bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical plasticity and starch allocation in an invasive grass in response to fire
Authors: Rosalem Patrícia Fernanda , Gorgone-Barbosa Elizabeth , de Camargos Liliane Santos , Martins Aline Redondo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to understand whether fire frequency in invaded areas by Urochloa brizantha (A.Rich.) R.D.Webster caused anatomical and physiological changes in this species. Twelve samples were collected per burn treatment in areas with different fire frequencies: fire exclusion, annual and biennial fires. Anatomical, histochemical and physiological analysis were performed on the leaves, rhizomes and roots. Our anatomical results showed that there was an increase in the thickness of the vascular bundle of U. brizantha leaves in the treatment of biennial burning. There were no anatomical differences in the roots. In the rhizomes, epidermis of the burned plants had greater thicknesses, the parenchyma and the vascular bundle of the biennially burned plants were more spherical than in unburned plants and in plants burned annually. This anatomical changes in grass tissues in response to fire have not yet been reported in the literature. In the physiological analyses, we found differences in the starch concentrations in relation to the different organs, the root presented more than 60% of the starch stored in the entire plant. Fire is changing the anatomy of this species, since there was an increase in the thickness of leaf tissues and also in rhizome tissues. The concentrations of starch in the root guaranteed plant to rapidly resprout after burning, which could be considered an advantage in post-fire environments to occupy rapidly the open spaces.
Development of clinical and laboratory biomarkers in an international cohort of 428 children with lupus nephritis
Authors: De Mutiis Chiara , Wenderfer Scott , Basu Biswanath , Bagga Arvind , Orjuela Alvaro , Sar Tanmoy , Aggarwal Amita , Jain Avinash , Boyer Olivia , Yap Hui-Kim , Ito Shuichi , Ohnishi Ai , Iwata Naomi , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Laurent Audrey , Chan Eugene , Mastrangelo Antonio , Ogura Masao , Shima Yuko , Rianthavorn Pornpimol , Silva Clovis , Trindade Vitor , Tullus Kjell 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
There is no consensus on which treatment goals should be achieved to protect kidney function in children with lupus nephritis (LN).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed trends of commonly used laboratory biomarkers of 428 patients (≤ 18 years old) with biopsy proven LN class ≥ III diagnosed and treated in the last 10 years in 25 international centers. We compared data of patients who developed stable kidney remission from 6 to 24 month with those who did not.
Results
Twenty five percent of patients maintained kidney stable remission while 75% did not.
Significantly more patients with stable kidney remission showed normal hemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values from 6 to 24 months compared to the group without stable kidney remission.
Normal kidney function at onset, eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73m2, predicted the development of stable kidney remission (93.8%) compared to 64.7% in those without stable remission (P< 0.00001). At diagnosis 5.9% and 20.2% of the patients showed no proteinuria in the group with and without stable kidney remission respectively (P 0.0001).
DsDNA antibodies decreased from onset of treatment mainly during the first 3 months in all the groups, but more than 50% of all patients in both groups never normalized after 6 months. Complement C3 and C4 increased mainly in the first three months in all the patients without any significant difference.
Conclusion
Normal eGFR and the absence of proteinuria at onset and the normalization of Hb and ESR from 6 to 24 month were predictors of stable kidney remission.
Hypertension, depression, and health-related quality of life among hospitalized patients in Afghanistan
Authors: Neyazi Ahmad , Neyazi Mehrab , Timilsina Shashank , Padhi Bijaya , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, hypertension has become the foremost risk factor for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The present study investigated the association between hypertension and quality of life, as well as the association between hypertension and depression among hospitalized patients in Afghanistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered from September 3, 2022, to February 2, 2023, in the Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif provinces of Afghanistan (N=2059).
Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms was 65.8%, and hypertension was 20.9%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that moderate physical functioning, poor role-physical, higher bodily pain, poor general health, poor social functioning, lower role-emotional, and poor mental health significantly predicted depression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that moderate quality of life, poor physical functioning, higher bodily pain, lower energy/fatigue, and depression significantly predicted hypertension.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study offer valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers in developing targeted interventions and policies to enhance the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of depression and hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension and depression was high among patients in the Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif provinces of Afghanistan. Patients with hypertension had poor mental and physical quality of life. Hospitals should therefore implement regular screening for depression and offer psychological counseling for vulnerable patients with hypertension.
Necroptosis Stimulates Interferon-Mediated Protective Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Rucker A. Justin , Park Christa , Li Qi-Jing , Moseman E Ashley , Chan Francis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Necroptosis is an inflammatory form of cell suicide that critically depends on the kinase activity of Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3). Previous studies showed that immunization with necroptotic cells conferred protection against subsequent tumor challenge. Since RIPK3 can also promote apoptosis and NF-κB-dependent inflammation, it remains difficult to determine the contribution of necroptosis-associated release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in anti-tumor immunity. Here, we describe a system that allows us to selectively induce RIPK3-dependent necroptosis or apoptosis with minimal NF-κB-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression. In a syngeneic tumor challenge model, immunization with necroptotic cells conferred superior protection against subsequent tumor challenge. Surprisingly, this protective effect required CD4+ T cells rather than CD8+ T cells and is dependent on host type I interferon signaling. Our results provide evidence that death-dependent type I interferon production following necroptosis is sufficient to elicit protective anti-tumor immunity.
Factors that influence the adoption of a school-based eHealth alcohol prevention program: a mixed methods study
Authors: Rosado-Pulido Ester Alejandra , Fernández-León Pablo , Lima-Serrano Marta , de Vries Hein 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Drinking alcohol among adolescents is a public health problem worldwide. Evidence-based research has shown that using eHealth interventions effectively reduces risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption. However, despite its benefits, there has been a poor intention to adopt such innovations, and limited resources exist to understand factors influencing the uptake decision to use school-based eHealth alcohol prevention programs. This study aims to identify factors influencing the adoption of a computer-tailored eHealth alcohol prevention program among Spanish school personnel to increase voluntary adoption likelihood. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Integrated Change Model frameworks were used as theoretical bases for understanding the adoption process.
Methods
A cross-sectional study employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design following a development mixing purpose was carried out. First, interviews were conducted with ten Spanish school counselors to assess factors influencing the adoption of the school-based eHealth program by exploring participants' awareness and salient beliefs concerning attitudes, social influences, and self-efficacy. Second, an online quantitative questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative research findings. Third, the new questionnaire was applied to Spanish school personnel (N = 100), including the school management team, school counselors, and teachers.
Results
School personnel with a strong intention to adopt the program (intenders) perceived significantly more advantages and positive innovation attributes than those participants with a weaker intention to adopt (non-intenders). Intenders perceived a higher personal relevance towards using the program, more self-efficacy and positive social influences from their colleagues, and a greater agreement in preparing action plans than the non-intenders group. Advantages and social support were found to explain a significant portion of the variance in the adoption intention.
Conclusions
This study suggests that health intervention researchers should develop strategies to enhance educators' pro-innovation attitudes, perceived personal relevance and responsibility, and perceived ease of use towards adopting an eHealth program. Furthermore, our results indicate that fostering an environment which supports the acceptance of the intervention among the school personnel and planning specific actions with the goal intention of using the program are crucial elements in optimizing adoption promotion and, therefore, fostering dissemination of eHealth programs in school settings.
Fumonisins alone or mixed with other fusariotoxins increase the C22–24:C16 sphingolipid ratios in chickens and ducks, while deoxynivalenol and zearalenone have no effect
Authors: Guerre Philippe , Lassallette Elodie , Beaujardin-Daurian Ugo , Travel Angelique 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The inhibitory effect of fumonisins on ceramide synthases results in several effects on the sphingolipidome, and recent results in chickens suggest that the C22–24:C16 sphingolipid ratios may be complementary biomarkers to Sa:So. Feeding diets containing fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, or zearalenone alone or in combination up to the maximum levels recommended by the European Commission for 35 days in chickens and 12 days in ducks resulted in no effects on performance or toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate their effects on the liver sphingolipidome.
Results
Sphingolipids were characterised by UHPLC-MSMS. Numerous significant effects of fusariotoxins on sphingolipids were observed at the class and analyte levels. Fusariotoxins alone decreased sphingolipids in chickens but had weak effects in ducks. Feeding fumonisins in combination with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone increased sphingolipid levels in chickens but not in ducks. These increases were mainly due to an increase in C22–24 sphingolipids, whereas C16 sphingolipids decreased. The Sa:So ratio and the C22–24:C16 ratio for ceramides, sphingomyelins, monohexosylceramides, dihydroceramides, and dihydrosphingomyelins were unaffected in chickens and ducks fed the diets containing deoxynivalenol or zearalenone but increased in animals fed the fumonisin diets. Interestingly, while the effects of feeding fumonisins alone or in combination on the total amount of sphingolipids differed in chickens, the Sa:So and C22-24:C16 ratios were similar. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis of sphingolipids did not allow discrimination of the animals exposed to deoxynivalenol or zearalenone from the unexposed animals. By contrast, good discrimination of the animals fed the diets containing fumonisins was achieved. Sphinganine, d20 sphinganine, a large number of C16 sphingolipids, and dihydrosphingomyelins for which the fatty acid contains more than 18 carbon atoms, were important variables in the models obtained in chickens and ducks.
Conclusions
The C22–24:C16 ratios of sphingolipids are increased in chickens and ducks by intake of fumonisins but not deoxynivalenol or zearalenone. The increases were similar when fumonisins were fed alone or in combination with deoxynivalenol or zearalenone. The increase in the C22–24:C16 ratio may be an important factor in explaining the interspecies differences in sensitivity to fumonisin toxicity.
AMPK Stimulation Inhibits YAP/TAZ Signaling to Ameliorate Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Shihan Mahbubul H. , Sharma Sachin , Cable Carson , Prathigudupu Vijaya , Chen Alina , Mattis Aras N. , Chen Jennifer Y. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The Hippo pathway and its effectors, YAP and TAZ, are key regulators of HSC activation and fibrosis. However, there is a lack of mechanistic understanding of YAP/TAZ regulation in HSCs. Here we show that AMPK activation leads to YAP/TAZ inhibition and HSC inactivation in vitro, while the expression of a kinase-inactive mutant reversed these effects compared to wild type AMPKɑ1. Notably, the depletion of LATS1/2, an upstream kinase of YAP/TAZ signaling, rescues YAP/TAZ activation, suggesting that AMPK may be mediating YAP/TAZ inhibition via LATS1/2. In the carbon tetrachloride mouse model of fibrosis, pharmacologic activation of AMPK in HSCs inhibits YAP/TAZ signaling and reduces fibrosis. The findings implicate AMPK as a critical regulator of YAP/TAZ signaling and HSC inactivation and highlight AMPK activation as a therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Spatial evolution mechanism of coal structure damage and gas permeability under water-based ultrasonic treatment
Authors: 曹 林杰 , Guo Xiaoyang , Song Liuni , Deng Cunbao , Zhang Yu , Mu Yongliang , Liu Fengyu , Xu Jiahua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial damage effect of water-based ultrasonic on the structure and permeability of high-grade coal. Herein, anthracite from No.10 coal seam of Bangou Coal Mine in Shanxi Province as the research object, and the following were drawn from the experimental research and the gas seepage simulation: (1) the matrix and minerals attached to the coal surface are shattered by bubbles, and some irregular pores and impact pits appear on the surface of the coal. (2) The internal pore structure of coal can be significantly improved in a relatively short period of time, while the fracture structure requires a longer action time. (3) Some large pores and fractures will achieve breakthroughs from nothing to something, with previously isolated and larger aperture seepage pores and fractures interconnected, forming larger connected pore clusters and fractures over the longer action time. (4) With the prolongation of the action time, the coal permeability shows an order of magnitude increase. The growth rate is fast in the pore-creating stage and the formation stage of connected pore clusters, but it is relatively slower in the pore expansion stage.
Intelligent and Mathematical Channel Modeling of Temperature Variation in 5 GHz Line of Sight Communication Over Inland Water Bodies
Authors: V Ancy P , V Vinod Kumar , U Sajesh Kumar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The design and optimization of wireless communication systems of aquatic cell-free networks in the 5 GHz frequency band depends on accurate channel modeling. This band has advantages such as higher data rates and reduced interference, making it well-suited for overcoming the challenges posed by aquatic environments. However, the propagation characteristics over water differ significantly from terrestrial scenarios due to the presence of evaporation duct and atmospheric effects. Crafting a complete channel model that considers both the properties of the water medium and the frequency traits presents a challenge due to these unique attributes. This paper modified the path loss equation which is derived by measurements above the water body taking accounts for different atmospheric conditions. It is well matched with predicted power using machine learning algorithm. The findings indicate a correlation between temperature variations and signal attenuation in the daytime, showcasing an increase in attenuation with rising temperature for the 5 GHz channel in water bodies. Conversely, during nighttime, attenuation decreases as temperatures drop in the same channel.
The Relationship of Conut Score and Blood Urea Nitrogen/albumin Ratio With Survival and Neurological Outcome in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Followed in Neurology Intensive Care
Authors: Mingsar Eren , Tanrıverdi Zeynep , Çakırgöz Mensure , Düztaş Dilan , Sevil Hatice 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Stroke constitutes the second most prevalent cause of death and morbidity globally, and these patients are at risk of malnutrition due to neurological and cognitive impairments. This study assesses the identification of malnutrition in patients with acute ischemic stroke monitored in intensive care units and investigates whether this condition impacts survival and neurological progression.
Methods
The study included patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who were followed in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit. Neurological progression was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. The Controlling Nutritional Status score was calculated using total cholesterol, serum albumin levels, and complete blood lymphocyte counts 24 hours after admission. Chi-square or Fisher's test for categorical variables, the Kaplan-Meier method for survival analyses, and univariate analyses for prognostically significant factors were used. Factors with a P-value < 0.05 were assessed with multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses.
Results
A total of 208 patients were included in the study. The analyses found significant associations with neurological progression for National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale admission score (OR: 5.6, p < 0.001), stroke due to cardioembolic causes (OR: 7.2, p < 0.001), BUN/Albumin ratio (OR: 8.3, p < 0.001), and Controlling Nutritional Status score (OR: 4.3, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale admission score (OR: 1.2, p:0.003), stroke due to cardioembolic causes (OR: 7.7, p:0.018), BUN/Albumin ratio (OR: 7.4, p:0.014), and Controlling Nutritional Status score (OR: 3.8, p:0.013) were significantly associated with neurological progression. In-hospital mortality rate increased with high Controlling Nutritional Status scores and BUN/Albumin ratio.
Conclusions
This study delves into the prognostic value of biological parameters, including the Controlling Nutritional Status score and the BUN/Albumin ratio, for determining neurological progression and overall survival. Furthermore, we examine the influence of stroke type and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale values on patient prognosis.
Assessment of Cell Surface Targets in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Expression Landscape and Molecular Correlates
Authors: Haffner Michael , Ajkunic Azra , Sayar Erolcan , Roudier Martine , Patel Radhika , Coleman Ilsa , Sarkar Navonil , Hanratty Brian , Adil Mohamed , Zhao Jimmy , Zaidi Samir , True Larry , Sperger Jamie , Cheng Heather , Yu Evan , Montgomery Robert , Hawley Jessica , Ha Gavin , Lee John , Harmon Stephanie , Corey Eva , Lang Joshua , Sawyers Charles , Morrissey Colm , Schweizer Michael , Gulati Roman , Nelson Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Therapeutic approaches targeting proteins on the surface of cancer cells have emerged as an important strategy for precision oncology. To fully capitalize on the potential impact of drugs targeting surface proteins, detailed knowledge about the expression patterns of the target proteins in tumor tissues is required. In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), agents targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have demonstrated clinical activity. However, PSMA expression is lost in a significant number of CRPC tumors, and the identification of additional cell surface targets is necessary in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression and co-expression patterns of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) in CRPC samples from a rapid autopsy cohort. We show that DLL3 and CEACAM5 exhibit the highest expression in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), while TROP2 is expressed across different CRPC molecular subtypes, except for NEPC. We observed variable intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity and no dominant metastatic site predilections for TROP2, DLL3, and CEACAM5. We further show that AR amplifications were associated with higher expression of PSMA and TROP2 but lower DLL3 and CEACAM5 levels. Conversely, PSMA and TROP2 expression was lower in RB1-altered tumors. In addition to genomic alterations, we demonstrate a tight correlation between epigenetic states, particularly histone H3 lysine 27 methylation (H3K27me3) at the transcriptional start site and gene body of TACSTD2 (encoding TROP2), DLL3, and CEACAM5, and their respective protein expression in CRPC patient-derived xenografts. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the patterns and determinants of expression of TROP2, DLL3, and CEACAM5 with important implications for the clinical development of cell surface targeting agents in CRPC.
Tobacco rattle virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) as an aid for functional genomics in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Kalia Diksha , Jose-Santhi Joel , Sheikh Firdous Rasool , Singh Deepika , SINGH RAJESH KUMAR 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Several limitations in genetic engineering interventions in saffron exist, hindering the development of genetically modified varieties and the widespread application of genetic engineering in this crop. Lack of genome sequence information, complexity of genetic makeup and lack of well-established genetic transformation protocols limits its in planta functional validation of genes that would eventually lead toward crop optimization. In this study, we demonstrate agro infiltration in leaves of adult plants and whole corm before sprouting are suitable for transient gene silencing in saffron using Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) targeting phytoene desaturase (PDS). Silencing of PDS resulted in bleached phenotype in leaves in both methods. TRV-mediated VIGS could be attained in saffron leaves and corms, providing an opportunity for functional genomics studies in this expensive spice crop.