bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Low Light Image Enhancement Based on Retinex Theory
Authors: Guo Miaomiao , Li Jiamin , Hu Hongping , Wang Peng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aiming at the color distortion and low visibility in the images with low light conditions, we proposed a low light image enhancement algorithm based on Retinex theory.Firstly, the light component is obtained by multi-scale Gaussian fusion and then are refined. Then, two input images are obtained by the brightness enhancement function and contrast enhancement function, respectively, and the white shark optimization algorithm is applied to perform updating the weights of the Gaussian-Laplace pyramids. Again, the two input images derived from the brightness function and contrast enhancement function are fused by Gaussian-Laplace pyramids. Finally, the final enhanced image are obtained from the multiplication between the adjusted lighting component and the reflection component based on Retinex theory.The experimental results show that the proposed method in this paper has better enhancement effects on images captured under uneven lighting and low lighting conditions.
Unlocking the Potential of Extensin Signal Peptide and Elastin-like polypeptide Tag fused to Shigella dysenteriae’s IpaDSTxB to Improve Protein Expression and Purification in Nicotiana tabacum and Medicago sativa
Authors: Soleimani AmirMohammad , Alizadeh Houshang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Plants are often seen as a potent tool in the recombinant protein production industry. However, unlike bacterial expression, it is not a popular method due to the low yield and difficulty of protein extraction and purification. Therefore, developing a new high efficient and easy to purify platform is crucial. One of the best approaches to make extraction easier is to utilize the Extensin Signal peptide (EXT) to translocate the recombinant protein to the outside of the cell, along with incorporating an Elastin-like polypeptide tag (ELP) to enhance purification and accumulation rates. In this research, we transiently expressed Shigella dysenteriae’s IpaDSTxB fused to both NtEXT and ELP in both Nicotiana tabacum and Medicago sativa. Our results demonstrated that N.tabacum, with an average yield of 6.39 ng/µg TSP, outperforms M.sativa, which had an average yield of 3.58 ng/µg TSP. On the other hand, analyzing NtEXT signal peptide indicated that merging EXT to the constructs facilitates translocation of IpaDSTxB to the apoplast by 78.4% and 65.9% in N.tabacum and M.sativa, respectively. Conversely, the mean level for constructs without EXT was below 25% for both plants. Furthermore, our investigation into the orientation of ELP showed that merging it to the C-terminal of IpaDSTxB leads to a higher accumulation rate in both N.tabacum and M.sativa by 1.39 and 1.28 times, respectively. It also facilitates purification rate by over 70% in comparison to 20% of the 6His tag. The results of this research show a highly efficient and easy to purify platform for the expression of heterologous proteins in plant.
DCANet: Dual-contrast adaptive network for real-time inference video super-resolution
Authors: Lin Leping , Su Zhi , Ouyang Ning 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Deep learning-based methods have made significant breakthroughs in real-time inference video super-resolution in recent years. However, these methods are prone to blurring, unnatural textures, and other distortion problems in super-resolution reconstructed video when dealing with complex environments and large-motion video scenes, which greatly affects the efficiency of video super-resolution reconstruction. Moreover, the real-time inference video super-resolution network training based on generative adversarial relies only on the simple modeling of features, which can obtain excellent subjective perceptual quality, but the objective index is lower has artifacts. To this end, in real-time inference video super-resolution, a dual-contrast adaptive network called DCANet is proposed to fully capture the motion offsets of neighboring frames through an adaptive optical flow network, which helps in accurate alignment. Real-time inference video super-resolution training based on generative adversarial networks relies only on simple modeling of features with poor objective metrics and artifacts. A dual-channel feature extraction module is proposed to acquire neighboring frame context features to achieve deep feature modeling. To further enhance the reconstruction quality, contrast learning is combined with the adversarial mechanism in the training strategy and a dual-contrast loss function is proposed to guide the network training. Extensive experiments on multiple benchmark testing sets of complex video scenes show that our method achieves an inference latency of 14.91ms while generating high fidelity and perceptual quality reconstructed videos, which is suitable for real-time inference in practical deployments. The code is available at https://github.com/Swaggyp1sz/DCANet.
An Experimental study on stabilization of cohesionless soil for deep foundation using natural biopolymers
Authors: Ahmed Syed Majid , C AKIN , Manguri Shwana Braim Hassan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Before beginning to build on soft soil, improving the soil's engineering qualities is a necessary step. Environmental hazards arise when chemical stabilizing agents, like cement, are used to increase soil firmness. Sustainable solutions are therefore highly sought after. Using biopolymers is one of the possible possibilities. This study examined three different forms of biopolymers: chitosan, guar gum, and xanthan gum. They were tested experimentally for their impact on the increase in soil strength using an unconfined compression test. Various bio-polymer concentrations and cure times were used in each test. Additionally, specimens treated with biopolymer and those in plain soil were exposed to actual atmospheric conditions to get insight into their vulnerability to natural elements. The purpose of this work is to discuss the environmental evaluation of applying biopolymers as binders for soil improvement, the properties of soil treated with biopolymers, and the key variables influencing the behaviour of the treated soil. More specifically, the advantages for the environment and issues with using biopolymers to improve soil as well as the interaction between biopolymers and soil are covered. The unconfined compressive strength and shear strength of soil treated with biopolymers are among the many geotechnical attributes that are assessed and contrasted. There is also a discussion of the important variables, soil properties, and environmental factors that affect the different geotechnical properties of soils treated with biopolymers. Guar gum performed 70% better when compared to Xanthan gum and chitosan powder hence it is the best biopolymer to use for stabilizing cohesionless soil.
Prevalence of Anemia Among COVID-19 Patients in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Melkamu Abateneh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus. Impacting various many systems in the human body including the hematological system. Consequently, anemia has become a significant public health concern in developing countries, such as Ethiopia.Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the overall prevalence of anemia among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, and the Ethiopian Journal of Health Development for articles published before 2024, Manual searches were also performed to identify relevant studies. Authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality. The I2test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity among studies and overall prevalence was calculated using the random-effects restrict maximum likelihood model.Results: Out of 590 obtained studies, 8 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia was 26.09% (95% CI 16-36%). The prevalence of anemia in Addis Ababa and Amhara was 27.13% (95%CI: 14.59%-39.66%) and 23.41% (95%CI: 3.46%-43.36%) respectively.Conclusions: This study indicates that anemia is a moderate public health issue among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, preventive measures and control strategies for of anemia among COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia are crucial.
Improving feeding of Tigriopus japonicus under various stocking densities on Tetraselmis suecica as a potential live feed for fish larvae
Authors: Chong Brian Wei Khong , Takayama Yoshiki , Shimode Shinji , Toda Tatsuki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Feeding rates of adult copepods is an important parameter that determines their productivity and population growth. Feeding is influenced by several factors including food quantity and copepod density. The marine harpacticoid copepod, Tigriopus japonicus, is used in the testing of contaminants in marine ecosystems and is also a promising candidate for mass cultivation. However, information on its feeding responses under different stocking densities and feed supplies are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of copepod densities and microalgal feed concentrations on the ingestion and clearance rates of Tigriopus japonicus on the marine chlorophyte Tetraselmis suecica. The saturation point of feeding for T. japonicus was 486.48 µg C L− 1 and the maximum ingestion rate was 3.84 µg C ind− 1 d− 1 at 40 ind. L− 1. At the same microalgal feed concentration, ingestion rates decreased at copepod densities > 800 ind. L− 1. The ingestion rates significantly increased when microalgal feed concentration was increased up to 15,000 µg C L− 1 at copepod densities > 800 ind. L− 1 despite no changes in the clearance rates. Increasing feed allocation increased the ingestion rates with similar levels reached for 40 ind. L− 1 and 200 ind. L− 1. The findings of the study indicate that decreased feeding in high density conditions may be overcome by providing more food to T. japonicus.
DHCR7 is a potential pan cancer biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Xianghua , Gong Qinyuan , Xu Xiaoliang , Wang Li , Zhang Xuzhao , Yu Teng , Zhu Gesheng , Zheng Weiwei , Lin Dan , Wu Zhaoxing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) is a key enzyme involving the final step of cholesterol synthesis pathway. Abnormalities in the DHCR7 gene can lead to a variety of diseases, such as Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. However, the relationship between DHCR7 and oncogenesis remain unclear.
Methods
We used several bioinformatic databases which the original data from the TCGA and GEO database. Briefly, the gene of DHCR7 expression were explored by the Oncomine, TIMER and GEPIA databases. The effect of DHCR7 on prognosis was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier plotter and GEPIA database. The TISIDB database was used to determine the relationship between DHCR7 expression and pan-cancer stages and the DHCR7 expression in different immune and molecular subtypes of human cancers. The correlations between DHCR7 expression and immune checkpoints (ICP), tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH), neoantigens and infiltrating immune cells of human cancers and urogenital cancers were analyzed through the SangerBox database (http://vip.sangerbox.com/login.html). The genomic alterations of DHCR7 were analyzed by the c-BioPortal database. The differential expression of DHCR7 in urogenital cancers with different clinical characteristics was analyzed with the UALCAN database. The DHCR7 co-expression genes in BLCA was analyzed through the Linked Omics database. And the association between DHCR7 and related genes and markers of immune cells were analyzed by TIMER database.
Results
The results indicated that DHCR7 was highly expressed in most cancers, except in Cholangio carcinoma, Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. Aberrantly expressed DHCR7 was associated with the poor prognosis, advanced tumor stage and metastasis in most tumor types. Additionally, significant strong correlations between DHCR7 expression and tumor immune-infiltrated cells (TILs), ICP, TMB, MSI, MATH and neoantigens showed in most human cancers, and marker genes of TILs were significantly related to DHCR7 expression in BLCA, KIRC and PRAD. DHCR7 co-expression networks mostly participated in the regulation of immune response regulating signaling pathway, leukocyte differentiation and angiogenesis.
Conclusion
Through pan-cancer analysis, DHCR7 may serve as a potential prognostic and immunological pan-cancer biomarker, especially in urological tumors.
M1 and M2 macrophages markers are alternately expressed during periapical lesion development
Authors: Pucinelli Carolina Maschietto , Filho Paulo Nelson , Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Esquiche Jorge , Faccioli Lúcia Helena , Sorgi Carlos Arterio , Silva Clara Marina Pereira Cavalcanti , Silva Lea Assed Bezerra , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The present study evaluated the phenotypic characterization of M1 and M2 macrophage subtypes during the development of periapical lesion (PL).
Materials and Methods
PL was induced in the lower first molars of 96 mice. After the experimental periods of 2, 7, 14, 21, and 42 days, the animals were euthanized and the jaws were dissected and submitted to the following analyzes: microscopic descriptive analysis and fluorescence microscopy morphometry of PL size (mm2); quantitative gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR for M1 (Cxcl10, CxCL9, and Nos2) and M2 phenotypes ((Arg1, Fizz1, Ym1, and Mrc1); and M1- (GM-CSF, IFN-g, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and M2- ((IL-4, IL-13, and IL- 10) related cytokines quantification by Luminex. Data were statistically compared by ANOVA, Tukey post-test, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-test (α = 5%).
Results
PL area and inflammatory infiltrate increased over experimental periods. By a contextual view, it could be observed a pro-inflammatory profile and a higher activation of M1 phenotype markers in the initial periods of 2 and 7 days. At 21 day time point, microscopic features and M2 subtype predominance indicated a repair attempt. However, at 42 days, an exacerbation of immunoinflammatory process and return to the M1 macrophage profile were evidenced.
Conclusion
M1 and M2 macrophage polarization related markers were expressed alternately during the dynamic progression of the PL.
Clinical Relevance:
This study provides a deeper understanding about M1 and M2 macrophages participation on development, progression, and outcome of PL, as well as guides possible therapeutic targets.
A novel pyroptosis-related gene signature correlated to C6orf99 for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Gao Hong , Gui ZhaoHua , Hong ShiKai , Zhu ZhengZhi , Huang DaKe , Lei JiaLi , Wang ShengYing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The relationship between the pyroptosis-related long non-coding RNA (PRlncRNA) and the prognosis of breast cancer has not been clearly studied. According to relevant studies, the expression of the lncRNA C6orf99 is associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer. In our study, we demonstrated that high expression of C6orf99 is adverse for the prognosis of breast cancer using the TCGA dataset. In addition, there were five pyroptosis related genes (PRGs) (PJVK, CASP4, IL18, ELANE and TIRAP) associated with the expression of C6orf99 and survival outcomes of breast cancer. According to the expression of PJVK, CASP4, IL18, and ELANE, breast cancer samples were divided into two different subclusters (C1 and C2) using clustering analysis. Furthermore, a new C6orf99-related PRGs risk model was constructed to predict the prognosis of breast cancer. The high-risk group had worse survival outcomes and lower immune infiltration level, whereas the low-risk group had better survival outcomes and higher immune infiltration level. We further found that the higher the expression intensity of CASP4 and IL18 in 66 breast tumor tissues by immunohistochemical staining, the earlier the clinical stage, the smaller the tumor, the better the survival outcome. Our finding of C6orf99-related PRGs suggest a new idea for the treatment of breast cancer cases, and may become a new molecular target for targeted therapy.
The Effects of Disturbance on Woody Species Composition, Structure and Regeneration Status In Ura Natural Forest, Guangua district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassahun Achamyeleh Anteneh , Abate Dagim Fikir , Belete Dessie Assefa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ethiopia had diverse forest resources. However, it become decreasing and decreasing over time and leaving the country’s forest with only remnant patches. So, the current study was conducted to examine the species composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species along the disturbance gradients. In order to collect data, the forest was first stratified into Low Disturbed (LD), Moderately Disturbed (MD) and Heavily Disturbed (HD) based on information from reconnaissance site visit and consultation with key informants. The three transect lines were laid systematically with 200 m distance apart, and rectangular plots of 10 m*20 m (200 m2) size were laid at 50 m distance interval along each transect, making up a total of 27 plots. DBH and height of all woody individuals with ≥ 5 cm and ≥ 2 m were measured respectively. Seedling and sapling data were recorded in four subplots of 2 m*5 m (10 m2) in the opposite corner of the main plot. Woody species density, richness, evenness, diversity, frequency and IVI were determined for each disturbance classes, and one-way ANOVA and mean comparison tests were used to examine significant differences among disturbance classes. The total of 37 woody species and 27 families were recorded. Based structural analysis only Croton macrostachyus, with an inverted-J shape. It is conclude that woody species composition was affected by human disturbance. So that a concentrated form of forest conservation should be given to protect from excessive human disturbance.
Experimental investigation of Mechanical Properties of Al7075 reinforced with SiC and Al 2 O 3
Authors: Mukunda Sriram , Kapilan N 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this investigation, an effort has been made to analyze the fatigue life of Al7075 alloy matrix reinforced with powder of silicon carbide (2.5 wt.% of SiC) and Al2O3 (2 and 3 wt.%) is fabricated by using stir casting technique. The process parameter such as silicon carbide and Al2O3with 4 levels are the major factors in knowing the strength of the hybrid composites. Fatigue test on a set of samples for both the compositions was carried out to ascertain the fatigue life of the Al7075 alloy reinforced with SiC and Al2O3 powders. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to study the structure of the fractured surface of the compositions.
The overexpression of EPS8L1 upregulates TIAM2 to promote cytoskeleton remodeling by activating the Rac1/MAPK signaling pathway in the migration of ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhang Lei , Luo Xianqiang , Zhu Hongmei , Wang Meichen , Luo Min , Zhou Hongyu , Zhang Limei , Song Yan , Zhang Junfei , Jia Yinnong , Qing Chen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: EPS8L1, an analog of epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8), was screened out in our previous work from clinical samples of patients with ovarian cancer. We also found that EPS8L1 was involved in various biological activities. In this study, the participation and mechanisms of EPS8L1 ion the migration and metastasis of ovarian cancer were investigated.
Methods: In vitro scratch-healing, transwell assay, and actin-staining studies were performed in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells with EPS8L1 overexpression or knockdown. An ovarian cancer mouse model with lung colonization was established to evaluate the in vivo colonization and migration. To identify correlated proteins, a bioinformatics assay was conducted and verified via qRT-PCR and Western blot.
Results: EPS8L1 knockdown inhibited cellular migration in vitro and reduced tumor colonization in vivo. The actin-staining and ELISA experiments suggested that EPS8L1 regulated actin formation as well as cytoskeleton remodeling. Furthermore, mRNA and protein expression confirmed that EPS8L1 regulated the downstream T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 2 (TIAM2) molecule and stimulated the activation of Rac1. Additionally, the phosphorylation levels of P38, Erk, and Jnk in the MAPK pathway decreased after EPS8L1 knockdown.
Conclusions: The upregulation of EPS8L1 could promote the migration and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells by regulating cytoskeleton remodeling. The mechanism underlying this might be that EPS8L1 regulates TIAM2 to induce the transformation of Rac-GDP into Rac-GTP and then activates the downstream MAPK pathway. As a regulatory factor in cell migration and metastasis, EPS8L1 could be a new prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer patients.
Bilayer cellulose-coated hyaluronic acid-based scaffold for accelerating oral wound healing
Authors: Jung Yun Sun , Ye Ju Ri , Lee Myoung-Han , Kweon Dong-Keun , Chae Yong Kwon , Lee Hyo-Seol , Choi Sung Chul , Nam Ok Hyung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based scaffolds on oral wound healing.
Materials and Methods
A film-type 3% HA scaffold with bilayer cellulose coating was prepared and compared with one without coating. For cytocompatibility, human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to both scaffolds. Cell viability, flow cytometry, and scratch wound assays were performed. Additionally, in vivo and` ex vivo wound-healing assays were also conducted.
Results
Cytocompatibility tests showed no cytotoxicity for either HA scaffold. The scratch wound assay revealed a significant reduction in the open wound area in both HA scaffolds compared with the control (p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in the open wound areas between the scaffolds with and without cellulose coating. Regarding in vivo wound healing analysis, the healing rates on day 3 were significantly higher in the HA scaffolds than in the control (p < 0.05), and there were no differences between the scaffolds. The HA scaffolds with the coating showed lower CD68 and higher vimentin expression than the control (p < 0.05). In contrast, the HA scaffolds without the coating did not. The ex vivo wound healing analysis showed significantly higher re-epithelialization rates in both scaffolds compared to the control (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Within the limits of this study, the HA scaffold with coating showed enhanced wound-healing efficacy, indicating its potential for oral wound-healing applications.