bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating microRNAs from plasma as preclinical biomarkers of epileptogenesis and epilepsy
Authors: Szydlowska Kinga , Bot Anna , Nizinska Karolina , Olszewski Maciej , Lukasiuk Katarzyna 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Epilepsy frequently develops as a result of brain insult, e.g., brain injury or stroke; however, currently, there are no tools allowing us to predict which patients suffering from trauma will eventually develop epilepsy. microRNAs are interesting candidates for biomarkers, as several of them have been described to change their levels in the brains of epileptic subjects. There is evidence suggesting that microRNA levels are also altered in the plasma during epilepsy. This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of plasma miRNAs as epileptogenesis/epilepsy biomarkers.
Methods
In our studies, we used a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. An epileptogenic insult was status epilepticus evoked by stimulation of the left lateral nucleus of the amygdala. Next, animals were continuously video and EEG monitored for 3 months. Blood was collected at 14, 30, 60, and 90 days after stimulation from the tail vein. Blood plasma was separated and processed using Affymetrix miRNA 4.1 array strip microarrays.
Results
We compared miRNA levels between sham-operated (n = 12) and stimulated animals (n = 15). We detected 14 miRNAs differentiating between sham-operated and stimulated animals at 14 days, 6 at 30 days, 16 at 60 days, and 11 at 90 days. We also compared the miRNA levels between animals with high and low numbers of seizures. We found differences in the levels of 11 miRNAs at 14 d, 7 at 30 d, 11 at 60 d and 8 at 90 d (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
We propose three miRNAs that could be potential biomarkers of different stages of epileptogenesis: miR-671, miR-9a-3p and miR-7a-5p. According to us, miR-206-5p is a potential biomarker of epileptogenesis, and miR-221-3p is a potential biomarker of epilepsy severity, characterized by the number of seizures. We also think that these five miRNAs can be considered in the future as potential treatment targets.
Circular Utilization of Discarded Oyster Farming Bamboo Scaffolding in Pulp and Papermaking
Authors: Sun Hao-Chen , Lai Yu-Hsun , Huang Kuan-Yeh , Huang Ssu-Yu , Shyu Jiann-Gwo , Perng Yuan-Shing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Oyster Farming is one of the important fisheries and aquaculture industries in Taiwan. Each year, approximately 4,000~5,000 tons of discarded bamboo scaffolding (BS) used in oyster farming, are generated. In this context, the treatment and circular utilization of these materials should be taken seriously. This study evaluates the suitability of BS for pulp and papermaking by assessing the chemical compositions, microstructural appearance, and fiber morphology. The pulping properties of BS is investigated by soda pulping. The chemical composition of BS shows the potential for application in pulping. The appearance presents pores and the structure that can enhance pulping reactions, while the fiber morphology indicates the possibility of producing high-strength paper. Through the factorial experiment analysis of soda pulping, it demonstrated that BS is suitable for pulping with lower NaOH dosage and longer digestion time. Among these conditions, the condition at 170°C with 14% NaOH dosage for 90 min digestion has the highest pulping yield in this study. After refining the highest pulping yield BS pulp, with a Hollander beater for 60 min to adjust the freeness, the resulting pulp, when blended into the TOCC pulp, exhibits higher freeness, as well as improved strength and bulk properties of handsheet. The handsheets can achieve the strength property standards required for cardboard, without the chemical additives. In summary, BS exhibits the potential for pulping application and can be blended with OCC pulp to produce cardboard paper, thereby enhancing the circular utilization value of discarded oyster farming bamboo scaffolding in Taiwan.
Value of diffusion-weighted imaging in lesions with different signals on T1WI in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Zeng Chun , Xiang Yayun , Liu Hanjing , Li Yongmei , Xiong Junwei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Backgrounds Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) lesions with different signals on T1WI might exhibit different imaging. This study investigated the ADC characteristics of the anti-NMDA lesions with different disease durations (DDs).
Methods Retrospective analyses were performed on 66 defined patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in our hospital. All patients underwent conventional T2WI, T1WI, and DWI scans. The signal, distribution, and enhancement of the lesions on MRI were observed. Meanwhile, manifestations on DWI and corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images of these lesions were observed, and the ADC values were measured. Relationships between the ADC values and the DD and the modified ranking scale (mRS) scores were analyzed.
Results Twenty-nine lesions were observed in only 22/66 patients. All the 29 lesions with different DDs showed diversified signals on T1WI and ADC maps. 19 lesions in 17 patients with relatively short DDs presented isointensity on T1WI, while hypointensity on the ADC maps. ADC values of the 19 lesions were lower than those of the contralateral normal brain tissues (P < 0.001). Among the ten lesions observed in 5 patients with rather long DDs, seven lesions showed hypointensity and hyperintensity on ADC maps. The average ADC value of the ten lesions was higher than that of the contralateral normal brain tissue (P < 0.05). The ADC values of the lesions showed a positive correlation with the patients’ DDs (P > 0.05).
Conclusions The ADC images and ADC values of anti-NMDAR lesions in different DD are different, which are helpful to infer the pathological changes of this disease.
Quality of life and social reinsertion of patients on maintenance haemodialysis in three regions of Cameroon
Authors: Teuwafeu Denis Georges , Sehbing Mervis , Mahamat Maimouna , Fouda Hermine , Halle Marie-Patrice , Ashuntantang Gloria 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Reduced quality of life is associated with shorter survival in chronic illnesses. However, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and social reinsertion of patients on maintenance haemodialysis is much more underappreciated in resource-limited countries such as Cameroon.
Method
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from February 22nd to May 20th, 2022, in 4 government-funded haemodialysis centres in three randomly selected regions of Cameroon. Patients received twice-weekly dialysis sessions. Social reinsertion and HRQOL were assessed using a structured questionnaire and the kidney disease quality of life instrument (KDQOL-36™). HRQOL scores < 50 were categorized as low, while scores > 50 reflected better HRQOL. Data were analysed using the software statistical package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05.
Results
The study included 434 patients. The mean age was 48.33 (13.55) years, 65.7% (285/434) were male, 62.3% (269/434) had no monthly income, and the mean dialysis vintage was 3.74 (3.83) years. The mean HRQOL score was 44.34 (9.77), and 76.2% (325/434) had HRQOL scores < 50). Overall HRQOL was associated with older age (aOR: 2.344, CI 1.089–5.04). After the initiation of maintenance haemodialysis, 67.1% (49/73) of students dropped out of school. The main reason for school absenteeism and unemployment was physical insufficiency, with 82.4% (19/24) and 52.4% (75/144), respectively. There were no promotions or marriages after initiation; 51% (221/434) of relationships with relatives and friends were affected negatively, while 83.3% (66/79) of those of marriageable ages could not find suitors. The social participation score was poor in 61.5% (267/434) of participants. There was an association between low QOL and social participation (p = 0.009).
Conclusion
The HRQOL of patients on maintenance hemodialysis is greatly reduced, especially their physical health status. Older age was a determinant of low QOL. Additionally, social reinsertion remains poor due to adverse changes that occur to these patients and their families after dialysis initiation.
Approaching coherent turbulence and the roll-cell transition with Lagrangian coherent structures and objective fluxes
Authors: Aksamit Nikolas Olson , Katurji Marwan , Zhang Jiawei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We present the first analysis of objective and material vortices in Large Eddy Simulations of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence. We extract rotating fluid features that maintain structural coherence over time for near-neutral, transitional, and convective boundary layers. In contrast to traditional analysis of coherent structures in turbulent boundary layers, we provide the first objective (frame-indifferent) identification of temporally coherent vortex boundaries that are responsible for organizing tracer distributions. We compare these rotating structures with qualitative descriptions of horizontal rolls and convective cells arising from decades of observational studies. We also quantify their contribution to turbulent fluxes of heat under varying atmospheric stability. Using recently developed tools from the theory of objective transport barriers, we derive connections between the relative orthogonality of objective momentum and heat transport with the presence of rolls and cells. This suggests the relationship between momentum and heat transport through vortex surfaces may help explain the physics behind roll-cell transitions.
Spatial-temporal Evolution and Peer Effects of Urban Green Development Efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Jialiang , Zhong Mingchun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In the process of global urban development, there are urgent ecological security and environmental pollution problems, green development is the fundamental way for urban sustainable development, economic transformation and mitigation of ecological and environmental problems. Based on the panel data of 283 cities at prefecture level and above in China from 2003 to 2017, this paper analyzes spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of urban green development efficiency (UGDE) and the peer effects of UGDE between cities of different grades. It is found that during the study period, in terms of temporal evolution, the average UGDE in China increased from 0.47 in 2003 to 0.61 in 2017, with a cumulative growth rate of 29.79%, showing a rising trend in general. In terms of spatial evolution, the number of low-efficiency cities and medium-efficiency cities continued to decrease. The eastern region has always been the main distribution areas of higher-efficiency cities and high-efficiency cities; in the central region, UGDE in most cities improved significantly; in the western region, UGDE has always lagged behind that in the eastern and central regions. In addition, the center of gravity of UGDE presented a trend of northwest migration in general, with a total displacement of 100.07 km, and UGDE showed a spatial dispersion trend. The empirical results indicate that the improvement of UGDE in large cities has a driving effect on that in neighboring medium cities and small cities through the positive peer effect, and the growth of UGDE in medium cities has a promoting effect on that in neighboring small cities through the positive peer effect; the increase of UGDE in medium cities has a positive peer effect on that in neighboring large cities, and the growth of UGDE in small cities has a positive peer effect on that in neighboring medium cities; UGDE promotes each other between large cities through the positive peer effect.
A Novel Lifting Point Location Optimization Method of Transmission Line Tower Based on Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Wang Guolin , Ding Pengjie , Huang Chaosheng , Yu Zhongliang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
There are some deficiencies in the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) when optimizing the four-point lifting location of the transmission line tower, such as low optimization efficiency and easy to fall into a local minimum. Therefore, this study proposes an optimization method for the four-point lifting location of transmission line towers based on improved GWO. The good point-set is used to improve the initialization method of gray wolf individuals in order to ensure the uniform distribution of population position and reduce the invalid search in the early stage of optimization. Two random operators are used to adjust the optimal gray wolf position by combination mutation, which enhances the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimum. Finally, the median of gray wolf population is used to consider the trend information of optimization process, and the stability of optimization algorithm is improved. Through the simulation experiment of the improved algorithm and comparison with genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm, and artificial fish swarm algorithm. The results show that the improved algorithm has a better effect and faster convergence speed in solving the optimization problem, and it is better than other optimization algorithms in the optimization problem of the four-point lifting of transmission line tower.
Power Regulation and Performance Optimization of PV-BES-FC HRES: A Case Study
Authors: Buts Kumaril , Dewan Prof. Lillie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This research paper considers a real technical problem related to the economic performance evaluation of green energy generation with power regulation. A Photovoltaic (PV)-Battery Energy Storage (BES) and fuel Cell (FC) supported Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) provides electrical power with zero carbon emission. PV generators and FC systems are slow-responding energy sources and can't mitigate the peak load demand. The peak load stress reduces the efficiency and lifespan of the FC, and it is liable to instability for a slow-responding PV generator. Power regulation with load stress mitigation is of utmost importance for reliable operation. For this purpose, the addition of a fast-responding Energy Storage System (ESS), Batteries, and/or Supercapacitors, connected to the HRES is required. The performance of the combined operation of PV-ESS and FC should be well-regulated for the reliable working of the system. For this purpose, the design of a suitable controller is required to manage and regulate the power distribution with variable load, according to demand. This paper proposes a Proportional Integral (PI)- hybrid controller to regulate load stress while maintaining the power demand for PV-BES & FC supported RES during variable load. A case study of Visvesvaraya Bhawan (Hostel-10), National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra (NITK), Kurukshetra, India, with residing capacity of fifteen hundred students, is considered to verify the proposed approach governing the base load demand with peak load stress management. The HOMER Pro software is used for sizing and confirming the economic performance of the HRES. MATLAB simulated proposed control approach is verified on the Real-Time OPAL-RT platform.
Higher crop diversity in less diverse landscapes
Authors: Schiller Josepha , Jänicke Clemens , Reckling Moritz , Ryo Masahiro 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
CONTEXT: Agricultural landscapes need to be diversified for ensuring resilient agricultural production and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, the relationship between agricultural diversity and landscape diversity is largely understudied.
OBJECTIVES: We aim to assess the spatial organisational relationship between agricultural and landscape diversity and their underlying drivers in Brandenburg, Germany.
METHODS: We used the mean number of unique crop types per field per decade (i.e., crop rotational diversity) as a proxy for agricultural diversity and the number of land use and land cover types and the number of habitat types as proxies for landscape diversity. Soil and climate characteristics and geographical positions were used to identify potential drivers of the diversity facets. All spatial information was aggregated at 10x10 km resolution, and statistical associations were tested by employing Pearson’s correlation, machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence methods.
RESULTS: Results revealed a non-linear negative relationship of crop rotational diversity to landscape diversity metrics. We identified that soil quality was positively linked with crop rotational diversity and negatively linked with landscape diversity metrics. The link between mean temperature and crop rotational diversity was negative, while with landscape diversity it was positive.
CONCLUSION: Our study indicates a spatial trade-off between crop and landscape diversity potentially because of the preferred use of soils with higher quality for agricultural production with more diverse cash crops, large fields and less semi-natural habitats. For increasing crop and landscape diversity, the respective strategies and targets should be tailored to the corresponding local and regional conditions.
Induction of precocious females in the protandrous barramundi (Lates calcarifer) with long-acting estradiol implants
Authors: Idan Ad Fine , Sivan Berta Levavi , Aizen Joseph 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
With the growing demand for fish protein, more aquatic species are currently being introduced into aquaculture. The Australian barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite changing its sex from male to female. It takes several years for the barramundi to change from male to female which prevents inter-generation breeding and creates and obstacle for the establishment of a sustainable genetic enhancement program. In sequential hermaphrodites, sexual maturation as one sex or the other derives from the delicate balance between two steroids: 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and as in other vertebrates, ovarian development is correlated to the rising levels of E2 as a response to FSH activity. In this work we aimed to shorten the generation time of the barramundi grown by Israeli aquaculture via injection of E2 ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVAc) implants in three different doses, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg BW and a control group with empty implants. An endocrine profile for E2 and 11KT and gonadal biopsies were examined throughout the study. Our results showed significant differences in E2 levels between the treated groups and the control, two months after the last given treatment. Furthermore, oocyte diameter increased accordingly in the treated fish exhibiting over 75% sex change. Finally, treated females were used for spawning induction resulting in successful fertilization both in 2020 and 2021. This protocol producing fertile females and shortening the generation time by two years and can be utilized in commercial production of barramundi for selective breeding programs in Israel.
Tissue culture protocol for the new Citrus hybrid cultivar “Minihyang”
Authors: Jin Seong-Beom , Choi Cheol-Woo , Park Suk-Man , Kim Min Ju , Kim Jae-Hong , Lee Dong-Hoon , Yun Su-Hyun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Citrus hybrid “Minihyang” is a novel citrus cultivar created through the hybridization of Citrus kinokuni ex Tanaka “Kishu mikan” and Citrus reticulate “Ootaponkan.” The fruits of the domestic cultivar are small and seedless, with a high sugar content. Therefore, Citrus “Minihyang” has a niche market for ornamental and commercial purposes with a high value. Additionally, it is a valuable genetic resource for superior variety development because of its unique characteristics. However, a tissue culture system for “Minihyang” is not available, thereby constraining the utilization of bioengineering techniques for its cultivation. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a regeneration system for “Minihyang” using cultured cells of unfertilized and undeveloped seeds from mature fruits.
Results
We used an induction-modified Murashige and Tucker medium (70 g·L− 1 lactose, 500 mg·L− 1 malt extract, and 16 g·L− 1 agar added to the basic Murashige and Tucker medium) to generate somatic embryogenic cells under semi-dark conditions at 25 ± 2°C and 4-week intervals. Propagated cells were obtained through subculture at 4-week intervals in a modified Murashige and Skoog (EMS) medium containing 50 g·L− 1 sucrose, 500 mg·L− 1 malt extract, and 8 g·L− 1 agar. Rather than normal cotyledon-stage embryos, abnormal globular embryos were observed after 4 weeks of culture in EMS medium containing 70 g·L− 1 lactose and 16 g·L− 1 agar. By regenerating plants from these abnormal globular embryos, we obtained somatic embryos with developing shoots and roots within 3 weeks of culture in EMS medium containing 0.05 M sorbitol and 0.05 M galactose as carbohydrate sources, 0.5 mg·L− 1 gibberellic acid, and 2 g·L− 1 gelrite. These embryos were transferred to and cultured in EMS medium containing 50 g·L− 1 sucrose, 500 mg·L− 1 malt extract, and 8 g·L− 1 agar to produce normal plants. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis confirmed that “Minihyang” was closely related to “Kishu mikan.”
Conclusions
We successfully developed a tissue culture system for “Minihyang,” enabling its cultivation and utilization for bioengineering most citrus tissues. Thus, “Minihyang” can serve as a genetic resource for developing bioactive cultivars using biotechnological techniques and be used to breed cultivars that can be entirely consumed.
The host response of COVID-19 and identification from other aetiologies of community-acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Lv Haiyan , Tang Tianbin , Zhou Fang , Fang Yicheng , Shen Bo , Ying Yaping 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was a common respiratory tract infection in children, which can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, mycoplasma (MP), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and recently SARS-CoV-2 are the most widespread. We attempt to distinguish common and pathogen-specific host response characteristics by comparing the CAP of different pathogens.
Methods
We included 200 CAP hospitalized cohort caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19, n = 50), mycoplasma (CAP-MP, n = 50), RSV (CAP-RSV, n = 50) and other bacteria (CAP-Bacteria, n = 50), of whom were balanced the potentially confounding factors (such as age and gender) based on Propensity Score Matching algorithm(PSM). We compared hematologic and biochemical indicators for different CAPs, samples were taken within 48 hours of admission.
Results
Main clinical features of COVID-19 were fever, faster heart rate and lower antibiotic use. Notably, markers of immuno-inflammatory, including white blood cell, lymphocyte and procalcitonin (PCT) were not different among the CAP groups. Biomarkers reflecting nutrient metabolism showed total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) levels in the COVID-19 group were lower than those in the CAP-MP group, the creatinine and urea levels of the COVID-19 patients were higher than that of CAP-MP group. The serum sodium and calcium levels in the COVID-19 group were the lowest and significantly lower than that in the CAP-MP group, while serum phosphorus levels were opposite. Moreover, we observed that the creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels in the COVID-19 were higher than those in the CAP-MP groups.
Conclusions
Our study revealed common and unique pathophysiological features of different pathogens-associated CAP, which may facilitate the pathogen-specific precision diagnosis and treatment.