bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corn cobs as growing media for the production of cucumber plants in the agriculture sector: A new trend
Authors: Mahmoud Sami Hosni , Abou-Hussein Shaban Desouky , El-tanahy Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Peat and perlite are considered traditional growing substrates in soilless culture. The high cost of both and the urgent need for agricultural waste recycling have pushed scientists and soilless culture growers to find alternative growing substrates that provide optimal growth conditions and help dispose of wastes safely. In this study, corn cobs (CB) were tested as growing media and compared with peat moss (PM) and perlite (P). The tested organic wastes (CB), peatmoss and perlite were examined with washed sand (WS) in five treatments (washed sand, corn cob, corn cobs + peat, corn cobs + perlite and corn cobs + sand). cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants cultivated using 5 kg pots containing the investigated substrates. Vegetative growth parameters, early fruiting stages, photosynthetic pigments and yield of cucumber gave the highest values with (CB) and (CB) + (P) substrates, while the lowest values were found in (WS) and (CB) + (PS). corn cobs resulted in greater flowering in terms of the number of fruits per plant and yield, which were 39.70% and 37.33% and 33.67% and 29.88 in both seasons higher than those in the lowest substrate (washed sand). Although adding perlite to corn cobs showed the highest values of measured growth characteristics, its high cost decreased net profit. The best net profit value was gained using corn cob substrate only, followed by (CB) + (P) substrate. In addition to the obtained results, (CB) characteristics as a growing media qualify it to be used in cucumber soilless culture production. The use of this replacement media, which contains crushed corn cobs, could reduce (but not eliminate) peatmoss and perlite requirements in soilless culture. In addition, the use of pyrolyzed biomass in growing media provides another way to convert biomass residues into useful products.
Transcriptional kinetics of NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus during cellular infection
Authors: Zhang Riteng , Wang Peixin , Xie Honglin , Yu Chenfei , Li Junda , Yang Zengqi , Zeshan Basit , Wang Xinglong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has evolved complicated strategies to synthesize subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs), but their plasticity and temporal dynamics remain to be elucidated. Here, next-generation sequencing (NGS) presented the high-resolution landscapes of the PRRSV subgenome, uncovered a striking heterogeneity in temporal kinetics and transcriptional control, and revealed extensive coordination between TRS-dependent and TRS-independent sgRNAs. Moreover, our study conducted a comprehensive reannotation of transcription regulatory sequence (TRS) locations and clarified that its usage involves canonical, alternative, and non-canonical splicing events for annotated genes. These findings have led to the realization that the coding of genetic information held in viral genomes is far more intricate than previously anticipated. Collectively, the altered sgRNA phenotype offered distinctive insight into novel PRRSV variant infections and gave an additional impetus to mining the functional long-range RNA-RNA interactome at active viral replication sites.
Simulation calculation and real-type experiment verification of single-phase ground fault in power system of 6.6kV nuclear power plan
Authors: Li Jisheng , Gu Xiaolong , Liang Xiao , Deng Yeqiang , Zheng Zhihui , Yu Yinhui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The high-voltage plant power system of nuclear power plants contains various cables. When a single-phase ground fault occurs in the system, the input of a large number of cables will increase the capacitive current of the system. At the same time, in the environment of strong radiation and high temperature, the cable insulation is very easy to age. At present, the research on single-phase fault of 6.6kV system mainly focuses on simulation calculation, and lacks the verification of real-type experiment due to the cost and difficulty. Aiming at the problems faced by a domestic nuclear power plant, this paper established a 6.6kV high-voltage utility power ground fault simulation model based on the high-voltage utility cable wiring topology, and studied the fault characteristics of the system under different single-phase faults. A 6.6kV system real-type experiment platform was built to simulate metal grounding and cable insulation faults when the neutral point was not grounded and the extinction coil was grounded, and the agreement between the test and the simulation calculation results is high, but there is a difference in the arcing ground triggered by the cable insulation faults, so as to provide a reference for the maintenance and safe operation of the cable of the power system of the plant of the nuclear power plant.
Antibacterial activity of antimicrobial peptide PMAP-36 combined with tetracycline against porcine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tao Qi , Lu Yi , Liu Qian , Chen Runqiu , Xu Yating , Li Gang , Hu Xiaoxiang , Ye Chao , Peng Lianci , Fang Rendong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance brings great challenges in controlling porcine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli(ExPEC) infections. Combinations of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and antibiotics can synergistically improve antimicrobial efficacy and reduce bacterial resistance. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of porcine myeloid antimicrobial peptide 36 (PMAP-36) in combination with tetracycline against porcine ExPEC PCN033 both in vitroand in vivo. We found that the MBCs of AMPs (PMAP-36 and PR-39) against ExPEC strains PCN033 and RS218 were 10 μM and 5 μM, respectively. PMAP-36 and antibiotics (tetracycline, gentamicin) had a synergistic bactericidal effect against PCN033. PMAP-36 delayed the emergence of PCN033 resistance to tetracycline. The treatment of PMAP-36 combined with tetracycline significantly increased survival and reduced bacterial load as well as decreasing inflammatory response in mice. In addition, the combination of PMAP-36 and tetracycline promoted the migration of monocytes/macrophages to the infection site. Our results suggest that AMPs in combination with antibiotics may provide more therapeutic options against multi-drug resistant porcine ExPEC.
Molecular evaluation of Cryptosporidium spp. in sheep in southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Zhengrong , Peng Xia , Bo Xinwen , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Yanyan , Yu Fuchang , Zhao Aiyun , Zhang Zhenjie , Qi Meng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are diarrhoeagenic intestinal parasites with multiple hosts worldwide. A total of 1252 fresh faecal samples of sheep were collected from 10 large-scale farms in southern Xinjiang. Based on the small subunit ribosomal (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium, 100 Cryptosporidium-positive samples (8.0%, 100/1252) were detected by PCR. Nine out of 10 farms were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest infection rate being 18.4% (23/125) on farm 9 in Qira. The infection rates of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned lambs, weaned lambs, fattening sheep and adult sheep were 20.3% (61/301), 10.3% (34/329), 0.9%, (3/327) and 0.7% (2/295), respectively. Three Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely, C. xiaoi (n = 61), C. parvum (n = 22), and C. ubiquitum (n = 17). Of them, C. xiaoi was detected on all positive farms and in different age groups of sheep. The subtypes of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were identified by PCR at the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Two C. parvum subtypes were identified, IIdA19G1 (n = 21) and IIdA15G1 (n = 1). One C. ubiquitum subtype was identified with XIIa (n = 17). These results indicated the common transmission and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in sheep in southern Xinjiang, and further investigations are needed on the zoonotic potential of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum in this region.
Study on the trend of changes in the gut microbiota of rats with ovariectomy-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis and the effect of estrogen intervention
Authors: lei xindong , Cheng TingTing , Xia JieYing , Dong Han , Hong Yang , Cheng GuoQiang , Wang YongJin , Chen TieZhu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common primary osteoporosis. With the aging of the population, it is becoming a major disease that endangers health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of gut microbiota on PMOP by observing the changes in the levels of estradiol, bone density, and gut microbiota diversity in rats after 3 months of OVX surgery. We randomly divided 60 female SD rats into four groups: baseline group (6 rats), sham-operated group (18 rats), model group (18 rats), and estrogen-treated group (18 rats). The ovariectomy model of postmenopausal osteoporosis was established by performing bilateral ovariectomy. After surgery, 6 rats from each group were randomly sacrificed every 30 days and assessed. After 90 days, all rats were sacrificed and their body weight, bone mineral density (BMD), tissue mineral density (TMD), trabecular bone parameters, femoral bone morphology, hormone levels, and gut microbiota diversity were assessed. We found that OVX led to a decrease in BMD, TMD, and serum estradiol levels in rats, and Increases TNF-α levels. The bone micro-architecture and tissue morphology were also changed, with trabecular fractures, thinning, and decreased numbers. The gut microbiota diversity also changed. Estrogen treatment could improve these changes. OVX leads to a sustained decrease in estrogen levels in rats, which results in progressive bone loss. This is associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiota.
A Survey of Older Adult Services and Sight Loss in Ireland and Eight Similar Jurisdictions
Authors: Hayhoe Simon , Cahill Danny 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This article discusses a grounded methodology study of older adult services in the Republic of Ireland (Ireland) and eight other similar jurisdictions for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). The aims of the study were to inform inclusive service provision by the NCBI for older adults (people over sixty-five years of age) and significantly older adults (people over eighty years of age), examine why some older adults and significantly older adults in Ireland do not fully engage with NCBI’s services, and inform the NCBI’s referral process of people with low or no vision. Methodology: The study was conducted in three phases, each of which was designed to guide the development of training and policy development at the NCBI. Phase one was survey of demographic information from the Irish Census, NCBI and academic literature to identify vulnerable populations, and the geographical concentrations and distributions of older adults and significantly older adults. Phase two was a survey of services by agencies (governmental and non-governmental) in jurisdictions that were found to bear a similarity to the Ireland (these jurisdictions included countries, states, provinces, etc.). Similarity was judged on a group of variables and cultural and political similarity. Phase three was a survey of academic literature on the nature, needs and effectiveness of older adult services, with special reference to jurisdictions with similar state systems of social services. This literature was identified through a search of academic databases, in either academic libraries or Web based academic databases - documents published within the last five years were prioritised during the search of academic literature. Data Analysis: The data analysis in the study was conducted using a model of inclusive capital as an instrument to determine the nature of support. Findings: The study has two main findings: there needs to be further foci on physical and mental health, multiple impairments, significantly older adult’s social needs and end-of-life care in policy development; and, services need to emphasise practical issues of independent living and re-education, developing joined-up services such as transport and well-being, and joining-up similar services across related agencies, e.g. services related to hearing loss and dementia.
Type: Original Article Adherence to antiemetic guidelines in solid cancer patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy in Korea
Authors: Lee ryugyoung , Ku Minhee , Je Nam Kyung 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:
Highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) is known to induce nausea and vomiting (CINV) in approximately 90% of cancer patients undergoing this regimen unless proper prophylactic antiemetics are administered. To mitigate these side effects, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend a prophylactic antiemetic regimen comprising three or four drugs with different mechanisms for patients receiving HEC. This study aimed to analyze the use of prophylactic antiemetics during the first cycle of chemotherapy and assess the compliance rate with the NCCN guidelines.
Methods:
This study used data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2020 provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Korea. Patients with solid cancers treated with two HEC regimens, namely anthracycline + cyclophosphamide (AC) and cisplatin-based regimens, were selected as the study population. The use of prophylactic antiemetic drugs and compliance with guidelines were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the influence of variables on guideline adherence.
Results:
The overall compliance rate with the NCCN guidelines for prophylactic antiemetics was 74.3%, with higher rates observed in the AC group (87.9%) and lower rates in the cisplatin group (60.4%). The AC group had a 6.37 times higher likelihood of receiving guideline-adherent antiemetics than the cisplatin group. The analysis revealed that, compared to 2016, the probability of complying with the guidelines in 2019 and 2020 was 0.72 times and 0.76 times lower, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study showed that a considerable proportion of HEC-treated patients received guideline-adherent antiemetic therapies. However, given the variations in adherence rates between different chemotherapy regimens (AC vs. cisplatin), efforts to improve adherence and optimize antiemetic treatment remain essential for providing the best possible care for patients experiencing CINV.
Biomineralized tetramethylpyrazine-loaded PCL/Gelatin nanofibrous membrane promotes vascularization and bone regeneration of rat cranium defects
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Ni Su , Dai Ting , Li Jingyan , Shao Fang , Liu Chun , Wang Jiafeng , Fan Shijie , Tan Yadong , Zhang Linxiang , Jiang Qiting , Zhao Hongbin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Conventional electrospinning produces nanofibers with smooth surfaces that limit biomineralization ability. To overcome this disadvantage, we fabricated a tetramethylpyrazine (TMP)-loaded matrix-mimicking biomineralization in PCL/Gelatin composite electrospun membranes with bubble-shaped nanofibrous structures. PCL/Gelatin membranes (PG), PCL/Gelatin membranes containing biomineralized hydroxyapatite (HA) (PGH), and PCL/Gelatin membranes containing biomineralized HA and loaded TMP (PGHT) were tested. In vitro results indicated that the bubble-shaped nanofibrous surface increased the surface roughness of the nanofibers and promoted mineralization. Furthermore, sustained-release TMP had an excellent drug release efficiency. All membranes displayed favorable cell compatibility and increased cell attachment and viability. In PGHT membranes, the osteogenic and vascularized gene expression of BMSCs and human vascular endothelial cells was significantly upregulated compared with that in other groups, indicating the PGHT membranes exhibited an effective vascularization role. Subsequently, the membranes were implanted in a rat cranium defect model for 4 and 8 weeks. Micro-CT and histological analysis results showed that the PGHT membranes had better bone regenerative patterns. Additionally, the levels of CD31 and VEGF significantly increased in the PGHT membrane compared with those in other membranes. Thus, PGHT membranes could accelerate the repair of cranium defects in vivo via HA and TMP synergistic effects.
Trends in the Incidence of Disseminated Cryptococcosis in Japan: A Nationwide Observational study, 2015-2021
Authors: Akazawa Hidemasa , Hagiya Hideharu , Koyama Toshih , Otsuka Fumio 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Cryptococcus species can cause severe disseminated infections in immunocompromised hosts. This study investigated the epidemiological features and trends in disseminated cryptococcosis in Japan.
Methods
We used publicly available Infectious Diseases Weekly Reports to obtain data on the incidence of disseminated cryptococcosis in Japan from 2015 to 2021. Patient information, including age, sex, and regional and seasonal data, were extracted. The Joinpoint regression program was used to determine the age-adjusted incidence rate (AAR) per 100,000 population, annual percentage change (APC), and average APC (AAPC).
Results
A total of 1,047 cases of disseminated cryptococcosis were reported, of which those aged ≥ 70 years accounted for 68.8%. APC for the overall cases increased by 9.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -5.4 to 27.7) from 2015 to 2018 and then decreased by -3.3% (95% CI: -15.5 to 10.7) from 2018 to 2021. AAPC for the entire study period was 3.1% (95% CI: -1.5 to 8.0), indicating a possible increase in its number, although not statistically significant. In terms of regional distribution, the average AAR was highest in Shikoku District (0.17) and lowest in Hokkaido District (0.04). Northern Japan exhibited a significantly lower median AAR (median [interquartile range]: 0.06 [0.05, 0.08]) than the Eastern (0.12 [0.12, 0.13]), Western (0.11 [0.10, 0.13]), and Southern (0.14 [0.12, 0.15]) regions. No seasonal variation in incidence was observed.
Conclusion
The prevalence of disseminated cryptococcosis has not increased in Japan. Geographically, the incidence is lower in Northern Japan. Further investigations that incorporate detailed clinical data are required.
Gastric cancer combination therapy by siRNA-mediated NFE2L2(NRF2) silencing and paclitaxel
Authors: Hasani Shima , Khalaj-Kondori Mohammad , Safaei Sahar , Amini Mohammad , Sorkhabi Amin Daei , Tabrizi Negin Riazi , Maghsoudi Mohadeseh , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly chemoresistant malignancy with a poor prognosis. Paclitaxel's low response rate as second-line chemotherapy for advanced GC has prompted intensive research into its molecular basis and prospective targeted therapies to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of NFE2L2 silencing in combination with paclitaxel treatment on GC cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, autophagy, and migration.
Methods
After the siRNA-mediated silencing of NFE2L2 in AGS cells, the transfection efficacy was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The MTT assay was then applied to assess cell viability, followed by flow cytometry analysis for apoptosis, proliferation, and autophagy in AGS cells treated with NFE2L2 siRNA, paclitaxel, or their combination. Thereafter, the migration of cells was measured using a wound-healing assay. Ultimately, the relative gene expression levels of apoptotic (Bax, CASP3, and CASP9), anti-apoptotic (BCL2), metastatic (MMP2), and cell cycle (TP53) genes were measured by qRT-PCR in all experiment groups to further assess the molecular basis for the combination therapy.
Results
NFE2L2 siRNA transfection significantly enhanced paclitaxel-induced apoptosis and sensitized AGS cells to paclitaxel via modulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes including BCL2, Bax, CASP3, and CASP9. Besides, NFE2L2 siRNA and paclitaxel synergistically induced cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase, promoted autophagy activation, and inhibited AGS cell migration via MMP2 downregulation. Additionally, TP53, a key regulator of cell growth, was significantly upregulated in the treated groups compared to the control group.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that paclitaxel combined with siRNA-mediated silencing of NFE2L2 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for GC, however further translational and clinical research are warranted.
Theoretical analysis of mechanism, regio- and stereoselectivity of 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of cyclic nitrone and substituted alkenes by DFT method.
Authors: Bouacha Samir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study presents a theoretical investigation of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between cyclic nitrone a1 and substituted alkene b1. The mechanism, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity of this 13DC reaction were analyzed using transition state theory and reactivity indices obtained from conceptual density functional theory (DFT) with DFT methods at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. The results indicate that this cycloaddition reaction proceeds via a synchronous one-step mechanism, exhibiting a non-polar nature and significant activation energies. These theoretical results are in agreement with the experimental observations. Moreover, topological analyses such as ESP, RDG-NCI, and ELF were employed to determine active sites, distinguish hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, and steric repulsive interactions, and predict electron localization, respectively.
PD-1-positive cells contribute to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and can aid in predicting response to vedolizumab
Authors: Kim Min Kyu , Jo Su In , Kim Sang-Yeob , Lim Hyun , Kang Ho Suk , Moon Sung‑Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Soh Jae Seung , Hwang Sung Wook 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Differentiating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from other inflammatory diseases is often challenging. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is expressed in T cells and is an indicator of their exhaustion. The role of PD-1 expression in diagnosing IBD and predicting the response of biologic agents remains inconclusive. In this study, endoscopic biopsy samples of 19 patients diagnosed with IBD, intestinal tuberculosis, and intestinal Behcet’s disease were analyzed using multiplexed immunohistochemistry. Additionally, a separate "vedolizumab (VDZ) cohort" established in ulcerative colitis patients who underwent endoscopic biopsy before VDZ administration was analyzed to predict response to VDZ. In the immunohistochemistry analysis, the cell density of T cell subsets, including PD-1 + cells, was investigated and compared between IBD and other inflammatory diseases (OID). Cell densities of PD-1 + cells (p = 0.028), PD-1 + helper T cells (p = 0.008), and PD-1 + regulatory T cells (p = 0.024) were higher in IBD compared with OID. In the VDZ cohort, patients with a 14-week steroid-free clinical response had higher levels of PD-1 + cells (p = 0.026), PD-1 + helper T cells (p = 0.026), and PD-1 + regulatory T cells (p = 0.041) than the no response group. PD-1 + immune cells may contribute to the diagnosis of IBD and could be used to predict response to VDZ in ulcerative colitis patients.