bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Emerging Young and Mature Leaves of Bienertia sinuspersici, a Single-Cell C4 Plant
Authors: Sharpe Richard M. , Hewitt Seanna , Edwards Gerald E. , Dhingra Amit 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Efficient carbon capture by plants is crucial to meet the increasing demands for food, fiber, feed, and fuel worldwide. One potential strategy to improve photosynthetic performance of plants is the conversion of C3-type crops to C4-type crops, enabling them to perform photosynthesis at higher temperatures and with less water. C4-type crops, such as corn, possess a distinct Kranz anatomy, where photosynthesis occurs in two distinct cell types. Remarkably, Bienertia sinuspersici is one of the four known land plant species to perform C4 photosynthesis within a single cell, characterized by dimorphic chloroplasts and corresponding intracellular biochemistry. The young emerging leaves exhibit C3 anatomy which differentiate into the unique single cell C4 anatomy as the leaves mature. A comparative transcriptome analysis yielded a total of 72,820 unique transcripts in young and 72,253 transcripts in mature leaves of B. sinuspersici. In the young leaf, enrichment of processes associated with the cell cycle, cellular developmental patterning, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms was observed. The mature leaf displayed enrichment of processes associated with photosynthesis, chloroplast components, translational components, and post-translational modifications. Notably, several transcription factors such as auxin response factor (ARF), basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), GATA, homeodomain (HD), MYB, NAC, squamosa promoter-binding protein-like (SPL), and zinc finger (ZF) family were differentially expressed in in the young leaf. These data expand our insights into the molecular basis of Bienertia’s unique cellular compartmentalization, chloroplast dimorphism, and single-cell C4 biochemistry, and the information can be useful in the ongoing efforts to transform C3-type crops into C-4 type.
Comparison of short-term clinical outcomes between open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and tibial condylar valgus osteotomy
Authors: Higuchi Takashi , Koseki Hironobu , Yonekura Akihiko , Imai Chieko , Tomonaga Iku , Sunagawa Shinya , Matsumura Umi , Osaki Makoto 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare radiological features and short-term clinical outcomes between open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO), in order to define the indication criteria for TCVO.
Methods: Twenty-seven cases involving 30 knees that had undergone HTO and eighteen cases involving 19 knees that had undergone TCVO for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics, severity of knee OA, lower limb alignment, and joint instability were measured in standing full-length leg and knee radiographs obtained before and 1 year after surgery. Range of motion in the knee joint was measured and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was obtained to evaluate clinical results preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively.
Results: Mean age was significantly higher in the TCVO group than in the HTO group. Radiological features in the TCVO group included greater frequencies of advanced knee OA, varus lower limb malalignment, and varus-valgus joint instability compared to the HTO group before surgery. However, alignment of the lower limb and joint instability improved to comparable levels after surgery in both groups. Maximum flexion angles were significantly lower in the TCVO group than in the HTO group both pre- and postoperatively. Mean values in all the KOOS subscales recovered similarly after surgery in both groups, although scores on three subscales (Symptom, Pain, and ADL) were lower in the TCVO group.
Conclusions: TCVO appears preferable in cases of advanced knee OA and high varus-valgus joint instability. An appropriate choice of surgical procedure is important to obtain favorable clinical outcomes.
Self-determination and Mortality in Older Chinese Adults: Unraveling the Intersections of Gender and Age
Authors: Jiao Kaishan , Pang Xiuyun , Hu Wen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: While existing research establishes a connection between increased self-determination and decreased mortality rates among older adults, there is still limited understanding of how this association varies across demographic variables such as gender and age.
Methods: The present study examines the nuances in the relationship between self-determination and mortality risk in a large, nationally-representative cohort of individuals aged over 60 (n=23,522). Self-determination was quantified using a validated measure that evaluates self-direction and agency. Mortality was monitored over a span of 16 years. To minimize sample selection bias, propensity scores were utilized to compute weights, following which a weighted Cox regression model was applied.
Results: The findings indicated that self-determination significantly predicted reduced mortality. Notably, the relationship between self-determination and mortality was modulated by both gender and age, with the effects being most pronounced for men and those in the younger age brackets.
Conclusions: By shedding light on the intricate interplays between self-determination and health outcomes, this research offers insights for designing tailored interventions aimed at mitigating mortality rates and promoting healthy aging across a heterogeneous elderly population.
Prevalence, influence factors and cognitive characteristics of vascular mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia in hypertension
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Lin , Yue Ling , Xiao Shifu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Hypertension is considered as an independent risk factor for vascular mild cognitive impairment (vMCI) and vascular dementia (VaD). This study was performed to investigate the prevalence, influencing factors and cognitive characteristics of vMCI and VaD in elderly patients with hypertension in China. In the cross-sectional study, we performed cluster random sampling of 3246 people age 60 years and older across the country. All participants were interviewed and screened for hypertension. Among the 1495 hypertensive patients, 57 were diagnosed with vMCI and 48 with VaD according to the criteria of Petersen and DSM-IV, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk and protective factor for vMCI and VaD with Hypertension. And we also assessed their cognitive function by a series of neuropsychological tests. We finally found that: 1) the prevalence of vMCI and VaD in hypertension was 3.8% and 3.2%, respectively, which was much higher than that of normal controls (p<0.05). 2)Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that advanced age (p<0.001, OR=1.066, 95%CI: 1.030~1.104), sleep too little (p=0.011, OR=2.279, 95%CI: 1.210~4.291) and physical discomfort (p<0.001, OR=6.380, 95%CI: 2.956~13.774) were the risk factors for the development of vMCI in patients with hypertension; advanced age (p=0.002, OR=1.061, 95%CI: 1.021~1.011), physical discomfort (p=0.005, OR=3.922, 95%CI: 1.506~10.214) and depressive symptoms (p<0.001, OR=8.363, 95%CI: 3.023~23.138) were also the risk factor for VaD, while education (p=0.040, OR=0.941, 95%CI: 0.888~0.997), tea drinker (p=0.017, OR=0.483, 95%CI: 0.266~0.878) as well as take exercise (p=0.003, OR=0.416, 95%CI: 0.234~0.737) were protective factors of VaD;3) both overall and specific areas of cognitive function decrease in hypertension patients with vMCI and VaD, and show a gradual trend of aggravation.
The paradox of plant preference: the malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii select suboptimal food sources for their survival and reproduction
Authors: PARE Prisca , HIEN Domonbabele F. D. S. , YOUBA Mariam , YERBANGA Rakiswendé S. , Cohuet Anna , GOUAGNA Louis-Clément , DIABATE Abdoulaye , Ignell Rickard , Dabiré Roch , Gnankiné Olivier , Lefevre Thierry 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, the primary malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa, exhibit selectivity among plant species as potential food sources. However, it remains unclear if their preference aligns with optimal nutrient intake and survival. Following an extensive screening of the effects of 31 plant species on An. coluzzii in Burkina Faso, we selected three species for their contrasting effects on mosquito survival, namely Ixora coccinea, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Combretum indicum. We assessed the sugar content of these plants and their impact on mosquito fructose-positivity, survival, and insemination rate, using Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae, and with glucose 5% and water as controls. Plants displayed varying sugar content and differentially affected the survival, sugar intake and insemination rate of mosquitoes. All three plants were more attractive to mosquitoes than controls, with An. gambiae being more responsive than An. coluzzii. Notably, C. indicum was the most attractive but had the lowest sugar content and offered the lowest survival, insemination rate, and fructose positivity. Our findings unveil a performance-preference mismatch in An. coluzzii and An. gambiae regarding plant food sources. Several possible reasons for this negative correlation between performance and preference are discussed.
Effects of IL-17 Inhibition with Secukinumab in Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Taskin Cem , Aydinyurt Hacer Sahin , Sancak Tunahan , Gevrek Fikret , Demir Canan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
IL-17 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and systemic inflammatory diseases. This study investigates the effect of secukinumab, an IL-17 inhibitor, on the development of periodontal disease in a rat model of experimental periodontitis.
Materials and Methods
Experimental periodontitis was induced in rats by suturing silk around the mandibular first molar tooth (n = 32). After inducing periodontitis with ligature, the animals were divided into two groups: experimental and control. In the experimental group secukinumab was given intraperitoneally. The experiment was terminated 14 days after the induction of experimental periodontitis. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was measured from microscope images, and the level of inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI) was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. IL-17, nuclear factor kappa B ligand receptor activator (RANKL), osteoprotegrin (OPG) levels and RANKL/OPG ratio were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
Results
In the development process of experimental periodontitis, it was observed that the IL-17 inhibitor secukinumab decreased IL-17 levels, ABL, ICI and RANKL/OPG ratio (p < 0.05); and increased OPG levels (p < 0.05). No statistically significant effect of secukinumab application was observed on RANKL levels (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The results obtained from this study suggested that inhibition of IL-17 with secukinumab slows down the development of periodontitis and IL-17 plays a key role as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in periodontitis pathogenesis.
Clinical Relevance:
This study is the first to examine the effect of secukinumab on periodontal tissues, despite of its limitations. It sheds light on the role of IL-17 in periodontal inflammation in experimental periodontitis.
Molecular insights into hydrogen solubility in water under pore confinement
Authors: Yu Siqin , Kang Qinjun , Mehana Mohamed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Underground hydrogen storage in geological formations has gained significant interest as a potential solution to global energy transition. Among the technical challenges related to underground hydrogen storage, one key fundamental problem is the solubility change due to the confinement, which is highly relevant to safety and efficiency. Though solubility enhancement has been extensively reported in multiple systems, hydrogen displays undersolubility under the nanoconfinement of clay. In this study, we use molecular dynamic simulations to study the hydrogen solubility in water at realistic storage conditions under the confinement of kaolinite. We find a solubility enhancement of 10-fold compared with that in the bulk for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic systems. Furthermore, we identify the major driving mechanism and show that the over-solubility is driven by adsorption and confinement.
Participatory investigation of goat farmers’ breeding practices, trait preference and selection criteria in Burkina Faso
Authors: Akounda Badjibassa , Ouédraogo Dominique , Soudre Albert , Burger Pamela Anna , Rosen Benjamin D. , Tassell Curtis P. Van , Sölkner Johann 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is an innovative approach recommended for genetic improvement and sustainable use of animal genetic resources in extensive farming systems. Successful implementation of this approach requires an understanding of the characteristics of production systems, breeding objectives and farmers’ trait preference. This study aimed to understand the breeding objectives and to identify the selection criteria of goat farmers in rural areas of Burkina Faso and their potential implications in establishing CBBP. Following focus group discussions, a well-structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 372 randomly selected goat farmers in two different agro-ecological zones. A list of traits obtained during focus group discussions was provided to farmers individually, and they were asked to rank the ones they preferentially use to select breeding animals. Statistical tests were conducted to compare data between the two agro-ecological zones. The results showed that average goat flock per household was higher (P<0.05) in the Sudanian (15.68±13.76), compared to the Sudano-Sahelian area (12.93 ± 13.3). Adult females were the dominant age-sex group in both areas. Reasons for culling, keeping breeding bucks and castration practice were significantly different (P< 0.05) among agro-ecological zones. The most important common criterion for selection in the two zones were body size, coat color, and growth rate for the bucks and does, while fertility (0.06) parameters including twining ability (0.18) and kidding frequency (0.11) and mothering ability (0.15) were furthermore considered for breeding does selection. These findings provide valuable insights for developing CBBPs tailored to goat production in the study areas.
expression patterns and functional analysis of 16 members of bZIP family of TGA class in response to fungal disease in rice
Authors: zhang huijuan , zheng dewei , yin longfei , song fengming , jiang ming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
TGA class of bZIP transcription factor are involved in plant immune responses. However, little is known in rice.
Results
In this study, the expression patterns of TGA in response to signaling molecules and pathogen infection were analyzed. The functions of TGA genes were analyzed by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). qRT-PCR analysis revealed that expression levels of TGA genes were induced by hormone treatment and Magnaporthe oryzae inoculation. The BMV:OsbZIP03-, BMV:OsbZIP08-, BMV:OsbZIP63- and BMV:OsbZIP64-infiltrated seedlings showed increased susceptibility to Magnaporthe oryzae than BMV:00-infiltrated seedlings, maybe through regulating the expression levels of defense-related genes, SA content and JA content. BMV:OsbZIP64-infiltrated seedlings showed decreased resistance to Rhizoctonia solani by regulating the expression levels of defense-related genes.
Conclusion
We selected 16 TGAs from rice, and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, expression patterns and functions in disease resistance. The results showed that OsbZIP03, OsbZIP08 and OsbZIP63 positively regulated the resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae, and OsbZIP64 positively regulated resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of gene expression differences and functional verification of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway in Rhododendron
Authors: Wang Qinghao , Jiang Baoxin , Jia Yonghong , Shou Huixia , Chen Zhihui , Cheng Yuhao , Xie Xiaohong , Wu Yueyan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Rhododendron(Rhododendron simsii Planch) is one of the most diverse genera of woody plants in the world. It is rich in germplasm resources, but the molecular regulation of Rhododendron colour formation is poorly understood. In this study, two Belgian Rhododendron varieties with red and white flowers were subjected to RNA-sequencing and Protein sequencing analyses. Integrative analysis of transcriptome and proteome data was used to identify anthocyanin synthesis genes and proteins specifically expressed in flowers of different colours. The key differences between red and white flowers across flower development stages were analysed using the KEGG database, while the expression levels of differentially expressed genes in the anthocyanin/flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were compared using RNA-seq and qRT‒PCR data. The key pathways affecting flower colour in Rhododendron were identified by correlation analysis of the transcriptome data. We identified 6 anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes. The differences in the gene sequences of RsCHS, RsCHI, RsF3H, RsFLS, RsDFR, and RsANS and cis-acting elements might be related to the accumulation of anthocyanins. RsDFR gene overexpression caused Arabidopsis leaves to turn red. These results provide valuable information on the molecular mechanism underlying Rhododendron flower colour formation.
Redefining counting of copy number variations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms by applying a novel concept based on the STexS and STexS II method
Authors: Park Byoung Chul , Kim Jae Jong , Park Hyoung-Min , Kyoung A. Young , Lim Si-Kyu , Lee J. Eugene 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Human genes exist as numerous copy number variations (CNV) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that exert control over the majority of the bodies’ core functions. On average, 12–16% of human genes have CNVs and a single gene can have anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand SNPs. By virtue of numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we now know that CNVs and SNPs can coexist in certain genomic regions, amplifying expression, regulation, and susceptibility effects. Researchers initially categorized CNVs and SNPs into two types: homozygous and heterozygous. However, copy numbers were soon revealed to have a much wider range, underscoring their significance in certain diseases and microbial interactions. Because of the significant impact of CNVs and SNPs, research groups worldwide have eagerly sought an adequate method for measuring both simultaneously. Despite yielding some minor results, these simultaneous counting methods failed to perform up to expectations, leaving researchers to measure CNVs and SNPs separately. To overcome the current limitations, we developed a novel approach based on combining primers designed by the STexS method with matching probes used in the STexS II method. This method successfully measured both CNVs and SNPs of CYP2A6 (-48T>G) and CYP2A7 in a single quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Once properly adjusted based on three core principles, this new method drastically improved the time, cost effectiveness, and overall accuracy of the counting of an individual’s genetic status. Further testing of 100 human genomic DNA samples enabled calculation of the overall frequency of [T] and [G] components within an East Asian population, yielding results that were highly congruent with a previous NIH database. This novel method should redefine genetic profiling and could provide a means to not only successfully predict one’s genetic characteristics, but further enhance personalized medicine and pinpoint appropriate individualized treatments.
Correlation between Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and indicators of inflammation and infection in patients with sepsis
Authors: Fu Zhiwei , Xin Weiwei , Zhang Shutao , Jiao Juyang , Qu Xinhua , Yue Bing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective and design
We aimed to explore the correlation between eight plasma biomarkers and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in sepsis.
Subjects
Adult medical non-trauma patients with sepsis (n = 450) were enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh Acute Lung Injury Registry (ALIR) between October 2011 and January 2018. The final cohort consisted of 153 patients (SOFA score > 2).
Methods
PTX-3 was analyzed using multiple statistical tests along with the SOFA scores and the remaining biomarkers using the ALIR data. Threshold effect analysis using segmented regression evaluated correlations between markers and SOFA scores.
Results
The values of Ang-2, ST-2, fractalkine, IL-1ra, TNFR1, PCT, and PTX-3, but not of C-peptide, were significantly higher in the severe sepsis than in the mild sepsis group. One-way logistic regression analysis indicated that the serum levels of Ang-2, ST-2, fractalkine, IL-1ra, TNFR1, PCT, and PTX-3, but not of C-peptide, significantly correlated with SOFA scores. Threshold effect analysis indicated significant nonlinear correlations between Ang-2, ST-2, IL-1ra, TNFR1, PCT, and PTX-3 levels and SOFA scores.
Conclusions
Although correlations between some plasma biomarkers and SOFA scores were nonlinear, these markers may be used as reference indexes to determine inflammation severity in sepsis.
Paraprotein interferences: Insights from a short study involving multiple platforms and multiple measurands.
Authors: Sarkar Rajarshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Though paraproteinaemic interferences is a well-known phenomenon in clinical chemistry, a large-scale evaluation study involving multiple paraproteinaemic specimens on multiple platforms including multiple measurands with an aim to provide a predictive analysis, is singularly lacking. The present study aims to fill this gap in research.
Material & Methods: This cross-sectional non-interventional observational study involved thirteen paraproteinaemic subjects, determined their gamma globulin characterization and measured their total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, HDL-cholesterol, calcium, inorganic phosphate, iron and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) levels on a dry chemistry platform (Vitros 350) as the established method and two wet chemistry platforms (AU5800 and Cobas 6000) as the evaluation methods. Data thus generated was analyzed for any significant variation and tested if such variation increased with decreasing albumin/ globulin ratio.
Results: Significant variation between dry chemistry and wet chemistry measurements were obtained for direct bilirubin, HDL and iron on AU5800 with p-values of 0.0009, <0.0001 and 0.0466 respectively. Similarly, discrepant results were obtained on Cobas 6000 for direct bilirubin and iron, with p-values of <0.0001 and 0.0002 respectively. Additionally, UIBC measurements on AU5800 varied significantly with increasing amounts of paraprotein present in the specimen (p-value = 0.0207).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes on predictive analyses to show that paraprotein interferences are fairly common on wet chemistry platforms. Evolving algorithms for monitoring of reaction curves can minimize release of erroneous results due to such interferences.