bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic analysis revealed the potential of lactic acid bacteria in the improvement of natural saline-alkali land
Authors: Tang Hai , Zhong Zhi , Hou Jingqing , You Lijun , Zhao Zhixin , Kwok Lai-Yu , Bilige Menghe 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The management and improvement of saline-alkali land is necessary for sustainable agricultural development. We conducted a field experiment to investigate the effects of spraying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the of cucumber and tomato plantation soil. Three treatments were designed, include spraying of non-sterilized/sterilized LAB preparation or water (control) to the soil of planting every 20 days. Treatment with either sterilized or viable LAB reduced the soil pH. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the LAB-treated groups had higher alpha-diversity and more nitrogen fixing bacteria compared with the water-treated groups. Treatment with viable or sterilized LAB increased the complexity of soil microbial interactive network in different pattern. Differential enrichment of KEGG pathways and genes were observed between LAB-treated groups: changes in environmental information processing-related pathways in cucumber soil and metabolism-related pathways in tomato soil, respectively. RDA analysis revealed biomarker bacterial communities in different treatments were associated with soil pH and total nitrogen. Our study demonstrated that LAB might be a suitable strategy for decreasing soil pH and improving community structure of certain plants in saline-alkali land.
Behavioural effects and RNA-seq analysis of Aβ42 mediated toxicity in a Drosophila Alzheimer’s disease model
Authors: Tan Florence Hui Ping , Azzam Ghows , Najimudin Nazalan , Shamsuddin Shaharum , Zainuddin Azalina 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurological ailment worldwide. Its process comprises the unique aggregation of extracellular senile plaques composed of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain. Aβ42 is the most neurotoxic and aggressive of the Aβ42 isomers released in the brain. Despite much research on AD, the complete pathophysiology of this disease remains unknown. Technical and ethical constraints place limits on experiments utilizing human subjects. Thus, animal models were used to replicate human diseases as a result. The Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for studying both physiological and behavioural aspects of human neurodegenerative illnesses. Here, the negative effects of Aβ42-expression on a Drosophila AD model were investigated through three behavioural assays followed by RNA-seq. The RNA-seq data was verified using qPCR. AD Drosophila expressing human Aβ42 exhibited degenerated eye structures, shortened lifespan and declined mobility function compared to the wild-type Control. RNA-seq revealed 1496 genes that were differentially expressed from the Aβ42-expressing samples against the Control. Among the pathways that were identified from the differentially expressed genes include carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, antimicrobial peptides and longevity regulating pathways. While AD is a complicated neurological condition whose aetiology is influenced by a number of factors, it is hoped that the current data will be sufficient to give a general picture of how Aβ42 influences the disease pathology. The discovery of molecular connections from the current Drosophila AD model offers fresh perspectives on the usage of this Drosophila which could aid in the discovery of new anti-AD medications.
Coupling MCDM-Based ensemble and AHP for the sustainable management of erosion risk in a tropical Sub-Saharan basin
Authors: Raji Saheed Adekunle , Akintuyi Akinlabi O. , Wunude Emmanuel O. , Fashoto Busayo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

One of the most pressing environmental issues of the 21st century is land degradation in fragile watersheds where acute sediment aggradation, erosion, and flooding have become everyday occurrences. Previous attempts to prioritise sub-watersheds have been plagued with uncertainty. Addressing this problem therefore requires identifying erosion-prone areas, specifically at the sub-watersheds level, and reducing the uncertainty of outcomes to a minimum. In this study, an ensemble of seven multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models was developed to prioritise the sub-watersheds of the Anambra Basin against erosion risk. These MCDM models, namely MOORA (multi-objective optimisation based on ratio analysis), GRA (grey relational analysis), CoCoSo (combined compromise solution), CODAS (combinative distance-based assessment), TOPSIS (a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution), COPRAS (complex proportional assessment), and VIKOR (VieKriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje), were coupled with the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) with 23 geomorphometric parameters to provide an integrated sub-watershed ranking. The accuracy of the models was tested using Spearman's rank correlation and geometric mean to compute a uniform sub-watershed ranking. The results indicate that sub-watershed H has the highest aggregate ranking across the MCDM models, making it the top priority for erosion mitigation projects. Furthermore, the model validation assessment shows that the MOORA and COPRAS models returned similar results with the aggregated ranks and possess the most significant rank correlation coefficients, indicating the highest predictive accuracy. This study can be utilised by decision-makers in data-sparse regions for sustainable watershed management in the face of erosion risks.
Medication persistence among multiple sclerosis patients in Slovenia treated with dimethyl fumarate: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Jozef Maj , Locatelli Igor , Jakob Gregor Brecl , Kos Mitja , Rot Uroš 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Medication persistence is an interval between initiation and last dose of a medication, followed by discontinuation of the applied medication.
Aim The aim of this observational study was to evaluate Medication persistence and discontinuation reasons in Slovenian multiple sclerosis patients treated with dimethyl fumarate.
Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with dimethyl fumarate as an initial monotherapy or switched from injectable disease modifying therapy medication during 2014 and 2021. Medication refills were extracted from Slovenian National Institute of Public Health Outpatient Medication Database. Medication persistence estimation was based on treatment gaps. Patients exceeding a 60-day gap were considered nonpersistent. Mean discontinuation time was assessed using survival analyses. Considering discontinuation reasons, patients were further divided into safety and inefficacy group. The impact of confounders was evaluated by Cox regression.
Results A total of 259 patients were included (176 women, mean age 37 years). During the 7-year follow-up period, 118 patients discontinued treatment. The mean time to discontinuation was 5.6 years. A total of 85% and 77% of patients were persistent after 1 and 2 years of treatment, respectively. Age 30 and above was significantly related to higher medication persistence (P = 0.006).
Conclusion The results of our study proved high medication persistence among our patients. The most frequent discontinuation reason was gastrointestinal adverse effects. Medication persistence requires interventions in younger patients with unstable disease course.
Insecticides influence colonization and toxin accumulation by Aspergillus and Fusarium in orange and white maize flour varying in susceptibility to mycotoxigenic fungal pathogens
Authors: Ochieno Dennis M.W. , Nekesa Gloria , Naluyange Victoria , Otondi Everlyne , Obonyo Meshack , Atwebembeire Jeninah , Rugunda Grace Kagoro 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Mycotoxigenic Aspergillus and Fusarium species that contaminate cereal crops with aflatoxins and fumonisins are a major threat to food security, human and animal health. Cases of mycotoxin contamination have been on the rise globally, with causes of such surges raising research interests. We conducted factorial experiments in the laboratory to test the hypothesis that some recently produced improved maize varieties that are not purposively bred for resistance to storage insect pests and mycotoxigenic fungi, require protection by synthetic insecticides, which in turn serve as nutrient sources to mycotoxigenic fungi, leading to invasive growth and enhanced toxin production by fungi, especially in conditions of high moisture. Flour from the improved white maize variety Western 505 that is not purposively bred for resistance to storage insect pests and mycotoxigenic fungi had the highest level of colonisation by A. flavus (6,633 CFU g-1) and Fusarium sp. (10,870 CFU g-1) with consequent elevated concentrations of aflatoxin (203 ppb) and fumonisin (2.23 ppm); while flour from the local yellow maize variety Spindi exhibited the least colonisation and mycotoxin production by A. flavus (4,133 CFU g-1) and Fusarium sp. (6,145 CFU g-1) with the local white Rachar being intermediate, at high moisture conditions. The synthetic insecticides Super Blue Cross (BC) and Actellic Super (AS) promoted growth and mycotoxin production by A. flavus and Fusarium sp.; while Ash promoted growth of A. flavus and Fusarium sp., but suppressed mycotoxin production by the two mycotoxigenic fungi (Aflatoxin and Fumonisin: control=114 ppb and 1.46 ppm; Ash=114 ppb and 1.46 ppm; AS=270 ppb and 2.31 ppm; BC=320 ppb and 3.55 ppm). It is concluded that flours from the local yellow Spindi and local white Rachar maize varieties are less susceptible to infection and mycotoxin contamination by A. flavus and Fusarium sp. compared to the improved white maize variety WH505, which accumulates higher levels of the mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins, especially when treated with the synthetic insecticides Super Blue Cross and Actellic® Super that act as fungal nutrient sources under high moisture conditions. The implications of these findings are further discussed in the context of some relevant policies.
Molecular characterization of a novel amalgavirus infecting Lilium spp. in China
Authors: Yuan Zhihao , Li Zhenfeng , Lu Yuexia , Cao Mengji , Hong Ni , Wang Guoping , Cai Li 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A novel plant virus with a double-stranded (ds) RNA genome was detected in Lilium spp. in China by high-throughput sequencing, tentatively named “Lily amalgavirus 2” (LAV2). The genomic RNA of LAV2 is 3432 nucleotides (nt) and encodes a large fusion protein with 1053 amino acids (aa). It encodes two open reading frames (ORFs). The two ORFs putatively encode a ‘1 + 2’ fusion protein generated by a ‘+1’ programmed ribosomal frameshift (PRF). ORF1 encodes a 386-aa protein with unknown function, ORF2 overlaps ORF1 by 350 nt and encodes a 783-aa protein consists of a conserved sequence, which is RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The ‘+1’ ribosomal frameshifting motif sequence, UUU_CGN, which was highly conserved among known Amalgaviruses, was also found in LAV2. Sequence analysis suggested that it shared 46.04%-51.59% complete nucleotide sequence identity with those members of the genus Amalgavirus and had the highest identity (51.59%) to Lily amalgavirus 1 (accession no. OM782323). Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp amino acid sequences showed that LAV2 clustered with Amalgavirus. Overall, our data suggest that LAV2 is a new member of the genus Amalgavirus.
Down-scale Simplified Non-local Attention Networks with Application to Image Denoising
Authors: Chen Daiqiang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Recently, non-local (NL) attention modules or transformer-based methods have been successfully applied in various image processing tasks. The success of the techniques is owed to the fully utilization of the long-range similarity of in-depth features. However, the computation of the long-range similarity is very expensive, which greatly limits the widely application of the NL module in image processing. Various improved methods have been proposed to reduce the computational complexity. Nevertheless, the acceleration of the computation of the NL attention is based on the reduction of the range of exploring the feature-wise similarity, which may limit the ability to model the long-range relations and cause the degradation of performance. In this paper, inspired by the down-scale techniques and the recurrence law of image patches across different scales, we propose an efficient down-scale simplified NL (DSNL) attention module. By utilizing the down-scale techniques we divide the deep feature maps into several feature maps in the coarse scales, which contain the cleaner version of feature patches in the original feature maps. Our method obviously reduces the computation of the NL attention, and meanwhile the range of the NL attention is unchanged. The proposed DSNL attention module can be flexibly integrated into various convolutional networks. Numerical experiments on image denoising demonstrate that the proposed attention module yields better performance than the original NL attention modules with significantly less computational time, and the corresponding networks can product favorable results compared to many state-of-the-art methods.
A Comprehensive Study of the Flexural Behaviour and Damage Evolution of Composite Laminates using a Progressive Failure Model
Authors: idrissi Hamza El , Seddouki Abbass 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a new progressive damage model has been established with the aim of predicting the flexural behaviour and damage evolution of different composite laminates under three-point bending. In this proposed model, a progressive failure algorithm is developed for numerical analyses where the intra/interlaminar failure modes were considered for estimating the damage evolution. A set of gradual stiffness degradation rules were proposed to predict further damage evolution following damage initiation estimated by the combination of the three-dimensional Puck failure criteria and the cohesive zone model. The damage mechanics of composite laminates IMS194/CYCOM977-2 with ply sequence and AS4/PEEK with ply sequence are investigated by our proposed model. In addition, the present model's results were compared with those reported in the literature. Our findings indicate that the proposed model accurately predicts the failure of laminates, which is beneficial to the study of the damage mechanism of composite laminates.
Compactness of harmonic maps of surfaces with regular nodes
Authors: Park Woongbae 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we formulate and prove a general compactness theorem for harmonic maps of Riemann surfaces using Deligne-Mumford moduli space and families of curves.The main theorem shows that given a sequence of harmonic maps over a sequence of complex curves, there is a family of curves and a subsequence such that both the domains and the maps converge with the singular set consisting of only ``non-regular'' nodes.This provides a sufficient condition for a neck having zero energy and zero length.As a corollary, the following known fact can be proved: If all domains are diffeomorphic to S2, both energy identity and zero distance bubbling hold.
Diet and phylogeny shape the composition, diversity, and structure of the ant-gut bacterial community
Authors: Chen Defu , Liang Xiaoyun , Du Congcong , Chen Zhilin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The gut bacterial community provides various benefits and maintains a long-term symbiotic relationship with its host. Thus, uncovering its diversity and structure is fundamental for revealing its function in the adaption of its host. The composition, diversity, and structure of the gut bacterial community are affected by various factors including the taxon of the host. To determine the composition of the ant-gut bacterial community and the roles of diet and phylogeny in shaping the composition, diversity, and structure of the bacterial community, we analyzed the composition of the gut bacterial communities of 42 ant colonies (representing 38 species, 28 genera, and 7 subfamilies) using 16S rRNA sequencing. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes were the dominant bacteria in the ant gut, which was consistent with the composition of the gut bacterial communities of most insects. The alpha and beta diversity of the ant-gut bacterial communities both differed significantly at the OTU and phylum level with respect to all categories according to the diet and phylogeny of hosts at the overall, 75% and 50% core bacterial community, indicating that diet and phylogeny might play important roles in shaping the composition and diversity of the ant-gut bacterial community. Furthermore, CCA and RDA analysis implied that the phylogeny might be more important than the diet of hosts, indicating the host identity could play a more important role than external ecological factors in shaping the composition and structure of the ant-gut bacterial community at the subfamily level. Our results provide insights into the composition of the gut bacterial communities in multiple ant subfamilies and preliminarily reveal the roles of diet and phylogeny in shaping the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial community.
Skin microbiome differentiates into distinct cutotypes with unique metabolic functions upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Leung Marcus H. Y. , Tong Xinzhao , Shen Zhiyong , Du Shicong , Bastien Philippe , Appenzeller Brice M. R. , Betts Richard J. , Mezzache Sakina , Bourokba Nasrine , Cavusoglu Nukhet , Aguilar Luc , Misra Namita , Clavaud Cécile , Lee Patrick K. H. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The effects of air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the skin microbiome remain poorly understood. Thus, to better understand the interplay between air pollutants, microbiomes, and skin conditions, we applied metagenomics and metabolomics to analyze the effects of PAHs in air pollution on the skin microbiomes of over 120 subjects residing in two cities in China with different levels of air pollution.
Results
The skin microbiomes differentiated into two cutotypes (termed 1 and 2) with distinct taxonomic, functional, resistome, and metabolite compositions as well as skin phenotypes that transcended geography and host factors. High PAH exposure was linked to dry skin and cutotype 2, which was enriched with species with potential biodegradation functions and had reduced correlation network structure integrity. The positive correlations identified between dominant taxa, key functional genes, and metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway in cutotype 1 suggest that arginine from bacteria contributes to the synthesis of filaggrin-derived natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), which provide hydration for the skin, and could explain the normal skin phenotype observed. In contrast, no correlation with the arginine biosynthesis pathway was observed in cutotype 2, which indicates the limited hydration functions of NMFs and explains the observed dry skin phenotype. In addition to dryness, skin associated with cutotype 2 appeared prone to other adverse conditions such as inflammation.
Conclusions
This study revealed the roles of PAHs in driving skin microbiome differentiation into cutotypes that vary extensively in taxonomy and metabolic functions and may subsequently lead to variations in skin–microbe interactions that affect host skin health. An improved understanding of the roles of microbiomes on skin exposed to air pollutants can aid the development of strategies that harness microbes to prevent undesirable skin conditions.
Renopreventive effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 in chronic renal failure adenine model in rats
Authors: Sabra Mahmoud S. , Hemida Fahmy K. , Allam Essmat A.H. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is characterized by a great loss in renal function ending with reduced sodium filtration and suppression of tubular reabsorption that eventually leads to volume expansion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible renopreventive effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 in adenine-induced CRF in rats.
Results: Results showed that the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 had a renopreventive effect that was established by a decrease in blood pressure measurements, and improvement of urinary, serum, and renal tissue markers as revealing organ damage. This was also revealed by the reduction of tubular expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).
Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the worsened renal cellular changes indicated by raised expression of caspase-3 and IL-1β were prominently improved by NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 administration.
Conclusion: The NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 administration in the CRF rat model had renopreventive effects which may be a potential therapeutic approach to prevent the progression of CRF.
Biological effects of the frequent application of a copper-containing fungicide on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zamberlan Daniele , Rieder Guilherme , Silva Luis , Rocha Joao Batista Teixeira da 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The increased consumption of pesticides has an environmental impact due to the dispersion of minerals. Bordasul® is a commonly used fungicide composed of 20% Cu, 10% sulfur, and 3.0% calcium to correct its deficiency in plants. The evaluation of fungicide effects in vivo models is designed to assess their impact on the environment more broadly. Drosophila melanogaster offers a unique model due to its ease of handling and maintenance. Here, the effects of Bordasul® were investigated, addressing the development, survival, and behavior of flies. Our findings showed that exposure to Bordasul® prevented the development of flies (p < 0.01). In addition to causing a significant reduction in memory retention (p < 0.05) and locomotion capacity (p < 0.001). Although fungicides are necessary to satisfy the world's food demand, we conclude that Bordasul® is highly toxic, and that safer media, such as biofertilizers, must be developed as effective alternatives.
An ultrasensitive colorimetric and fluorescent "turn-on" chemosensor based on Schiff base for the detection of Cu 2+ in the aqueous medium
Authors: Khan Sikandar , Muhammad Mian , Kamran Abdul Waheed , Al-Saidi Hamed M. , Alharthi Salman S. , Algethami Jari S. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In the present study, a new colorimetric and fluorescent "turn-on" chemosensor based on ((E)-1-((p-tolylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol) SB was designed and characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The photophysical properties of SB were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. SB showed an excellent colorimetric (yellow to yellowish brown) and fluorescent "turn-on" sensing response to Cu2+ in MeOH/Water (10/90, v/v) media. The "turn-on" response was observed due to inhibition of the photo-induce electron transfer (PET) process. The sensing mechanism of SB toward Cu2+ (2:1) was verified by job's plot, FT-IR, 1H NMR titration and DFT studies. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.0025 µg ml− 1 (0.0025ppm). This LOD value is lower than the tolerable limit for Cu2+ in drinking water set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (1.3 ppm). Furthermore, the test strip containing SB has also exhibited good sensitivity and selectivity of Cu2+ in solution medium as well as when supported on solid medium. All these results confirm that SB is a highly sensitive, selective and facile probe for the recognition of trace amounts of Cu2+ with potential sensing applications.