bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FERMT1 contributes to the progression of prostate cancer through the p53 pathway
Authors: Sun Xiang , Fu Lingmin , Chen Qingke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) is associated with the progression of different types of cancer. However, its biological functions of FERMT1 in prostate cancer (PC) are unclear. In this study, we preliminarily investigated the roles of FERMT1 and the mechanism by which it regulates the progression of PC.
Methods
The expression level of FERMT1 in PC tissues and cells was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting (WB) assay, respectively. Celigo cell count, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell assays and a mouse xenograft model was performed to evaluate the roles of FERMT1 in PC in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between p53 and FERMT1 was further investigated through co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Finally, cells were treated with pifithrin-α (PFT-α), a p53 inhibitor, to investigate the regulatory role of p53 in the FERMT1-mediated progression of PC.
Results
FERMT1 was found to be upregulated in PC tissues and cells. Knocking down FERMT1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis in DU145 and LNCaP cell lines. Deleting FERMT1 also suppressed tumor growth of PC xenografts in vivo. More importantly, FERMT1 was discovered to play a significant role in cellular functions via the p53 signaling pathway, and the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on PC cellular function could be attenuated by pifithrin-α, a p53-inhibitor.
Conclusions
These findings of this study indicated that FERMT1 silencing partially inhibited PC progression via the p53 signaling pathway. Thus, FERMT1 is a promising potential therapeutic target for treating PC.
Thickened Photoreceptor Outer Segment Layer in Children with Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Yang Fan , Chen Shirong , Shi Tingkun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To quantitatively investigate the reflectivity and structure of the outer retinal layers in children with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).
Methods
Seventy-eight patients with amblyopia and 64 age-matched children with normal vision were included in this study. All participants underwent SS-OCT and detailed ophthalmic examinations. Longitudinal reflectance profile measurements (LRP) were measured by Image J. The reflectivity of outer retinal layers was measured at the three selected positions: subfovea, 1 mm nasal to the fovea and 1 mm temporal to the fovea. The reflectivity ratios were calculated by outer retinal layers divided by the nuclear layer (ONL) for normalization. Photoreceptor outer segment layer thickness was also measured. The results were compared between the amblyopia and normal controls. The possible effects of age, sex and axial length on results were adjusted by generalized estimating equations (GEE).
Results
Photoreceptor outer segment layer thickness was significantly greater in amblyopic eyes than in normal control eyes at all three regions (18.41 ± 1.83 vs 16.84 ± 1.39, p < 0.001 at fovea; 14.78 ± 1.34 vs 14.19 ± 1.40, p = 0.030 at 1mm nasal to the foveal; 14.92 ± 1.48 vs 14.41 ± 1.32, p = 0.049 at 1mm temporal to the fovea). The reflectivity ratio of outer segment/ONL was higher only at 1mm nasal to the fovea (2.94 ± 0.61 vs 2.70 ± 0.42, p = 0.02). Subfoveal OS thickness was positively correlated with choroidal thickness (r = 0.248, p = 0.018), but was not correlated with spherical equivalent, age, axial length or LogMAR visual acuity.
Conclusions
Quantitative measurement of SS-OCT images revealed that greater photoreceptor outer segment in both eyes of children with amblyopia than in normal control eyes. A thicker OS thickness is somehow related to amblyopia, and this may be a new useful diagnostic parameter for amblyopia.
Electrochemical detection for Hg 2+ ion based on hydrazine-montmorillonite intercalation compound as potentiometric electrode
Authors: Udomphan Kemawadee , Phongsak Thanawat , Inchomrit Pranitda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hydrazine-montmorillonite (HYD-MMT), intercalation compound was prepared to construct potentiometric electrode for the determination of Hg2+ ion. The results of X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) mapping techniques revealed that the hydrazine was completely intercalated in the interlayer space of montmorillonite. This intercalation compound (HYD-MMT) was used to construct as potentiometric electrode and compositions were optimized. The composition of the hydrazine-montmorillonite (HYD-MMT) intercalation compound: graphite: epoxy resin of 20:20:60 % wt gave compatible slope with the Nernstian theory for Hg2+ ion. Potentiometric results of electrode provided the slope with 29.431.49 mV decade-1, LOD 5.26x10-6 M within linear concentration range 10-6-0.1 M. The selectivity coefficient was performed by separate solution method and results presented that this electrode provided good selectivity for Hg2+ ion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study electron transfer and behavior at the surface of electrodes, the results indicated that hydrazine in montmorillonite structure could help increase electron transfer at the surface electrode during performing Hg2+ ion solution. This electrode was successful to determine Hg2+ ion in real soil sample from rice field.
Prognostic factors in postoperative brain metastases derive from non-small cell lung cancer：a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Haibin , Sun Liang , Yang Zhi , Qu Yuanyuan , Tong Nanyang , Sun Caixing , Xia Liang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Brain metastases are crucial in cancer progression, requiring focused efforts on the screening, early detection, and treatment. However, accurately forecasting the postoperative prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis remains a challenge. This retrospective study aims to discern the factors that influence the prognosis of such patients.
Patients and materials: A total of 151 cases from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital were collected. Univariate analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank test, while multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression model. Student’s t-test and chi-square test were employed to examine the differences between the long-term survival and the short-term survival groups. Ultimately, a predictive model was constructed by using R 4.2.1.
Results: Univariate analysis identified 12 factors as prognostic factors, showing statistical significance. In multivariate analysis, the primary contributing factors to survival were identified as age, chemotherapy of brain metastases, pathology, surgery of non-small cell lung cancer, targeted drugs, and GPA score. Compared long-term and short-term groups, age, pathology, surgery of lung, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy of brain metastases were statistically differentiating factors. Based on multivariate analysis, we established a clinical predictive model predicting 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates.
Conclusion: Younger age, receiving chemotherapy for brain metastases, adenocarcinoma pathology, lung cancer surgery, targeted therapy, and a high GPA score are associated with longer survival. This model predicts the survival period for patients with non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis after surgery and helps in selecting more effective treatment plans.
YOLO V8: An improved real-time detection of safety equipment in different lighting scenarios on construction sites
Authors: R Lakshmi Thara , Upadhyay Bhavya , Sankrityayan Ananya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this work we aimed to detect the safety equipment worn by the workers on construction site using the YOLOv8 model. Its a state-of-the-art deep learning model recognized for its speed and accuracy, in detecting objects within dynamic construction environments. Focusing on classes such as Helmet, Vest, Gloves, Human, and Boots, we assess YOLOv8's efficacy in real-time safety hazard detection. The classes have been labelled using the labelImg software for training the model, with that the testing of different images and videos have been carried out. After deploying the trained model, it shows an impressive accuracy rate of approximately 98.017% with the YOLOv8 model, surpassing previous iterations. Additionally, our Recall and Precision values achieve high levels at 94.9% and 94.36% respectively, while the F1 score and mean Average Precision (mAP) values approximate 91% and 91.9% respectively. These robust performance metrics underscore the reliability and effectiveness of YOLOv8 compared to other existing YOLO models, marking a significant advancement in object detection for construction site management.
Variability of protein and gluten content in bread wheat lines with introgressions into chromosome 5B from related species
Authors: Shchukina L. V. , Klykov A. G. , Murugova G. A. , Shamanin V. P. , Pozherukova V. E. , Lepekhov S. B. , Chebatareva M. V. , Petin V. A. , Börner A. , Pshenichnikova T. A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Numerous samples with introgressions were obtained in bread wheat in result of distant hybridization. However, only a small number of them were used for improvement of modern cultivars for such an important traits as protein and gluten content in grain. The aim of this study is to investigate the phenotypic impact of introgressions transferred to 5B chromosome of bread wheat from the species T. durum and Ae. speltoides on these grain quality traits. To this end, two lines that carried introgressions of different size in 5B chromosome were developed on the genetic background of cv. Saratovskaya 29 (S29). One line had the introgression from Aegilops speltoides in the distal region of the long arm of the chromosome, while another line - the introgression from Triticum durum in the centromeric region. Transfer of introgressions from donors to the recipient was confirmed using microsatellite markers. The lines were studied in remote geographical areas and in greenhouse. They showed a significant increase in protein and gluten content across all environments by 1% and 4%, respectively, with the greatest effect under normal moisture conditions. The lines retained high rheological and mixing dough properties characteristic of S29. The conducted studies made it possible to verify loci QGlc.ipk-5B and QDsa.ipk-5B previously identified in ITMI mapping population, associated with gluten content and dough resistance to mixing. It was also possible to confirm the possible association of introgressions into 5B chromosome with a decrease in thousand kernel weight.
Welding Bead Detection and Inspection on Shear Reinforcement with Dual-Anchorage Using Enhanced Mask RCNN
Authors: Mlyahilu John , Lee Jaeeun , Choi Hongseok , Kim Jongnam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Welding processes pose significant challenges and risks to both humans and the environment, as well as the machines involved. To mitigate the potential negative impacts of welding, we suggest the development of a four-camera system that can replace human involvement in the assessment and evaluation of welded products. In this research paper, we introduce an algorithm based on Mask-RCNN and Green’s theorem-based classifier, designed to assess the quality of welding beads. For the optimization of our model, we trained the enhanced model on COCO weights using various backbone networks, including VGG16, ResNet101, MobileNet, Inception, and EfficientNet. Our findings revealed that Effi-cientNet reduced computational time compared to the other options. Due to constraints in data availability, we treated the problem as a single-class classification task. We addressed the issue of imbalanced datasets by incorporating a classifier with a decision threshold of 75% to distinguish between correctly and incorrectly welded beads. Furthermore , our proposed algorithm is versatile and adaptable, functioning effectively under different environmental conditions, with various types of cameras, diverse brightness settings, and multiple resolutions. Based on a thorough evaluation using performance metrics and the specified decision threshold, our algorithm achieved impressive results, a mean recall of 100%, precision of 100%, an accuracy of 99.56%, and an Intersection over Union (IoU) score of 98.92%. Additionally, the algorithm is capable of detecting and assessing the quality of welding beads within a mean processing time of 0.55 seconds per image, obtained from 172 frames. Based on these promising results, we recommend the adoption of our proposed algorithm for real-time applications that involve the detection and evaluation of welding bead quality, especially when integrated with the four-camera system we have developed.
JEL Classification: D8 , H51
Screening for lung cancer using thin-slice low-dose computed tomography in a Chinese physical examination population: a population-based real-world study
Authors: Wu Jiaxuan , Li Ruicen , Zhang Huohuo , Zheng qian , Tao Wenjuan , Yang Ming , Zhu Yuan , Ji Guiyi , Li Weimin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors threatening human life and health. At present, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk population to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer has become the first choice recommended by many authoritative international medical organizations. Therefore, in order to further optimize the lung cancer screening method, we conducted a real-world study of LDCT lung cancer screening in a large sample of healthy physical examination population, comparing the differences in lung nodules and lung cancer detection between thin and thick-slice LDCT scanning.
Methods
A total of 29,296 subjects who underwent low-dose thick slice CT scan (5mm thickness) from January 2015 to December 2015 and 28,058 subjects underwent low-dose thin-slice CT scan (1mm thickness) from January 2018 to December 2018 in West China Hospital were included. The positive detection rate, detection rate of lung cancer, pathological stage of lung cancer, and mortality rate of lung cancer were analyzed and compared between the two groups.
Results
The positive rate of LDCT screening in thin slice was significantly higher than that in thick slice scan group (20.1% vs 14.4%, P < 0.001). In addition, the lung cancer detection rate in the thin-slice LDCT screening positive group was significantly higher than that in the thick slice scanning group (78.0% vs 52.9%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The screening positive rate of low-dose thin-slice CT scan is higher, and more early stage lung cancer (IA1 stage) can be detected in the screen-positive group.
Design of a Three-Factor Authentication and Key Agreement Scheme Using Biometric Approach for Internet of Things
Authors: Saqib Manasha , Moon Ayaz Hassan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Sensory data emanating from IoT for mission-critical applications warrants proper authentication and access control for its acceptance and usage. It becomes challenging to develop such efficient solutions to commensurate with the resource constraint nature of devices forming IoT. This paper presents an efficient scheme leveraging 3-factor authentication based upon user’s smart card, password, and a fuzzy commitment. The mutual authentication attained between the key agents like remote user, Gateway node, and IoT device, with low overheads, adds novelty to our proposed scheme. The scheme provides a lightweight dynamic key exchange scheme to maintain forward secrecy and time stamps to thwart replay attacks. Implementation of the scheme using Elliptical curve cryptography over the primary field has kept it lightweight and hardens the scheme leveraging Elliptical Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem (ECDLP). Automated validation using the Scyther tool and Burrows-Abadi-Needham (BAN) logic validates that the scheme is resilient against attacks as claimed in the proposed scheme. The results have been further reinforced by simulation of the scheme over NS3. We evaluate our scheme's performance and compare it with other related schemes in respect of communication, computational and energy costs and find it efficient.
Do fish gut microbiotas vary across spatial scales? A case study of Diplodus vulgaris in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Lilli Ginevra , Sirot Charlotte , Campbell Hayley , Hermand Fanny , Brophy Deirdre , FLOT Jean-François , Graham Conor T. , George Isabelle F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Biogeography has been linked to differences in gut microbiota in several animals. However, the existence of such a relationship in fish is not clear yet. So far, it seems to depend on the fish species studied. However, most studies of fish gut microbiotas are based on single populations. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of fish from three wild populations of the two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) to determine whether its diversity, structure and potential functionality reflect the geographic origin of the fish, at large and small geographical scale. Additionally, we explored the host- and environmental- related factors explaining this relationship at a small geographical scale.
Results
We showed that the taxonomy and potential functionality of Diplodus vulgaris differ to varying degrees depending on the spatial scale considered. At large scale, we observe that greater distances between populations correspond to greater differences in the taxonomic structure of the fish microbiota, but not in potential functionality. On the other hand, at small scales, the different composition and diversity of the microbiota differ according to the characteristics of the habitat occupied by the fish. Specifically, we identified the presence of Posidonia oceanicain the benthic habitat as predictor of both the microbiota composition and diversity. Lastly, we reported the enrichment of functions related to the metabolism of xenobiotics (i.e. drugs and 4-aminobenzoate) in a population and we indicate it as a potential target of future monitoring.
Conclusions
With this study, we confirmed the importance of investigating the gut microbiota of wild fish species using multiple populations, taking into account the different habitats occupied by the individuals. Furthermore, we underscored the use of the biodegradation potential of the gut microbiota as an alternative means of monitoring emerging contaminants in Mediterranean fish.
Expression profile of urinary exosomal miRNAs in patients with diabetic kidney disease and their associated with kidney damage
Authors: Li Juan , Han Lulu , Wang Ting , Yang Lin , Zhou Hong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of end-stage renal disease. The aim of study is to seek noninvasive biomarkers for DKD at early stage or a target for the treatment of DKD through analysis of the urinary exosomal miRNAs expression profiles in DKD patients.
Methods
The urinary exosomes were isolated from type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with DKD confirmed by renal biopsy (DKD-Exo). Treatment of human podocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) with DKD-Exo to observe the effects of DKD-Exo on podocyte apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TECs. The urinary exosomal miRNAs expression profiles were detected using miRNA sequencing, and differentially expressed miRNAs were verified by real-time quantitative PCR. Target genes of these miRNAs and relevant pathways in DKD were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment.
Results
DKD-Exo induced the apoptosis of podocytes and EMT of TECs. A total of 40 differentially downregulated miRNAs were found, 17 of all were named and 23 were newly discovered, some differentially expressed miRNAs in DKD patients were reported for the first time. GO and KEGG pathway analysis suggest that these target genes were related to biological processes, molecular function and cellular component, and involved in 135 pathways.
Conclusion
Our study implies that the urinary DKD-Exo could deliver biological information to podocytes or TECs, which play an important role in pathogenesis of DKD.
Bioactive compounds of the Actinomycetes isolated from Garmsar Saline River, Iran
Authors: Salehghamari Ensieh , Sardabi Maryam , Bahrami Fatemeh , Mobarakeh Ehsan Fallah , Seddighi Aamirreza , Eghtedar Sheirin Panahi , Haghinavand Armin , Jafary Fatemeh , Ghanbari Fatemeh , Alemi Parastoo , Lotfi Mahshid , Rezapour Fatemeh Hallaj , Deez Nima Jafari , Ghasemi Amir , Saeedmoaddab Behzad , Kargar Keiyamars , Etesami Seyed Alireza , Hajiabdolhosseini Nafiseh , Khorashadi Sara , Salehi-Najafabadi Amir 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Saline environments are unique ecosystems that harbor novel bacterial species with the potential to produce valuable secondary metabolites. In the present study, 26 actinomycetes strains were recovered predominantly from the rhizosphere (81%), in addition to sediments and water samples collected from four sites along the Garmsar Saline River in Iran. According to phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strains were identified as belonging to two different genera: Streptomyces, and Nocardiopsis. Several of the isolated actinomycetes exhibited valuable biotechnological potential, producing a diversity of enzymes including amylase, gelatinase, protease, lipase, lecithinase, and laccase. Inhibitory effects on the growth of human tumor cells were also observed; the extract of strain M15 displayed notable cytotoxicity against MCF7 human breast cancer cells with an IC50 value of 32.81 µg/ml. Also, 59% of the strains had antibacterial activity against some pathogenic and non-pathogenic test strains. Ethyl acetate extracts of the selected actinomycetes were screened, and strain M16 was found to exhibit the most potent inhibitory effect on Proteus mirabilis. GC/MS analysis of M16’s extract revealed it mainly consisted of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (16.61%), and 9-octadecenamide (12.77%). Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, Strain M16 showed the highest similarity to Nocardia aegyptia. The study concludes that actinomycetes from the Garmsar Saline River possess considerable potential for biotechnological application.