bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of cold plasma treatment to improve banana tolerance against Fusarium wilt disease
Authors: Rejab Nur Ardiyana binti , Rajakumar Priya , Baharum Nadiya Akmal , Lutfi Afiqah Insyirah , Sadali Najiah Mohd , Mispan Muhamad Shakirin , Kuang Lim Liang , Ling Yap Seong , Khalid Norzulaani 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bananas (Musaspp.), which serves millions of people worldwide, face a serious threat from Fusarium wilt (FW) disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.cubense (Foc). Developing disease-resistant varieties particularly through breeding is challenging due to bananas' seedless nature (parthenocarpic). As an alternative, cold plasma (CP) technology, has the potential to be used for crop improvement. Our study demonstrates a favourable impact of CP on the growth performance of banana (Berangan cultivar) in terms of height, leaf number and stem diameter. Plasma treated plants also displayed delayed disease progression as well as lower disease severity indicated by slightly lower value of leaf symptoms index (LSI) and rhizome discoloration index (RDI) compared to controls. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis revealed upregulation of several defence (PR1, WRKY22, PAL, CEBiP) and growth (Cytochrome P450, NAC68, and CAT) related genes in CP treated plants, particularly in conjunction with Foc infection. These findings shed highlight the potential use of CP in managing FW in banana and offer insights into possible mechanism behind improved traits.
Growth of Fatty Acid Vesicles Coupled with Amino Acid Sequences of Peptides: Toward Evolvable Protocells
Authors: Imai Masayuki , Baba Akiko , Yokoyama Kazuki , Sato Keidai , Asanuma Shuna , Olsson Ulf 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
How sequence of information polymer and reproduction (growth and division) of vesicles were linked is a fundamental question about the emergence of the living systems. To address the origin of this linkage, we have investigated the relationship between amino acid sequence and vesicle growth using short peptides and fatty acid vesicles. The growth of fatty acid vesicles was measured by a dynamic light scattering technique when fatty acid molecules and peptides were fed into a fatty acid vesicle suspension. The obtained relationship between amino acid sequences of peptides and vesicle growth rate (fitness) was visualized as the fitness landscape. The growth rate of fatty acid vesicles depends on the amino acid sequence, and specific amino acid sequences significantly promote vesicle growth. Furthermore, when amino acids in a peptide are replaced by other amino acids, the change in fitness depends on the remaining amino acid sequence, so-called epistasis, which guarantees the diversity of peptide-fatty acid vesicle systems (protocell). The observed linkage between amino acid sequence and vesicle growth indicates that the peptide-fatty acid vesicle systems can lead to primitive evolution. Finally, we demonstrate that the promotion of vesicle growth by peptides is driven by the modulation of the chemical potential of fatty acid molecules. Thus, the vesicle growth promoted by peptides is a spontaneous process that is thermodynamically driven.
Molecular mechanism of flower color formation in Rhododendron simsii Planchon revealed by integration of microRNAome and RNAomics
Authors: Wu Wei , Wan Xuchun , Huang Wendong , Hu Ruibin , Dong Hongjin , Zhang Jialiang , Wang Shuzhen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background

Systems-wide understanding of gene regulatory networks underlying flower color formation in Rhododendron simsii is insufficient. In this research, integration analysis of microRNAome and RNAomics were performed to reveal the molecular mechanism of flower color formation in three R. simsii varieties with red, pink, and crimson flowers, respectively.

Results

A total of 213 miRNAs, containing 151 known miRNAs belonging to 55 families and 62 novel miRNA, were identified. In particular, 53 miRNAs were significantly differently expressed. The top significant enriched GO terms were mainly “meristem maintenance”, “carbohydrate metabolic process”, and “signal transduction”. The main KEGG pathways were “Monobactam biosynthesis”, “Plant-pathogen interaction”, and “MAPK signaling pathway-plant”. The miRNA–mRNA regulatory network construction showed that key genes and pathways were mainly associated with synthesis of secondary metabolites. In particular, ath-miR5658 could affect the synthesis of pelargonidin, cyanidin, and delphinidin through downregulating expression of anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase; ath-miR868-3p could regulate isoflavonoid biosynthesis through downregulating expression of CYP81E1/E7; ath-miR156g regulated the expression of flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase; ath-miR829-5p regulated flavonol synthase in flavonoid biosynthesis process.

Conclusion

This research will provide critical clues of flower color formation, and provide novel insights into the breeding of new varieties with rich flower color.
Hepatitis E outbreak in the health district of Bocaranga-Koui, Central African Republic, 2018-2019
Authors: Nombot-Yazenguet Marina Prisca Marguerite , Doté Joël Wilfried , Koyaweda Giscard Wilfried , Zemingui-Bembete Philippe Armand , Selekon Benjamin , Vickos Ulrich , Manirakiza Alexandre , Nakoune Emmanuel , Gouandjika-Vasilache Ionela , Komas Narcisse Patrice Joseph 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of major public health diseases causing large outbreaks and sporadic cases of acute hepatitis. We investigated an outbreak of HEV infection that occured in september 2018 in the health district (HD) of Bocaranga-Koui in the northwestern part of Central African Republic (CAR).Methods:Blood samples were collected from 352 patients aged 0-85 years suspected for yellow fever (YF) according to the World Health Organization YF case definition. The notification forms from cases recorded were used. Water sources consumed in the areas were also collected. Human samples found negative for anti-YF IgM were then ELISA-tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. Positive anti-HEV (IgM and/or IgG) samples and collected water were subjected to molecular biology tests.Results:Of the 352 icterus patients included, anti-HEV IgM was found in 142 people (40.3%) and anti-HEV IgG in 175 (49.7%). Although HEV infection was detected in all age groups, there was significant difference between age groups (P= 0.001). Elevated levels of serum aminotransferase were observed in anti-HEV IgM-positive persons. Phylogenetic analysis showed HEV genotype 1e in infected patients and also in the contaminated water.Conclusion:This epidemic showed that CAR remains an HEV-endemic area. The genotype 1e strain is responsible for the HEV outbreak in Bocaranga-Koui health district. It is necessary to implement basic conditions of hygiene and sanitation to prevent the outbreak of an hepatitis E epidemic, by facilitating access to clean drinking water for the population, by launching intensive work to raise awareness for basic hygiene measures, by setting up targeted hygiene promotion activities and, finally, by making a care service available.
Alcohol and e-cigarette damage alveolar-epithelial barrier by activation of P2X7r and provoke brain endothelial injury via extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mekala Naveen , Trivedi Jayshil , Bhoj Priyanka , Togre Namdev , Rom Slava , Sri Uma , Persidsky Yuri 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Use of nicotine containing products like electronic cigarettes (e-Cig) and alcohol are associated with mitochondrial membrane depolarization, resulting in the extracellular release of ATP, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mediating inflammatory responses. While nicotine effects on lungs is well-known, chronic alcohol (ETH) exposure also weakens lung immune responses and cause inflammation. Extracellular ATP (eATP) released by inflammatory/stressed cells stimulate purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7r) activation in adjacent cells. We hypothesized that injury caused by alcohol and e-Cig to pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (hPAEpiC) promote the release of eATP, mtDNA and P2X7r in circulation. This induces a paracrine signaling communication either directly or via EVs to affect brain cells (human brain endothelial cells - hBMVEC).
Methods
We used a model of primary human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (hPAEpiC) and exposed the cells to 100 mM ethanol (ETH), 100 µM acetaldehyde (ALD), or e-Cig (1.75µg/mL of 1.8% or 0% nicotine) conditioned media, and measured the mitochondrial efficiency using Agilent Seahorse machine. Gene expression was measured by Taqman RT-qPCR and digital PCR. hPAEpiC-EVs were extracted from culture supernatant and characterized by flow cytometric analysis. Calcium (Ca2+) and eATP levels were quantified using commercial kits. To study intercellular communication via paracrine signaling or by EVs, we stimulated hBMVECs with hPAEpiC cell culture medium conditioned with ETH, ALD or e-cig or hPAEpiC-EVs and measured Ca2+ levels.
Results
ETH, ALD, or e-Cig (1.8% nicotine) stimulation depleted the mitochondrial spare respiration capacity in hPAEpiC. We observed increased expression of P2X7r and TRPV1 genes (3-6-fold) and increased intracellular Ca2+ accumulation (20-30-fold increase) in hPAEpiC, resulting in greater expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. hPAEpiC stimulated by ETH, ALD, and e-Cig conditioned media shed more EVs with larger particle sizes, carrying higher amounts of eATP and mtDNA. ETH, ALD and e-Cig (1.8% nicotine) exposure also increased the P2X7r shedding in media and via EVs. hPAEpiC-EVs carrying P2X7r and eATP cargo triggered paracrine signaling in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) and increased Ca2+ levels. P2X7r inhibition by A804598 compound normalized mitochondrial spare respiration, reduced ER stress and diminished EV release, thus protecting the BBB function.
Conclusion
Abusive drugs like ETH and e-Cig promote mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hPAEpiC and disrupts the cell functions via P2X7 receptor signaling. EVs released by lung epithelial cells against ETH/e-cig insults, carry a cargo of secondary messengers that stimulate brain cells via paracrine signals.
The Study of Genetic Diversity and Structure of Extremely Endangered Manglietia longipedunculata and Endangered Manglietia insignis
Authors: Qin Qiaomei , Yang Yishan , Wei Xiao , Pan Lipo , Zhu Xianliang , Wu Linfang , Liu Shunlai , Zhong Qifeng , Zhong Wenchao , Tang Jianmin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To strengthen the protection of Manglietia insignis and Manglietia longipedunculata germplasm resources, the endangered mechanism and scientific protection strategies of these two species were investigated. A novel, effective, and flexible DNA sequencing library construction approach-Hyper-seq was used in this study to develop large-scale genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of M. insignis and M. longipedunculata. Genetic diversity analysis demonstrated that the genetic diversity of M. insignis, which expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.1435 and nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.1541.M. longipedunculata, lower than in M. longipedunculata (He= 0.1793, π = 0.1916) with narrow distribution. The genetic diversity of the two ex-situ conservation populations (He=0.1797, 0.1990, π = 0.1894, 0.2121 ) was higher than the wild populations (He=0.1591, π = 0.1733), suggesting that the artificial ex-situ conservation population can effectively protect its genetic diversity and the genetic breeding in future studies. The mean inbreeding coefficient (FIS) in the M. longipedunculata and M. insignis populations were − 0.0141 and − 0.0176, respectively, indicating that the two populations were largely outcrossing in the natural state. The frequency of rare alleles in M. insignis (Tajima's D = 0.3436 > 0) and M. longipedunculata (Tajima's D = 0.2119 > 0) populations was low, which may be under balanced selection pressure or experienced population shrinkage. A high degree of genetic differentiation between the two species was detected, but moderate among the populations of the same species. The results of cluster analysis demonstrated a obvious separation between the two species with all individuals clustering according to species differences. It is worth noting that individuals 7, 8, and 9 in the ML-CW M. insignis population first clustered with M. longipedunculata. Furthermore, these individuals also contained a small genetic component from M. longipedunculata. Principal component and genetic relationship analysis also demonstrated that some M. insignis individuals exhibited an evident genetic relationship with M. longipedunculata. These populations can therefore be preferentially selected in the further cross-breeding experiments of the two species. The genetic diversity and structure of M. insignis and M. longipedunculata were compared in this study. Not only were the genetic characteristics of the two species explored for the first time, but the genetic relationship between the two species was also preliminarily explored. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of future protection strategies at the molecular level.
Vision-related quality of life and its related factors among older adults
Authors: Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Zough Leila Jafari , Babaei Esmail , Behrevar Vali , Rezaeipandari Hassan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) status and its related factors among older adults in Yazd city, Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 with the participation of 250 elderly people ≥ 60 years of age covered by comprehensive health centers in Yazd city in central Iran, who were selected by multi-stage random sampling. The data collection tool included demographic information and the National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) which was completed by interview. Data analysis was done using independent T-tests, one-way analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS software.
Results
The most common visual impairment (VI) in the participants were hyperopia (38.2%), cataract (35.5%) and myopia (31.3%), respectively. Their average VRQoL score was 85.37 ± 15.24 from the range of 0 to 100. In univariate analysis, VRQoL score was significantly related to age, marital status, use of glasses, suffering from some diseases and VI (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, diabetes (β = -0.15), hypertension (β = -0.20) and VI (β = -0.62) remained as significant predictors of VRQoL in the regression model.
Conclusion
The level of VRQoL in the studied elderly is favorable, and in the meantime, the dimensions of social functioning, driving and color vision are at the highest level, and the dimensions of general health and general vision are unfavorable and should be given special attention. VRQoL is influenced by various factors, of which diabetes, high blood pressure and VI were identified as the most important predictors.
Crucial role of TFAP2B in the nervous system for regulating NREM sleep
Authors: Nakai Ayaka , Kashiwagi Mitsuaki , Fujiyama Tomoyuki , Iwasaki Kanako , Hirano Arisa , Funato Hiromasa , Yanagisawa Masashi , Sakurai Takeshi , Hayashi Yu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The AP-2 transcription factors are crucial for regulating sleep in both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. In mice, loss of function of the transcription factor AP-2β (TFAP2B) reduces non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. When and where TFAP2B functions, however, is unclear. Here, we used the Cre-loxP system to generate mice in which Tfap2b was specifically deleted in the nervous system during development and mice in which neuronal Tfap2b was specifically deleted postnatally. Both types of mice exhibited reduced NREM sleep, but the nervous system-specific deletion of Tfap2b resulted in more severe sleep phenotypes accompanied by defective light entrainment of the circadian clock and stereotypic jumping behavior. These findings indicate that TFAP2B in postnatal neurons functions at least partly in sleep regulation and imply that TFAP2B also functions either at earlier stages or in additional cell types within the nervous system.
Machine Learning with Multiparametric MRI-based Radiomics Models for Preoperative Prediction of Ki-67 Status in Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Gao Qian , Lu Meixiu , Xie Xiaojie , Luo Chunyan , Gao Chao , Han Zhiquan , Lu Yanhui , Zhao Ruixue , Fang Linlin , Han Dan , Li Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The main objective of the study was to determine whether multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) radiomics models supported by machine learning could preoperatively predict Ki-67 status in luminalbreast carcinoma.
Methods
Between 2018 and 2021, patients with luminal breast cancer who underwent mpMRI in our institution were retrospectively enrolled. The Ki-67 status was analyzed by biopsy preoperatively. Radiomics features were extracted from the T2WI, DCE, DWI, and ADC images, and mpMRI features were derived from four MRI sequences. A prediction model was developed by training the logistic regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) machine learning classifiersaccording to the radiomic characteristics. A clinical-radiomic nomogram was constructed by integrating mpMRI radiomic features and routine clinical MRI variables, followed by calibration and decision curve analyses.
Results
A total of 140 patients (85 with high and 55 with low Ki-67 expression) were enrolled. Compared to the DCE-, DWI-, and ADC-based radiomic signatures, the T2WI-based radiomic signature exhibited high prediction quality with AUCs of 0.87, 0.92, 0.92, and 0.89 for the four classification algorithms (LG, RF, MLP, SVM), respectively (all p<0.05). The mpMRI radiomic signature also showed high quality with AUCs of 0.92, 0.89, 0.92, and 0.92 for the four algorithms (all p<0.05). A prediction clinical-radiomicnomogram was constructed with training and validation set AUCs of 0.93 (0.90-0.96) and 0.92 (0.89-0.95), respectively.
Conclusion
T2-based and mpMRI-based radiomics models combined with advanced machine learning classifiers could assist in the preoperative individual-specific prediction of Ki-67 status in luminalbreast carcinoma.
Computational Simulation of Blood Flow in the Right Coronary Artery and its Interaction Between the Blood Flow and the Arterial Wall
Authors: Chinè Bruno , Campos Manuel A. Molina , Granados Benito A. Stradi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Flow through a heart artery is modeled using computational fluid dynamics with and without a more detailed fluid-solid interaction model. The study describes the interactions between the blood flow and the arterial wall. Blood rheological properties are modeled using the Bird-Carreau model under steady state conditions. The flow path is comprised by the right coronary artery and two branches (bifurcations) namely the acute marginal and the posterior descending sections. Inlet velocity values of a typical cardiac cycle are used in the model. The differences between the solutions from the FSI model and the CFD model were determined by comparing the wall shear stress and the first principal stress. Wall shear stresses and first principal stresses for four separate times (0.05, 0.14, 0.44 and 0.96 s) are reported. At 0.14 s and at 0.96 s, the values of the WSS maximum are greater than those previously computed using FSI by 10.8 Pa and 7.5 Pa. Similarly at 0.44 s, significant differences were obtained in the WSS distributions between both solutions. The highest magnitudes of first principal stresses were of 552 kPa in the bifurcation of the PDA at a time of 0.44 s.
Etiology, clinical manifestations, and management methods of cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum in men
Authors: Fan Wenge , Zhang Qingsong , Fan Zhijiang , Wei Mei , Zhu Yuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: To understand the etiology, clinical manifestations, and management methods of cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum in men.
Methods: The demographic data; shortest distance between the opening edges of the left and right crypts beside the preputial frenulum; and presence, shape, opening diameter, and depth of a blind cavity-like structure at the crypt were compared between the observation group and control group. The clinical manifestations were also recorded. Pathogen testing was performed on secretions from skin lesions, and antibiotic treatment was conducted.
Results: Thirteen patients treated for cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum served as the observation group, and 40 healthy individuals served as the control group. The patients’ clinical manifestation was the presence of a yellowish oily substance embedded in the crypt. Wiping off the substance revealed a conical blind cavity-like structure with an opening diameter of 1 to 5mm (2.8±1.3mm) and depth of 1 to 4mm (2.5±1.1mm). No blind cavity-like structures in the crypt were found in the control group. The shortest distance between the opening edges of the bilateral crypts in the observation and control groups was 6 to 14mm (10.3±2.4mm) and 2 to 10mm (3.9±1.9mm), respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The three most common pathogens were Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. All patients recovered after treatment.
Conclusion: A blind cavity-like structure in the crypt may be related to the excessive width of the preputial frenulum. Cryptitis may be a secondary infection caused by smegma trapped in the blind cavity-like structure. Antibiotic treatment is effective.
G-STRIDE inertial system to explore gait factors that are associated with frailty in older adults with falls
Authors: Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet , Alvarez Marta Neira , Neira Guillermo Garcia-Villamil , Rodriguez-Sanchez Maria Cristina Cristina , Espinoza-Cerda Maria Teresa Teresa , Perez-Delgado Laura Teresa , Reina-Robles Elena Teresa , Martin Irene Bartolomé , Ama Antonio J J. Del , Ruiz-Ruiz Luisa , De Villa Sara García , Jimenez-Ruiz Antonio R R. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Falls and frailty share an intrinsic relationship and World Health Organization recommends health initiatives focused on the early detection of both to increase individual resilience. The objective of the study is to compare clinical characteristics, functional performance, and gait parameters estimated with the G-STRIDE inertial sensor, between different frailty groups in older adults with and without falls and secondly to identify characteristics of prefrail and frail subjects that are associated with falls.
Method
We conducted an observational, multicenter case-control study in older adults with and without falls. Participants were included in the outpatient clinic in two general public hospitals and three public nursing homes from September 2021 to March 2022. We gathered clinical variables and several gait parameters using G-STRIDE. Frailty status segmentation was based on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) criteria.
Results
There were 163 participants (72% women and mean age of 82.6 ± 6.2 years), 53% fallers and 70 were fit, 52 were prefrail, and 41 were frail. Frailty and pre-frailty people had more falls and G-STRIDE parameters (mean values and coefficient of variability) show significant differences between frailty groups. Step speed during the swing phase and mean walking speed measured by G-STRIDE identify those prefrail and frail participants with falls.
Conclusion
G-STRIDE inertial sensor show significant differences between frailty groups and identify gait characteristics of prefrail and frail adults with higher risk of falls suggesting its potential implementation into routine assessment for detecting early frailty.