bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem formation and auxin response during the tissue reunion process in incised Arabidopsis stem
Authors: Ohba Yusuke , Yoshihara Sakura , Sato Ryosuke , Matsuoka Keita , Asahina Masashi , Satoh Shinobu , Iwai Hiroaki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Plants are exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including wounding at the stem. The healing process (tissue reunion) begins immediately after stem wounding. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role during tissue reunion. In decapitated stems, auxin transport from the shoot apex is inhibited and tissue reunion does not occur but is restored by application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In this study, we found that plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 (PDCB2) affects the expansion of the cambium/phloem region via changes in auxin response during the process of tissue reunion. PDCB2 was expressed in the cortex and endodermis on the incised side of stems 1–3 days after incision. PDCB2-knockout plants showed reduced callose deposition at plasmodesmata and DR5::GUS activity in the endodermis/cortex in the upper region of the incision accompanied by an increase in size of the cambium/phloem region during tissue reunion. In addition, PIN(PIN-FORMED)3, which is involved in lateral auxin transport, was induced by auxin in the cambium/phloem and endodermis/cortex in the upper part of the incision in wild type, but its expression of PIN3 was decreased in pdcb2 mutant. Our results suggest that PDCB2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem development via auxin response.
Assessment of Programmed Cell Death (PD-1) and its Ligand’s (PD-L1) levels in vitiligo
Authors: Mourad Ahmed H. , Nada Hanan R. , Hanafy Ghada El , Rashed Laila A. , Abdallah Nermeen M.A. , Abdelhady Mohamed M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is a cell surface protein that serves as an immune checkpoint in conjunction with its two ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in immunoregulation. When PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibitors were used in cancer therapy, the observed aggravation of the pre-existing autoimmune disease and the emergence of autoimmune-like symptoms shed light on the potential therapeutic role of increasing PD-L1 expression or activating PD-1 in the fight against diseases with autoimmune pathology, including vitiligo. The present study aimed to assess both PD-1 and PD-L1 levels in vitiligo patients’ marginal and non-lesional biopsies in comparison with normal controls and to correlate them with disease parameters.
Methods: Thirty vitiliginous patients and 30 age and sex-matched controls were included. Full history and clinical examination were done and tissue levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 were measured by ELISA from lesional and non-lesional biopsies.
Results: Levels of tissue PD-1 in marginal biopsies were significantly higher than in non-lesional biopsies (p< .001) and significantly higher than the control PD-l level (p< .001). Non-lesional PD-1 level was also significantly higher than the control PD-l level (p< .001). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between marginal and non-lesional PD-1 levels; (rho=0.792, p< .001). Levels of tissue PD-1 in non-lesional biopsies were significantly higher than in controls (P<0.001) and levels of tissue PD-L1 in non-lesional biopsies were significantly lower than in controls (P<0.001). Non-lesional PD-L1 level was also significantly higher than the control PD-Ll level (p< .001).
The herbicide glyphosate inhibits hippocampal long-term potentiation and learning through activation of pro-inflammatory signaling
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , O’Dell Kazuko A. , Zorumski Charles F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Glyphosate, a herbicide marketed under the trade name Roundup, is now widely used, in part because genetically modified organism plants that are resistant to this agent have been developed. Environmental or dietary exposure to glyphosate is omnipresent and there are concerns this exposure could impair cognitive function in addition to carcinogenicity.Methods Using hippocampal slices from juvenile male rats, we investigated whether glyphosate alters synaptic transmission and induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of learning and memory. Our hypothesis is that glyphosate alters neuronal function and impairs LTP induction via activation of pro-inflammatory processes, because increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and neuroinflammation have been reported following glyphosate exposure. LTP was induced by delivery of 100 Hz x 1 sec high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the Schaffer collateral pathway and excitatory synaptic potentials (EPSPs) were monitored 60 min after HFS.Resulsts: We first tested effects of Roundup on basal synaptic function and LTP induction. Roundup depressed EPSPs in a dose-dependent manner. Basal synaptic transmission was completely suppressed by 2000 ppm. At concentrations ≤ 20 ppm Roundup did not affect basal transmission, but 4 ppm Roundup administered 30 min before HFS inhibited LTP induction. We also observed that acute administration of 10–100 µM glyphosate inhibits LTP induction. Minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, and TAK-242, an inhibitor of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), both overcame the inhibitory effects of 100M glyphosate. Similarly, lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS) overcame the inhibitory effects. In addition, ISRIB (integrated stress response inhibitor) and quercetin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum stress, allowed LTP induction in the presence of glyphosate. We also observed that in vivo glyphosate injection (16.9 mg/kg i.p.) impaired one-trial inhibitory avoidance learning. This learning deficit was overcome by TAK-242.Conclusion While Roundup inhibits LTP induction, these observations indicate that glyphosate alone, the major ingredient of Roundup, can impair cognitive function through pro-inflammatory signaling in microglia. Manipulation of pro-inflammatory signaling could be a useful strategy to prevent cognitive impairment after exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH).
Comparison of adjuvant capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) versus S-1 in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy: A nationwide cohort study based on the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database in Korea
Authors: Maeng Chi Hoon , Kim Hoseob , Kim Mina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough both capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) and S-1 are accepted as adjuvant chemotherapy following gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the better option between the two is still controversial.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective nationwide cohort study using data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. We included patients who underwent gastrectomy for a primary diagnosis of gastric cancer between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. The study compared the survival outcomes of patients who received postoperative chemotherapy based on S-1 (Arm S) vs. CAPOX (Arm C), as well as other relevant clinical variables such as comorbidity and completion of planned treatment.ResultsA total of 6,602 patients were included in the analysis, with 4,199 in Arm S and 2,403 in Arm C. After propensity score matching, the final study population consisted of 2,067 patients in each arm. Arm C showed statistically inferior five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates compared to Arm S (84.0% vs. 90.0%; p < 0.0001; and 78.4% vs. 86.1%; p < 0.0001). Age (65 ≥ vs. <65) and the incomplete planned treatment also had a significant negative effect on both OS and DFS. In the multivariable analysis, Arm C still showed worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.609; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.339–1.934; p < 0.0001) and DFS (HR, 1.552; 95% CI, 1.333–1.807; p < 0.0001) than Arm S.ConclusionBoth S-1 and CAPOX showed excellent efficacy, but this nationwide cohort study suggests that S-1 may be a better option in certain clinical situations.
Pseudomonas species Implicated in Nosocomial Infections in a Referral Health Facility in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Onwuezobe Ifeanyi Abraham , Chukwu Edith Ebere , Akinjogunla Olajide Joseph 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Nosocomial infection is posing problems in developing countries like Nigeria especially in the face of emerging and re-emerging multidrug-resistant strains of infectious organisms plaguing the hospitals. The objective was to investigate nosocomial P. aeruginosa pathogens in urine and wound samples, their antibiotic resistance patterns, and the resistance genes involved.Methods A total of 210 samples, comprising 110 urine and 100 wound samples, were processed using standard methods. The pathogens isolated were identified using microbiological techniques, biochemical tests, and the Macrobact™ 24E system kit. Antibiotic susceptibility, plasmid DNA extraction, and detection of resistance genes were determined using the modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion, alkaline lysis method, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction, respectively.Results Of the 129 bacteria isolates identified as nosocomial pathogens, 35 (16.7%) were P. aeruginosa and were found to be more resistant to Piperacillin-Tazobactam 12 (75.0%) and 10 (52.6%) for urine and wounds, respectively, and relatively sensitive to Ceftazidime 10 (62.5%) for urine and 6 (36.8%) for wounds. All isolates of P. aeruginosa had single plasmids with molecular weights of 10.5 kb and above, and antibiotic resistance genes detected were QnrA, QnrB, GMr, AmpC, and VIM.Conclusion The study revealed P. aeruginosa were associated with nosocomial wound and urinary tract infections at a 16.7% rate, and antibiotic resistance were plasmid mediated with QnrA, QnrB, GMr, AmpC, and VIM as resistance genes.
Low-cost optical interrogator system for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: DIAZ Camilo , SOUSA Israel , MESQUITA Esequiel , PEREIRA Luis , ALBERTO Nélia , ANTUNES Paulo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Optical fiber sensors have great potential for application in civil construction, especially in the field of structural health monitoring. However, one of the barriers to the diffusion of these sensors is allied to the fact that their implementation is quite expensive, mainly due to the high price of commercial optical interrogators. Therefore, the present work seeks to develop a low-cost optical interrogation system. For this, the present study proposes the development of this system based on the use of tunable filters and edge filters in the monitoring of low and high frequencies, and consequent digital processing of the collected signals through the find_picks algorithm and the Fourier transform. As a result, it was possible to observe the adequate functioning of the tunable filters, with the validation of the system using a FBG, and a previous simulation for the edge filter system with frequencies superior to 100 kHz.
The Effect of Food and Financial Remittances on Household Food Security in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Barnabas Bulus , Bavorova Miroslava , Zhllima Edvin , Imami Drini , Pilařová Tereza , Umar Awal 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Remittances from migrants are an important livelihood strategy to mitigate the impact of adverse economic conditions, particularly in developing countries and rural areas. This study examines how migration and remittances affect household food security by analysing data collected from 180 farmers in northern Nigeria in 2018. The descriptive results show that households use remittances mainly for health care and education. Remittances are most commonly provided in the form of finances and food. Binary logit regression results show that food remittances have a significant positive impact on food security status. Financial remittances did not have a statistically significant impact on food security. As the number of migrants in a household increases, the probability that the household is food secure decreases. The propensity scores matching result also showed that migrant households receiving food remittances were more food secure. In light of these findings, we emphasized the need to include both financial and food remittances in studies to understand the effect on food security.
Effects of silicon concentration on the magnetic and structural properties of nanostructured Fe-Si alloy synthesized by ball mill process
Authors: OUADAH M'hamed , YOUNES Abderrahmane 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

This study aims to elaborate on the production of a nanostructured Fe-Si alloy with varying silicon concentrations and how it can enhance the magnetic properties of the alloy. In order to achieve this, the mechanical alloying technique was employed to create the nanostructured alloy. After the mechanical ball milling process, the morphological, structural, and magnetic properties of the alloy were thoroughly analyzed using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results from these techniques revealed significant changes in the properties of the alloy. One of the major findings of this study was the appearance of Fe3Si phase, commonly known as Suessite, after the mechanical milling process. This indicates that the milling process caused a transformation in the crystal structure of the alloy. Additionally, an increase in silicon concentration led to a reduction in crystallite sizes, which was observed through the XRD analysis. Furthermore, the lattice strain and lattice parameters of the alloy were observed to increase with increasing silicon concentration until it reached 3%. After this point, the value of the lattice parameter remained constant, indicating that further increases in silicon concentration did not significantly impact the lattice structure of the alloy. The milled samples exhibit improved magnetic properties, with increased saturation magnetization values observed as the silicon concentration increased.
Modulation of wound healing regulators by thermal spring water from La Bourboule
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Zangbéwendé Guy , Fouache Allan , Trousson Amalia , Wilmo James Jr , Filaire Edith , Berthon Jean-Yves , Fogli Anne , Sapin Vincent , Baron Silvère , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Thermal spring waters have been a source of treatment for curing or alleviating symptoms of various pathologies. However, despite some supporting literature of the late 19th century, there has been a gradual decrease in their use as the exact mechanisms remained unknown. The thermal spring water from La Bourboule (BW) in Central France, is still being used for treating skin diseases. To decipher how BW has beneficial effects on wound healing, we cultured HaCaT keratinocytes with increasing percentages of BW and analysed their properties by a scratch assay. Production of cytokines, metallopeptidases, and accumulation of mRNA of genes encoding proteins involved in wound healing processes were also investigated. Our results show that BW significantly increases the wound healing capacities of HaCaT cells by 12% at 24h, paralleled with a significant increase of TGFb1-3 mRNA accumulation (1.3 to 2.2-fold) and TGFb1 production (1.3-fold) at 24h. Conversely, MMPs’ mRNA and/or peptides are reduced. IL6, TNFa and other factors playing in the wound healing processes are modulated at transcript and/or protein levels. Altogether, this study suggests that BW modulates, in vitro, the growth and functioning of keratinocytes through molecular mechanisms, which deserve to be investigated further.
Optimization of Framed Structures Subjected to Blast Loading Using Equivalent Static Loads Method
Authors: Al-Bazoon Mustafa , Arora Jasbir S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, the optimum design of a three-dimensional framed steel structure subjected to blast loading is considered. The main idea of this research is to develop a practical formulation for the design optimization problem and to study the effect of including blast loads in the design process. The optimization problem is formulated to minimize the total weight of the structure subjected to American Institution of Steel Construction (AISC) strength requirements and blast design displacement constraints. The design variables for beams and columns are the discrete values of the W-shapes selected from the AISC tables. A car carrying 250 lbs of Trinitrotoluene with a 50 ft standoff distance from the front face is modeled as the source of the blast loading. Pressure-time histories are calculated on the front, sides, roof, and rear faces of the structure. Since the problem functions are not differentiable with respect to the design variables, the gradient-based optimization algorithms cannot be used to solve the problem. Therefore, metaheuristic algorithms are used to solve the optimization problem. Linear and nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out in the optimization process. The problems are solved using metaheuristic optimization with the equivalent static loads method (MOESL). In MOESL, the dynamic load is transformed into equivalent static loads (ESLs) then the linear static analysis is carried out in the optimization process. The problems are 4-bay×4-bay×3-story frames under serviceability and blast loading. It is shown that a penalty on the optimum structural weight is substantial for designing structures to withstand blast loads.
Optimizing Vehicle Joints through Adaptive Stacking Model and Discrete Marine Predator Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang C. L. , He Z. C. , Li Eric , Cheng A. G. , Huang J. , Yang D. F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The design of vehicle body joints is a critical aspect of the conceptual design process. Joint structures significantly affect the mechanical performance of vehicle bodies. However, due to the nonlinear relationship between joints and body performance, it is challenging to develop an explicit expression for optimization. Furthermore, traditional finite element analysis is impractical due to the vast number of possible joint configurations. Therefore, we propose a surrogate model-based optimization method to address this problem. First, we propose an intelligent adaptive stacking method (IASM) to establish the surrogate model. We evaluate the performance of IASM and other competitors on 34 benchmark functions and 3 open engineering projects, and IASM demonstrates the best predictive performance overall. Next, we construct joint modules with different configurations as candidate modules, which we connect to the vehicle body using beam units to build the simplified vehicle body (JMBB). JMBB significantly reduces the computational cost of finite element simulation, generating training samples for IASM. We then propose a discrete marine predator algorithm (DAMPA) to optimize the joints based on IASM. Compared to the genetic algorithm, DAMPA identifies joint modules with better mechanical performances. To validate the effectiveness of our method, we modify the base vehicle body using the optimized joints, resulting in a 7.4 kg reduction in body mass while enhancing four other mechanical metrics.
Hydrogels enriched with carbon nanotubes for electrocardiography
Authors: Kołodziej Leszek , Iwasinska-Kowalska Olga , Wróblewski Grzegorz , Jakubowska Małgorzata , Lekawa-Raus Agnieszka 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The following paper proposes methods for the formation of high-performance interface electrode materials to increase the effectiveness of signal collection from the patient’s body during electrocardiography (ECG). The electrode materials are produced via the hybridisation of commercial ECG liquid hydrogels with carbon nanotubes (CNT), often used to manufacture dry ECG electrodes. The hybrid materials were prepared by mixing hydrogels with CNT powders and wrapping them in macroscopic CNT films. In both solutions, the liquid hydrogels ensure good wetting of the epidermis, while CNTs decrease the impedance of the material and stabilise the drying process. In addition, composite materials remain soft, ensuring microconformal attachment to skin and are biocompatible. Thus such hybrid solutions combine the advantages of wet and dry ECG electrode technologies and, therefore, could enable long-term monitoring of ECG signals leading to better diagnosis and treatment of many heart disorders.
Boron and Magnesium Ions Co-doping Synergistically Enhances the Electrochemical Performance of Nickel-rich Cathode Materials
Authors: Mao Gaoqiang , Yang Ying , Yao Yingying , Jiao Wen , Yao Yu , Yu Wanjing , Tong Hui , He Hanbing 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Nickel-rich ternary materials still suffer from defects of poor structure stability, fast capacity decay and poor rate performance, which inhibits their practical application in power batteries. Herein, a novel nickel-rich LiNi0.74Co0.14Mn0.12O2 cathode material co-doped with metallic and non-metallic ions was designed and prepared. The doped Mg2+ ions enter the lithium layers, reducing the Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing of the material; act as pillars, stabilizing the layered framework. While the doped B3+ ions occupy the tetrahedral sites, which expand the interlayer spacing and accelerate the diffusion of lithium ions. Furthermore, B3+ ions change the microstructure of the primary particles, alleviate the structural strain during the long cycle process and maintains the stability of the layered structure. Owing to the synergistic effect of Mg2+ and B3+ doping, the co-doped material exhibits superior electrochemical performance. A discharge capacity of 127.6 mAh·g− 1 at 10 C, as well as a capacity retention of 91.33% after 100 cycles at 1 C rate was achieved in the co-doped material. This metallic and non-metallic ions co-doping ternary material demonstrates its superiority compared with the single-element modified material.
Heavy Metal Content and Risk Assessment in Trachurus trachurus Investigated from the Marmara Sea
Authors: Sap Ayse , Zongur Alper , Ozcan Cemile 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Aquaculture is an important nutrient for humans, and their living environment, sea water, must be of high quality. Toxic metals are one of the most important causes of marine pollution and marine organisms can accumulate such compounds in their bodies. It is extremely important to evaluate the health risks of fish, which is the most consumed sea creature by humans, in terms of toxic elements for public health. In this study, some heavy metal concentrations were determined using FAAS in the muscle and liver tissues of Trachurus trachurus species grown in the Marmara Sea, and the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk possibilities related to these heavy metals were evaluated. According to the results of the research, it was seen that there was no relationship between fish weight and length and element content in muscle tissue. Compared with muscle tissue, liver tissue accumulated more metal content. It was determined that all elemental concentrations in muscle tissue were below the permissible limit. In addition, it was observed that these fish species were weak in terms of nutritional elements. The estimated daily intake values of all elements were found to be much lower than the reference doses. The target hazard quotient and hazardous index values for essential and toxic elements were below the limit value. It was decided that daily consumption of these fish does not pose a lifelong carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk. The Pb concentration detected in the liver was observed to exceed the permissible limit. This situation suggests that the Marmara Sea should be examined in terms of Pb pollution.