bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass production and physiological parameters of intercropped basil-forage turnip as affected by biochar and vermicompost
Authors: Monfared Roma Kalhor , Ardakani Mohammad Reza , Paknejad Farzad , Sarajuqi Mansour , Naghdibadi Hassanali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Intercropping systems as an eco-friendly strategy, meliorates the quality of the agro-ecosystem. On the other hand, usage of soil amendments was environmental friendly technology to improve sustainability of soil resources and production plants. This two-year (2018–2019) study target to distinguish the quality and quantity of sweet basil in intercropping system with forage turnip with usage of vermicompost and biochar as a soil amendments. The treatments in the main plots were: A1: 90% forage turnip + 10% basil; A2: 80% forage turnip + 20% basil; A3: 70% forage turnip + 30% basil, in main plots; also two vermicompost levels (15 ton ha− 1, 18.5 ton ha− 1) and two biochar levels (control, 5 ton ha− 1) were placed in subplots. Thus, intercropping of basil and forage turnip at level of 70% forage turnip + 30% basil with biochar and vermicompost at 18.5 ton ha− 1 was the best performance compared to another treatments. That treatment promoted chlorophyll (a + b) 65.32%, carotenoid 67.47%, soluble sugars 77.35%, relative water content 33.13%, dry matter yield 62.54%, essential oil 63.15%, essential oil yield 191.76% and reduced membrane stability index 150.95%, compared to 90% forage turnip + 10% basil and vermicompost at 15 ton ha− 1 (without biochar). Thus, it can be suggested to farmers as an ecological friendly methods to improve basil yield and yield compounds.
Effectiveness of working on an active desktop treadmill workstation on cognitive performance among ADHD university students: A randomized control trial
Authors: Korn Liat , Moran Daniel , Koren Gideon , Sandhous Yoram 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Working on a walking treadmill was found to be effective and beneficial not only from health promotion perspective, but in cognitive performance for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This study explores the impact of cognitive enhancement medications, physical activity of walking on a treadmill, and their combination on cognitive performance among individuals diagnosed with ADHD. The aim is to determine whether cognitive performance gains are achieved through medication, physical activity, or the synergistic effect of both.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial involved 25 undergraduate students (85% female; Mean age = 23; Standard deviation = 3.2), diagnosed with ADHD, distributed across four groups: Walking with medications, walking without medications, sitting with medications, and sitting without medications. Cognitive performance was assessed using repeated measures in the Stroop test, Barrat scale, and work break patterns.
Results
Cognitive performance, as evaluated by the Stroop test, exhibited significant enhancements only in response to medication usage. Walking or sitting modes alone did not yield discernible effects. Among the modes examined, the highest mean error count was observed in the sitting without medication condition (M = 5.08, SD = 7.40), followed by walking without medication (M = 4.60, SD = 5.35) and walking with medication (M = 3.40, SD = 5.18). The lowest error mean occurred while under the influence of medication in the sitting mode (M = 1.84, SD = 2.44). Other Stroop and Barrat results displayed no significant inter-mode differences. Walking without medication led to significantly more frequent and longer breaks.
Conclusions
Cognitive enhancement medication emerged as the sole influential factor contributing to improved cognitive performance. Treadmill walking did not yield cognitive performance benefits compared to sitting, nor did it yield any detriment. These findings underscore the necessity for further investigation into diverse attention disorders.
The risk of developing eating disorders among students attending University of Khartoum Medical Campus, Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Magzoub Yumna Ahmed Eltayeb Mohamed Ali , Altamih Randa Ahmed Abdalrheem , Elmahi Osman Kamal Osman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical students are susceptible to various eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating. High prevalence rates of eating disorders have been recorded across the Europe and Africa Regions, yielding a negative impact on academic merit.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to assess the risk of developing eating disorders among medical students and examine its association with childhood trauma and self-esteem. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study where a total of 299 students participated, 81 males and 218 females. 62 from the faculty of Dentistry, 49 from the faculty of Pharmacy and 202 from the faculty of Medicine - all in Year 3, 4 and 5. Participants filled out a pre-designed online Google survey. Descriptive statistics were used to compute means, and standard deviations for numerical variables.
Results
The study consisted of 299 participants, of which 37 students were found to be at risk of developing an eating disorder (12.4%). It was discovered in this study that emotional neglect was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders (p = 0.028). A significant correlation was also established with childhood maltreatment and the prevalence of risk for eating disorders (p = 0.016).
Conclusion
The prevalence of medical students with eating disorders was found to be relatively high, hence it merits more campaigning to prevent its onset among university students.
Leisure-time Physical Activity Motives and Perceived Gains for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Watson Paul , Stendell Laura , Oliveira Camila , Middleton James , Arora Mohit , Davis Glen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Study Design: Cohort Study
Objectives: To examine motives and perceived gains of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Setting: Community-dwelling
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred and five individuals with an SCI undertook semi-structured interviews. A cross-sectional analysis, which included descriptive, inferential, and regression statistics, was conducted on all participants, guideline adherers and guideline non-adherers.
Results: The mean (SD) total LTPA performed by the participants was 301 (257) minutes per week, and 47% of participants met SCI-specific LTPA guidelines. The most common motives for LTPA were improvements in health and fitness, management of appearance and weight, and avoidance of illness. The most common perceived gains included improved health, fitness, strength and endurance, increased nimbleness, and greater enjoyment.
Conclusions: Improvements in health, fitness, agility, avoidance of ill health, and management of weight and appearance are common motivators and perceived gains of LTPA. Recognition, stress management, and affiliation appear to be frequently unexpected benefits of LTPA. LTPA does not appear to elicit the desired weight and appearance management dose that people with SCI desire. Regular LTPA should be encouraged for its health benefits, and emphasis should be placed on promoting its ability to reduce illness, facilitate affiliation, and manage stress.
Studying temperature's impact on Brassica napus resistance in order to identify key regulatory mechanisms using comparative metabolomics
Authors: Amjadi Z. , Hamzehzarghani H. , Rodriguez V. M. , Huang Y. , Farahbakhsh F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

To investigate the effects of temperature on Brassica napus (canola) resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans (LM) the causal agent of blackleg disease, metabolic profiles of LM infected resistant (R) and susceptible (S) canola cultivars at 21ºC and 28ºC were analyzed. Metabolites were detected in cotyledons of R and S plants at 48- and 120-hours post-inoculation with LM using UPLC-QTOF/MS. The mock-inoculated plants were used as controls. Some of the resistance-related specific pathways, included lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, were down-regulated in S cultivar but up-regulated in R cultivar at 21ºC. However, some of these pathways were down-regulated in R cultivar at 28°C. Amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, alkaloid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis were the pathways linked to combined heat and pathogen stresses. By using network analysis and enrichment analysis, these pathways were identified as important. The pathways of carotenoid biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and lysine biosynthesis were identified as unique mechanisms related to heat stress and may be associated to the breakdown of resistance to the pathogen. The increased susceptibility of R plants to 28°C results in the down-regulation of signal transduction pathway components and compromised signaling, particularly during the later stages of infection. Deactivating LM-specific signaling networks in R plants may result in compatible responses, potentially drop in signaling metabolites under combined stress, highlighting global temperature challenges.
Genomic richness enables worldwide invasive success
Authors: Galià-Camps Carles , Schell Tilman , Pegueroles Cinta , Baranski Damian , Hamadou Alexander Ben , Turon Xavier , Pascual Marta , Greve Carola , Carreras Carlos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity. Therefore, monitoring genomic features of invasive species is crucial to understand their population structure and adaptive processes. However, genomic resources of invasive species are scarce, compromising the study of their invasive success. Here, we present the reference genome of Styela plicata, one of the most widespread marine invasive species, combined with genomic data of 24 individuals from 6 populations distributed worldwide. We characterized large inversions in four chromosomes, accounting for ~ 15% of the genome size. These inversions are polymorphic through the species’ distribution area, and are enriched with genes enhancing fitness in estuary and harbor environments. Nonetheless, inversions mask detection of S. plicata population structure. When these structural variants are removed, we successfully identify the main oceanographic barriers and accurately characterize population differentiation between and within ocean basins. Several genes located in chromosome 3 are showcased as the main adaptive drivers between biogeographic regions. Moreover, we recover three major mitogenomic clades, involving structural rearrangements leading to cyto-nuclear coevolution likely involved in mitochondrion distribution during cell division. Our results suggest that genomic and structural variants contribute to S. plicata population structuring and adaptation processes, potentially enhancing the species success when colonizing new habitats.
Endophytic bacterial diversity in the roots of medicinal rice in Kerala
Authors: ROBERT SHIJO A , Girija Devaki , S Abida P , Francis Rose Mary , Geetha Kiran Ayyanperumal , S Aiswarya , Gangadharan Abhishek 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This investigation was an attempt to assess the root endophytic bacterial diversity in three distinct rice varieties: Black Njavara, Rakthasali, and Vaishak. The collaboration between plants and bacteria, forming a holobiont, is vital for plant health and resilience. The study employed metagenomics, specifically targeting the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene, to analyze the microbial diversity within the roots of these rice varieties. Surface sterilization and metagenomic DNA isolation protocols were optimized to ensure high-quality DNA devoid of epiphyte contamination. The metagenomic DNA was then subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplification and Next Generation Sequencing using the Illumina platform. Bioinformatics analysis, performed with QIIME2, revealed the taxonomic composition of the microbial communities. The results showcase significant diversity at different taxonomic levels. Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and OD1 emerged as major phyla, with distinct abundance patterns in the three varieties. Genus-level analysis identified key players like Azospirillum, Sphingomonas, Caulobacter, and Novosphingobium, suggesting potential roles in plant growth promotion, nitrogen fixation, and stress tolerance. Moreover, a few genera such as Magnetospirillum, Sulfurospirillum, Agrobacterium, Rhodoblastus, Asticcacaulis, Elstera, Mycoplana, Asteroleplasma, Clostridium and Bdellovibrio were found exclusively in medicinal rice varieties, indicating potential role in production of pharmacologically active compounds. This research not only contributes to understanding plant-microbe interactions but also unveils potential applications in sustainable farming, human welfare and ecological welfare. The findings may pave the way for harnessing these microbial communities for improved agricultural practices, medicinal advancements, and ecosystem health.
Pre-breeding of spontaneous Robertsonian translocations for density planting architecture by transferring Agropyron cristatum chromosome 1P into wheat
Authors: Han Bohui , Wang Xiao , Sun Yangyang , Kang Xilu , Zhang Meng , Luo Jiawen , Han Haiming , Zhou Shenghui , Lu Yuqing , Liu Weihua , Yang Xinming , Li Xiuquan , Zhang Jinpeng , Li Lihui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Agropyron cristatum, a wild relative of wheat, possesses many elite genes for enlarging the genetic diversity of wheat and improving wheat yield. Our previous study confirmed that the A. cristatum chromosome 1P carries alien genes that reduce plant height and leaf size. Here, we developed T1AL.1PS and T1AS.1PL Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) by using breakage-fusion mechanism based on wheat-A. cristatum 1P(1A) substitution line. Combining molecular markers and cytological analysis, we identified 16 spontaneous Robertsonian translocation lines from 911 F2 individuals with a translocation frequency up to 1.7%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to detect the fusion structures of the centromeres in wheat and A. cristatum chromosomes. Re-sequencing results indicated the junkpoint at the physical position of Triticum aestivum chr1A 212Mb and A. cristatum chr1P 230Mb. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) results of pollen mother cells showed that the produced translocation lines could form stable ring bivalent. The genetic analysis showed that introducing 1PS translocation fragment into wheat could increase the number of fertile tillers, grain number per spike and grain weight, and reduce flag leaf area of wheat without yield penalty. However, introducing 1PL translocation fragment into wheat reduce significantly flag leaf area and plant height with adverse effect on the yield components. Altogether, a high-efficient method for producing the spontaneous translocation lines by combining the molecular marker and cytogenetics technology were recommended. The pre-breeding of two spontaneous RobTs T1AL.1PS and T1AS.1PL pave the way for the wheat architecture improvement.
Barriers and facilitators to medical care retention for pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus in South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Ikram Naira , Lewandowski Laura B. , Watt Melissa H , Scott Christiaan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening, chronic, autoimmune disease requiring long term subspecialty care due to its complex and chronic nature. Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) is more severe than adult-onset, and the cSLE population in South Africa has been reported to have an even higher risk than patients elsewhere. Therefore, it is critical to promptly diagnose, treat, and manage cSLE. In this paper, we aim to describe and evaluate barriers and enablers of appropriate long-term care of cSLE South Africa from the perspective of caregivers (parents or family members).
Methods: Caregivers (n=22) were recruited through pediatric and adult rheumatology clinics. Individuals were eligible if they cared for youth (<19 years) who were diagnosed with cSLE and satisfied at least four of the eleven ACR SLE classification criteria.
Individual in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted between January 2014 and December 2014, and explored barriers to and facilitators of ongoing chronic care for cSLE. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis.
Results: Four barriers to chronic care engagement and retention were identified: knowledge gap, financial burdens, social stigma of SLE, and complexity of the South African medical system. Additionally, we found three facilitators: patient and caregiver education, robust support system for the caregiver, and financial support for the caregiver and patient.
Conclusion: These findings highlight multiple, intersecting barriers to routine longitudinal care for cSLE in South Africa and suggest there might be a group of diagnosed children who don’t receive follow-up care and are subject to attrition. cSLE requires ongoing treatment and care; thus, the different barriers may interact and compound over time with each follow-up visit. South African cSLE patients are at high risk for poor outcomes. South African care teams should work to overcome these barriers and place attention on the facilitators to improve care retention for these patients and create a model for other less resourced settings.
SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region peptide mimics regulate interferon gamma and TLR7-induced inflammatory signatures in murine macrophages.
Authors: Sharma Jatin , Vicuna Valeria , Stafford Lauren , Rodriguez Thais Ortiz , Smith W. Clay , Kima Peter E. , III joseph Larkin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Although it is known that SOCS1 can modulate JAK/STAT signaling through both its kinase inhibitory region (KIR) and SOCS box domain, and limit toll-like receptor (TLR) induced inflammation via the SOCS1 box domain, the relative contribution of the KIR domain to TLR regulation is not well understood. In this study, we utilized peptide mimics of SOCS1 KIR to study the effect of the KIR domain in modulating TLR7 and interferon γ (IFNγ) signaling in murine primary macrophages and cell lines. We found that SOCS1 KIR mimetics were able to inhibit, by up to 50%, the inflammatory signatures associated with TLR7 stimulation, IFNγ stimulation, and the enhanced IFNγ-induced gene signature, mediated by TLR7 and IFNγ co-treatment. While inhibition of IFNg mediated activation correlated with reduced Y701 phosphorylation on STAT1 and Y705 phosphorylation on STAT3, the inhibition of TLR7-induced inflammation and the TLR7-enhanced IFNγ-induced gene signature coincided with a reduction in both Y701 and S727 phosphorylation on the STAT1 transactivation domain. Altogether, we report for the first time a novel role of the SOCS1 KIR domain in regulating TLR7-mediated, and TLR7-enhanced IFNγ-mediated, inflammation.
Two-Coordinated Au(I) Complex Photoredoxcatalyst: Highly Efficient Catalysis in C-C Cross-coupling Reactions and the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: You Youngmin , Jhun Byung Hak , Jang Jihoon , Lee Shinae , Cho Eun Jin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Photocatalysis provides a versatile approach to redox activation of various organic substrates for synthetic applications. To broaden the scope of photoredox catalysis, developing catalysts with strong photoredox power is imperative. Photoredox catalysts with excited-state properties that include cathodic oxidation potentials and long lifetimes are particularly demanded. In this research, we demonstrate the high-efficiency catalytic utility of two-coordinated Au(I) complex photocatalysts that exhibit an exclusive ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (LLCT) transition in C-C cross-coupling reactions between N-heterocycles and (hetero)aryl halides, including redox-resistant (hetero)aryl chlorides. Our photocatalysis system can steer reactions under visible-light irradiation at a catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol% and exhibits a broad substrate scope with high chemo- and regioselectivity. Our mechanistic investigations provide direct spectroscopic evidence for each step in the catalysis cycle and demonstrate that the LLCT-active Au(I) complex catalysts offer several benefits, including strong visible-light absorption, a 207 ns-long excited-state lifetime without short-lived components, and a 91% yield in the production of free-radical intermediates. Given the wide structural versatility of the proposed catalysts, we envision that our research will provide useful insights into the future utilization of the LLCT-active Au(I) complex for organic transformations.
Advancing state estimation for lithium-ion batteries with hysteresis: systematic extended Kalman filter tuning
Authors: Knox Jasper , Blyth Mark , Hales Alastair 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Knowledge of remaining battery charge is fundamental to electric vehicle deployment. Accurate measurements of state-of-charge (SOC) cannot be directly obtained, and estimation methods must be used instead. This requires both a good model of a battery and a well-designed state estimator. Here, hysteretic reduced-order battery models and adaptive extended Kalman filter estimators are shown to be highly effective, accurate SOC estimators. A battery model parameterisation framework is proposed, which enhances standardised methods to capture hysteresis effects. The hysteretic model is parameterised for three independent NMC811 lithium-ion cells and is shown to reduce voltage RMS error by 50% across 18-hour automotive drive-cycles. Parameterised models are used alongside an extended Kalman filter, which demonstrates the value of adaptive filter parameterisation schemes. When used alongside an extended Kalman filter, adaptive covariance matrices yield highly accurate SOC estimates, reducing SOC estimation error by 85%, compared to the industry standard battery model.
Mirror movements in multiple sclerosis -a clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging study
Authors: Holzapfel Korbinian , Bayas Antonios , Naumann Markus , Ghosh Tanupriya , Steuerwald Verena , Allweyer Martin , Kirschke Jan S. , Behrens Lars 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Mirror movements (MM) are commonly caused by a defect of interhemispheric pathways also affected in multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly the corpus callosum. We investigated the prevalence of MM in MS in relation to functional and morphological callosal fiber integrity by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as fatigue.
Methods
In 21 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 19 healthy controls, MM were assessed and graded (Woods and Teuber scale: MM 1–4) using a bedside test. Fatigue was evaluated using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) questionnaire. TMS measured silent period latency and duration. MRI assessed callosal atrophy by measuring the normalized corpus callosum area (nCCA), corpus callosum index (CCI), and lesion volume.
Results
MS patients had significantly more often and pronounced MM compared to healthy controls (p = 0.0002) and nCCA was significantly lower (p = 0.045) in MRI studies. Patients with higher MM scores (MM > 1 vs. MM 0/1) showed significantly more fatigue (higher FSMC sum score, p = 0.04, motor score, p = 0.01). In TMS and MRI studies, no significant differences were found between patients with MM 0/1 and those with MM > 1 (silent period measurements, CCA, CCI and lesion volume).
Conclusions
MM are common in MS and can easily be detected through bedside testing. As MM are associated with fatigue, they might indicate fatigue in MS. It is likely that other cerebral structures, in addition to the corpus callosum, may contribute to the origin of MM in MS.