bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Two Novel Fusariviruses Co-Infecting a Single Isolate of Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis Cinerea
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Khan Haris Ahmed , Jamal Atif , Virk Nasar , Bhatti Muhammad Faraz 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

A wide diversity of mycoviruses have been reported from Botrytis species, some with the potential to supress the pathogenic abilities of this fungus. Considering their importance, this study was devised to find potential hypovirulence associated mycoviruses from in Botrytis cinerea strains isolated from Pakistani strawberry fields. Here we report complete genome characterization of two novel fusariviruses co-infecting single isolate of phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Viral genomes were sequenced via deep sequencing using total RNA fractions from isolate Kst14. Identified viruses were tentatively named Botrytis cinerea fusarivirus 8 (BcFV8) and Botrytis cinerea fusarivirus 9 (BcFV9). Both viruses had a single segmented (ssRNA) genome having a size of 6,424 and 8,370 nucleotides encoding two discontinuous open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 of both viruses encodes for a poly-protein having a conserved domain of RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and a helicase domain (Hel) which function in RNA replication, while ORF2 encodes a hypothetical protein with an unknown function, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BcFV8 made clade with the genus alphafusariviruses and BcFV9 made fall in the genus betafusarivirus in the family Fusariviridae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of two fusariviruses identified in B. cinerea isolates from Pakistan. Both viruses successfully transfected to a compatible strain of Botrytis cinerea (Mst11). A comparison of virus free and infected isogenic line showed that the presence of these viruses was causing hypovirulence in infected strains. Virus infected strains also had a small lesion size while testing the pathogenicity via apple assay.
Real and Phantom Decoys in Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus spp.) Decision-Making
Authors: Marini Marco , Colaiuda Edoardo , Gastaldi Serena , Addessi Elsa , Paglieri Fabio 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Decision-making has been observed to be systematically affected by decoys, i.e., options that should be irrelevant, either because unavailable or because manifestly inferior to other alternatives, and yet shift preferences towards their target. Decoy effects have been extensively studied both in humans and in several other species; however, evidence in non-human primates remains scant and inconclusive. To address this gap, this study investigates how choices in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) are affected by two types of decoys: asymmetrically dominated decoys, i.e., options that are inferior to one of the other alternatives, and phantom decoys, i.e., unavailable options that are superior to another available alternative. After controlling for the subjective strength of initial preferences and the distance of each decoy from its target in attribute space, results demonstrate a systematic shift in capuchins’ preference towards the target of both asymmetrically dominated decoys (whether they are available or not) and phantom decoys, regardless of what options is being targeted by such decoys. This provides the most comprehensive evidence to date of decoy effects in non-human primates, with important theoretical and methodological implications for future comparative studies on context effects in decision-making.
Anti-high-mobility group box 1 Neutralizing Antibody Ameliorates Pain Hypersensitivity Induced by Intraplantar Administration of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant in Rats
Authors: Cui Jizheng , Zheng Lianshuai , Meng Yao , Tang Pingping , Zhang Guangyu , Wang Ying , Feng Jiying 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced pain remain elusive, but research has shown that inflammatory cytokines and immune responses in the spinal cord are especially involved. First reported as a nonhistone chromosomal protein, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is now implicated as a novel proinflammatory cytokine and crucial mediator of inflammation. We hypothesized that HMGB1 could trigger the release of cytokines in the spinal cord and contribute to inflammatory pain (IP). To test this hypothesis, we first built an IP model induced by intraplantar administration of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in rats. Moreover, an anti-HMGB1 antibody was injected intrathecally 1, 4, and 14 days after the adjuvant was administered. Pain behavioral responses were measured using a series of tests, and the expressions of spinal HMGB1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were assessed. We found that intrathecal injection of the anti-HMGB1 antibody could effectively alleviate the behavioral hypersensitivity and reduce the expressions of spinal HMGB1, IL-β and TNF-α in IP rats. These results suggest that HMGB1 plays an important role in the development of IP induced by intraplantar administration of complete Freund's adjuvant. HMGB1 blocking therapy holds potential in the treatment of IP.
Localized Squeeze and Excitation Block
Authors: Shaukat Muhammad Bilal , Farid Muhammad Imran 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this article a new technique called Localized Squeeze and Excitation (LSE) Block is proposed. Using proposed LSE-block one can extract core features from the images in the early stage, which results in smaller deep neural network with much less number of parameters; results in less computation time. By using our proposed technique one can reduce the size of any large deep neural network model. For experimentation the model named ResNet-50 is selected and it is shown that how ResNet-50 can be converted into a smaller neural network by using our proposed technique with better accuracy and less processing time. This work is evaluated on the Breast Cancer Histopathological Image Dataset, both for binary and multi-class problems.
Pathological changes of lung tissue and oxidative stress in rats exposed to welding fumes
Authors: Alavijeh Zhaleh Pourjam , Rismanchian Masoud , Mohammadalipour Adel , Hashemnia Mohammad , Zeverdegani Sara Karimi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Welding fumes are ‘possibly carcinogenic’ according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and may have negative health impacts on workers who inhale them. This study examines the differences in lung tissue pathology and oxidative stress levels between rats exposed to welding fumes and a control group. Shielded metal arc welding fumes with a concentration of 50 mg/m3 were inhaled by male Wistar rats (n = 6/treatment group) for 30 min/day × 8 days. The control group (n = 6) was maintained in normal laboratory air condition. Gravimetry was used to measure the particle size distribution, which showed that most particles were in the micron range with a significant number of ≥ 0.25-sized particles. The chemical composition of the fumes was sampled for heavy metals following the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 7300 and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed that rats exposed to welding fumes had significant changes in SOD and GPx activity compared to the control group. The mean activity of GPx in the control and experiment groups was 16.34380 (mU/mg protein) and 11.81042 (mU/mg protein), respectively. The mean activity of SOD in the control and experiment groups was 275.587 (U/mg protein) and 121.168 (U/mg protein). The lung tissues of the control rats were normal, while the exposed rats showed mild to severe tissue injuries in the bronchial and alveolar spaces and the alveolar septa.
Study of the miRNA expression profile of cholesteatoma-derived exosomes and its clinical application
Authors: Tang Qi , Xie Mengyao , Wang Shu , Huang Xiaowu , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Chen , Han Zhijin , Yang Hua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground:Cholesteatoma is a chronic disease that is caused by the abnormal proliferation of keratinized squamous epithelial cells in the middle ear. This study aims to explore the role of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma and their potential in clinical diagnosis.Methods:We collected samples of cholesteatoma and normal retroauricular skin from 14 patients and isolated exosomes from these tissues. Exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blotting. Further miRNA sequencing was conducted to identify the unique exosomal miRNA expression pattern in cholesteatoma. The potential roles of differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were investigated via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Then, we filtered the top 9 DE-miRNAs to perform KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and we validated the levels of these DE-miRNAs in peripheral blood plasma-derived exosomes from 12 cholesteatoma patients, 6 chronic otitis media patients and 4 healthy individuals.Results:Tissue-derived exosomes were successfully extracted from cholesteatoma and normal skin tissues. MiRNA sequencing revealed 14 upregulated miRNAs and 25 downregulated miRNAs in the cholesteatoma-derived exosomes. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the DE-miRNAs participated in a variety of biological processes, cell components and molecular functions. The differential expression of hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-142-5p was verified in plasma-derived exosomes from cholesteatoma patients, and these molecules showed a modest ability to distinguish between cholesteatoma and normal samples (AUC=0.81 and AUC=0.84, respectively). We further identified the potential functions of these molecules in cholesteatoma pathogenesis through a KEGG pathway network.Conclusions:Our study is the first to explore the specific exosomal miRNA profile of cholesteatoma. Exosomal miR-223-3p and miR-142-5p can be considered promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of cholesteatoma.
Sliding Cleaning for Enhanced PV Performances
Authors: Ali Akbar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The buildup of dust particles on the surfaces of photovoltaic (PV) panels has a major impact on their effectiveness and performance. The quantity of incident sunlight that reaches the solar cells is decreased when dust particles are present, which lowers power production and lowers total energy conversion efficiency. In this work, the emphasis is on examining the effects of dust buildup on PV panels and suggesting an innovative strategy for enhancing their performance by utilizing a slide-cleaning technique.
The research begins with a thorough examination of how dust particles affect PV panels, including how they reduce light intensity and hence reduce power output. Reviewing current cleaning techniques indicates that they have costs, water use, and other drawbacks. The buildup of dust particles on the surfaces of photovoltaic (PV) panels has a major impact on their effectiveness and performance. The quantity of incident sunlight that reaches the solar cells is decreased when dust particles are present, which lowers power production and lowers total energy conversion efficiency. In this work, the emphasis is on examining the effects of dust buildup on PV panels and suggesting an innovative strategy for enhancing their performance by utilizing a slide-cleaning technique.
The research begins with a thorough examination of how dust particles affect PV panels, including how they reduce light intensity and hence reduce power output. Reviewing current cleaning techniques indicates that they have costs, water use, and other drawbacks.
Qualitative MR features to identify non-enhancing tumors within glioblastoma’s T2-FLAIR hyperintense lesions
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Okita Yoshiko , Arita Hideyuki , Sanada Takahiro , Sakai Mio , Arisawa Atsuko , Kagawa Naoki , Shimosegawa Eku , Nakanishi Katsuyuki , Kinoshita Manabu , Kishima Haruhiko 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To identify qualitative MRI features of non-(contrast)-enhancing tumor (nCET) in glioblastoma’s T2-FLAIR hyperintense lesion.
Methods
Thirty-three histologically confirmed glioblastoma patients whose T1-, T2- and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (Met-PET) were available were included in this study. Met-PET was utilized as a surrogate for tumor burden. Imaging features for identifying nCET were searched by qualitative examination of 156 targets. A new scoring system to identify nCET was established and validated by two independent observers.
Results
Three imaging features were found helpful for identifying nCET; “Bulky”, “Around the rim of contrast-enhancement (Around-rim),” and “High-intensity on T1WI and low-intensity on T2WI (HighT1LowT2)” resulting in an nCET score = 2 x bulky – 2 x Around-rim + HighT1LowT2. The nCET score’s classification performances of two independent observers measured by AUC were 0.78 and 0.80, with sensitivities and specificities using a threshold of four being 0.443 and 0.771, and 0.916 and 0.768, respectively. The weighted kappa coefficient for the nCET score was 0.946
Conclusion
The current investigation demonstrated that qualitative assessments of glioblastoma’s MRI might help identify nCET in T2/FLAIR high-intensity lesions. The novel nCET score is expected to aid in expanding treatment targets within the T2/FLAIR high-intensity lesions.
The impact of dominant ventricle morphology and additional ventricular chamber size on clinical outcomes in patients with Fontan circulation
Authors: Padalino Massimo A. , Ponzoni Matteo , Reffo Elena , Azzolina Danila , Cavaliere Annachiara , Puricelli Filippo , Cabrelle Giulio , Bergonzoni Emma , Cao Irene , Gozzi Anna , Castaldi Biagio , Vida Vladimiro , Salvo Giovanni 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The functional roles of ventricular dominance and the presence of an additional ventricular chamber (AVC) after Fontan operation are still uncertain. This is a clinical study to assess and correlate such anatomical features to late clinical outcomes.
Methods
Fontan patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in the previous 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, CMRI, and CPET data from the last follow-up were analyzed to assess any correlation between AVC size and ventricular morphology.
Results
Fifty patients were analyzed: left/right dominance was 29/21, with a median age of 20 years (interquartile range:16–26). Median follow-up after the Fontan operation was 16 years (interquartile range:4–42). NYHA class III-IV was present in 3 cases (6%), 4 patients (8%) underwent Fontan conversion surgery, and 2 (4%) were listed for heart transplantation. Two patients (4%) died at follow-up. Statistical analysis showed that the AVC was larger (> 20ml/m2) in the right dominant ventricles (p = 0.01), which were also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative low-cardiac output syndrome (p = 0.043). Left ventricular dominance was associated with a better ejection fraction (p = 0.04), less extent of late gadolinium enhancement (p = 0.022), higher METs (p = 0.01), and pVO2 (p = 0.033). A larger AVC was associated with a higher need for postoperative ECMO support (p = 0.007), but it did not influence functional parameters at CMRI or CPET.
Conclusions
In Fontan patients, left ventricular dominance correlated to better functional outcomes. Conversely, a larger AVC which is more frequent with right ventricular dominance can affect negatively the early post-Fontan course.
Stiffness of ascending aorta has a direct impact on left ventricular function: In silico model
Authors: Goetz Wolfgang A. , Brener Michael , Puri Rishi , Swaans Martin , Schopka Simon , Wiesner Sigrid , Creuztenberg Marcus , Sievert Horst , Kassab Ghassan S. , Yao Jiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

During systole, longitudinal shortening of the left ventricle (LV) displaces the aortic root toward the apex of the heart and stretches the ascending aorta. Effects of stiffening the ascending aorta (AA) on cardiac function was evaluated with potential implications for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF). Living left heart human model (Dassault Systemes Simulia Corporation) was utilized to simulate LV function in normal and stiff AA model. In a model simulating a normal elastic AA, the ascending aorta was stretched by 11.0mm, baseline computed stroke volume was 92.2ml, and effective stroke work was 8747.5 Joules. Simulations show a typical pressure-volume loop, normal myofiber stress and strain patterns. In a model with a stiffened AA, end-diastolic pressure increased by 8.5%, while end-systolic LV pressure was reduced by 9.1%, stroke volume by 10.8% and effective stroke work by 19.0%. LV shape tended to be more ovalized at end-systole. Average tensile radial strain was reduced by 20.2 ± 2.4% compressive circumferential strain by 6.8 ± 10.9%, and average compressive longitudinal stain by 48.4 ± 36.9%, while septal longitudinal strain was reduced by 94.1%, anterior, lateral and posterior strain by 41.2%, 13.3% and 40.0% respectively. Average myofiber stress increased by 37.0 ± 42.9%, with high-stress areas noted at the LV septum. To restore baseline stroke volume, contractility was doubled, resulting in nearly identical pressure-volume loop, end-diastolic and end-systolic pressures, stroke volume, and effective stroke work as at baseline. Average tensile radial and compressive longitudinal strain remained reduced by 3.7 ± 8.8% and 37.5%±35.0%, respectively, while compressive circumferential strain increased by 13.6 ± 29.1% over baseline. Septal, anterior, lateral, and posterior longitudinal strain remained reduced by 82.3%, 23.5%, 6.7%, and 33.3% respectively. The calculated average myofiber stress was 61.8 ± 88.3% higher compared to baseline, with remarkably increased stress along the LV septum, papillary muscles, and apex. Hypothesis-generating computational study demonstrated deleterious effects of AA stiffening upon longitudinal LV function, indicating that the LV is directly linked to the AA through mechanical coupling. Since a stiff AA and impairment of left ventricular longitudinal strain is common in patients with HFpEF, we hypothesize a direct mechanical pathophysiologic link between reduced aortic stretching and reduced longitudinal left ventricular strain.
Recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast with rapid growth during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Huang Min , Jiang Mengyuan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Min , Zhang Dengcai 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma, with the characteristics of slow growth. Herein, we reported a unique rare case of recurrent DFSP on the breast, which rapid growth during pregnancy.
Case presentation:
The patient was a 35-year-old woman with recurrent tumor in left breast that as a large tumor due to rapid growth during pregnancy. Physical examination revealed the three adjacent lumps which were firm, fixed with a relatively well-defined border, and measured approximately 10×9 cm, 4×4 cm and 3×3 cm. The histopathological diagnosis was DFSP.
Conclusions:
We present a unique rare case of recurrent DFSP on the breast, which has rapid growing behavior during pregnancy.
Exposure to Ozone Increases Executing Caspases 3 and 8 and Downregulates Bcl-2 in the Hippocampus, Frontal Cortex, and Cerebellum of Rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Quintero Paola , Rubio-Osornio Moisés , Uribe Eric , Morales Zayra , Portilla Alonso , Moreno Wilhelm , Vázquez David , Rubio Carmen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Ozone (O3) stands as one of the most prevalent atmospheric pollutants, arising from a photochemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sunlight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to O3 levels above 100 g/m3 for 8 hours or longer proves harmful. O3 triggers oxidative stress, resulting in lipid oxidation, inflammation, alterations in metabolic and cellular signaling, and potentially initiating cell death in vulnerable brain regions. Both, inflammation, and oxidative stress are recognized for their capacity to induce cell death, primarily through the apoptosis pathway. Apoptosis is programmed cell death characterized by caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Various proteins intervene in this process along two pathways: intrinsic and extrinsic. This study aims to identify the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and Bcl-2 in the frontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus of rats exposed to O3 acutely. Methodology: Two groups of twenty Wistar rodents (250-300 g) were established. The control group (n=10) was exposed to unrestricted polluted air for 12 hours, while the experimental group (n=10) was exposed to 1 ppm of O3. After exposure, the animals were sacrificed for immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Using a t-test, the arbitrary units of pro-apoptotic proteins and Bcl-2 were compared between the two groups. Results and Conclusions: The investigation unveiled notable discrepancies in caspase-3 and 8, Bcl-2, and TUNEL. These findings lead us to conclude that acute O3 exposure induces apoptosis in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal cortex primarily via the extrinsic pathway.
SPASE: SPAtial Saliency Explanation for time series models in Microsoft Azure products
Authors: Lohia Pranay , Patro Badri Narayana , Panwar Naveen , Agneeswaran Vijay 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We have seen recent advances in the field of Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and Artificial intelligence (AI) that the models are becoming increasingly complex and large in terms of architecture and parameter size. These complex ML/DL models have beaten the state of the art in most fields of computer science like computer vision, NLP, tabular data prediction and time series forecasting, etc. With the increase in models’ performance, model explainability and interpretability has become essential to explain/justify model outcome, especially for business use cases. There has been significant improvement in the domain of model explainability for Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks with fundamental research for both black-box and white-box techniques. In this paper, we proposed novel time series explainability techniques SPASE for black-box time series model forecasting and anomaly detection problems. We also outline details of its implementation and integration into Microsoft Azure products.