bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional assembly of surface microbiota of Ulva fasciata improves nutrient absorption efficiency and growth
Authors: han wang , Li De-hua , Liang Chang-li , Hu Zhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Macroalgae growth depends on biologically available nitrogen, such as ammonium and nitrate. Therefore, nitrogen is the most common growth limiting factor of macroalgae. However, it is unclear how the surface microorganisms of marine macroalgae promote nitrogen transformation and improve the utilization of nitrogen by macroalgae. In this study, 228 strains of bacteria were isolated from the surface of U. fasciata. The composition and structure of U. fasciata surface epiphytes under different nitrogen concentrations were determined by high throughput sequencing. Network analysis was used to identify highly correlated strains and predict possible functions. The bacterial strains of microbiota were identified based on the presence of nitrogen-fixing genes involved in the production of growth hormones and the appearance of dissolving P genes. The characteristics of promoting plant growth and increasing plant biomass accumulation were further determined. The ability of beneficial microbial combinations to assist in the acquisition of N/P nutrients was tested using synthetic communities (SynCom). Finally, the expression levels of several key genes were used to elucidate the effect of SynCom on the nutrient acquisition of U. fasciata.
Clinical features and genetic analysis of 471 cases of fetal congenital heart disease: A systematic review
Authors: quan yulu , luo yan , li juan , wang tao , zhang pingping , li yali 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a heterogeneous collection of structural abnormalities of the heart or great vessels that are present at birth. These birth defects are one of the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis of CHD are unclear and largely considered to be multifactorial in nature. Since the chromosomal profile of CHD has not been analyzed in a large sample size, we aimed to summarize the clinical features, cytogenetics findings, and pregnancy outcomes of CHD to provide a clinical reference for prenatal diagnosis.
Methods
Among 21152 pregnant women, 471 showed fetal CHD on cordocentesis or amniocentesis. The number of cases showing simple CHD, simple CHD plus extracardiac abnormality, complex CHD, and complex CHD plus extracardiac abnormality was 128, 124, 89, and 130, respectively. For prenatal genetic diagnosis, rapid karyotyping was performed with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and copy number variation (CNV) and BACs-on-Beads™ analyses. We also recorded the results of ultrasonography examinations and genetic analysis and the pregnancy outcomes.
Results
Ventricular septal defects were observed in 245 cases of fetal CHDs. Among the 471 cases of CHDs, 258 showed other ultrasound abnormalities. The most common ultrasound abnormalities were abnormalities of the central nervous system. The 471 cases included 93 cases with chromosomal abnormalities, and the incidence of these abnormalities increased with advanced maternal age or the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities. In eight cases, karyotype analysis showed normal results, while SNP-array or CNV-seq results were abnormal. Among the 453 cases that were followed-up, 166 involved pregnancy termination, 273 involved live births, seven involved fetus death in utero, and seven involved neonatal death after birth.
Conclusions
Fetuses with CHD showed higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities. In cases diagnosed with fetal CHD during fetal ultrasonic examination, the mothers should undergo a careful and comprehensive fetal ultrasound scan as well as prenatal genetic testing, including karyotype analysis and SNP-array or CNV-sequencing. The prognosis for simple fetal CHD is good, while the prognosis for complex fetal CHD and extracardiac anomalies is poor.
TPH-YOLOv7t : A Boosted YOLO Transformer Prediction Head for Search and Rescue with Drones
Authors: Kodipaka Vamshi , Marques Lino , Cortesao Rui , Araujo Helder 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, drones have become a fundamental tool for searching for missing persons in the wild and at sea by collecting aerial images. Search and Rescue operators inspect these images in real-time, aiming to spot the missing persons. However, a tradeoff exists between using large area images to cover extensive regions quickly, risking missing the target, and flying at a lower altitude for easier detection but requiring processing of a larger image set. This work addresses automatic person detection in aerial images. We propose the TPH-YOLOv7t by holdout method, a new Transformer Prediction Head for YOLOv7-tiny with an Efficient Joint Attention Module and a Convolutional Block Attention Module. Results show our method’s robustness compared to YOLOv7-tiny, achieving a mean average precision (mAP50) of over 0.65 and an inference speed of 130fps on a single GPU Nvidia RTX2080Ti.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Pancreaticogastrostomy and an External Pancreatic Stent in Risky Patients without Clinically Relevant PostoperativePancreatic Fistula: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed , Nakeeb Ayman El , Shehta Ahmed , Hamed Hosam , Elsabbagh Ahmed M , Attia Mohamed , El-wahab Reham Abd , Allah Talaat Abd , Ali Mahmoud 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
There is a continuing argument on the most suitable method for reconstructing the pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This research evaluated the impact of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) with an external pancreatic stent on the postoperative outcomes after PD in risky patients.
Patients and methods:
This is a propensity score-matched analysis for risky patients who underwent PD with PG reconstruction. The postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was the main outcome measure. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital time, re-exploration rate, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were among the secondary outcomes.
Results
Seventy-eight patients were included in the study; 26 patients underwent PD with PG and an external pancreatic stent while 52 patients underwent PG without pancreatic stent. There was no significant difference between both groups as regards blood loss and operative time. The overall postoperative morbidity was higher in the non-stented group than in the stented group (34.6% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.06). In the pancreatic stent group, no patient developed clinically relevant POPF while in non-stented PG 17.3% of patients developed POPF. No hospital mortality in the stented group while in the non-stented group, two hospital mortality happened (one case due to SIRS secondary to POPF grade C and the other case due to pulmonary embolism).
Conclusion
Pancreaticogastrostomy with an external pancreatic stent achieves zero clinically relevant pancreatic fistula, fewer postoperative morbidities, and no mortality rate in risky patients.
A novel root hair mutant, srh1, affects root hair elongation and reactive oxygen species levels in wheat.
Authors: Tsang Ian , Thomelin Pauline , Ober Eric , Rawsthorne Stephen , Atkinson Jonathan A , Wells Darren M , Percival-Alwyn Lawrence , Leigh Fiona J , Cockram James 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Root hairs are single-celled projections on root surfaces, critical for water and nutrient uptake. Here, we describe the first short root hair mutant in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), identified in a mutagenized population and termed here short root hair 1 (srh1 ). While the srh1 mutant is able to initiate root hair bulges, lack of subsequent extension results in very short root hairs. Due to its semi-dominant nature, heterozygous lines displayed intermediate root hair lengths compared to wild type. Bulked segregant analysis in a BC1F3 segregating population genotyped via exome capture sequencing localized the genetic control of this mutant to a region on the long arm of chromosome 3A. Via RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, we identified two promising candidate genes at the srh1 locus. The first is a respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) encoding gene TaNOX3-A, orthologous to RBOH genes controlling root hair elongation in rice (OSNOX3) and maize (ZmRTH5), that carries a missense mutation in a conserved region of the predicted protein. RBOHs are membrane bound proteins that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which trigger cell wall extensibility, allowing subsequent root hair elongation. Notably, reduced ROS levels were observed in srh1 root hair bulges compared to wild-type. The second candidate calreticulin-3 gene TaCRT3-A is located within the wider srh1 interval and is significantly downregulated in srh1 root tissues. The identification of a major effect gene controlling wheat root hair morphology provides an entry point for future optimization of root hair architecture best suited to future agricultural environments
Identification of two novel variants in NUS1 gene in two unrelated Chinese families with intellectual disorder and epilepsy
Authors: Kan Yuling , Zhao Haiyan , Li Hongxing , Rong Chunli , Su Nana , Zhu Yangyang , Gao Xueping , Jiang Jinghan , Hu Junji , Zhang Jian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Mutations in the NUS1 gene, which encodes a Nogo-B receptor (NgBR), are related to congenital disorder of glycosylation, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. However, due to the limited number of cases with genotype and detailed clinical features, more cases are needed to better understand the functional and phenotypic characteristics of NUS1 variants. In this study, we reported two unrelated Chinese individuals suffering from intellectual disorder and epilepsy.
Materials and methods
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the two patients to identify pathogenic variants, and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-Seq) was conducted on the patients 2. The candidate variants were subsequently validated using Sanger sequencing. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses were used to investigate the deleteriousness of the identified variants.
Results
WES identified two novel variants in the NUS1 gene [NM_138459.5: c.640A > T/p.K214*, c.278delC/p.L94Wfs*11] in the two unrelated individuals with myoclonus, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. These variants resulted in truncated NgBR proteins, which lost the cis-PTase domain. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) classification, p.K214* was evaluated as likely pathogenic and p.L94Wfs*11 was evaluated as pathogenic. CNV-Seq analysis revealed a 0.4Mb duplication of Xq27.2q27.2 in patient 2, which was considered uncertain significance.
Conclusion
Our findings strongly suggest that the two novel variants in NUS1 gene may be the cause of the patient's clinical characteristics, possibly due to the loss of cis-PTase activity. Furthermore, our study expanded the genotype-phenotype spectrum of the NUS1 gene.
Estimating Soil Organic Carbon using Sentinel-2 data under Zero Tillage Agriculture: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Mango Lawrence , Narissara Nuthammachot , Som-ard Jaturong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the main component of soil organic matter (SOM) and constitutes the crucial ingredient of the soil. It supports key soil functions, stabilizes soil structure, aid in plant nutrients retention and release, and promote water infiltration and storage. Predicting SOC using Sentinel-2 images integrated with machine learning algorithms under zero tillage practice is inadequately documented for developing countries like Zimbabwe. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the integrated use of Sentinel-2 data together with machine learning (ML) algorithms for SOC estimation. The support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and partial least square regression (PLSR) models were used with a cross-validation to estimate the SOC content based on 50 georeferenced calibration samples under a zero-tillage practice. The ANN model outperformed the other two models by delivering a coefficient of determination (R2) of between 55-60% of SOC variability and RMSE varies between 5.01-8.78%, whereas for the SVM, R2 varies between 0.53-0.57 and RMSE varies between 6.25-11.39%. The least estimates of SOC are provided by the PLSR algorithm (R2 = 0.44–0.49 and RMSE = 7.59-12.42% for the top 15cm depth SOC estimation. Results with RMSE, MAE and R2 for SVM, ANN and PLSR, show that the ANN model is able to capture SOC variability. Although the ANN algorithm provides more accurate SOC estimates than the SVM algorithm, the difference in accuracy is not significant. Results revealed a satisfactory agreement between the SOC and zero tillage practice (R2, coefficient of variation (CV), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) using SVM, ANN and PLSR for the validation dataset using four predictor variables. The calibration results of SOC indicated that the mean SOC was 5.19% and the validation mean SOC was 5.02%. The calibration dataset had higher degree of variation (27.94%) around its mean compared to the validation dataset (24.30%). The accurate map results can be used as an important tool for informed decisions about soil health and productivity by the farmers, land managers and policy makers.
A New Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Interval index and Reference Vector for Many-objective Optimization
Authors: Qiu Fieyue , Chen Qi , Long Donghui , Hu Huizhen , Wang Liping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

When solving multi-objective problems, domination-based and decomposition-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are the most widely used and have achieved good results. However, the effectiveness of these algorithms decreases when the optimization problem has a complicated Pareto front or the number of objectives increases. To better solve many-objective optimization problems, this paper combines the merits of dominance and decomposition and proposes an optimization algorithm that employs Interval index and reference vector guidance. The algorithm utilizes the proposed Interval index in environment selection to balance the convergence and diversity of populations. A reference vector optimization strategy based on population clustering is designed to adjust the reference vectors to fit different problems. In this paper, the proposed algorithm undergoes thorough evaluation across 72 cases of 18 benchmark problems and is experimentally contrasted against four advanced optimization algorithms. Experimental results establish that the algorithm proposed in this paper has good competitiveness and superiority in solving some of the many-objective problems.
Examining carotenoid metabolism regulation and its role in flower color variation in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: LIU Guomei , Lin YAO , SUN Xuan , Chen Wang , Chunfang DU 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Carotenoids are crucial pigments that determine the color of flowers, roots, and fruits in plants, imparting them yellow, orange, and red hues. This study comprehensively analyses the Brassica rapas mutant “YB1,” which exhibits altered flower and root colors. Combining physiological and biochemical assessments, transcriptome profiling, and quantitative metabolomics, this study investigated carotenoid accumulation in different tissues of YB1 throughout its growth and development. The results revealed that carotenoid continued to accumulate in the roots and stems of YBI, especially in its cortex, whereas the carotenoid levels in the petals decreased upon flowering. A total of 54 carotenoid compounds, with 30 being unique metabolites, were identified across various tissues. Their levels correlated with the expression pattern of 22 differentially expressed genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation. Specific genes, including CCD8 and NCED in flowers and ZEP in the roots and stems, were identified as key regulators of color variations in different plant parts. Additionally, we identified genes in the seeds that regulated the conversion of carotenoids to abscisic acid. In conclusion, his study offers valuable insights into the regulation of carotenoid metabolism in B. rapas, which can guide the selection and breeding of carotenoid-rich varieties with diverse colors in the future.
IL-37 ameliorates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by limiting liver inflammation
Authors: Fu Juan , Sun Changfeng , Sheng Yunjian , You Zaichun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can lead to necrosis of liver parenchymal cells, causing aseptic inflammation and potential liver injury or failure. While IL-37 is known as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, its role and novel mechanism in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are still unknown.
Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 per group): Sham group, sham+IL-37 group, drug-induced liver injury model group (model group), and model+IL-37 group. The mice were injected with APAP and sacrificed after 4 or 24 hours to observe liver injury and assess related physiological and biochemical indicators.The serum levels of ALT, AST, and LDH were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1, TNF-α and the content of p4502E1(CYP2E1) were detected by ELISA and fluorescence quantitative PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression levels of MPO and Ly-6G in liver tissues. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the levels of SOD, MDA, and T-GSH in order to investigate the potential protective effect and underlying mechanism of IL-37 against APAP-induced acute liver injury.
Results: Treatment with IL-37 significantly alleviated liver injury in the IL-37+ model group compared to the model group. The IL-37+ model group exhibited reduced neutrophil infiltration and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), while anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, TGF-β1) were upregulated. Moreover, the IL-37+ model group showed significant decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels compared to the model group. Our results indicated no significant difference in the relative expression level of CYP2E1 mRNA and GSH level between the model group and the therapy group, at both 4 and 24 hours after APAP exposure.
Conclusion: IL-37 serves a protective role in APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.
Video-based markerless two-dimensional gait analysis with automated processing is feasible, provides objective quantification of gait and complements the evaluation of gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pantzar-Castilla Evelina , Balta Diletta , Cereatti Andrea , Riad Jacques 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Gait analysis aids in evaluation, classification and follow-up of gait pattern over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The sagittal plane is of special interest to assess flexed knee gait and ankle joint deviations that commonly progress with age and indicate deterioration of gait. Although most children with CP are ambulatory, no objective quantification of gait is currently included in any of the known international follow-up programs.
Can video-based 2-dimensional markerless (2D ML) gait analysis with automated processing be feasible for evaluation and classification of gait in children with CP?
Methods
Twenty children with bilateral CP with Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels I–III, from five regions in Sweden, were included from the national CP registry. A single RGB-Depth video camera, sensitive to depth and contrast, was positioned laterally to a green walkway and background, with four light sources. A previously validated markerless method was employed to estimate hip, knee and ankle kinematics in the sagittal plane, together with foot orientation in relation to the room, gait speed and step length.
Results
Mean age was 10.4 (range 6.8–16.1) years. Eight children were classified as GMFCS level I, eight as II and four as III. Setup took 15 minutes, acquisition 5–15 minutes and processing 10–15 minutes per child. With the 2D ML method deviations from normal could be determined and used to implement the classification of gait pattern, proposed by Rodda et al. 2001.
Conclusion
2D ML assessment is feasible, since it is accessible, easy to perform and well tolerated by the children. The 2D ML adds consistency and quantifies objectively important gait variables. It is both relevant and reasonable to include 2D ML gait assessment in the evaluation of children with CP.
Rapid sloshing-free transport of liquids in arbitrarily shaped containers
Authors: Toth Florian , Scharner Andreas , Schirrer Alexander , Hametner Christoph , Jakubek Stefan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We present a model-based feedforward control strategy suitable for designing swift rest-to-rest maneu-vers for liquids in arbitrarily shaped containers. We employ the commonly used equivalent pendulummodel to represent the sloshing dynamics and suggest a novel parameter identification scheme suitablefor arbitrary container shapes and any number of sloshing modes. By computing natural modes andfluid reaction forces and torques for imposed harmonic container motions via a finite element model,we obtain data for the identification scheme. A fitting procedure then yields highly accurate parameters for a physical pendulum model, where each pendulum represents one sloshing mode. We alsoprovide a thorough analysis of parameter identifiability and guidelines for obtaining robust parameterestimates. The proposed feed forward control method uses a virtual tray pendulum on which we placethe container (in the form of its equivalent pendulum model). Designing the virtual tray such thatthe fluid’s dominant sloshing mode becomes uncontrollable for displacements of the tray pendulumpivot effectively zeros out any sloshing motion in this mode. We then exploit the flatness property ofthe resulting system to design rest-to-rest maneuvers where any residual sloshing motion (in highermodes) can be exactly stopped at the end of the maneuver. The effectiveness of the proposed methodis demonstrated through extensive simulations and experimental results using a Martini cocktail glass,whose shape is challenging in terms of sloshing. The experimental results show the successful, accurate suppression of sloshing, validating the efficacy of the proposed concept.
Separation of lysozyme-ovotransferrin complexes and the cooperative role of their components in egg white
Authors: Shimazaki Youji , Enomoto Shinya , Ishiko Saki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A complex of ovotransferrin and lysozyme was directly isolated from egg white using an anti-transferrin antibody-immobilized membrane after antiserum proteins were separated by non-denaturing two-dimensional electrophoresis and transferred onto a membrane. The complex retained lysozyme activity that catalyzes the breakdown of peptidoglycans in the bacterial cell wall at the β1–4 bond between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine residues. The activity of the purified lysozyme was suppressed to 6.4% in the presence of 1 µmol Fe2+, whereas that of the mixture of the purified lysozyme and ovotransferrin was maintained at 58%. The activity of the purified lysozyme was suppressed to 35% in the presence of 10 nmol Fe3+, whereas that of the mixture of the purified lysozyme and ovotransferrin was maintained at 66%. Furthermore, the bacteriolytic activity of egg white with reduced glycoproteins such as ovotransferrin was assessed, and the bacteriolytic activity was found to be suppressed in the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+. This suppression was ions, thereby alleviating the inhibition of lysozyme activity by iron ions. A complex of ovotransferrin and lysozyme is efficient because ovotransferrin effectively capture iron ions near lysozyme. Thus, protein complexes containing enzymes can be applied to control their activity.