bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting TaPDK: A Promising Strategy for Effective Control of the Destructive Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta
Authors: Yan Shu-Yan , Song Jia-Hui , Yang Wen-Jia , Liu Wan-xue , Zhang Gui-Fen , Wan Fang-Hao , Desneux Nicolas , Zhang Yi-Bo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK, a key component of the insulin signaling pathway, plays an important role in the regulation of insect growth and development. However, the functional significance of the PDK gene in Tuta absoluta, a destructive invasive tomato leaf miner, remains unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized a PDK gene (designated TaPDK) and analyzed its physiological roles in molting and reproduction of T. absoluta. Our results showed that the TaPDK expression levels were elevated in the 5- and 6-day-old pupae before ecdysis and declined immediately after eclosion. TaPDK was predominantly expressed in the head, midgut and abdomen. When the TaPDK was knockdown, the larval-pupal molting and female reproduction were severely affected. Injecting dsRNA of TaPDK into 2-day-old female pupae resulted in epidermal wrinkling and darkening in 22.40% of pupae and head abnormalities in 8.89% of pupae, ultimately leading to death. Knockdown of TaPDK significantly reduced the 20E titer and chitin content and downregulated the expression levels of genes involved in the 20E pathway and chitin metabolism. Further investigation revealed that the suppression of TaPDK impaired ovarian development, resulting in significantly reduced fecundity and hatchability. In addition, the JH titer and vitellogenin content of TaPDK-deficient females were reduced, and the expression of Vg, VgR, and JH signaling pathway genes were significantly decreased. Collectively, our results demonstrated that TaPDK regulates pupal ecdysis and female reproduction in T. absoluta, thus providing a promising molecular target for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides to control T. absoluta.
Pregnancy with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: exploration of factors influencing live birth outcomes
Authors: Yoshida Tsukasa , Takeda Jun , Ishii Sumire , Matsushita Masakazu , Tamura Naoto , Itakura Atsuo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) predominantly affects women in their reproductive age (30–40 years). This study is aimed to analyze a case series of MCTD-complicated pregnancies.
Methods
The study design utilized a combined case-series and case-control approach. Pregnant women with MCTD were included and categorized into two groups: the live-birth group and the non-live birth group (encompassing miscarriages < 12 weeks and stillbirths ≥ 12 weeks). Primary outcomes included delivery outcomes and factors associated with live births.
Results
A total of 57 pregnancies from 34 mothers (median age: 33.0 years) were included. Regarding delivery outcomes, the rates for live birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth were 64.9%, 29.8%, and 5.3%, respectively. Additionally, the rates of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) were 18.9%, 18.9%, and 27.0%, correspondingly. Regarding factors associated with live births, the live birth group demonstrated a higher prevalence and lower steroid dose usage compared to the non-live birth group (62.2% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.02; median dose: 7 mg vs. 10 mg, p = 0.03).
Conclusions
MCTD during pregnancy was associated with increased risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, FGR, and SGA. Notably, low-dose steroid therapy has been identified as a contributing factor to successful live births.
Public Health Risk Implication of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Concentrations in Drinkable Water Sources in Niger Delta
Authors: Esi Oghenevovwero Emmanuel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The evaluation of Public health risk implication of gross alpha and beta radioactivity concentrations in drinkable water of the southern coastline communities was analysed using gas flow proportional counter. A total of 90 liters of river water sampled from 15 communities across southern coastline Niger Delta were prepared and analyzed according to standard procedures. The mean gross alpha and beta activities concentrations obtained are 0.44 ± 0.14Bql− 1 and 15.65 ± 0.77Bql− 1 respectively. The mean total annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) obtained are 2.3040 mSv/yr, 4.2049 mSv/yr and 8.4097 mSv/yr, total Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGED) are 11.2192 mSv/yr, 20.4752 mSv/yr and 40.9571 mSv/yr, total annual committed effective dose (CEDE) are 2.1841 mSv/yr, 3.9858 mSv/yr and 7.9719 mSv/yr and total adults Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) is 29.43405mSv/yr for different age groups respectively. Both the gross alpha and beta activities values obtained and its computed radiological hazard risk indexes exceeded recommended permissible limit respectively. These high values can be attributed to hydrocarbon activates and oil vandals activates taking place in the area. However, adequate remediation should be done on the water body, produced water and other radiological waste should be treated properly before discharge into the river water and the environment to reduce radiological concentration in the communities’ drinking water.
Above and belowground functional trait response to biochar addition in seedlings of six tropical dry forest tree species
Authors: Lanuza Oscar R. , Peñuelas Josep , Espelta Josep M. , Peguero Guille 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The addition of biochar as a soil amendment has great potential for ecological restoration and long-term carbon (C) storage. However, few studies have evaluated the functional trait responses of tree seedlings to increasing application rates of biochar and almost no information is available for tropical dry forests (TDF). Here, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to quantify effects of rates of biochar (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha) on demographic and functional traits of six tree species used in TDF restoration programs. After 100 days of growth, we found no negative effects of biochar on seedling survival and only in two of the species the highest dose applied slightly reduced the final biomass. The addition of biochar increased leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and specific leaf area (SLA) of all species. Greater variation in above-and below-ground trait responses to biochar was due more to inter-specific (52%) and intra-specific (36%) differences than main effects of biochar across species (11%), although we found that 81% of the variation in the LCC was due to the addition of biochar. We found a positive effect of biochar on morphological traits related to C gain and physiological tolerance to drought (higher dry mass content of root, leaf, and stem, LCC, SLA, and leaf area ratio). Therefore, we suggest that applications of biochar between 5 to 30 t/ha do not compromise the early growth of the seedlings of the studied species, and even may improve their growth capacity and drought resistance during their establishment in the field.
The expression and regulation of the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 2 in parotid carcinoma
Authors: Gu Min , Ge Junyi , Pan Qianjia , Wang Peipei , Hua Fei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To explore the effect of down-regulating NSD2 gene expression on proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of parotid carcinoma.
Materials and methods
SACC-2 cells were transfected with NSD2 siRNA. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect expression of NSD2 mRNA and western blot was used to detect the expression of NSD2 protein. CCK-8 and colony formation test were used to detect cell proliferation. Annexin V PI double staining flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, cell scratch and transwell test were used to detect cell invasion.
Results
The apoptosis rates of siNSD2-1 and siNSD2-2 groups were significantly higher. The wounds of siNSD2-1 and siNSD2-2 group were more significant than that of control, and relative migration distances were reduced significantly than that of control (P < 0.05). The cells which penetrated cell membrane of siNSD2-1 and siNSD2-2 were significantly less than those of control (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Silencing NSD2 gene can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of parotid carcinoma SACC-2 cells and induce apoptosis.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and nitrate distribution of groundwater in Weibei Plain, Northern China
Authors: Shi Long , Wu Chu , Pan Shibing , Wang Nan , Chen Weifan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nitrate pollution in groundwater has become an issue that cannot be overlooked, specifically in areas where there is intense agricultural groundwater extraction. This study focuses on the Weibei Plain, where 46 shallow groundwater monitoring wells were selected for sampling during the dry and wet seasons in 2016 and 2021. The purpose of this study was to analyze the regional groundwater hydrogeochemistry and investigate the temporal or spatial variation of nitrate content. The results demonstrated that the groundwater in the study area had a weakly alkaline nature. The hydrochemical composition of the groundwater shifted from being dominated by HCO3-Ca-Mg in 2016 to HCO3-Na and SO4-Cl-Ca-Mg in 2021. The hydrochemical characteristics were predominantly impacted by both rock weathering and cation exchange. The average concentration of nitrate in the 184 samples was 25.93 mg/L, surpassing the drinking water limit of 20 mg/L. A significant correlation was observed between NO3− and Cl− as well as SO42−. The areas with high nitrate concentrations were predominantly located in the groundwater depression cone and regions with intensive agricultural activities, indicating that human activities were the main contributors to nitrate pollution. Furthermore, the nitrate concentration was significantly higher during the wet season compared to the dry season. This could be attributed to rainfall intensifying the infiltration of nitrate from the soil into the groundwater. Furthermore, there was a substantial increase in nitrate concentration in 2021 compared to 2016. This increase was primarily ascribed to the excessive exploitation of groundwater for irrigated agriculture, leading to a considerable influx of nitrate into the groundwater.
Adoption of transoral parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism – Analysis of the European TOETVA/TOEPVA Study Group
Authors: Karakas Elias , Arikan Melisa , Scheuba Christian , Riss Philipp , Nikiforos Theocharis , Schopf Stefan , Klein Günther , Hummel Bianca , Schardey Martin , Busch Peter , Hermann Michael , Grabner Thomas , Makay Oezer , Oezdemir Murat , Karimov Zyia , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Casarli Andrea 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The introduction of new surgical technologies inevitably requires scrutiny. With the increasing introduction of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular access (TOETVA) in benign and malignant thyroid surgery, it is imperative to also define the procedure for the parathyroid glands to ensure the clinically safe introduction and use of the Transoral Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOEPVA). The aim of this study was to evaluate this technique within the European Transoral Endoscopic Para-/Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach Study Group.
Methods
This study included patients who underwent TOEPVA between February 2016 and February 2023 at seven European high-volume tertiary referral centres.
The data were analysed regarding the use of preoperative localization procedures, success rates, duration of surgery, complications and type of specimen collection.
Results
Overall, 29 (90.6%) patients underwent pure TOEPVA. In 3 (9.4 %) patients TOEPVA was combined with hemithyroidectomy. Each European Center performed between 2 and 10 cases.
Overall, none cases were identified as 'complex', i.e. including bilateral neck exploration.
Cervical ultrasound was performed in all 32 (100 %) patients and yielded a positive result. Tc99mSestaMibi scintigraphy with single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 30 (93.8%) patients, with inconclusive results in two (6.7%) of these patients. Choline positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed in 4 (12.5 %) patients with positive results. Magnetic resonance imaging was not used. The mean operative time was 102 ± 46.9 (range 40 - 260) minutes. The success rate (i.e. normocalcaemia) was 100% on the first postoperative day. One (3.1%) patient had recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Conversion to open surgery, revisions and local infections did not occur. The mean hospital stay was 1.75±3 (range 1-3) days. At discharge, 2 (6.3%) patients had local swelling, 3 (9.4%) patients suffered from discolouration in the chin area, one (3.1%) patient had local sensory disturbance but no motor deficit.
Conclusion
This is the first European report on TOEPVA showing favourable perioperative outcomes for localised pHPT. Further experience and studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefit.
Are Medical School Preclinical Tests Biased for Sex and Race? A Differential Item Functioning Analysis
Authors: Dale Esther , Abulela Mohammed A. A. , Jia Hao , Violato Claudio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: There has been recently a common practice in assessment development to ascertain that test items function equally across test-takers’ subgroups, which is fundamental for fairness, and consequently validity of test score interpretations and uses. Accordingly, we conducted differential item functioning (DIF) analysis for three preclinical medical school foundational courses based on students’ sex and race.
Methods: The sample included 520, 519, and 344 medical students for anatomy, histology, and physiology, respectively, collected from 2018-2020. To conduct DIF analysis, we used the IRTPRO software based on the item response theory two-parameter logistic model.
Results: The three assessments had as many as one-fifth of the items that functioned differentially across one or more of the variables sex and race: 10 (20%) out of 49 items, six (15%) out of 40 items, 5 (11%) out of 45 items showed statistically significant DIF for Anatomy, Histology, and Physiologycourses, respectively. Measurement specialists and subject matter experts independently reviewed the items to identify construct-irrelevant factors as potential sources for DIF. Most identified items were generally poorly written or had unclear images.
Conclusions: The validity of score-based inferences, particularly for subgroup comparisons, requires test items to function equally across examinee subgroups. In the present study, we found DIF of some items for sex and race in three content areas. The present approach should be explored in other medical schools to address the generalizability of the present findings. Item level DIF should also be routinely conducted as part of psychometric analyses for basic sciences courses and other assessments.
Dental Pathology Reveal Bidirectional Link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk: Multi-Way Array Analysis
Authors: Pham Tuan D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Understanding the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular risk is paramount for achieving holistic and effective healthcare. Diabetes, a complex metabolic disorder, is intricately linked to an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, making it imperative to unravel the nuanced interplay between these two health parameters. Cardiovascular risk in individuals with diabetes is often heightened due to various factors, including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances. Insights into this intricate relationship can empower healthcare professionals to adopt a proactive stance, offering timely interventions and personalized care strategies.
Methods: This study leverages a publicly available dataset comprising 212 patients from Dutch hospitals to investigate the intricate connections among patient characteristics, dental pathology, and cardiovascular risk factors. Utilizing tensor decomposition in data science and visual representation, this study explored the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and coronary artery calcification. A multi-way array analysis integrated patient characteristics and dental conditions to construct tensor models for three categories: without diabetes, with diabetes, and with coronary artery calcification. Furthermore, com-1 plementary nonlinear dynamics, visual analyses, and machine learning were utilized to further enrich the investigation.
Results: Patterns across the three categories were discovered through PARAFAC tensor decomposition factors, incorporating both patient characteristics and dental conditions. The k-NN search, examining the similarity among tensor coefficients derived from the 3-way arrays within the three categories, highlighted a bidirectional link between diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the utilization of fuzzy recurrence plots and entropy measures enabled the quantification of distinctive patterns among subjects without diabetes , those with diabetes, and individuals experiencing coronary artery calcification.
Conclusion: The reciprocal interaction between diabetes and CAC tertiles 2 and 3 becomes apparent, underscoring the necessity for a broader analytical perspective. The incorporation of patient characteristics and dental health in the 3-way array analysis reveals latent patterns, enhancing current understanding with nuanced insights. Dental conditions emerge as pivotal indicators, providing a more detailed viewpoint on the intricacy between diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
Theory behind an innovative non-disassembly repair technology for assembles in marine, railway, and motor transport, as well as industrial equipment in the Arctic
Authors: Pavlov O. G. , Dunaev A. V. , Lavrov Yu. G. , Tseyko A. P. , Shilin M. B. 
Published: March 2024

Tribological compositions on the basis of layered silicates and, specifically, serpentine have been known for over thirty years. Their effectiveness is confirmed by successful application in many industries, in agriculture, on sea and river vessels, on railroads, in mining equipment, on passenger and goods vehicles, as well as by tests conducted at many leading industrial research institutes and universities of the Russian agro-industrial complex. The article presents the theoretical aspects of the technology for applying friction geomodifiers related to innovative nanotechnologies, which enable a significant improvement in the operating characteristics of new, as well as worn-out, expensive equipment containing friction assemblies.The use of the proposed technology for restoring worn-out equipment components under harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic seems particularly feasible and economically justified.
Language as Key to Reality: From Philosophy of Name to Discourse
Authors: Kabahidze Ekaterina 
Published: March 2024

Language and consciousness are two transcendental categories that determine the processes of cognition, thinking, introspection, perception, and subject-object relations. At different stages of philosophy, they were interpreted depending on the dominant philosophical and ideological paradigm in relation to reality, the existential goals of the subject and society, and methodological approaches, e.g., phenomenological, hermeneutical, discursive, etc. This article systematizes the basic concepts of language in various historical epochs, i.e., from antiquity to the XXI century. The evolution of views on language is represented not from the standpoint of self-reference, but through the prism of socio-cultural and socio-historical changes in reality and its relation to the subject. The author traced the development of the philosophy of language and defined the reasons behind the evolution of approaches to language and consciousness. The article attempts to answer two questions: How do different paradigms of the philosophy of language and consciousness approach the matter of subject’s access to the real world? To what extent were paradigm shifts caused by the changing cultural, historical, and socio-political backgrounds? Since evolutionary epistemology identifies gnoseology as one of the main functions of language, the categories of thinking and understanding receive special attention. The growing complexity of the world order affects the relationship between language and consciousness, i.e., from singularity (philosophy of name) to continuality (discourse).
Detection of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing genes blaSPM and blaNDM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wastewater in Southern Brazil
Authors: Monteagudo de Barros Vinícius , da Rocha Bruna Seixas , Rhoden Jaqueline , Stein Janaína Franciele , Picoli Simone Ulrich , Rigotto Caroline 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly associated with the ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance. The surveillance of resistance genes in various environmental matrices has gained prominence in recent years, being seen as a potential threat to public health. The objective of this study was to investigate genes encoding metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs), which confer resistance to carbapenems, in wastewater. Fifteen isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected for five months from samples obtained from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Rio Grande do Sul. These isolates were subjected to disk diffusion testing using 10 different antimicrobials. Phenotypic enzymatic tests for MBLs were conducted, and positive isolates underwent DNA extraction and gene detection using the polymerase chain reaction. The resistance rate to ceftazidime was 100%, cefepime 73.3%, piperacillin–tazobactam 66.67%, imipenem 53.30%, levofloxacin 46.67%, tobramycin 40%, and ciprofloxacin and amikacin 13.33%. Both meropenem and aztreonam resistances were rare accounting for 6.60% of the tested isolates. Among these isolates, 20% were classified as multidrug-resistant and were found to carry the blaNDM and blaSPM genes. The results suggest that evaluating resistance genes in bacteria from urban raw sewage can provide data that assist in surveillance, as this environment can stimulate increased bacterial resistance.