under investigation. Result: Transgressive segregants were observed in all three crosses, with the highest number of transgressive segregants for yield traits found in the progeny of the cross IC 632961 × Arka Sukomal. The identification and isolation of such transgressive segregants indicate that the parents possess favourable alleles and genes governing the traits of interest, which can be consolidated into a single or a few genotypes through stringent selection. Superior and desirable transgressive segregants were observed for all sixteen yield and its component traits, except for leaf length, in the two cross combinations Arka Arjun × IC 632961 and IC 632961 × Arka Arjun. The highest percentage of transgressive segregation was observed for the number of inflorescences per plant (79.49%), followed by the number of pods per plant (78.46%) and pod yield per plant (75.61%) in the F2 generation.
Kajian Potensi Wisata di Wilayah Pesisir Bulak Surabaya
Authors: Ardhanari Margaretha , Kristyanto Visi Saujaningati , Nugrohadi Gratianus Edwi 
Published: May 2024

Surabaya is a coastal city with high economic and tourism potential. Three main things that have been done by the city government (physical development, sustainable development programs, and economic strengthening) need to be noted, for example, the non-optimal management of the tourism potential of the coastal area and the imbalance between the tourist area and the surrounding fishing villages. On that basis, this research tries to answer various issues related to the optimization of tourism development in the coastal area of Bulak, Surabaya. This research is initial research that maps the various potentials (owned by the Bulak coastal area of Surabaya), which is then followed up by offering development strategies. This research used a descriptive model qualitative approach. The initial study was conducted by analyzing various planning documents, which were then followed up with field observations and interviews with key people. In the final stage, the researcher then analyzed the development strategy. The results of this study state that Bulak sub-district has nine tourism objects that have the potential to be developed in the coastal area. The proposed development strategy (based on the results of data processing) is an aggressive maintenance strategy. This is done by strengthening inward by making improvements in various fields. In addition, the development strategy also needs to be collaborative, especially with the city government, while still paying attention to various ecological issues
Keywords: Tourism Potential Assessment, Aggressive Maintenance Strategy, Surabaya Coastal Area
Montage Mastery Revolutionizes Global Children's Motor Skills
Authors: Fariska Vira Aulia , Nisak Aulina Choirun 
Published: May 2024

This study examines the effectiveness of Pictorial Montage activities in enhancing fine motor skills among 5-6-year-old children in group B. Conducted through Classroom Action Research (CAR) with iterative cycles, the research involved 11 students from TK Tunas Bangsa Sukodono. Data collection included observation, interviews, and documentation. Results showed a gradual increase from 47% in pre-cycle to 90.1% in cycle II, indicating success in improving fine motor skills. These findings underscore the importance of engaging methods like Pictorial Montage for effective motor skill development in early childhood education.

Highlight:

Montage enhances motor skills in children.
Iterative CAR method for skill assessment.
Notable improvement in fine motor proficiency.

Keyword: Fine motor skills, Pictorial Montage, Early childhood education, Classroom Action Research, Skill enhancement
Protein target similarity is positive predictor of in vitro antipathogenic activity: a drug repurposing strategy for Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Mogire Reagan M. , Miruka Silviane A. ,   Dennis W. Juma2,   Case W. McNamara4,,   Ben Andagalu2, Burrows Jeremy N , Chenu Elodie , Duffy James , Ogutu Bernhards R. , Akala Hoseah M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Drug discovery is an intricate and costly process. Repurposing existing drugs and active compounds offers a viable pathway to develop new therapies for various diseases. By leveraging publicly available biomedical information, it is possible to predict a compound's activity and identify their potential targets across diverse organisms. In this study, we aimed to assess the antiplasmodial activity of compounds from The Repurposing, Focused Rescue, and Accelerated Medchem (ReFRAME) library using in vitro and bioinformatics approaches. We evaluated the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the compounds using blood-stage and liver-stage drug susceptibility assays. We used protein sequences of known targets of the ReFRAME compounds with high antiplasmodial activity (EC50 < 10 uM) to conduct a protein-pairwise search to identify similar Pf strain 3D7 proteins (from PlasmoDB) using NCBI protein BLAST. We further assessed the association between the compounds' in vitro antiplasmodial activity and the target similarity parameters between their known targets and similar Pf proteins using linear regression analyses. BLAST analyses identified 735 Pf proteins that were similar to the 226 known protein targets associated with the compounds showing antiplasmodial antimalarial potency. Antiplasmodial activity of the compounds was positively associated with the degree of similarity between the compound’s known targets and predicted Pf protein targets (percentage identity, E value, and bit score), the number of the predicted Pf targets, and their respective mutagenesis index and fitness scores (R2 ranged from 0.066 to 0.92, P < 0.05). Compounds predicted to target essential Pf proteins or those with a druggability index of 1 showed highest antiplasmodial activity. This study is the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between in vitro antipathogenic activity of compounds and target similarity across species. Our findings indicate that leveraging protein-target similarity may accelerate the drug repurposing process for many diseases by predicting compounds’ activity and their prospective targets in different organisms.
The Clinical Utility of a Chemokine-Cytokine Multiplex Assay in Fibromyalgia Diagnosis at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Mohabbat Arya B. , Wight Elizabeth C. , Johnson Tammi R. , McCarthy Page E. , Aakre Christopher A. , Bornstein Shari L. , Ganesh Ravindra , Salonen Bradley R. , Bierle Dennis M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: To assess the clinical utility of the FM/a® chemokine-cytokine assay in diagnosing fibromyalgia at an academic medical center.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 50 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia at a specialty fibromyalgia clinic between January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Patients completed questionnaires and provided a venous blood sample sent to EpicGenetics, to complete the FM/a® test. Demographic, symptom, and historical data was obtained from chart review. Statistical analysis was performed.
Results: Of 50 patients with a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, the FM/a® test was positive in 45 (90%). Performance of the FM/a® test compared to the 2016 ACR criteria yielded an odds ratio of 3.5 with sensitivity of 0.91, specificity of 0.25. Univariate regression demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7337, which improved to 0.89 when adjusted for age, gender, and race. When compared to the 1990 ACR criteria, a positive FM/a® test had an odds ratio of 2.33 with sensitivity 0.92 and specificity 0.17. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.571, when adjusted for age, gender and race, AUC was similar at 0.585.
Conclusion: The FM/a® test performed well overall, though inferiorly compared to the 1990 and 2016 ACR diagnostic criteria. When adjusted for age, gender, and race the test performed almost equivalently to the 2016 ACR criteria. The FM/a® test may be useful in general clinical practices to differentiate patients who are more likely to have FM.
The impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Well-Being of German Medical Students: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Stelter Marie , Zupanic Michaela , Taetz-Harrer Angelika , Nitsche Julia , Büssing Arndt , Ehlers Jan P. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The ongoing aggression war by Russia in Ukraine underscores the need to explore the impact of geopolitical crises on students' well-being within the system university. Previous studies have raised concern regarding rising mental health issues among students, exacerbated by war-related stressors. The effects extend to non-war-involved countries on several levels, with heightened anxiety and fear reported for students. In this study, the affectedness of well-being, perceived stress and work engagement among German medicine students is surveyed in a cross-sectional multi-methods study before and after the initial war occurrences in Ukraine were reported. Results show lessened well-being and increase perceived stress, but non significantly affected work engagement. The students report several demands and resources to cope with stressors and maintain ongoing study motivation and capability. By understanding the personal repercussions of systemic crises, this study seeks to identify longitudinal support needs for medical students navigating uncertain times.
miR-669g-mediated Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 inhibition induces behavioral abnormalities via modulating the central 5-HT activity in mice
Authors: Ma Wenqiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is a crucial enzyme that plays a rate-limiting role in the biosynthesis of central serotonin (5-HT), and its dysfunction has been associated with various behavioral abnormalities. Investigating miRNAs that target and regulate TPH2 is crucial, as it can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying serotonin synthesis and its potential impact on behavior. In this study, bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter assay identified miR-669g as a regulator of TPH2. Transfection of HT-22 cells with miR-669g resulted in the downregulation of TPH2 expression in vitro. To evaluate the in vivo function of miR-669g, an adeno-associated viral vector-PHP.eB expressing miR-669g was intravenously administered to mice. Subsequent behavioral analyses revealed that the downregulation of TPH2 led to reduced anxiety, impaired memory, and increased aggression, likely through the inhibition of serotonin synthesis. In conclusion, these findings suggest that miR-669g has potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral abnormalities.
Comparison of pulmonary circulation parameters acquired by cardiovascular magnetic resonance with right heart catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography in patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Opatřil Lukáš , Panovský Roman , Mojica-Pisciotti Mary , Máchal Jan , Holeček Tomáš , Feitová Věra , Godava Július , Poloczková Hana , Kincl Vladimír , Andrej Michael , Krejčí Jan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Evaluating pulmonary circulation parameters (PCP) with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a relatively new approach with the potential for complex evaluation of the cardio-pulmonary system. Its impact might complement clinical assessment through right heart catheterization (RHC), the gold standard in evaluating pulmonary hypertension (PH) and hemodynamics, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The study aims to examine the correlation of PCP with diastolic and systolic function and PH in patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM).
Eighty-four patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM) were retrospectively included. All patients had a CMR examination, RHC (including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)), and TTE. The pulmonary transit time (PTT), corrected pulmonary transit time (PTTc), systolic and diastolic function, and PH were assessed. Patients were divided into groups according to the PH and the diastolic function.
PTT and PTTc correlated with PCWP, cardiac index, PVR, and E/e’. Patients with restrictive filling pattern showed significantly longer PTT. The receiver operating characteristic curve for PTT, PTTc, and PH was assessed with an area under the curve of 72.7% for PTT and 75.3% for PTTc, with cut-off values of 8.62 s (PTT) and 8.52 s (PTTc).
To our knowledge, this is the first study focused on CMR-derived PCP in a RODCM group. Our findings show that PTT and PTTc are prolonged with impaired systolic and diastolic function, and with PH. Therefore, PCP might offer critical information to evaluate the cardio-pulmonary system comprehensively.
Information theoretically secure data relay using QKD network
Authors: Fujiwara Mikio , Kato Go , Tsurumaru Toyohiro , Sasaki Masahide 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Supercomputers, quantum computers, other computers, and algorithmic advancements that can break cryptographic systems currently in use are becoming a reality. For information that requires long-term confidentiality (e.g. national security, military security, genomic data etc.), the threat of eavesdropping must be seriously considered. The leakage of such information would not only cause temporary confusion but would also have serious repercussions for future generations. Part of such important data are already being exchanged over the Internet using cryptography that is not resistant to quantum computers. Considering the possibility of harvest attacks on information that must be kept secret for centuries, developing a technology that can immediately eliminate the risk of eavesdropping in principle is desirable. In response to these demands, we previously developed an information-theoretically secure method for data transmission, storage, recovery, and authentication with a single password using a quantum key distribution network called a quantum secure cloud. We now apply this technology to develop an information-theoretically secure long-distance data-relay function and succeed in developing a distributed data-relay simulator that is compatible with current quantum key distribution networks. The throughput of this protocol is more than 10 Mbps for 10 MB data, so it can be applied to practical use.
Economic Evaluation of Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening among High- Risk Individuals – Evidence from Hungary Based on the HUNCHEST-II study
Authors: RÓZSA Péter , KERPEL-FRONIUS Anna , MURÁNYI Mátyás Péter , RUMSZAUER Ágnes , MERTH Gabriella , MARKÓCZY Zsolt , CSÁNYI Péter , BOGOS Krisztina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Hungary. Early diagnosis of LC contributes to delivering survival benefits to patients. Low-dose computer tomography (LDCT) is an imaging technology that can be used to identify smaller nodules. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of introducing LDCT screening in Hungary among individuals aged 50 to 74 years with high-risk for developing LC using clinical effectiveness and resource utilisation inputs based on the recent HUNCHEST II clinical trial.
Methods
We estimated costs and outcomes in a cost-utility analysis framework over the time horizon of 30 years to compare annual and biannual screening for LC with LDCT against no organised LDCT screening. The economic evaluation simulated a cohort of current and former smokers aged 50 to 74 years with a smoking exposure of at least 25 pack-years, using data from HUNCHEST-II, a multicentre study to evaluate the impact of LDCT screening on early detection of LC. Complementary data were retrieved from published studies and interviews with local experts.
Results
The results of the analysis are favourable from an economic perspective: the introduction of annual screening for LC with LDCT yielded an incremental effectiveness of 0.053 QALYs as well as an increase in costs of 481 167 HUFs over the full time horizon. The value of the base case ICER (9 143 512 HUF/QALY) of screening for LC with LDCT over no organised screening using LDCT is below the relevant cost-effectiveness threshold. Applying a biannual screening strategy using LDCT yielded less favourable cost-effectiveness results (ICER = 9 908 100 HUF/QALY), although still below the relevant threshold. Similar reduction of lung cancer mortality rate as observed in the NELSON trial might be achieved in Hungary via the LDCT LC screening program.
Conclusions
Along with the mature data on its effectiveness, our analysis confirms that using LDCT for LC screening in high-risk populations delivers good value for money in Hungary. Funding a nationwide lung screening program that uses LDCT is a justified decision in economic terms; biannual screening frequency is more feasible from budgetary and organisational perspectives.
Treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infected macrophages with Rifabutin loaded β-glucan microparticles induces macroautophagy mediated bacillary killing
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Fatima Nida , Ahmad Shad , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Jain Parul , Saeed Mohd , Ahmad Irfan , Al-Keridis Lamya Ahmed , Khubaib Mohd , Sharma Rolee 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Rifabutin-loaded β-glucan particles (DYDGP) in targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) within host macrophage cells. Drug-loaded β-glucan microparticles were prepared using rifabutin for evaluating their therapeutic potential against in-vitro M.tb. infection in host macrophage cells. Our results demonstrate that DYDGP significantly enhances intracellular ROS generation at 30 minutes and 24 hours post-treatment compared to blank (YDGP) particles in the presence of NOX-2 inhibitors. Additionally, DYDGP promotes phago-lysosomal maturation and exhibits better cytoprotective function within M.tb. infected macrophages up to 24 hours post-treatment. Furthermore, our study indicates that DYDGP has the potential to induce autophagy within M.tb. infected macrophages, as evidenced by dansylcadvarine and immunofluorescence studies, along with LC-3 and NOX-2 protein expression analyses. Enhanced immunotherapeutic efficacy is crucial for combating M.tb, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, within host macrophage cells. Colony forming unit studies confirm that DYDGP particles exhibit better immunotherapeutic potential compared to blank and pure drugs, suggesting they could serve as a promising alternative for host-directed adjunct therapies against M.tb. infections. These findings highlight the potential of DYDGP in improving therapeutic outcomes and combating drug-resistant M.tb. strains within host cells, contributing to the development of effective immunotherapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Visible–near-infrared wavelength-selective imaging devices based on floating-gate phototransistors
Authors: Wang Liming , Wang Bo , Zhang Ningning , You Jie , Zhang Bu , Zhang Yichi , Miao Tian , Liu Yang , Jiang Zuimin , Zhong Zhenyang , Guo Hui , Hu Huiyong , Zhu Zhangming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Multispectral photodetectors are emerging devices capable of detecting photons in multiple wavelength ranges, such as the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) regions. Image data acquired with these photodetectors can be used for effective object identification and navigation owing to additional information beyond human vision, including thermal images and night vision. However, this approach inevitably brings about problems of complex structures and low integration. In addition, few broad-spectrum detectors can achieve imaging in the visible and infrared bands separately, which is highly important for scene recognition and other tasks. Here, we propose a wide-spectrum photodetector integrated with a spectral separation function based on a visible light absorber/floating gate storage layer/near-infrared (NIR) photogating layer configuration. This device exhibits a negative photoresponse under infrared irradiation through the absorption of infrared light by the Ge substrate and the photogating effect and achieves a visible positive photoresponse through the absorption of visible light by MoS2. Furthermore, based on the memory function of the device under floating gate tunneling and the bidirectional photoresponse characteristics of the device, wide-spectrum light detection and single-wavelength signal extraction are realized. Through clever changes in the gate voltage pulse, the photoresponse state of the output voltage is effectively adjusted to achieve three imaging states: visible light response only, response to both visible and infrared light, and infrared light response only. Reconfigurable wavelength-selective imaging can be achieved using different Vpgm (programming voltage) values. The proposed reconfigurable visible–infrared wavelength-selective imaging photodetector can effectively extract image information and improve the image recognition rate while ensuring a simple structure. The single-chip-based spectral separation imaging solution lays a good foundation for further development of visible–infrared vision applications.