bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating machine learning, PPI networks to identify mitochondrial fission-related immune markers in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Liu Yi-jiang , Li Rui , Xiao Di , Yang Cui , Li Yan-lin , Chen Jia-lin , Wang Zhan , Zhao Xin-guo , Shan Zhong-gui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose This study was to investigate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a condition characterized by inflammation and progressive dilation of the blood vessels.Methods To do this, we used weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene analysis on samples from the GEO database. Additionally, we carried out enrichment analysis and determined that the blue module was of interest. Additionally, we performed an investigation of immune infiltration and discovered genes linked to immune evasion and mitochondrial fission. In order to screen for feature genes, we used two PPI network gene selection methods and five machine learning methods. This allowed us to identify the most distinctive genes (MCGs). The expression of the MCGs in various cell subgroups was then evaluated by analysis of single cell samples from AAA. Additionally, we looked at the expression levels of the MCGs as well as the levels of inflammatory immune-related markers in cellular and animal models of AAA. Finally, we predicted potential drugs that could be targeted for the treatment of AAA.Results Through differential gene analysis, our research identified 1249 up-regulated differential genes and 3653 down-regulated differential genes. Through WGCNA, we also discovered 44 genes in the blue module. By taking the point where several strategies for gene selection overlap, the MCG (ITGAL and SELL) was produced. We discovered through single cell research that the MCG were specifically expressed in T regulatory cells, NK cells, B lineage, and lymphocytes. In both animal and cellular models of AAA, the MCGs' mRNA levels rose.Conclusion We searched for the AAA hallmark chemicals ITGAL and SELL, which most likely function through lymphocytes of the B lineage, NK cells, T regulatory cells, and B lineage. This analysis gave AAA a brand-new goal.
A test of trade-offs in dispersal and reproduction within and between a sister species pair of specialist insect herbivores
Authors: Roush Amy M. , Zhang Linyi , Hood Glen Ray , Ott James R. , Egan Scott P. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A critical question in understanding the origin of trade-offs and their impact on trait evolution is whether trade-offs between species originate from within-species variation. Despite their importance, studies linking interspecific divergence between closely related species to intraspecific trait variation are still rare. In this study, we describe a trade-off between dispersal and reproductive effort between two sympatric sister species of wasps in the genus Belonocnema (Hymenoptera: Cynipini: Cynipidae) that form galls on live oaks: B. fossoria, which specializes on Quercus geminata, and B. treatae, which specializes on Q. virginiana. Specifically, our results suggest that B. fossoria has evolved reduced flight capability and smaller wings, but a larger abdomen and greater total reproductive effort than B. treatae, which has larger wings and is a stronger flier, but a smaller abdomen and reduced total reproductive effort. Despite these significant morphological and reproductive differences, these traits remain unchanged when transplanting B. fossoria and B. treatae onto the alternative host plant, suggesting that divergence in these traits is likely genetic as opposed to a plastic response to the different rearing environments. However, we did not find evidence of intraspecific trade-offs between wing length and reproductive traits within either B. fossoria or B. treatae, indicating that trade-offs in life history traits between the two species is a result of independent adaptations in response to different environments. Our study informs our understanding of the evolution of trade-offs among life history traits by examining trade-offs at different biological organizations.
Using Microdialysis to Assess Soil Diffusive P and Translocated Sap Flow P Concentrations in Southern Pinus taeda Plantations
Authors: Hackman Jacob James , Strahm Brian , Carter David , Woodley Alex , Garcia Kevin , Cook Rachel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Aims: To improve soil phosphorus (P) testing in silvicultural systems, we aim to assess microdialysis to study concentrations of soil diffusive P and in-vivo translocated sap flow P under variable rates of P carryover from a previous rotation.
Methods: The experiment was a randomized block design, blocked by site, with four treatments and two replications per treatment per block. Soils were collected from each treatment in the field and analyzed in laboratory conditions. Soils were analyzed for diffusive soil P using microdialysis and Mehlich III for comparison. Sap flow P measurements were collected in the field from 16 trees, one tree per treatment and replication over four hours.
Results: Spodosol soils had higher diffusive P levels than Alfisol soils. On average, diffusive P increased by 137% in Spodosol and 166% in Alfisol from pre to post-harvest. In the Alfisol, diffusive P showed a strong relationship with tree height, while no significant association was observed in the Spodosol. The Mehlich III soil extraction method did not correlate strongly with diffusive P for either site. Microdialysis samples collected from the trees responded to changes in fertilization rates. Atmospheric conditions substantially impacted sap flow P, with samples collected in full sunlight showing an average increase of 100% compared to overcast conditions.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of microdialysis as a valuable tool for soil P testing and its application in addressing complex questions related to P translocation and tree physiology in silvicultural settings.
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study in Beijing, China
Authors: Shang Zhi , Gao Yueming , Deng Zhenling , Wang Yue 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Limited data have examined the association between air pollution and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to air pollutants is related to the development of ESRD among patients with T2DM and CKD. A total of 1,738 patients with T2DM and CKD hospitalized in Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. The outcome was defined as the occurrence of ESRD. Data on five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, and SO2) from 35 monitoring stations were obtained from the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center. Long-term exposure to air pollutants during the follow-up period was measured using the ordinary Kriging method. During a mean follow-up of 41 months, 98 patients developed ESRD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM2.5 (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.36) and PM10 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.30) concentration were positively associated with ESRD. An increase of 1 mg/m3 in CO (2.80, 1.05–7.48) and an increase of 1 µg/m3 in SO2 (1.06, 1.00–1.13) concentration were also positively associated with ESRD. Apart from NO2, all the above air pollutants have additional predictive value for ESRD in patients with T2DM and CKD, with PM2.5 performing best. In patients with T2DM and CKD, long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5, PM10, CO, and SO2 was positively associated with the development of ESRD.
Ileal inflammation induced by Toxoplasma gondii experimental infection: role of a metalloprotease from BmooMP-α-I snake venom to reduce immunopathology
Authors: Silva Tamires Lopes , Lopes Carolina Salomão , Silva Maraisa Cristina , Ferreira Flávia Batista , Barros Heber Leão Silva , Silva Mariana Ferreira , Silva Neide Maria , Oliveira Fabio , Mineo Tiago Wilson Patriarca , Mineo José Roberto 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The selection process for advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) must prioritize safety, especially when considering new biologic agents or oral molecule modulators. In C57BL/6 mice, oral infection with Toxoplasma gondiiinduces intestinal inflammation through excessive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, making TNF neutralization a potential therapeutic intervention. In light of this, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BmooMP-α-I, a snake venom metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni, which has the ability to promote TNF hydrolysis, in treating T. gondii-induced ileitis.
The results showed that C57BL/6 mice orally infected with T. gondii and treated with BmooMP-α-I exhibited prolonged survival and improved morbidity scores. Additionally, the treatment ameliorated both the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the intestine, reduced macrophage influx, and decreased the production of inflammatory mediators by mesenteric lymph node cells. These findings provide compelling experimental evidence supporting the ability of BmooMP-α-I to alleviate ileal inflammation.
Considering that the currently available therapeutic protocols are not completely effective and often result in side effects, the exploration of alternative strategies involving novel therapeutic agents, as demonstrated in this study, has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
Using Video to Develop Preservice Teachers’ Noticing within a Mathematical Modelling Context
Authors: Zuo Siyu , Liu Lizhe , Qi Chunxia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Teacher education should foster teachers’ competencies in teaching mathematical modelling since it is a demanding task. Mathematical modelling requires spontaneous reactions, which are related to the core of teachers’ competencies — teacher noticing. The study designed a video-based course to develop these competencies in the context of mathematical modelling. The findings revealed a noticeable improvement in their noticing competencies after participating in the semester-long course. In particular, the Preservice Teachers’ topical foci shifted towards modelling thinking and pedagogy. They made significantly more interpretive comments and used significantly more task-dimensional knowledge for teaching mathematical modelling to reason about events. These results appear to support the viability of using video for this purpose.
The dual effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with drug- resistant epilepsy: Is there more than seizure control?
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashraf , Hamdi Hussein , Rashidi Omnia El , Halim George , Aglan Osama , Sabbagh Abdel Rahman El , Basha Ahmed Kamel , Sayed Ahmed El , Saleh Dina Amin , RH Shatla , Ghany Walid Abdel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is very common in our daily clinical practice for which vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a non-pharmacological therapeutic modality. VNS is offered for patients who are not amenable to resective epilepsy surgery. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that VNS not only improves seizure control but also modifies cognitive functions.
Objective: This study aims at investigating this proposed dual effect as it has a great impact on the developing brain which is crucial, especially in the pediatric age group.
Methods: This retrospective-comparative-pilot study was conducted from January 2018 to February 2022 on 2 groups of pediatric patients between the age of 7-18 years with DRE. It included the "VNS group" which underwent VNS implantation after failing at least 3 anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and the "best medical treatment (BMT) group" which received only pharmacological treatment. All included patients were followed up for at least a 12-month period. Demographic data, epilepsy etiology, seizure diary, ASMs, detailed neurological examination, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were noted. Cognitive assessment using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was recorded and the cognitive score was calculated at baseline and 12 months later for each group.
Results:
87.5% of our patients were classified as symptomatic epilepsy. 75% of patients showed ≥50% seizure frequency reduction among the VNS group as compared to 12.5% in the BMT group. None of the patients achieved seizure freedom in both groups. At 12 months, both patients in the BMT and the VNS group showed statistically significant improvement in their overall cognitive score from baseline (p=0.027) and (p=0.012), respectively. However, this improvement was statistically significantly higher in the VNS group as compared to the BMT group (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that VNS might have an added value in ameliorating cognitive impairment and brain maldevelopment in patients with DRE. However, further large-scale prospective long-term studies are still required to explore the potential role of VNS in neuromodulation and neuronal plasticity that might explain such results.
Effects of combined application of selenium and various plant hormones on the cold stress tolerance of tomato plants
Authors: Guo Jia , Bai Yan , Wang Xin , Dai Qingqing , Zhan Xiangqiang , Gong Haijun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Aims
The roles of selenium (Se) in relieving the harmful effect of cold stress have been reported, but there are few studies on the interaction between Se and various plant hormones in plants in response to cold stress. Here, the effects of Se and various plant hormones on tomato plants under cold stress have been investigated.
Methods
The biomass, relative electrical conductivity, photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde, chlorophyll fluorescence, soluble sugar, proline contents, as well as the regulation of plant hormones were examined.
Results
Among several plant hormones, the co-application of Se and SA was the most effective in reducing the cold stress of tomato plants. The co-application of Se and SA prevented the oxidative damage caused by cold stress on tomato chloroplasts and preserved the plasma membrane integrity and regulated the osmotic substances under cold stress. The interaction between Se and SA modulated the expression of some cold-induced genes thereby conferring cold tolerance of tomato plants. But the pretreatment with a SA biosynthesis inhibitor (AIP) eliminated the favorable influence of Se on the cold resistance of tomato, indicating that enhancing the cold resistance of plants by regulating the synthesis of SA might be one of the mechanisms by which Se enhanced tomato’s resistance to cold stress.
Conclusions
Our results clarified the roles of Se and its regulation mechanisms in plant cold stress tolerance and the critical involvement of SA in this process, which might offer a theoretical foundation for using Se fertilizer to increase the production of crops under adversity stresses.
Design of a Broadband Circularly Polarised Uniplanar Crossed-Dipole Antenna
Authors: Wang Heesu , Park Yong Bae , Park Ikmo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study presents the design of a uniplanar crossed-dipole antenna with broadband characteristics. The antenna comprises a pair of identical crossed-dipole arms printed on the same plane of a dielectric substrate. The crossed-dipole arms are corner-cut fat dipoles that are perpendicular to each other and connected with a bent stripline to generate circularly polarised (CP) radiations. A wide dipole arm was used to improve impedance matching and widen the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. Additionally, the corner of each dipole arm was cut into a triangular shape to broaden the impedance and AR bandwidths further. The antenna in free space is excited via a wideband microstrip-to-parallel stripline tapered balun to reduce the effect of leakage current on the coaxial cable. Experiments and full-wave electromagnetic simulations were employed to design, verify, and validate the antenna design. The antenna, having an overall size of 45 × 45 × 0.508 mm3 (0.4 × 0.4 × 0.0045 λL3 where λL is the lowest frequency in the 3-dB AR bandwidth), demonstrates the following measured performances: an |S11| < −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 2.53–9.14 GHz (113.3%), a 3 dB AR bandwidth of 2.65–7.75 GHz (98.1%), and peak gain of 3.7 dBic at 6.6 GHz.
Research on Motion Planning Model and Control Strategy of Corn Inspection Robot
Authors: Zhang XinWei , Yi KeChuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In order to understand the growth condition of corn crop in real time, this paper designs an inspection robot for corn growth information collection, and proposes a path planning method for corn growth information collection robot based on Yolo v4. Firstly, the maize inspection robot adopts Kinect v2.0 camera to collect images of maize rootstalk information, and processes the images through the IPC to build a sample library of maize rootstalk, on which the Yolo v4 network model is used to train the maize rootstalk images. The accuracy of Yolo v4 is found to be 10.48% higher than that of the Faster R-CNN model. After that, we fit the robot's walking path based on the recognition results, and convert the image pixel coordinates into spatial coordinates through coordinate conversion to obtain the robot's walking path in the actual field environment. Finally, a prototype inspection robot is built and tested in a corn field. The results showed that the inspection robot is stable and did not lose control, and at the same time, it could effectively collect various information in the process of corn growth, which provided a means to realize human-robot separation.
Enhancement of Actinobacteriota and suppression of root-knot nematode infection in cucumbers through chitin application
Authors: Li Ching-Min , Cheng Ting-Hsuan , Liang Ying-Ru , Huang Chao-Li 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims:
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are endoparasitic plant pathogens. The infection seriously reduces the yield and quality of crops and frequently causes continuous cropping obstacles to facility cultivation. Biological control methods have been used to restrict root-knot nematodes, such as the application of crustacean shell powder, which is proposed to increase of chitinolytic bacteria, especially those belonging to Actinobacteriota. However, its influences to soil microbiome remain largely unknown.
Methods:
We used targeted metagenomics to investigate the changes in soil bacterial community for root-knot nematode-infected cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) treated by crustacean shell powder with a pot system.
Results:
The chitin application significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota and reduced the symptoms caused by root-knot nematodes with a dose-dependent manner. Functional prediction suggested that these bacteria may improve chitin hydrolysis and nitrification in the soil, leading to inhibition of root-knot nematodes and growth promotion of cucumbers. On the contrary, the treatment of Streptomyces was less effective than the chitin application as they hardly colonize in the pot system.
Conclusion:
Chitin application may introduce chitinolytic bacteria and enhance soil nitrification to alleviate the infection of root-knot nematodes and stimulate plant growth.
Diagnostic Significance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Cytometry in Chinese Children with B Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Tang Xue , Mai Huirong , Wang Lulu , Chen Shiyang , Chen Fen , Li Tonghui , Liu Yi , Zhou Guichi , Liu Shilin , Wang Ying , Liu Sixi , Fu Xiaoying , Wen Feiqiu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:
Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) is among the most important causes of the poor prognosis of childhood leukemia. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of cytomorphology (CM) and flow cytometry (FCM) in diagnosing CNSL, emphasizing the importance of FCM in the diagnosis process.
Methods:
One-hundred-sixty-five children with newly diagnosed B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL) were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken for routine CSF analysis, CM analysis, and FCM examination. Computed tomography scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed at diagnosis. Patients with CNS2, CNS3, and traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) at diagnosis received two additional courses of triple intrathecal injections during induction treatment. We compared the sensitivity of FCM and CM in the diagnosis of children with CNSL.
Results:
One hundred and twenty-eight (77.58%) CSF samples were negative by either CM or FCM (CM-/FCM-), four (2.42 %) were positive by both CM and FCM (CM+/FCM+), and thirty-three (20%) displayed a single positive finding by FCM (CM-/FCM+) (p=0.044). By adding two lumbar injections in the induction treatment, ten children with TLP+ had no CNS relapse, like those with TLP-. However, compared to CNS1 and TLP, the event-free survival (EFS) did not significantly improve in patients with CNS2 and CNS3. Moreover, CNSL status was associated with worse 3-year EFS (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
We demonstrated the FCM significance in the diagnosis of CNSL in children. To improve the EFS rate of childhood leukemia, it is necessary to combine CM examination, FCM, and other biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CNSL.
Social Vulnerability Index Contributes to Patient History: Women Treated with Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Almond Natalie , Deal Allison M. , Page Annie , Muss Hyman B. , Nyrop Kirsten A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
In women scheduled for chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer (BC), we investigated associations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) with pre-treatment demographics, health behavior, functional and quality of life factors, and treatment toxicities during chemotherapy.
Methods
Patients participated in a home-based walking program during chemotherapy. The SVI Overall score (CDC website for linking zip codes in the electronic medical record) is comprised of four themes: Socioeconomic, Household Composition, Minority Status/Language, and Household Type/Transportation. SVI scores range from 0 = lowest to 1 = highest vulnerability. Participant SVI scores were derived from zip codes listed in the patient’s address in the electronic medical record. Associations of study variables with SVI were evaluated with Spearman correlation for continuous variables and Kruskal-Wallis Tests for categorical variables.
Results
In a sample of 309 women (NCT02167932, 03/2014-11/2016; NCT02328313, 10/2014-01/2019); NCT03761706, 02/2018-06/2020), mean age was 56 years (range 23–83) and 75% White. Higher (greater vulnerability) SVI Overall was associated with Black race (p < .001), lower education (p = 0.02), non-marriage (p = < .0001), higher body mass index (p = .03), fewer walking minutes/week (p = < .001), smoking (p = 0.02), alcohol use (p < .001), Mental Health Index-Depression (p = 0.01), and lower emotional social support (p = 0.008). During chemotherapy, moderate, severe or very severe (MSVS) symptoms were associated with higher SVI Overall for hot flashes (p = .03), arthralgia (p = .02), myalgia (p = .02), peripheral neuropathy (p = .01), edema of limbs (p = .04), and nausea (p < .001).
Conclusions
SVI scores derived from addresses in the patient record can provide information that adds to the patient’s social history in ways that may be informative for cancer care.