bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applicability of entomopathogenic fungi and essential oils against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Fakeer Mahmoud , Hamam Gamal , Joo Jin , Hussein Khalid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key polyphagous pest because of the damage it causes to maize crops. The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae AUMC2605 and Beauveria bassiana AUMC3563 were evaluated to manage S. frugiperda in the lab and field. Additionally, the toxicity of essential oils from Prunus amygdalus, Linum usitatissimum, Simmondsia chinensis, and Nigella sativa were detected against larvae S. frugiperda in the field. Using the drenches technique, the tested B. bassiana AUMC3563 and M. anisopliae AUMC2605 isolates were pathogenic to S. frugiperda and caused mortality ranging from 10.0 to 80.33%. The laboratory results indicated that B. bassiana AUMC3563 was more deadly than M. anisopliae AUMC2605. In the fifth instar larval stage S. frugiperda was not highly susceptible to the tested fungal isolates. However, the earlier instars larval of S. frugiperda were more susceptible to B. bassiana AUMC3563 and M. anisopliae AUMC2605. B. bassiana AUMC3563 caused the highest mortality of first, second, and third instar larvae at 5.6 × 107 conidia ml-1 in the laboratory. The field trial results also indicated that the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana AUMC3563 was more effective than M. anisopliae AUMC2605. These results assert the potentiality of entomopathogenic fungi and natural products as effective tools in sustainable and integrated pest management.
A Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation based groundwater quality classification for the Irrigation purpose: A case study from Tumkur district, Karnataka, India
Authors: M Thabrez , S Parimalarenganayaki 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Sustainability of irrigated agriculture is based on the quality of water resources. Water Quality Indices are used to assess the suitability of irrigation water, however there are certain uncertainties when samples are to be classified near the boundary between two classes. Hence, the objective of the present study is to classify the groundwater for irrigation purpose in Tumkur district, Karnataka, India, using Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach for the crisp classification. The methodology of this study includes collection of 104 groundwater samples, assessment of hydrogeochemistry, and classification of groundwater by conventional and Fuzzy-logic technique. Hydrogeochemistry by Piper plot indicates mixed Na-Ca-HCO3 type and Gibbs plot indicates the influence of rock-water interactions. The water classification by conventional irrigation indices such as Electrical Conductivity, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Kelly Index, Percentage Sodium, Residual Sodium Carbonate and Magnesium Hazard showed that 2%, 0%, 86.5%, 40%, 25% (post monsoon) and 4%, 2%, 81%, 38.5%, 4% and 19.2% (pre-monsoon) of groundwater samples were not suitable, respectively. As various indices indicated dissimilar results, an integrated conventional index was evaluated by Fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique based on the Maximum Principle Membership and Fuzzy Class Ratio (FCR) and it showed 3.8% and 0.98% of samples were classified as Not suitable (Nʹ), respectively. However, FCR method was found to be effective in dealing variation in fuzzy boundary conditions and it showed 0.98%, 1.96%, 1.96%, 1.96% samples as not suitable at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of degree of variation near class boundaries, respectively. The study affirms that fuzziness in the data near class boundaries, consequently influencing the final classification.
Effect of Oil Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fibers in Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Ouyang Feiyu , Wang Wei , he Hanbo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The impact of combined oil and thermal modification on the properties of bamboo was explored through macroscopic tests, but the internal mechanism remaine4d challenging to comprehend. To gain further insights, this research employed molecular dynamics simulation to estimate the mechanical properties, diffusion coefficient, cohesive energy density, and chain flexibility of bamboo fibers following oil heat treatment. A model of oil-cellulose composite was established and simulated at varying temperatures. Results showed that oil heat treatment led to higher mechanical strength and modulus of elasticity in bamboo fibers compared to untreated ones. Additionally, the increase in diffusion coefficient and cohesive energy density, as well as the optimization of cellulose chain flexibility, indicated an improvement in the fiber characteristics. Of note, the most significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of cellulose and the utilization rate of bamboo was observed after oil heat treatment at 180℃.
Self-assembled peptide/polymer hybrid nanoplatform for cancer immunostimulating therapies
Authors: Khazaei Saeedeh , Varela-Calviño Ruben , Rad-Malekshahi Mazda , Quattrini Federico , Jokar Safura , Rezaei Nima , Balalaie Saeed , Haririan Ismaeil , Csaba Noemi , Garcia-Fuentes Marcos 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Integrating peptide epitopes in self-assembling materials is a successful strategy to obtain nanovaccines with high antigen density and improved efficacy. In this study, self-assembling peptides containingMAGE-A3/PADRE epitopes were designed to generate functional therapeutic nanovaccines. To achieve higher stability, peptide/polymer hybrid nanoparticles were formulated by controlled self-assembly of the engineered peptides. The nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility to both human red blood- and dendritic cells. Incubation of the nanoparticles with immature dendritic cells triggered immune effects that ultimately activated CD8+ cells. The antigen-specific and IgG antibody responses of healthy C57BL/6 mice vaccinated with the nanoparticles were analyzed. The in vivo results indicate a specific response to the nanovaccines, mainly mediated through a cellular pathway. This research indicates that the immunogenicity of peptide epitope vaccines can be effectively enhanced by developing self-assembled peptide-polymer hybrid nanostructures.
The effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on Drosophila brain at single-cell resolution and potential drug repurposing for ADHD treatment
Authors: Qu Susu , Zhou Xiangyu , Wang Zhicheng , Wei Yi , Zhou Han , Zhang Xinshuang , Zhu Qingjie , Wang Yanmin , Yang Quanjun , Jiang Likun , Ma Yuan , Gao Yuan , Kong Lei , Zhang Li 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The stimulant methylphenidate (MPH) and the non-stimulant atomoxetine (ATX) are frequently used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the function of these drugs in different types of brain cells and their effect on related genes remain largely unknown. To address these questions, we built a pipeline for the simultaneous examination of the activity behavior and transcriptional responses of Drosophila melanogaster at single-cell resolution following drug treatment. We captured the hyperactivity-like behavior using EasyFlyTracker following the administration of each drug. Subsequently, unsupervised clustering analysis of scRNASEQ for 82,917 cells yielded 28 primary cell clusters representing the major cell types in adult Drosophila brain. Indeed, both neuronal and glial cells responded to MPH and ATX treatment. Further analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed distinct transcriptional changes associated with these two drugs. For instance, two well-studied dopamine metabolism genes (Dop2R and DopEcR) were responsive to MPH but not to ATX at their optimal doses, in addition to genes involved in dopamine metabolism pathways such as Syt1, Sytalpha, Syt7, and Ih in different cell types. MPH also suppressed the expression of genes encoding other neurotransmitter receptors and synaptic signaling molecules in many cell types, while the responsive effects of ATX were much weaker. In addition to monoaminergic neuronal transmitters, other neurotransmitters have also shown a similar pattern with respect to a stronger effect associated with MPH than with ATX. Moreover, we identified four distinct glial cell subtypes responsive to the two drugs and detected a greater number of differentially expressed genes associated with ensheathing and astrocyte-like glia. Furthermore, our study provides a rich resource of candidate target genes for drug repurposing, which can be found at ADHDrug (http://adhdrug.cibr.ac.cn/). In conclusion, we propose a fast and cost-efficient pipeline to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of ADHD drug treatment in Drosophila brain at single-cell resolution, which may further facilitate drug repurposing applications.
Psychosomatic states and their correlation with fluidity of consciousness related to letting go two newly evaluated core factors for investigating the therapeutic effect of spa treatment
Authors: Vion-Dury Jean , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Grousset Blandine , Kanny Gisèle , Dubois Olivier 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Spa therapy (aka crenobalneotherapy) has been the object of criticism due to insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. While further effectiveness studies are needed, others are also required to better evaluate the curative factors involved during spa therapy that may contribute to the effectiveness. The current study used specific scales to investigate two possible curative factors: the psychosomatic state and the letting go of patients with mental disorders after three weeks of spa therapy. The Saujon Psychosomatic Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Quantified Assessment of Fluidity of Consciousness Questionnaire (QACF) evaluate psychosomatic state and letting go, respectively. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms and insomnia symptoms respectively. Sixty-five subjects (57 women − 87.69%; 8 men), mean age 56.9 (+/- 9.7) years were included. SPQ and QAFC scores improved significantly before and after the three weeks of spa therapy. Improvement in HAD and ISI scores was significantly correlated with SPQ and QACF scores. These preliminary results suggest that the induced psychosomatic state and the letting go induced by spa treatment with bubbling baths, jet showers, pool bathing and massage could help patients to become more available and more able to change their psycho-physiological state.
Mechanism of SOX9 nuclear translocation induced by NF1 mutation promoting neurofibroma proliferation and collagen secretion
Authors: Yao Xuan , Wang Bo , Su Yuanping , Bing Zhitong , Li Qiao , Dong Qiang , Yin Hang , Wang Jianying , Pan Yawen , Yuan GuoQiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by NF1 gene mutations. Patients with NF1 often have complications with tumors, such as neurofibroma. In order to investigate the pathogenesis of human neurofibroma, a systematic comparison of protein expression levels between Schwann cell-like sNF96.2 cells, originating from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), and normal Schwann cells was performed using 4-D label-free proteomic analysis. In addition, the expression levels and localization of dysregulated proteins were confirmed using a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic dataset, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence labeling. The effects of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) in the neurofibroma and surrounding microenvironment were evaluated in vivo using a tumor transplantation model. The present study observed that SOX9 and procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer (PCOLCE) were significantly altered. NF1 mutation promoted the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of SOX9 in neurofibromas. SOX9 increased collagen VI secretions by enhancing the activation of PCOLCE in neurofibroma cells. These findings might provide new perspectives on the pathophysiological significance of SOX9 in neurofibromas and elucidate a novel molecular mechanism underlying neurofibromas.
Development of Multi-Target Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening Agent Against COVID-19
Authors: Ibrahim Nashwa , Gouda Ahmed , El-Sherief Hany 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled scientists to develop new, highly effective therapeutic approaches to fight it. Multitarget drugs have been proven to be effective in managing complex disorders. But designing multitarget drugs is a great challenge. In this study, to prevent lack of efficacy due to viral mutation escape, a multi-target agent against the COVID-19 virus was discovered. As crucial targets, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), COVID-19 main protease (Mpro), and SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15 were selected. A pharmacophore model was developed using the native ligands of the chosen targets. This model was used to screen the ZINC Drug Database for commercially available compounds having similar features to the experimentally tested drugs. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening yielded 1331 hits, which were further docked into the binding sites of selected proteins using PyRx AutoDock Vina. Evaluation of docking results revealed that glisoxepide (Zn 00537804) has the highest binding scores for the three target proteins. It showed binding free energies of -6.8, -6.2, and -7.8 kcal/mol towards SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, Nsp15, and RdRp, respectively. According to an in silicoADME study, glisoxepide follows Lipinski's rule. The results of a molecular dynamics simulation study and subsequent investigations showed that glisoxepide had good dynamics and stability within the active sites of selected targets. The promise of glisoxepide as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 still needs to be further evaluated through experimental research.
Carbon Sources Applications Influencing Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity and Hematological Profile in Gif Tilapia Reared in Biofloc Supported Systems
Authors: Malreddy Joshna , Baboonsundaram Ahilan , Antony Cheryl , Lingam Somu Sunder , Shankar Mahalakshmi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The present study was performed to investigate on the effect of different carbon sources in biofloc based system for rearing Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) fingerlings. The study comprised of utilizing four different carbon sources viz., Jaggery, Soyahull pellets, Rice starch and Molasses. The experiments were conducted in triplicates. Aquarium tank (100L capacity) was stocked with 10 fingerlings with an average body weight of 4.02 ± 0.146 g. At the end of the experimental trial, growth performance of GIFT, reared in different biofloc based systems, did not exhibit any significant variations. Maximum survival (100%) of GIFT was observed in the jaggery and soyahull pellets based biofloc systems. Digestive enzyme activity in jaggery based biofloc reared fish showed significant variation in protease (0.3127 ± 0.014 Units mg protein− 1) and amylase (0.0349 ± 0.003 Units mg protein− 1) activities when compared to fingerlings reared in other biofloc treatments. Highest values in White Blood Cells (46.57 ± 1.65 1000/cu mm), hematocrit (14.26 ± 0.38%) and mean corpuscular volume (141.57 ± 2.4 fl) were recorded in soyahull pellet carbon source biofloc supported system. Proximate composition of the soyahull pellet carbon source based biofloc showed significant variation in protein level (36.26 ± 1.5%) followed by jaggery (32.72 ± 1.130%) and molasses (33.48 ± 0.737%). The present study concluded that jaggery followed by soyahull pellet are best carbon sources, compared to other carbon sources for rearing GIFT fingerling which resulted in better growth, hematology profile and digestive enzyme activities.
The efficacy of spatio-temporal predictors in forecasting the risk of Cydia nigricana infestation
Authors: Riemer Natalia , Schieler Manuela , Saucke Helmut 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The ability to estimate the risk of pest infestation can help cultivators to reduce pesticide application and provide guidance that would result in better management decisions. This study tested whether different combinations of spatial and temporal risk factors can be used to predict the damage potential of Cydia nigricana, a major pest in field pea (Pisum sativum). Over four consecutive years, the abundance of pea moth was monitored by placing pheromone traps at different field pea cultivation sites. We also assessed the phenological development stages and the percentage of damaged seeds per 100 pods collected from each growing pea field in a region of approximately 30 km in diameter. The study found the significant infestation risk indicators to be the time of flowering, the date on which male pea moths are first detected in the monitoring traps, and the minimum distance (MD) to pea fields that were planted and harvested in the previous growing season. The combination of all three factors using a general additive model (GAM) approach yielded the best results. The model proposed by this study accurately discriminated between low-infestation and high-infestation fields in 97% of cases.
Targeting macrophagic PIM-1 alleviates osteoarthritis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via suppressing mitochondrial ROS/ Cl- efflux signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Xie Shujun , Qian Jin , Gao Fengqiang , Jin Wenjian , Wang Lingqiao , Yan Lili , Chen Hao , Yao Wangxiang , Li Maoqiang , Wang Xuepeng , Zhu Liulong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA), in which macrophage-driven synovitis is considered closely related to cartilage destruction and could occur at any stage, is an inflammatory arthritis. However, there are no effective targets to cure the progression of OA. The NLRP3 inflammasome in synovial macrophages participates in the pathological inflammatory process and treatment strategies targeting it are considered to be an effective approach for OA. PIM-1 kinase, as a downstream effector of many cytokine signaling pathways, plays a pro-inflammatory role in inflammatory disease.
Methods
In this study, we evaluated the expression of the PIM-1 and the infiltration of synovial macrophages in the OA human synovium OA. The effects and mechanism of PIM-1 were investigated in mice and human macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and different agonists such as nigericin, ATP, MSU, and Alum. The protective effects on chondrocytes were assessed by a modified co-culture system induced by macrophage CM. The therapeutic effect in vivo was confirmed by the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA in mice.
Results
The expression of PIM-1 was increased in the human OA synovium which was accompanied by the infiltration of synovial macrophages. In vitro experiments, suppression of PIM-1 by SMI-4a, a specific inhibitor, rapidly inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice and human macrophages. In addition, PIM-1 suppression had broad inhibitory functions against NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasome activation and GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PIM-1 inhibition specifically blocked the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) oligomerization in the assembly stage. Mechanistically, PIM-1 inhibition alleviated the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)/ chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs)-dependent Cl- efflux signaling pathway, which eventually resulted in the blockade of the ASC oligomerization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, PIM-1 suppression showed chondroprotective effects in the modified co-culture system. Finally, SMI-4a significantly suppressed the expression of PIM-1 in the synovium and reduced the synovitis scores and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score in the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA model.
Conclusions
Therefore, PIM-1 represented a new class of promising targets as a treatment of OA to target these mechanisms in macrophages and widened the road to therapeutic strategies for OA.
Analysis of risk factors related to early implant failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Zhe-Zhen , Jiang Zheng-Ting , Ding Xi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the factors associated with early implant failure.
Material and methods
This retrospective study was conducted on 3,247 implants in 2,061 patients. Patient-related and surgery-related factors, including smoking, sex, diabetes, bone grafting, implant length, implant width, implant design, adjacent teeth, and insertion torque, were manually retrieved and analyzed. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was employed to evaluate factors related to early implant failure.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 49.2 ± 15.0 (18–91) years. Ninety-nine implants failed during the healing period. Three factors were statistically significant regarding early implant failure: smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 7.060, P = 0.008), implant design (OR = 6.983, P = 0.008), and implant length (OR = 7.500, P = 0.006). Factors including diabetes, bone grafting, location, adjacent teeth (root canal therapy in the adjacent teeth and the distance between the implant and adjacent teeth), healing method, and insertion torque did not exhibit a significantly higher early implant failure rate. Ninety-three sites with failed implants received replantation, and six implants failed during the healing period.
Conclusions
This retrospective study identified three factors associated with early implant failure: smoking, implant design, and implant length. A prospective study with larger sample size is needed in the future.
Clinical relevance:
There is fierce debate on the factors influencing early implant failure (failure during the healing period) in the rehabilitation and restoration of oral function in partially edentulous patients.
Screening and validation of plasma cell-derived, purinergic, and calcium signalling-related gene signatures to predict prognosis and PD- L1/PD-1 blockade responses in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Junfeng , Hu Bingqi , Fan Xingyu , Chen Liwen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background This study aims to screen and validation of prospective gene signatures for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis and treatment.Methods The immune-related genes (IRGs) were obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) dataset where a total of 535 LUAD and 59 control samples were included. A risk model was then developed for the risk stratification of LUAD patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were used to explore the biological processes and signalling pathways associated with the IRGs. Finally, IRGs mRNA levels were assayed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).Results Two IRGs, P2RX1 (purinergic receptor P2X 1) and PCP4 (Purkinje cell protein 4), were screened from a module that possesses the highest correlation with plasma cells. RT-qPCR verified the expression of the two IRGs in plasmacytoma cell RPMI 8226 but not in LUAD cells. A higher risk score is associated with a lower infiltration of immune cells. Kaplan-Meier and Nomogram analysis showed that the high-risk group has a lower survival rate than the low-risk cohort. Furthermore, the high-risk group had a worse response rate to PDL1/PD-1 blockade. GSVA and GSEA-GO results indicated that a lower risk score is linked to signalling pathways and biological functions promoting immune response and inflammation. In contrast, a higher risk score is associated with signalling cascades promoting tumour growth.Conclusion The immune-related prognostic model based on P2RX1 and PCP4 is conducive to predicting the therapeutic response of PD-L1/PD-1 blockade and clinical outcomes of LUAD.