bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing boscalid efficacy and resistance of large-spored Alternaria pathogens of potato and tomato crops
Authors: Kokaeva Lyudmila , Berezov Alexander , Pobedinskaya Marina , Balabko Petr , Elansky Sergey 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Large-spored Alternaria species of the section Porri were evaluated for resistance to boscalid through laboratory assays. Most isolates had EC50 values above 100 µg/mL, indicating widespread fungicide resistance. Only isolates of A. solani demonstrated sensitivity with EC50 values below 7 µg/mL. Isolates of A. linariae, A. protenta and A. alternariacida were resistant. A moderate level of resistance to the fungicide was found in A. grandis (mean EC50 = 76,8 µg/mL). Even though the resistance levels varied among strains, sampling location did not appear to be a significant factor. One of the primary targets of boscalid within fungal cells is the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme complex, which consists of several subunits. Mutations in these genes have been identified to be a key mechanism of boscalid resistance in various fungal pathogens. Our study revealed the absence of H134R and H278Y mutations within the SdhB gene among the Alternaria isolates. We further analyzed the sequences from Sdh gene subunits B, C, and D in the isolates originating from potato, including A. alternariacida, A. grandis, A. linariae, A. protenta, and A. solani. This analysis identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that effectively distinguished these isolates from the tomato-derived A. linariae ones.
Incorporating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) into the Education and Assessment of Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals and Trainees: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shah Darsh , Behravan Nima , Al-Jabouri Nujud , Sibbald Matthew 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Current definitions of professionalism for healthcare trainees often lack equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the expectations and assessment of professionalism. While professionalism teaching is incorporated in healthcare training, equity-deserving groups still experience discrimination. This scoping review investigates the literature to understand how EDI and associated domains of cultural humility, and advocacy can be incorporated in healthcare trainees’ education and assessment of professionalism.
Methods
MEDLINE, Embase & PsychINFO were searched up to March 2023, with terms surrounding health professionals, professionalism, EDI, cultural humility, and advocacy. Titles and abstracts (n = 3870) and full-texts (n = 140) were independently screened by two reviewers. Articles were included if they focused on EDI, cultural humility, or advocacy among healthcare students/trainees, and had outcomes related to professionalism. Articles lacking discussion of professionalism as an outcome were excluded. Themes were generated by mutual discussion. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cote et al. and Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) tools.
Results
48 articles underwent thematic analysis. Studies investigated the disciplines of medicine, nursing, social work, physiotherapy, and dentistry. Most studies were qualitative in methodology (n = 23). Three themes emerged: (1) EDI-associated interventions improve professionalism (n = 21). Interventions employed were either an EDI-associated educational course (n = 8) or an exchange program to promote EDI competencies among trainees (n = 13). (2) Trainee definitions and perceptions of professionalism reveal themes of EDI and cultural humility (n = 12). (3) Current standards of professionalism are perceived as non-inclusive towards historically-marginalized populations (n = 15). Literature investigating advocacy as it relates to professionalism is limited.
Conclusion
The main finding of this review is that EDI and its associated domains of cultural humility and advocacy correlates with professionalism. These findings create a strong impetus to incorporate EDI within professionalism frameworks in healthcare education. Future research should employ standardized tools for professionalism assessment to provide more conclusive evidence. Incorporating patient perspectives of professionalism can inform actionable recommendations for fostering inclusive healthcare environments.
Correlating Spatial-Temporal Changes in Ukai Reservoir with Universal Soil Loss Equation and Geospatial Indices
Authors: Avishek Kirti , Chaturvedi Garima , Kumar Himanshu , Bhagat Sourav Kumar , Sharma Priyank J. , Majumdar Aditi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ukai Reservoir witnessed flood incidents in 2006, 2013 and 2019, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The objective is to analyse the spatial-temporal change in inundation of Reservoir & soil loss. Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Universal Soil Loss Equation, and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) were applied. Landsat-8 data was collected from 2013 to 2020 for pre & post-monsoon periods. Decreasing water inundation area trend from 2015 to 2016 observed, possibly due to excess irrigation, power generation. 2016 faced increased water spread area, could be because of heavy precipitation in the upstream catchment. A high Rainfall erosivity factor (96.27 to 1427.58) indicates intense rainfall, which denotes a more remarkable ability of an area to detach and transport soil particles. High Soil Erodibility Factor (0.05 to 0.34), depict higher erodibility. The Topographic Factor (0 to 146.01), means more erosion occurs in steeper areas. The highest predicted annual soil loss was in the moderately high erosion category. Low Crop Management factor (0 to 1) denotes loss. Overall soil loss in this area is increasing, and need soil conservation. The Average Annual soil loss factor (26.64 to 44.05) depicts increase in soil loss. LULC analysis shows agriculture (69.77% in 2018) and barren land (24.38% in 2020) are the two predominant classes. The variation in the area was directed by rainfall in the post-monsoon time, excess irrigation, and electricity generation during the pre-monsoon time.
Optimizing Water Extraction in Agricultural Systems: A Novel Approach Using a Jet Pump and Multiple Wells
Authors: Ibrahim Doucoure , Wu Hongen , Brendon Hlomayi , Mahilan Paramananthan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel approach that utilizes a high-performance jet pump to extract water from multiple wells to a tank, and presents an optimal design of the system in view of the reliability criteria and economic aspects. In this way loss of load probability (LLP) as reliability criteria and the hydraulic network cost as economic criteria are used to simulate the performance of the system. By adopting AFT Fathom simulation software, two designs that exhibit water withdrawal from the wells to the tank were devised. By adjusting the pump's position along the vertical (y) and horizontal (x) axis and implementing different uniform pipe diameters (d) resulted to inconsistent flow rates. The simulation data obtained from these experiments was utilized to construct a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model, enabling the prediction of a multi well flow rate through the tank. The MLR model, validated at a 95% confidence level with results showing that R2 index and root mean square error (RMSE) values were 0.7987 and 0.03385 respectively. The proposed algorithm selects the optimal pipe sizes, and jet pump position (x, y) relative to tank satisfying both criteria.
Open system fluid-assisted sulfide dissolution reaction triggers explosive volcanic eruptions and can control production of metallogenic provinces
Authors: BORISOVA Anastassia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Explosive eruptions are frequently triggered by mixing of contrast-type magmas such as mantle-derived basaltic magmas with hydrous silica-rich magmas. Up to date, the mechanisms and rates of reaction of sulfide dissolution in hydrous silica-rich melt are unknown. I experimentally model dissolution of pyrrhotite mineral in water-saturated hydrous rhyolite melt at conditions corresponding to sulphate-sulfide transition field. The reaction results in production of FeO(melt) and SO42- and H2, H2S and di- and trisulfur radical ions, S2- or S3- in fluid/melt. The calculated diffusion coefficient for the oxidized sulfur dissolved in the hydrous rhyolitic melt implies extremely fast sulfur diffusion in the hydrous hybrid melt. Hybridization and magma mixing are controlled by the fastest ever recorded chemical diffusion of sulfur in the form of S2- or S3-, which is converted to [SO4]2- in the quenched glass and is associated with the production of hybrid fluid saturated magma. The dissolution reaction of the lower crust-to-mantle-crust transition zone-derived sulfides can trigger explosive volcanic eruptions not only in volcanic arcs but also in hot spot geodynamic settings. The fluid-assisted sulfide dissolution reaction can also control production of chalcophile (Au, Ag, Cu, Mo and Pt) metallogenic provinces.
A comparative ecotoxicity impact assessment of hydraulic fracturing chemicals used in oil and gas and coal-bed methane wells
Authors: Zelinka David L. , Karunanithi Arunprakash T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, we examine the ecotoxicity impacts of chemicals used in hydraulic-fracturing (HF) operations for shale-based oil and gas (O&G) and coal-bed methane (CBM) wells in Colorado. The chemical constituents of HF fluids were analyzed for 40 O&G and 10 CBM wells located in Weld and Las Animas counties. Integrating toxicity data, physical properties, and fate and transport parameter predictions with the USEtox human and ecotoxicological impact model, we developed new fresh water ecotoxicity characterization factors for 184 different chemicals that are commonly used in fracking operations. Further, we also estimated and analyzed the overall ecotoxicity impacts associated with the potential release of these chemicals into the environment. We found that CBM HF wells, on an average, resulted in 12.6% greater ecotoxicity impacts from chemical release than O&G wells. Ecological Impacts were highly-sensitive to the fraction of HF fluid that returns to the surface as part of flow back.
Maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy in women with overweight or obesity and markers of offspring adiposity, glycemia, and insulinemia
Authors: Mogensen Christina Sonne , Nygaard Malene , Opstrup Ulla Kampmann , Mølgaard Christian , Magkos Faidon , Geiker Nina Rica Wium 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) adversely affects offspring glucose homeostasis and markers of adiposity. Here, we examined the association between glycemia during pregnancy in overweight or obese women without GDM and markers of glucose homeostasis and adiposity in the offspring. Maternal fasting glucose and glucose concentrations 2-h after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured in 208 pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 28-45 kg/m2 without GDM. Offspring outcomes were collected at birth, 3, and 5 years of age. Linear mixed models with random effect of subject ID were used. No associations were found between maternal fasting or 2-h glucose concentrations with offspring fasting glucose and insulin concentrations from birth to 5 years of age. However, maternal fasting glucose in GW 28 and 36, and 2-h OGTT glucose in GW 28 were positively associated with C-peptide concentration at birth. Maternal fasting glucose at all time points during pregnancy was positively associated with BMI z-score at birth. Circulating blood glucose in pregnant women with overweight or obesity without GDM is positively associated with offspring C-peptide concentration and BMI z-score at birth but not with glucose and insulin concentrations during the first 5 years of life.
Observation of the immediate effect of ultrasound-guided acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) point on Blood flow volume in lower limb arteries: a randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Tu Jie , Sun Yongkang , Chung Shuet Ling , dai jinling , Zhang Rong , Wu Huan-Gan , Jin Zhu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The Zusanli(ST36) point, as one of the key health care points, has a wide range of indications and various effects. Given its effectiveness in regulating qi and blood flow, we investigated its direct impact on the arteries of the lower limbs. Earlier research indicates that the ST36 may enhance blood flow to the anterior tibial artery, yet there's a need to refine its research methodology and key findings. Consequently, our objective was to thoroughly investigate how the ST36 influences the blood flow dynamics in the arteries of the lower limbs.
Methods
This is a randomized, single-blind, and parallel controlled study. Participants will be evenly distributed in a 1:1 ratio between the interventional group (true acupuncture guided by ultrasound) and the control group (sham guided by ultrasound). Key metrics such as blood flow volume, peak systolic velocity, arterial diameter, and C-MASS evaluations will be documented and monitored pre and post-treatment. Ultimately, the analysis of the data was conducted utilizing the SPSS 25.0 software.
Discussion
Through this study, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the hemodynamic effects of ultrasound-guided acupuncture at ST36, and hope to provide new treatment methods and scientific basis for lower limb arterial vascular lesions.
Trial registration
Chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR2400080275 Registered on 25 Jan 2024
Development and Validation of Automated Three-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network Model for Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis
Authors: Kim Minsung , Park Taeyong , Kim Min-Jeong , Kwon Mi Jung , Oh Bo Young , Kim Jong Wan , Ha Sangook , Yang Won Seok , Cho Bum-Joo , Son Iltae 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Rapid, accurate preoperative imaging diagnostics of appendicitis are critical in surgical decisions of emergency care. This study developed a fully automated diagnostic framework using a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify appendicitis and clinical information from patients with abdominal pain, including contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography images. A deep learning model—Information of Appendix (IA)—was developed, and the volume of interest (VOI) region corresponding to the anatomical location of the appendix was automatically extracted. It was analysed using a two-stage binary algorithm with transfer learning. The algorithm predicted three categories: non-, simple, and complicated appendicitis. The 3D-CNN architecture incorporated ResNet, DenseNet, and EfficientNet. The IA model utilising DenseNet169 demonstrated 79.5% accuracy (76.4–82.6%), 70.1% sensitivity (64.7–75.0%), 87.6% specificity (83.7–90.7%), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.865 (0.862–0.867), with a negative appendectomy rate of 12.4% in stage 1 classification identifying non-appendicitis vs. appendicitis. In stage 2, the IA model exhibited 76.1% accuracy (70.3–81.9%), 82.6% sensitivity (62.9–90.9%), 74.2% specificity (67.0–80.3%), and an AUC of 0.827 (0.820–0.833), differentiating simple and complicated appendicitis. This IA model can provide physicians with reliable diagnostic information on appendicitis with generality and reproducibility within the VOI.
Midbrain dopaminergic degeneration differentially modulates primary motor cortex activity and motor behavior in hemi-parkinsonian rats.
Authors: Boschen Suelen L. , Seethaler Julian , Wang Shaohua , Lujan Wendy D. , Silvernail Jodi L. , Carter Rickey E. , Chang Su-Youne , Lujan J. Luis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is marked by degeneration in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, affecting motor control via complex changes in the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic motor network, including the primary motor cortex (M1). The modulation of M1 neuronal activity by dopaminergic inputs, particularly from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), plays a crucial role in PD pathophysiology. This study investigates how nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration influences M1 neuronal activity in rats using in vivo calcium imaging. Histological analysis confirmed dopaminergic lesion severity, with high lesion level rats showing significant motor deficits. Levodopa treatment improved fine motor abilities, particularly in high lesion level rats. Analysis of M1 calcium signals based on dopaminergic lesion severity revealed distinct M1 activity patterns. Animals with low dopaminergic lesion showed increased calcium events, while high lesion level rats exhibited decreased activity, partially restored by levodopa. These findings suggest that M1 activity is more sensitive to transient fluctuations in dopaminergic transmission, rather than to chronic high or low dopaminergic signaling. This study underscores the complex interplay between dopaminergic signaling and M1 neuronal activity in PD symptoms development. Further research integrating behavioral and calcium imaging data can elucidate mechanisms underlying motor deficits and therapeutic responses in PD.
Regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and NK cell dysfunction by exosomal miR-552-5p in gastric cancer
Authors: Tang Chun-Wei , Yang Jin-Hua , Qin Jin-Wen , Wu Hui-Jie , Cui Hao-Peng , Ge Lian-Ying , Liu Ai-qun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective NK cells play a vital role in tumor immune resistance. Various factors affect NK cell activity. While NK cell dysfunction has been observed in numerous malignancies, the underlying mechanisms in gastric cancer remain unclear.Method Flow cytometry was used to identify the phenotypic distribution and expression of activated receptors on NK cells. ELISA was used to determine the expression of cytokines. We examined the expression of NK cell-related genes and explored their association with survival and prognosis. Additionally, we conducted PCR detection of miR-552-5p expression levels in plasma exosomes of patients and investigated its correlation with phenotypic distribution and activated receptors. We used flow cytometry and ELISA to verify the role of miR-552-5p in NK cell dysfunction. Furthermore, we investigated the potential role of PD-1/PD-L1 in regulating NK cell dysfunction in patients’ cells.Results We observed a significant decrease in the percentage of NKG2D and NKp30 and IFN-γ and TNF-α in patients than in healthy volunteers. Patients with low levels of CD56, CD16, NKG2D, and NKP46 exhibited poorer survival prognoses. Moreover, increased expression levels of plasma exosomal miR-552-5p in patients were negatively associated with NK cell phenotypic distribution and activated receptor expression. MiR-552-5p downregulated the secretion of perforin, granzyme, and IFN-γ as well as the expression of NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2D. Additionally, it suppressed the cytotoxicity of NK cells. The inhibitory effect of miR-552-5p, on NK cell function was reversed when anti-PD-L1 antibodies were used.Conclusion Exosomal miR-552-5p targets the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, leading to impaired NK cell function.
Application of LMLC Prognostic Score in Survival Predicting of Malignant Pleural Effusion Secondary to Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Qiao Xin , Sun Da-Qiang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Liu Bin , Yi Feng-Shuang , Qin Jian-Wen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Variables to estimate overall survival (OS) for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) secondary to MPM are unidentified, especially the ones in pleural fluid.
Methods: Based on the retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with MPE secondary to MPM at Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2013 to January 2022, multivariate analysis was performed on routinely available demographic, clinical, hematological, and pleural fluid data to assess the association between different parameters and OS.
Results: We screened 81 patients who met the eligibility criteria. Four routinely available parameters including LDH level in pleural fluid, MPV level, lymphocyte count, and chemotherapy (the LMLC prognostic score) were found to be independent risk variables for the prognosis of MPE secondary to MPM. Patients were divided into two prognosis subgroups based on risk stratification, with median survival periods of 42 and 19 months, respectively. In comparison with the low-risk group, the high-risk groups showed significantly poorer survival (HR 3.713; 95% CI 1.889 - 7.298; P <0.001).
Conclusion: In patients with MPE secondary to MPM, the novel prognostic score utilizes pre-treatment parameters obtained from blood and pleural fluid tests and treatment to predict OS. This system can improve stratification on clinical trials and help clinicians and patients to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Globe strong solutions to the 1-D non-isothermal compressible liquid crystal equations accounting for stretching term
Authors: Li Jinbo , Ren Yonghua , Wang Danxia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We consider the initial-boundary value problem of compressible non-isothermal liquid crystal flow in dimension one.The resulting system of equations contains the essential features of the physically relevant model,in particular taking into account the stretching effects of the directed field,and heat conductivity coefficients is temperature dependent. In this paper,we establish the existence of a strong solution of such a system when the initial density away from vacuum.
MSC Classification: 35D35 , 34D40 , 37N10 , 76N99 , 76A15
Causal association between immune cells and esophageal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shi shutong , Gu Dayong , Wu Daguang , Shi Haifeng , Wang Qiang , Zhou Xuefeng , Guo Yiyu , Zhang Zhi , Xu Changdi , Ye Jinjun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Tumor development is significantly regulated by immune cells. Esophageal cancer is a tumor with a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Clinical research has demonstrated a connection between esophageal cancer and immune cells, and immunotherapy has gradually improved the survival of esophageal cancer patients. Nevertheless, a conclusive association between immune cells and esophageal cancer has not to be demonstrated.
Methods
We initially screened immune cells as potential factors influencing the development of esophageal cancer using a GWAS. A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was done to establish a causal connection between immune cells and esophageal cancer. In addition, We conducted a bidirectional MR analysis to investigate the causal connections.
Results
We discovered 20 significant correlations between immune cells and esophageal cancer. In addition, by bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, we determined the impact of esophageal cancer on immune cells. The reliability of the findings was verified using assessments of heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Conclusions
Our Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that immune cells were associated with esophageal cancer and may be beneficial for presenting basic evidence for mechanistic and clinical research on immunotherapy.