bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide characterization of BnaLEA gene family reveals a positive role of BnaLEA39 in freezing tolerance in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Wang Weiping , Liu Yan , Kang Yu , Liu Wei , Li Shun , Wang Zhonghua , Xia Xiaoyan , Chen Xiaoyu , Qian Lunwen , Xiong Xinghua , Liu Zhongsong , Guan Chunyun , He Xin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Freezing stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that causes extensive damage to plants. LEA (Late embryogenesis abundant) proteins play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress. However, there is limited research on the function of LEA genes in low-temperature stress in Brassica napus (rapeseed).
Results
Total 148 potential LEA genes were identified in B. napus and divided into eight subgroups. BnaLEA genes of the same subgroup had similar gene structures and predicted subcellular locations. Cis-regulatory elements analysis showed that the promoters of BnaLEA genes rich in cis-regulatory elements related to various abiotic stresses. Additionally, RNA-seq and real-time PCR results indicated that the majority of BnaLEA family members were highly expressed in senescent tissues of rapeseed, especially during late stages of seed maturation, and most BnaLEA genes can be induced by salt and osmotic stress. Interestingly, the BnaLEA39 and BnaLEA40 genes were highly expressed across different vegetative and reproductive organs during different development stages, and showed strong responses to salt, osmotic, and cold stress, particularly freezing stress. Further analysis showed that overexpression of BnaLEA39 increased the freezing tolerance in rapeseed, as evidenced by lower relative electrical leakage and higher survival rates compared to the wild-type (WT) under freezing treatment.
Conclusion
This study is of great significance for understanding the functions of BnaLEA genes in freezing tolerance in rapeseed and offers an ideal candidate gene (BnaLEA39) for molecular breeding of freezing-tolerant rapeseed cultivars.
Quercetin promotes the proliferation and maturation of NK cells by binding to MYH9 and improves cognitive functions in aged mice
Authors: Su Tingting , Shen Haitao , He Mengyuan , Yang Shanshan , Gong Xue , Huang Ce , Guo Liuling , Wang Hao , Feng Shengyu , Mi Taotao , Zhao Meili , Liu Qing , Huo Fenjiao , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhu Jianbo , Li Hongbin , Liu Hailiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Quercetin is a flavonol compound widely distributed in plants that possesses diverse biological properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective and senescent cell-clearing activities. It has been shown to effectively alleviate neurodegenerative diseases and enhance cognitive functions in various models. The immune system has been implicated in the regulation of brain function and cognitive abilities. However, it remains unclear whether quercetin enhances cognitive functions by interacting with the immune system.
Results: In this study, middle-aged female mice were administered quercetin via tail vein injection. Quercetin increased the proportion of NK cells, without affecting T or B cells, and improved cognitive performance. Depletion of NK cells significantly reduces cognitive ability in mice. RNA-seq analysis revealed that quercetin modulated the RNA profile of hippocampal tissues in aging animals towards a more youthful state. In vitro, quercetin significantly inhibited the differentiation of Lin−CD117+ hematopoietic stem cells into NK cells. Furthermore, quercetin promoted the proliferation and maturation of NK cells by binding to the MYH9 protein.
Conclusions: In summary, our findings suggest that quercetin promotes the proliferation and maturation of NK cells by binding to the MYH9 protein, thereby improving cognitive performance in middle-aged mice.
Nest excavators’ learning walks in the Australian desert ant Melophorus bagoti
Authors: Deeti Sudhakar , McLean Donald James , Cheng Ken 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Australian red honey ant, Melophorus bagoti, stands out as the most thermophilic ant in Australia, engaging in all outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day during summer months. This species of desert ants often navigates by means of path integration and learning landmark cues around the nest. In our study, we observed the outdoor activities of M. bagoti workers engaged in nest excavation, the maintenance of the nest structure, primarily by taking excess sand out of the nest. Before undertaking nest excavation, the ants conducted a single exploratory walk. Following their initial learning expedition, these ants then engaged in nest excavation activities. Consistent with previous findings on pre-foraging learning walks, after just one learning walk, the desert ants in our study demonstrated the ability to return home from locations 2 metres away from the nest, although not from locations 4 metres away. These findings indicate that even for activities like dumping excavated sand within a range of 5–10 cm outside the nest, these ants learn and utilize the visual landmark panorama around the nest.
Clinical and Biological Profile and Factors Associated With High Blood Lead Levels in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in a Western French Guiana Hospital Center
Authors: BUNKETE Arriel MAKEMBI , FERMIGIER Florence , SIDIBE Modi , GONDELE David , ANGA Kazi , MPIBI Blady , EDJOKOLA Alphonse , BAFUNYEMBAKA Gabriel , KUAMBA Pascal , MORRY Franchisca-Anaïs , KASHALA Yannick , SIDIBE Mohamed , BELGRINE Malika , DAVODOUN Timote , DJICONKPODE Irenée , GBAGUIDI Tanguy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Lead is toxic to the body. Its chronic intoxication combines various clinical and biological disorders that can be life-threatening. In French Guiana, lead poisoning is particularly worrying, as the incidence rate is nearly sixty times higher than in metropolitan France. In chronic hemodialysis patients, lead levels are often higher and can lead to several adverse consequences. Hence, the interest of this study, which is to describe the clinical and biological characteristics of chronic hemodialysis patients with high blood lead levels and to identify the associated factors to draw attention to its screening and the prevention of its complications.
Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that included 65 patients on chronic conventional hemodialysis: with an annual biological assessment in December 2022, including a serum lead assay. The outcome was the notion of hyper lead level, defined by a lead level > 85 μg/l. We described the clinical, biological, and dialytic parameters of patients with hyper lead levels and in logistic regression, we identified the factors that are correlated according to a significance threshold P<0.05.
Results: In all, 54% of patients had hyperplumbemia, 2/3 of them women. They were older, with an average age of 62. None of the patients had been occupationally exposed to lead. 94% were hypertensive and half were diabetic. 26% had anemia, and half had erythropoietin resistance. Their ferritin levels were slightly lower, with a mean of 721 μg/l. Mean albumin was 30 g/l, prealbumin 28 g/l, mean parathyroid hormone 1355 ng/ml, NT-pro BNP 9144 ng/ml. Mean CRP was 10.8 mg/l. They had collapsed residual diuresis and natriuresis with averages of 141 ml and 12 mmol/24 hours, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between high BLL levels and young age, and a negative correlation with female gender, low serum albumin, prealbumin, protein and ferritin levels, as well as collapsed residual diuresis.
Conclusion: High blood lead levels are common in the Guyanese chronic hemodialysis population in which it is correlated with female sex, malnutrition, iron deficiency and residual poor renal function and probably with resistance to erythropoietin treatment. It is necessary to screen in at-risk populations to prevent complications associated with it.
A Strategy for Optimal and Selective Utilization of Multiple Interline DC Power Flow Controllers in VSC-HVDC Grids
Authors: Pourmirasghariyan Mirhamed , Yazdi Seyed Saeid Heidari , Milimonfared Jafar , Abbasipour Mehdi , Bagheri Mehdi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Inserting interline dc power flow controllers (IDC-PFCs) promote the control flexibility of the DC power flow (DC-PF) in meshed voltage source converter (VSC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) grids. Moreover, the steady-state security of the VSC-HVDC grids can be enhanced significantly when the IDC-PFCs are optimally placed and tuned. Therefore, it is proposed to apply minimum spanning tree (MST) graph theory to specify safe subgraph and unsafe subgraphs (which are prone to getting overloaded) of the VSC-HVDC grids and provide graphical insights on the static security conditions. The concept of the current variation index (CVI) is introduced to find the optimal locations of the IDC-PFCs within the identified unsafe subgraphs with maximized current alteration capability. The location with the highest value of CVI is considered the optimal placement scenario. As the focus would be on unsafe subgraphs, the optimal placement process would be done with the minimum computational burden. Then, static mixed-integer power injection models (MI-PIMs) are proposed to model multiple optimally-placed IDC-PFCs and develop mixed-integer security-constraint dc optimal power flow (MI-SC DC-OPF) formulations. The proposed MI-SC DC OPF would simultaneously activate the minimum required number of most effective optimally-placed IDC-PFCs and specify optimum references for them according to the operating point of the VSC-HVDC grid. The effective performances of the proposed placement strategy and selective/optimal operation method are evaluated on CIGRE B4 and IEEE 57-bus VSC-HVDC girds by performing static analysis.
Using tracer particle kinematics to predict particle size in rotating drums
Authors: Laudari Sudip , Marks Benjy , Rognon Pierre 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Comminution is an energy intensive process. In ball mills, it is achieved by rotating a drum in which large metal balls crush ore particles. In-situ monitoring of particle size would be of considerable interest to optimize their operation. However, there is no established solution to measure particle size in such a harsh mechanical environment. We show here that the acceleration of the grinding media, which can be monitored using embedded accelerometers, can be used to sense the particle size during operation. In DEM simulations, we find that a machine learning classifier is able to detect the size of small "ore" particles solely based on the knowledge of the acceleration of larger grinding media particles. Results show that this kinematic sensing is effective over a wide range of particle size ratios, mixture ratio and mill charge. Beyond their practical interest in mineral processing, these results point out that the kinematics of large particles is affected by the size of the smaller particles, an observation which can help advance rheological models for bi-disperse granular flows.
Cadmium exposure causes mouse spermatogonia apoptosis via inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wu Jie , Yin Qizi , Wang Yi , Wang Rong , Gong Wenjing , Chen Yihang , Zhang Mingming , Liu Yehao , Ji Yanli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), which can cause testicular germ cell apoptosis, is a well-recognized male reproductive toxicant, but the underlying mechanism still needs investigation. To detect Cd toxicity on testicular germ cell, we treated mouse spermatogonia with CdCl2 in vitro and investigated the responses from cells at both RNA and protein levels. After treating mouse-derived spermatogonia cell line GC-1 spg cells with 20 µM CdCl2 for 24h, cell apoptosis was measured by TUNEL and flow cytometry assay. After then, the expressions of key genes and protein biomarkers involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were detected by qPCR and western blot, respectively. Finally, untargeted metabolomics was performed to compare metabolic differences, and Illumina RNA sequencing was conducted to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Our results indicated that Cd exposure caused cell apoptosis, DEGs were involved in several apoptosis-related pathways. Cd exposure apparently elevated the mRNA and protein expressions levels of both GRP78 and ATF6α, and disrupted the expression of many types of metabolites, especially for amino acids. Taken together, our study uncovers the pathway of Cd toxicity on mouse spermatogonia, provides deep understanding on Cd-induced testicular toxicity.
Lotus Elixir: A melody of gene expression variation in Oncorhynchus mykiss tissues
Authors: Maqsood Hakim Mudasir , Ganai Nazir Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Asimi Oyais Ahmad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present study evaluated the survival and immune response of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings fed with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NNLE) for 90-day time period. Two hundred and fifty fingerlings were randomly distributed into five treatment groups in triplicates. Each group was fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic regimes containing 0% NNLE (control), 0.25% NNLE (T1), 0.75% NNLE (T2), 1.25% NNLE (T3), and 1.75% NNLE (T4) to satiation. NNLE was found to significantly (P < 0.05) reduce malate dehydrogenase and aspartate amino-transferase activity in the liver tissue. Alanine amino-transferase activity in the muscle tissue of NNLE fed groups was significantly higher than in the control. The liver and gill superoxide dismutase activity were significantly reduced in the NNLE fed groups compared to the control. Also, the catalase activity in the liver and gill got significantly lowered in the T4 group. NNLE fed groups showed elevated RBC, TLC, respiratory burst activity, lysozyme activity and phagocytic activity compared to control group. Also, mRNA expression of defensin and hepcidingenes showed significant upregulation in NNLE fed groups thereby highlighting its role in modulation of innate immune response. During pre-challenge phase, pro inflammatory cytokines were significantly (p<0.05) down-regulated compared to control. Whereas, post-challenge period, T4 (1.75% NNLE) caused substantial (p<0.05) up-regulation of IL-1 and TNF-α1 expression. Regulatory cytokines were slightly up-regulated during pre-challenge and down-regulated post-challenge periods. Treatment groups T3 and T4 showed significantly (p<0.05) higher survival rate after challenged with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. The study highlights that supplementation of Indian lotus leaf extract at the rate of 1.75% in diet enhances the disease resistance in rainbow trout.
Doublecortin-like kinase is required for cnidocyte development in Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Kraus Johanna E. M. , Busengdal Henriette , Kraus Yulia , Rentzsch Fabian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The complex morphology of neurons requires precise control of their microtubule cytoskeleton. This is achieved by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that regulate the assembly and stability of microtubules, and transport of molecules and vesicles along them. While many of these MAPs function in all cells, some are specifically or predominantly involved in regulating microtubules in neurons. Here we use the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis as a model organism to provide new insights into the early evolution of neural microtubule regulation. As a cnidarian, Nematostella belongs to an outgroup to all bilaterians and thus occupies an informative phylogenetic position for reconstructing the evolution of nervous system development. We identified an ortholog of the microtubule-binding protein doublecortin-like kinase (NvDclk1) as a gene that is predominantly expressed in neurons and cnidocytes (stinging cells), two classes of cells belonging to the neural lineage in cnidarians. A transgenic NvDclk1 reporter line revealed an elaborate network of neurite-like processes emerging from cnidocytes in the tentacles and the body column. A transgene expressing NvDclk1 under the control of the NvDclk1 promoter suggests that NvDclk1 is indeed a microtubule-binding protein. Further, we generated a mutant for NvDclk1 using CRISPR/Cas9 and show that the mutants fail to generate mature cnidocytes. Our results support the hypothesis that the elaboration of programs for microtubule regulation occurred early in the evolution of nervous systems.
Evaluation of adherence to adrenaline auto-injector use and knowledge retention among c-KIT positive hymenoptera venom allergic patients
Authors: Močnik Tea , Košnik Mitja 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Backround: Severe anaphylactic reactions in patients with clonal mast cell diseases highlight the importance of an adeptly utilization adrenaline auto-injectors (AI). This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge retention and adherence to AI usage among individuals with hymenoptera venom allergies and a c-KIT positive mutation, receiving venom immunotherapy (VIT) and equipped with two AI devices.
Methods: 71 participants undergoing VIT received personalized education on AI utilization. Knowledge assessments were conducted at varying intervals: 3 months, 4-12 months, 12-24 months, and beyond 24 months post-education. Additionally, fifteen participants, having completed VIT five years prior, underwent re-education via video content, followed by a knowledge assessment one month post-retraining.
Results: The findings highlighted significant differences in knowledge retention across intervals, emphasizing the need for tailored educational approaches. Participants assessed 'after 3 months' demonstrated higher knowledge levels (82.3%) compared to those 'after 12-24 months' (40.0%, p = 0.0160) and 'after 24 months' (22.2%, p = 0.0005). Prolonged post-training periods showed a decline in knowledge (-0.9362). Common AI usage errors included safety cap disregard (16.7%), inadequate force during thigh injection, potential finger injection, and device activation in the upper arm muscle (totaling 19.0%). Moreover, 19.8% failure to administer the AI in the muscle for the requisite 3 seconds, 27% were unaware of assuming a supine position during anaphylaxis, and 14.3% did not seek emergency assistance. In a separate group, 80% lacked AI proficiency after a month, with 73.3% unaware of the second AI administration, and 66.7% without their devices.
Conclussion: This study underscores the critical necessity for continual, customized educational interventions to ensure proficient AI device utilization among individuals with specific venom allergies, particularly those with c-KIT positive status. Relying solely on video content for knowledge reinforcement may not yield optimal efficiency levels.
Revealing the Uncommon: Uveitic Glaucoma as a Distinctive Manifestation of Ocular Tuberculosis
Authors: Dupont Alec , Abou-Jaoude Michelle M. , Ghahari Parichehr , Grubbs James A. , Ghahari Elham 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: This case report presents a woman who recently immigrated to the United States, referred for evaluation of unspecified glaucoma. The aim is to outline her clinical presentation, while emphasizing the complexities in diagnosing and management.
Case presentation: The patient presented with a history of glaucoma diagnosed three years earlier in Senegal, resulting in vision loss in her right eye. The diagnostic evaluation included various ophthalmic assessments, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, pachymetry, gonioscopy, slit-lamp examination, and dilated fundus examinations.
Ophthalmic evaluations revealed signs of uveitic glaucoma, including pigmented keratic precipitates, anterior chamber cell, lens anomalies, and pigmented anterior vitreous cell. A comprehensive systemic investigation was undertaken, involving diverse blood tests and imaging, to identify the underlying cause of her uveitic glaucoma. Systemic analysis uncovered a positive QuantiFERON TB Gold test and positive ANA testing, while other tests ruled out alternative diagnoses.
The patient diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis and initiated a course of anti-tuberculosis medications. At the 3-month follow-up, her IOP remained stable, and the uveitis was inactive. By the 6-month, her left eye showed subjective improvement in vision, while her right eye's vision remained unchanged, and IOP measurements had normalized.
Conclusion: This case underscores the significance of considering tuberculosis as a potential cause of uveitis without significant involvement in other organs, and the intricacies of managing such cases, particularly in pregnant individuals. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can enhance outcomes for patients with tuberculous uveitis.
Acute Helicobacter pylori infection incidence and association with metabolic abnormalities in the general Chinese population: a retrospective study
Authors: Feng Zhan , Chen Lan , Wu Qing , Xu Fan , Tong Qian , Wang Guofu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide, and previous studies on the correlation between H. pylori infection and metabolic abnormalities have provided inconsistent conclusions. We assessed the incidence of acute H. pylori infection and its relationship with metabolic abnormalities in the general Chinese population.
Methods:
Participants attending the physical examination underwent a carbon-13 urea breath test (13C-UBT). For individuals, the following data were collected: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total protein, albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and homocysteine.
Results:
A total of 29154 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of acute H. pylori infection was 29.79% (8684/29154). Spearson correlation analysis showed that gender, BMI, ALB, GLB, TBIL, DBIL, IBIL, and FPG were closely related to H. pylori infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with stepwise subset selection further identified sex, BMI, ALB concentration, GLB concentration, DBIL concentration, and FPG as independent risk factors for acute H. pylori infection.
Conclusion:
Our results indicated that acute H. pylori infection might have a significant impact on metabolic abnormalities, which should be further confirmed.
Modeling Carbon Dioxide Absorption in Choline Chloride Based Deep Eutectic Solvents Using COSMO-SAC Method
Authors: Rezaei Neda , Sabzi Fatemeh , Parvasi Payam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The COnductor-like Screening MOdels-Segment Aactivity Coefficient (COSMO-SAC) is a promising approach for computing activity coefficients in the liquid phase. Using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) as green solvents to absorb greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), has attracted noticeable attention in research. Despite this, few modeling investigations have employed the COSMO-SAC model for estimating carbon dioxide solubility in choline chloride-based DESs. Our research aimed to overcome the obstacles with group contribution methods’ parameters using the COSMO-SAC model which employs general parameters. In our study, we developed and validated the model using around 80% of the datasets, with the remaining 20% used for testing. The range of average relative deviation varied between 7.64% to 47.84. Furthermore, the calculation results indicated decreased average relative deviations at lower temperatures. The findings exhibited that the model is qualitatively successful in predicting carbon dioxide solubility in choline chloride-based DESs. However, adding more solvents and experimental data to enhance the model’s accuracy would broaden the model’s applicability to various DESs.