bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asparaginase and isoaspartyl peptidase 1 RNA interference suppresses the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Feng Bo , Pei Yingying , Zhang Weiwei , Zheng Qi , Zhou Yan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck tumor that possesses invasion and growth. This study aims to explore the impact of RNA interference on the growth and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Asparaginase and isoaspartyl peptidase 1 (ASRGL1)-short hairpin(sh) RNA expressing lentivirus was used to investigate the effect of ASRGL1 knockdown on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (C666-1). The target shASRGL1 gene was determined by mRNA and protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, ATP levels and oxidative stress were examined. The results found that shASRGL1 exhibited a high gene expression knockdown efficiency, downregulated the ASRGL1 protein expression in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, suppressed proliferation viability of transfected nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, inhibited their migration and invasion and ATP levels, promoted nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis, ROS and ferroptosis. shASRGL1 plays a role in protecting against nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth and invasion.
Biotic plant-soil feedbacks alone do not explain why more diverse plant communities are less invasible
Authors: Yuan Hao-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Alpert Peter , He Lin-Xuan , Xue Wei , Huang Lin , Peng Ling , Yu Fei-Hai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aims
Considerable evidence suggests that more diverse communities of native plants more strongly resist invasion by introduced plants. Here we tested whether biotic plant-soil feedbacks can explain this relationship independently of other factors, via either soil richness, as based on the number of different plant species interacting with soil; or soil heterogeneity, the degree to which plant-soil feedbacks involving different plant species are spatially separated. No previous study appears to have tested both soil richness and heterogeneity as components of biotic plant-soil feedbacks that might explain why more diverse native plant communities are less invasible.
Methods
We conditioned soils with monocultures of six native plant species and grew five introduced plant species individually in sterilized soil inoculated with one, two, or four of the conditioned soils, keeping the conditioned soils separate or mixing them.
Results
Soil richness had little effect on the final dry mass of any introduced species. Higher soil heterogeneity did not decrease final mass in any introduced species and instead increased it in one.
Conclusion
Results suggest that biotic plant-soil feedbacks are not in themselves an important mechanism by which diversity limits invasibility but do not rule out the possibility that such feedbacks play a role in combination with other mechanisms such as abiotic feedbacks or plant competition.
Comparative Floral and Seed Anatomy of Newly Identified Sarcocornia and Salicornia Species in Tunisia: Insights into Anther Development, Megasporogenesis, and Embryological Characteristics
Authors: Hayder Zaineb , Boughalleb Fayçal , Abdellaoui Raoudha , Hashem Abeer , Avila-Quezada Graciela Dolores , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Tarhouni Mohamed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background Detailed studies were conducted for the first time on the floral anatomical features, anther development, megasporogenesis, embryological stages, and seed anatomical characteristics of S. fruticosa, S. alpini, and S. emerici. These species were recently identified in Tunisia through a molecular study.Methods Histological sections, observations using a light microscope, and photographs were taken.Results The results indicate that the pollen grains are characterized by a pantoporate structure of predominantly spheroidal shape. The ovary takes on an annular shape and then curves to produce a campylotropic ovule. After fertilization, the nucellus gives rise to the perisperm, which is absent in mature seeds. The mature embryo exhibits a horseshoe shape and occupies almost the entire seed. The filament length, the size of the anther, pollen, ovary, style, stigma, and seed were the most developed in S. fruticosa. The radicle is longer than the cotyledons in S. emerici, whereas they are of the same length in the other two species. Regarding seed ornamentation, S. fruticosa exhibits a verrucate exotesta with short hairs and papillae that have a blunt tip. However, in S. alpini, it shows a higher density of papillae with a round and conical apex. In S. emerici, the seed surface is covered with numerous long hairs.Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first contribution, as these species had not been previously examined. Furthermore, the findings related to megasporogenesis, female gametophyte, and embryonic development provide evidence that further studies are required for a better anatomical characterization of the Salicornia/Sarcocornia genus.
The pattern of hepatectomy and posthepatectomy complications in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Yohanna Aregawi , Abubeker Zeki Abdurahman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Hepatic resection is a procedure performed for benign and malignant liver lesions, often involving the removal of liver tissue with or without resection of other organs. Different complications, including bleeding, biliary leakage, liver failure, renal failure and postoperative infections, can occur postoperatively. The outcome of hepatic resection is affected by preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors. In Ethiopia, although the demand for hepatectomy is very high, the pattern and factors affecting the outcomes are not well known due to the lack of adequate studies.
Methods
A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Tikur Anbessa and Addis Hiwot hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All eligible and complete patient records registered from March 2016 to March 2021 from both hospitals were included and reviewed. The data were entered and cleaned with Epidata version 3.1 and then exported to and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive data analysis was performed, and the data are presented in tables, charts and graphs. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors, and a p value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Results
A total of 97 patients underwent hepatic resection. There were 50 females and 47 males. A significantly greater proportion (26.8%) of the patients who underwent hepatectomy in both hospitals developed complications. Primary hemorrhage and postoperative infection were the most common complications and occurred in 17.5% and 11.3%, respectively, of the patients. Other complications that occurred included bile leakage, ascites, and organ failure, and some patients (5.2%) developed multiple complications. Hepatectomy performed for liver metastases with simultaneous resection of the primary tumor was significantly associated with postoperative complications (AOR = 16.01; 95% CI = 1.66-155.94).
Conclusions
A significantly greater proportion of patients developed complications, of which primary hemorrhage and infection were the most common complications. Postoperative complications were greater in patients who underwent simultaneous resection of the primary tumor and liver metastases.
Novel design that utilizes to electron transfer and decoupling of acid components to improves performance for next generation battery technology
Authors: Mugheri Abdul Qayoom , Ali Kashif , Sangha Ali Asghar , l Muhammad Younis , Mugheri Arslan ahmed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The practical implementation of such a battery design would require extensive research and development of a battery chemistry that aims for higher energy density by utilizing reactions that involve electron transfer reaction through redox potentials. Electrochemical loop, known as the chloride-bromide loop, which enhances the kinetics and reversibility of the bromide/bromate anion, (BrO⁻₃) electrode reaction. The exact combined reversibility capacity of 1150 mAh g− 1, leads to more energy that can be stored in a given mass of the battery. Electron transfer bromine to deliver a high specific capacity measures the amount of charge and high specific capacity indicates a high charge-storage capability. The successful validation of in bromide full batteries and acid-alkaline decoupling batteries. This technology is promising for high-energy-density aqueous batteries and essential in the field of energy storage, as it can potentially lead to safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting battery solutions and may find applications in various fields, including electric vehicles, portable electronic materials, greater energy density and efficiency are crucial.
Exploiting genomic tools for genetic dissection and improving the resistance to Fusarium stalk rot in tropical maize
Authors: Zhang Xuecai , Song Junqiao , Liu Yubo , Guo Rui , Pacheco Angela , Muñoz-Zavala Carlos , Song Wei , Wang Hui , Cao Shiliang , Hu Guanghui , Zheng Hongjian , Dhliwayo Thanda , Vicente Felix San , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Wang Chunping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) is a global destructive disease in maize, the efficiency of phenotypic selection for improving FSR resistance was low. Novel genomic tools - genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) - provide an opportunity for genetic dissection and improving FSR resistance. In this study, GWAS and GP analyses were performed on 562 tropical maize inbred lines consisting of two populations in four environments under artificial inoculation. In total, 15 SNPs significantly associated with FSR resistance were identified across two populations and the CombinedPOP consisting of all 562 inbred lines, with the P-values ranging from 1.99×10-7 to 8.27×10-13, and the phenotype variance explained (PVE) values ranging from 0.94 to 8.30%. The effects of the 15 favorable alleles ranged from -4.29 to -14.21%. One stable genomic region in the interval of 0.95 Mb from 250,089,724 bp to 251,044,933 bp on chromosome 1 was detected across all populations, and the PVE values of the detected SNPs ranged from 2.16 to 5.18%. Medium GP accuracy of FSR severity, 0.29 to 0.51, was observed in two cross-validation (CV) schemes. When incorporating genotype-by-environment interaction, GP accuracy was improved from 0.36 to 0.40 in the CV1 scheme, and from 0.42 to 0.55 in the CV2 scheme. Considering both the genome coverage and the total PVE of SNPs for selecting a subset of molecular markers further improved the GP accuracy. These findings extend the knowledge of exploiting genomic tools for genetic dissection and improving FSR resistance in tropical maize.
Enhancing MOOCs Personalized Recommendation with Graph Neural Networks and Attention Mechanisms
Authors: ZUO YUNCHAO , LUO HAO , XU LITAO 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have revolutionized education, providing unprecedented access to knowledge and skills to learners worldwide. While traditional methods have achieved comparable performance in personalized recommendations, they suffer from two key limitations. Firstly, they fail to capture the rich relationships between courses and users embedded within the MOOC graph structure. Secondly, they disregard the sequential nature of user learning, neglecting the evolving preferences and interests over time. These methods often overlook the recency of items, potentially neglecting relevant and trending courses. This paper presents a personalized recommendation approach for MOOCs that combines the effectiveness of an Attention mechanism with the capabilities of a Graph Neural Network, namely AGNN, to tackle this problem. This novel recommendation system in MOOCs leverages GNNs for rich learner-course relationships and LSTM for dynamic user preferences, culminating in personalized recommendations through MF-BPR learning. Real-world course data experiments demonstrate AGNN’s ability to significantly improve recommendation performance. An in-depth ablation study further underscores the critical influence of attention mechanisms, highlighting the model’s ability to dynamically adapt to evolving user preferences and prioritize recent, relevant items, ultimately leading to more personalized and effective recommendations.
Hydrodynamic characterization of carbonate aquifers by atypical pumping tests without interruption of drinking water exploitation
Authors: Rusi Sergio , Curzio Diego Di , Giovanni Alessia Di 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Gran Sasso carbonate aquifer is the largest and most productive in the Apennines. Its hydrogeological structure has been studied since the middle of the last century for springs’ characterization for drinking purposes and for a motorway tunnel. Meanwhile, its hydrodynamic parametrization is less developed and is limited to monitoring the discharge and chemical and isotopic parameters. Secondary porosity characterizes the aquifer, and an underlying impermeable marly complex represents the basal aquiclude. It might appear inappropriate to characterize the hydraulic properties via pumping tests, as their reliability is proven in homogeneous and isotropic media. However, the high extent of the aquifer, the wells‘ location, the scarcity of information available and the lack of alternatives forced to estimate hydrodynamic parameters as in porous aquifers and to test the aquifer experimentally, especially in maximum pumping conditions. Since the aquifer testing was performed during the normal well field’s activities, it was not possible to perform typical tests. Therefore, the step-drawdown test was obtained by turning on an increasing number of wells over time and keeping fixed the observation points. As results, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, drawdown in operating condition, the influence radius and the flow directions have been obtained, without interrupting the water supply.
COX-2-8473 T&gt;C gene variant (rs5275) is associated with depression and nausea in migraineurs by increasing inflammation through MyD88/MAP2K3/COX-2
Authors: Mozaffari Elaheh , Khotbehsara Maryam Mehrinejad , Faghani Mostafa , Amini Javad , Zadeh Saghar Hosein , Allahyartorkaman Mohammadreza , Shahraki Hosein Alirezaei , Nemati Reza , Salimipour Houman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Migraine is a complicated neurological disorder. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a crucial enzyme involved in the pain response and inflammation. COX-2 modulation is necessary in migraine therapy. We hypothesized that the COX-2-8473 T > C (rs5275) gene variant might be related to migraine, depression, and nausea. In this case-control research, 100 migraineurs and 100 control cases in Bushehr province, Iran, were compared. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was purified, and genotyping of the COX-2-8473 T > C (rs5275) polymorphism was evaluated by the PCR-RFLP technique. The SPSS software package was employed to conduct statistical tests. Then, the raw microarray data from the brain of depressed patients was used to find gene expression patterns and associated cellular pathways in depression disease. Finally, enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses were conducted for upregulated genes. We demonstrated a positive correlation between the COX-2-8473 T > C variant and an elevated risk for progression of migraine, depression, and nausea in migraineurs. Carriers of COX-2-8473 T + genotype in controls were higher than in patients (P < 0.0001) and the frequencies of C + genotype in patients were higher than in the controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, frequencies of COX-2-8473 C + in migraineurs with depression and nausea were higher than in the controls (P ≤ 0.05). Based on the microarray data, it seems that Toll-like receptor cellular pathway may regulate COX-2 expression through MYD88 and MAP2K3 proteins in depression. COX-2-8473 TC and COX-2-8473 CC genotypes can heighten the risk of migraine, depression, and nausea considerably. Also, Toll-like receptor can regulate COX-2 expression, influencing the inflammation pathway and depression level.
Beyond the Surface: Unveiling Gaps in Medical Education Through the Eyes of Diverse
Authors: Arza Alexis , Sejdiu Zane , Viveiros Matthew , James Alaina , Weingarten Michael , Giordano Carolyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The ability to be able to visually identify and diagnose is fundamental to a health professional’s physical examination, impacting patient diagnosis and treatment. Inadequate education regarding disease manifestations in diverse skin colors hinders diagnostic skills and exacerbates health disparities. A critical deficiency exists in medical education regarding skin of color (SOC), namely, individuals at all levels of medical training, including students, residents, and attending physicians, have low confidence in identifying and diagnosing diseases in skin of color. To help further identify these concerns and gaps, this research project aims to identify medical students' confidence in recognizing cutaneous diseases in SOC and their viewpoints regarding SOC education at their institution. An eight-question, open-ended survey was provided to medical students before and after a presentation focused on skin of color. The survey assessed participants’ confidence in their diagnostic ability and perspectives on educational material provided by their institution. Among the 70 attendees, 58 (82.8%) and 64 (91.4%) completed the pre- and post-seminar surveys, respectively. There was a significant discrepancy in confidence levels when assessing cutaneous manifestations of internal pathology in light (Monk Skin Colors 1-5) versus dark (Monk Skin Colors 6-10) skin tones (p < 0.009). Notably, 78.7% (37/47) perceived the institutional learning materials as insufficient for SOC. Post-seminar reflections indicated that 87.2% (40/46) of students lacked confidence in diagnosing SOC, with 78.7% (32/46) citing inadequate curriculum coverage as the cause. An additional 8.5% (6/46) identified the predominance of white-centric medical descriptions as a hindrance. Students uniformly called for enhanced educational approaches, including better visual representation of diseases in darker skin. Medical education must continue to strive for increased SOC representation to train competent physicians in treating a diverse patient population and reduce health disparities in SOC patients.
Relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults
Authors: Głuszek-Osuch Martyna , Cieśla Elżbieta , Suliga Edyta 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Many recent studies suggest the existence of a relationship between oral health and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults.
Methods
The research material included the data of 11,901 individuals aged 40–64 years (7967 women). Depressive symptoms were used as outcome variables. The declared number of lost teeth was analysed according to the following categories: 0–4, 5–8, ≥ 9, and a complete lack of natural teeth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for depressive symptoms was used in relation to the number of lost teeth. The following covariates were included in the adjusted model: age, sex, place of residence, education, marital status, BMI, diabetes status, stressful life events in the last year, use of antidepressants, smoking, and sugar and sweet consumption.
Results
The likelihood of both moderate (p < .020) and severe (p < .001) depressive symptoms increased the most with a total lack of natural teeth. A loss of more than 8 natural teeth was also significantly associated (p < .008) with the occurrence of severe depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
The results indicated that loss of natural teeth was positively related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. Population aging will lead to growing problems related to oral health and its consequences, including mental disorders. As a result, appropriate prophylactic and educational actions need to be taken, dedicated to middle-aged individuals.
Analysis of risk factors for progression of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis and establishment of ultra-early prediction model
Authors: Yang Sen , Guo Mingyi , Jiang Chuangming , YIchi Nima , Ai Xinbo , Cheng Jianbin , Xu Xiaohong , Chen Yuping , Wang Zhenjiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: To analyze the risk factors of disease progression in patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP), and to establish a prediction model for ultra-early (24h) severity of the disease.
Methods: A total of 205 eligible patients diagnosed with HTG-AP who were hospitalized in Zhuhai people's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University) were included. Among them,147 patients were enrolled in the modular group and 58 patients were enrolled in the validation group.Based on R language analysis (version 3.6.3), the R package glmnet package was used to conduct Lasso regression analysis on variables (P<0.05) with inter-group differences and select the optimal predictive variables which can predict disease progression in early. The R package (rms package) was used and the optimal prediction variables were analyzed by Logistic regression. Then, the Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) was drawn to further verify the benefits of clinical patients in the model. Finally, external verification was carried out to further assess the predictive efficiency and generalizability of the risk prediction model.
Results: (1).There were no statistical difference in the basic data (including sex,age,basic disease) between mild group and severe group in the modular group(P>0.05). (2).There were statistical difference in the laboratory results (including GLU,Cr,PCT,TG,CHOL and D-dimer) between mild group and severe group in the modular group(P<0.05). (3).The results of multivariate Lasso regression indicated that GLU,Cr,PCT,TG,CHOL and D-dimer were independent predictors of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis severity. The optimal prediction variables were analyzed by Logistic regression. (4).Nomogram was drawn by rms package. The AUC was 0.788 and the C-index was 0.788. The C-index of internal verification was C-index=0.788(95%CI：0.785-0.791). Decision Curve Analysis showed that the prediction model had better clinical usefulness than active treatment or negative treatment if the threshold probability is within 12%-99%. (5).In the validation group, the AUC and C-index of external verification were 0.821(95%CI:0.714-0.928). Decision Curve Analysis showed that the prediction model had better clinical usefulness than active treatment or negative treatment if the threshold probability is within 10%-99%.
Conclusions: TG, CHOL, D-dimer and PCT within 24 hours of HTG-AP onset were the risk factors which could aggravate disease progression. The early prediction model based on the four risk factors could relatively accurately predict exacerbation trend in early phase of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis.