bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The fitness of pelargonium cuttings affects the relationship between the photochemical activity of the photosynthetic apparatus and rooting ability
Authors: Rapacz Marcin , Szewczyk-Taranek Bożena , Bani Ipsa , Marcinkowski Paweł 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Pelargoniums cultivated for ornamental purposes rely on efficient vegetative propagation. This study researched applicability of chlorophyll fluorescence for validating the physiological conditions of pelargonium cuttings. Results indicated a correlation between the chlorophyll fluorescence and rooting potential. The ET0/RC values were negatively correlated with the rooting efficiency between the varieties and the duration of cold storage. A negative correlation was observed between OJIP parameters, representing energy flow in thylakoids, and chlorophyll content in cuttings with lower nutritional status. The phenomenological energy fluxes for leaf cross-sections and the number of active PSII reaction centers in the not-excited state (RC/CS0) increase with raised chlorophyll concentration. This imply the influence of rooting ability on the demand for photoassimilates in pelargonium cuttings, which can be detected early on through chlorophyll fluorescence analysis but not chlorophyll content measurements. Chlorophyll fluorescence evaluation, along with specific OJIP test parameters such as the performance indices PIABS and PItotal, prove useful for predicting rooting efficiency in relation to the nutritional status of cuttings, suggesting the effects of cuttings cold storage and discerning varietal differences in rooting. This study establish the pragmatic application of chlorophyll fluorescence assessment for elucidating the physiological intricacies of pelargonium cuttings and factors influencing rooting efficiency.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Axis Drives Intracranial Aneurysms Macrophage M1 Polarization: Insights from Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing
Authors: Huang Jian-huang , Chen Yao , Kang Yuan-bao , chen Jian-ning , Song Jian-hua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) develop and progress through pathological processes, including inflammation and abnormal changes in the vascular structure. The cytokine Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is implicated in the pathology of vascular diseases. However, the role of MIF in IAs remains to be elucidated.
Methods: This study utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze samples from IAs and normal arteries. Differential expression of MIF mRNA was assessed via Bulk-RNA sequencing (GSE54083 for testing, GSE75436 for validation), and methylation levels were examined with data from GSE75434. Single-cell transcriptomics (GSE193533) were analyzed using the Seurat package to profile Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages. The CellChat package explored cell communication, particularly between secretory VSMCs and macrophages.
Results: Significant upregulation of MIF mRNA was observed in IAs, correlating strongly (r=0.783, p=0.008) with elevated M1-like macrophages, an indication of diagnostic potential. A corresponding decrease in MIF methylation levels and an increase in secretory VSMC proportions were noted. Elevated intercellular MIF signaling suggests it regulates VSMC-macrophage communication, influencing IAs development.
Conclusion: Our findings delineate the MIF axis as a pivotal factor in IAs pathogenesis by modulating the activity of secretory VSMCs and M1 macrophages. This axis could present novel therapeutic avenues for managing IAs, potentially stalling progression or serving as adjunctive post-surgical treatment.
Effect of intravenous lidocaine on catheter‑related bladder discomfort, postoperative pain and opioid requirement in complex fusion lumbar spinal surgery: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial
Authors: Chantrapannik Ekasak , Munjupong Sithapan , Limprasert Natirat , Jinawong Sarita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) and pain commonly arises postoperatively among patients experiencing intra-operative urinary catheterization. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine to prevent CRBD and postoperative pain in complex lumbar spinal surgery.
Methods: Sixty male patients, aged 20-79 years, scheduled for undergoing elective fusion spine surgery at least 2 levels were randomly assigned to obtain intravenous lidocaine
(1.5 mg/kg then 2 mg/kg/h) (group L) or a parallel volume of normal saline (group C). The primary outcome was incidence of moderate to severe CRBD in a postanesthetic care unit (PACU) between group comparison. The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and the postoperative 24-hour of opioid requirement, mild and moderate to severe CRBD at 1-, 2-, 6- and 24-hours postoperative periods, patient satisfaction the adverse effects of lidocaine and surgical complications.
Results: Group L showed a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD compared with that of group C at PACU (P = 0.002) and at 1 hour (P = 0.039). Moreover, group L experienced a significantly reduced average pain score compared with that of group C in all time periods (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001 at 0, 1, 2, 6 and 24 hours, respectively and significantly lower postoperative opioid requirement compared with that of group C at 2, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively (P=0.0022, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Group L experienced significant more satisfaction regarding GPES scores than group C (P< 0.001). No adverse outcome was found in both groups.
Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine administration exhibited significantly reduced moderate-to-severe CRBD at PACU and 1-hr post operative period. Moreover, the use of intravenous lidocaine during complex spine surgery resulted in reduction of postoperative pain, opioid requirement and improved patient satisfaction without side effects.
Fine mapping of stem rust resistance derived from soft red winter wheat cultivar AGS2000 to an NLR gene cluster on chromosome 6D
Authors: Rivera-Burgos Luis , VanGessel Carl , Guedira Mohammed , Smith Jared , Marshall David , Jin Y. , Rouse Matthew , Brown-Guedira Gina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) Ug99-emerging virulent races present a major challenge to global wheat production. To meet present and future needs, new sources of resistance must be found. Identification of markers that allow tracking of resistance genes is needed for deployment strategies to combat highly virulent pathogen races. Field evaluation of a DH population located a QTL for stem rust (Sr) resistance, QSr.nc-6D from the breeding line MD01W28-08-11 to the distal region of chromosome arm 6DS where Sr resistance genes Sr42, SrCad, and SrTmp have been identified. A locus for seedling resistance to Pgt race TTKSK was identified in a DH population and an RIL population derived from the cross AGS2000 x LA95135. The resistant cultivar AGS2000 is in the pedigree of MD01W28-08-11 and our results suggest that it is the source of Sr resistance in this breeding line. We exploited published markers and exome capture data to enrich marker density in a 10 Mb region flanking QSr.nc-6D. Our fine-mapping in heterozygous inbred families identified three markers co-segregating with resistance and delimited QSr.nc-6D to a 1.3 Mb region. We further exploited information from other genome assemblies and identified collinear regions of 6DS harboring clusters of NLR genes. Evaluation of KASP assays corresponding to our co-segregating SNP suggests that they can be used to track this Sr resistance in breeding programs. However, our results also underscore the challenges posed in identifying genes underlying resistance in such complex regions in the absence of genome sequence from the resistant genotypes.
Malnutrition status of children aged under-5 years in Bangladesh: evidence from BDHS 2017-2018
Authors: Rana Sohel , Rahman F. M. Arifur , M Abu Sayed Md. Al , Khan Md. Mobarak Hossain 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Malnutrition is a major risk factor to create permanent, widespread damage to child's growth, development and well-being. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of malnutrition status of below five-years aged children in Bangladesh.
Methods Analysis was conducted using data from Bangladesh Demographic & Health Survey (BDHS, 2017-18). A total number of 8402 under five-year old children’s data from BDHS 2017-18 were included in this study. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression models were implemented to examine the prevalence of malnutrition status and its association with the different selected socio-demographic factors in this study.
Results The study found that the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight of under-5 children were 31.0%, 8.8%, 22.0% and 2.4% respectively. Current age of children, division, mothers’ educational level, mothers’ height and BMI were found to be significant predictors for stunting and underweight children. Whereas, sex of child, mothers’ educational level and mothers’ BMI significantly impacted wasting. Furthermore, children’s overweight status was significantly associated with sex of child, current age of children, division, wealth index, mothers’ height and BMI.
Conclusions Several geographical and socio-demographic factors significantly impacted on malnutrition status of Bangladeshi under-five children. Therefore, government of Bangladesh and other health authorities should focus on the findings of this study to develop and implement concrete policies in the aim to reduce complications arising from under-five child malnutrition in Bangladesh.
CMIP6 Model Evaluation for Wind Speed Responses to IOD during Monsoon Season over the Indian Ocean
Authors: Prasad Ramakant , Kumar Prashant , Yadav Anshu , Singh Anurag , Sardana Divya , Hisaki Yukiharu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) exerts a substantial influence over wind speed (WS) in the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), yet climate model's potential to replicate the observed IOD impact on WS has not been estimated. This study assesses 24 CMIP6 models to determine their ability to replicate the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on wind speed (WS) in the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) during the JJA season from 1958 to 2014. The observation data for WS is obtained from fifth generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA5). In the CMIP6 models, IOD portrays a crucial role to simulate WS across the tropical Indian Ocean. The efficacy of models is computed based on three skill metric criteria such as interannual variability score (IVS), M-Score, and root mean square error (RMSE). A total rank has been evaluated based on the three-skill metrics. The top ten best performing models are CESM2, EC-Earth3, ACCESS-ESM1-5, EC-Earth3-Veg-LR, MMM, NorESM2-LM, CESM2-WACCM, EC-Earth3-Veg, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, and FIO-ESM2-0. Despite this, significant biases are found in the CMIP6 models, indicating a moderate overall ability to capture WS responses to IOD over the Indian Ocean.
Transcriptome Profiling and Gene Network Analysis Revealed Regulatory Mechanisms of Bract Development in Bougainvillea glabra
Authors: liu xiangdong , Peng Yaonan , Zeng Qinghui , Ma Yuwan , Liu Jin , Huang Yaqi , Yu Xiaoying , Luo Jun , Li Yanlin , Li Meng , Cao Fuxiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Bracts are important in ornamental plants and their developmental regulation is complex, but relatively little research has been done on them. In this study, physiological, biochemical and morphological changes in Bougainvillea glabraleaves, leaf buds and bracts during seven developmental periods were systematically investigated in B. glabra bracts. Meanwhile, transcriptome data of B. glabra bracts were obtained using PacBio and Illumina sequencing technologies, and key genes regulating their development were screened.
Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bracts develop with a process of regression of hairs, changing colour from green to white; Transcriptome sequencing yielded 79,130,973 bp of transcript sequences, totalling 45,788 transcripts; Differential gene analysis revealed 50 expression patterns across seven developmental periods, with significant variability in transcription factors such as BgAP1, BgFULL, BgCMB1, BgSPL16, BgEIL1, and BgBH305 KEGG and GO analyses of growth and development concerning chlorophyll metabolism and hormone-conducting metabolic pathways; Key genes for chlorophyll metabolism include PORA, SGR, PPH, PAO and RCCR; The growth hormone and abscisic acid signalling pathways involve 44 and 23 homologous genes, and co-expression network analyses revealed that the screened genes BgAPRR5 and BgEXLA1 are involved in the regulation of bract development.
Conclusions: These findings promote the understanding of the molecular mechanism of plant bract development, as well as provide important guidance for the molecular regulation and genetic improvement of the growth and development of ornamental plants, mainly ornamental bracts.
Vasoconstriction with Phenylephrine increases Cardiac Output in Preload Dependent Patients
Authors: Højlund Jakob , Cihoric Mirjana , Foss Nicolai Bang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: General Anaesthesia (GA) is accompanied by a marked decrease in sympathetic outflow and thus loss of vasomotor control of cardiac preload. The use of vasoconstriction during GA has mainly focused on maintaining blood pressure.
Phenylephrine (PE) is a pure α1-agonist without inotropic effects widely used to correct intraoperative hypotension. The potential of PE for augmenting cardiac stroke volume (SV) and -output (CO) by venous recruitment is controversial and no human studies have explored the effects of PE in preload dependent circulation using indicator dilution technique.
We hypothesized that PE-infusion in patients with cardiac stroke volume limited by reduced preload would restore preload and thus augment SV and CO.
Methods: 20 patients undergoing GA for gastrointestinal surgery were monitored with arterial catheter and LiDCO unity monitor. Upon stable haemodynamics after induction patients were placed in head-up tilt (HUT). All patients became preload responsive as verified by a stroke volume variation (SVV) of > 12%. PE-infusion was then started at 15-20mikrg/min and adjusted until preload was restored (SVV < 12%). Li-dilution cardiac output (CO) was initially measured after induction (baseline), again with HUT in the preload responsive phase, and finally when preload was restored with infusion of PE.
Results: At baseline SVV was 10±3% (mean±st.dev.), CI was 2,6±0,4L/min*m2, and SVI 43±7mL/m2. With HUT SVV was 19±4%, CI was 2,2±0,4L/min*m2, SVI 35±7mL/m2. During PE-infusion SVV was reduced to 6±3%, CI increased to 2,6±0,5L/min*m2, and SVI increased to 49±11mL/m2. All differences p < 0,001
Conclusion: Infusion of phenylephrine during preload dependency abolished preload dependency as evaluated by SVV and increased cardiac stroke volume and -output as measured by indicator-dilution technique. This is the first human trial to describe the physiology of this common clinical intervention isolated from other effects.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05193097).
Telomerase-based circulating tumor cell detection for treatment response prediction in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Sumiyoshi Issei , Togo Shinsaku , Okabe Takahiro , Abe Kanae , Watanabe Junko , Ochi Yusuke , Hoshi Kazuaki , Saiwaki Shoko , Nojiri Shuko , Fujimoto Yuichi , Namba Yukiko , Tabe Yoko , Urata Yasuo , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Monitoring circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a non-invasive liquid biopsy might provide valuable information for predicting ongoing therapeutic responses.
Methods: We developed and adapted a highly sensitive/specific CTC detection system using TelomeScan® (OBP-401). We evaluated CTC subtypes with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint molecule, and vimentin, an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, using a multi-fluorescent color microscope reader. We evaluated the prognostic value of CTCs and predicted the therapeutic response by dynamically monitoring CTC counts in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Results: In this cohort study, a highly sensitive/specific CTC detection system using TelomeScan® (OBP-401) was developed, and CTC subtypes with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and vimentin expression were evaluated as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. CTC counts of 99 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were dynamically monitored to evaluate the prognostic value and predict the therapeutic response.
The sensitivity and specificity of TelomeScan®-guided total CTC (≥3 cells) and PD-L1(+) CTC (≥1 cell) measurements were 63.0%/75.0% and 75.0%/100%, respectively, indicating high diagnostic value. Baseline CTC counts (≥3 cells) were independent poor prognostic factors. PD-L1(+) CTCs and EMT(+) CTCs were detected in 75% and 12% of patients, respectively. Declined and inclined PD-L1(+) CTC counts after two cycles were significantly associated with a partial response (p = 0.032) and progressive disease (p = 0.023), respectively.
Conclusions: TelomeScan®-guided CTC measurements are recommended as an early and sensitive predictor of poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. PD-L1(+) CTC detection could help predict the response or resistance to frontline treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC, helping optimize the choice of precision medicines.
The clinical effects and mechanism of action of ranibizumab in treating myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Gu Wenting , Wang Zhen , Peng Duo , Liu Qinghuai , Gu Yonghui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the clinical effects and factors influencing repeated intravitreal injections of ranibizumab among patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia.
Methods
There were 39 patients with myopic CNV and a control group of 10 cataract patients. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (logMAR) was adopted to evaluate best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), while the measurement of central macular thickness was made via optical coherence tomography. Luminex xMAP suspension array was adopted to collect and analyze plasma and aqueous humor samples to compare cytokine concentrations between the two groups and assess changes after intravitreal ranibizumab injections. Additionally, BCVA values and CMT were monitored.
Results
A great diversity in the BCVA values and CMT was found after intravitreal ranibizumab injections (p<0.05 for both). The study group showed greatly higher plasma concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor-A than the cataractgroup (p<0.05). The research group (p<0.05 for both) showed greatly lower epidermal growth factor (EGF) and angiopoietin-2 concentrations. In the aqueous humor, the study group showed greatly higher concentration of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 than the cataract group (p<0.05), and the research group (p<0.05 for both) displayed greatly lower concentrations of EGF and VEGF-A. The decrease in average VEGF-A contents was significant by comparing with baseline at both 1 month (p<0.05) and 2 months (p<0.05), and the reduction in mean VEGF-D and endoglin contents compared to baseline at 2 months were significant (p<0.05 for both), and were significant when compared at 1 month to 2 months (p<0.05 for both). The average EGF contents were significantly higher at 2 months than at baseline (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Ranibizumab had obvious effects on myopic CNV. For different individuals, different treatment projects should be chosen.
Breastfeeding Promotion to Prevent Breast Cancer: an Economic Evaluation
Authors: HUI Lai Ling , LIAO Emily , LIAO Jin Xiao , SO Ching , WU Ting Ting , WONG Carlos . K.H. , LOGANATHAN Tharani , NELSON Edmund Anthony S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Our study aimed to estimate the healthcare cost-savings resulting from a reduction in breast cancer attributed to an increase in the breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong.
Methods
This is an economic evaluation. We simulated a cohort of 33500 Hong Kong women aged 20 years in 2018 using the Monte Carlo Model, to estimate with probabilistic sensitivity analysis the healthcare cost-savings, the number of deaths averted and the increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to prevention of breast cancer attributed to a higher breastfeeding rate, assuming a discount rate of 3%.
Results
Increasing the proportion of parous women breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months from 22% (current rate) to 90% averted 266 (95% CI259, 273) or ~10% of all-stage breast cancer cases, 18 deaths (95% CI 17, 19) and 399 DALYs (95% CI 381, 416), over the lifetime of each annual cohort of women in Hong Kong. The lifetime medical costs that could be saved would be ~USD3 million. However cost-saving was 5-time less if the cumulative any breastfeeding (i.e. partially or exclusively) for 12 months in parous women is increased to 90%.
Conclusions
Promoting and protecting breastfeeding leads to cost-savings for treating breast cancer in Hong Kong. Our analysis can inform healthcare budget resources that could be allocated to promote exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
Enhanced virulence through genetic engineering of Beauveria bassiana blastospores by overexpression of a cuticle-degrading endochitinase
Authors: Mascarin Gabriel Moura , Shrestha Somraj , Dunlap Christopher A. , Ramirez Jose Luis , Coleman Jeffrey J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Genetic engineering of entomopathogenic fungi offers an innovative approach to improve their virulence against a broad spectrum of arthropod hosts and increase their resilience to stressful environmental factors. In this research, transformation of Beauveria bassiana protoplasts with a constitutively expressed endogenous gene encoding a chitinase (BbChit1) was achieved with the aim to improve fungal virulence. The relative gene expression and the number of gene copies in the chitinase-overexpressing mutants (OEBbChit1) were assessed, followed by phenotypic characterization of blastospores in terms of virulence, insect cellular immune response, colony morphology, growth, and tolerance to multiple chemical cell stressors.
Results
Blastospores of OEBbChit1 mutants conferred faster mortality rates and lower lethal doses when compared to the parental wild-type (WT) after being topically inoculated to larvae of the model insect host Galleria mellonella. Moreover, infections by the OEBbChit1 mutant triggered an increased production of total hemocytes relative to the WT and mock control, indicating induction of the insect cellular immune response. Genomic analysis of the OEBbChit1 mutants revealed that the number of gene copies encoding the chitinase was 4 and 2 for mutants OEBbChit1-3 and OEBbChit1-5, respectively. Furthermore, the chitinase-encoding gene was significantly upregulated by ~ 3 to 5 fold relative to the WT, confirming the overexpression of this enzyme in the mutants.
Conclusions
Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence of genetic improvement of B. bassiana by overexpression of chitinase-encoding gene (BbChit1) with 2–4 copies integrated into its genome leading to enhanced virulence without detrimental pleiotropic effects in fungal development.