bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of novel botanical synergist on the effectiveness and residue behavior of prothioconazole in wheat field
Authors: Wu Yalin , Yin Yuanjian , Chen Xin , Zhou Yeping , Gao Quan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important fungal disease which can lead to serious yield losses and mycotoxin contaminations, the Fusarium strains have been found obvious resistance to many fungicides. Development of novel synergist is an important approach for addressing these challenges of postponing the development of pesticide resistance. In this study, the synergistic effect of Taxodium 'zhongshansha' essential oil (TZEO) was determined via the evaluation of synergistic ratio (SR) with three replicators under standard procedures. The best SR of 3.96 in laboratory which was observed when the weight ratio of TZEO and prothioconazole was 1 : 1 with the corresponding EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) value of Fusarium graminearum was 0.280 mg L− 1. Subsequently, an increase of 6.31% on the control effect to FHB index in field test was observed when compared to the treatment with prothioconazole alone, and the mycotoxin contamination was less than the limits of quantifications (LOQs) value satisfied to the detection of these mycotoxins which was 5 µg kg− 1 (DON, ZEN, 3-DON, and 15-DON) and 1 µg kg− 1 (OTA), respectively. It was also shown that the application of 20% TZEO EW led to a 20% reduction at least in the use of prothioconazole, which was calculated based on the control effect values of 86.41% and 90.20% between the treatments of 30% prothioconazole OD (225 g a.i ha− 1, recommend dosage) and 30% prothioconazole OD (180 g a.i ha− 1) + 20% TZEO EW (225 mL ha− 1), significantly. The initial residue of prothioconazole and prothioconazole-desthio was found to in-crease upon treatment with TZEO, which may play an important role in the synergistic effect on FHB. Moreover, none of the treatments posed a prothioconazole residue risk in the wheat grain and the environment. Finally, the essential oil was not found to have any negative influence on wheat growth, which was revealed by a study of the chlorophyll content. These results provide an important botanical synergist for use with prothioconazole to control Fusarium head blight, which will play a creative role to reduce the application of prothioconazole and postpone the development of resistance. Furthermore, in-depth study to the synergistic mechanism of this oil is necessary in our future research.
External validation of the ISARIC 4C Mortality Score for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Tunisia
Authors: Ali Khaoula Bel Haj , Abdullah Shaima Mohammad , Sekma Adel , Toumia Marwa , Marrakchi Wafa , Toumi Adnen , Mhamed Saoussen Cheikh , Saad Ahmed Ben , Youssef Rym , Zorgati Asma , turkia Hela ben , Ghazali Hanène , Khrouf Mariem , Soltane Houda Ben , Karray Rim , Walha Olfa Chakroun , Boudawara Nadia Keskes , Jaoued Oussama , Mlouki Imen , Sfar Nouha , Atrous Souheil El , M'hammdi Sana , Abroug Hela , Belghith Asma , Chakroun Mohamed , Rouatbi Naceur , Souissi Sami , Rekik Noureddine , Mezgar Zied , Boukef Riadh , Nouira Semir 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Estimating mortality risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection may help clinicians to early triage patients with poor prognostic outcome. The Coronavirus Clinical Characterization Consortium Mortality Score (4C Score) is one of the predictive models that was externally validated in large cohorts. However, its use may be limited in population with quite different demographic and epidemiologic features.
Objective
To externally validate the 4 C score in a large Tunisian population
Methods
Multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥ 14 years, hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, need for ICU admission and combined outcome (in-hospital mortality and/or ICU admission). We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (C statistics) for the 4C Mortality Score to assess the discriminatory power of the 4C Mortality Score for predicting outcomes. To assess calibration of the model, we used the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.
Results
2327 patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 based on positive RT-PCR assay or rapid antigen test of a nasopharyngeal swab were included for final analysis. Median time between symptoms start and hospital admission was 4 days [2-7], and 69.2% needed oxygen therapy at hospital admission. In-hospital mortality was 15.4% (n=358); most deaths (11%, n=257) occurred in the ICU. Mortality rates within the 4C Mortality Score risk groups were 0.6% (Low), 8.7% (Intermediate), 53.1% (High), and 37.7% (Very High). The score achieved a good estimated discrimination when predicting death (C-statistic:0.86; 95%, CI [0.84-0.88]), ICU admission (C-statistic: 0.69; 95%, CI [0.65-0.72]) and the combined outcome (C-statistic:0.79; 95%, CI [0.77-0.81]). The calibration plot indicated good calibration for both in-hospial mortality and combined outcome (HosmerLemeshow goodness-of-fit test p value of 0.86 and 0.28 respectively).
Our study represents a new external validation of the 4C score in COVID-19 patients with high reliability in predicting disease severity. These findings imply that the 4C Mortality Score may be generalized to patients with COVID-19 regardless of ethnicity and healthcare system.
Prevalence of hepatitis B infection: Knowledge and practice toward Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Adwa town, North Ethiopia
Authors: Tlahun Berhe , Gebreyesus Hailay , Gidey Tsehaynesh , Welu Guesh , Shfare Mebrahtu Teweldemedhin , Hagos Selemun , Nigatu Dabere , Feleke Berhanu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and 100 times contagious than HIV. Mother to child transmission leads to chronic infections and remain as public health threat. There is scarce study about prevalence of HBsAg; knowledge and practice of pregnant women regarding HBV infection in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess prevalence HBsAg; level of knowledge and practice toward HBV infection among pregnant women in Adwa town.
Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was employed among 337 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics from March 28 to May 4, 2017 in Adwa town. Pregnant mothers were selected consecutively. Data was collected using a pre tested questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between independent and the outcome variable. P value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were used for statistical significance.
Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg among pregnant mothers was 3.9% (95%CI: 1.8-6.2). Education of Pregnant mothers (secondary school and above) (AOR=2.3, 95%CI: 1.2-4.7) and Occupation of pregnant mothers (employed pregnant mothers) (AOR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.5-4.3) were independently associated with knowledge score of pregnant mother toward HBV infection transmission. Occupation of pregnant mothers (employed pregnant mothers (AOR=4.4:95%:1.5-12.0), age group 31-41years old pregnant mothers (AOR=3.7:95%CI: 1.3-10.7) and knowledge score of pregnant mothers (AOR=1.3, 95%CI: 1.2-1.5) were independently associated with good preventive technique pregnant mothers toward HBV infection.
Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HBsAg among pregnant mothers was intermediate endemic. Education and occupation status of pregnant mothers was factors with the knowledge score of pregnant mothers toward HBV infection transmission. Therefore, sustainable community based health education intervention about HBV transmission and prevention is important to raising awareness among pregnant mothers.
Social patterning of childhood overweight in the national ELFE cohort
Authors: Gal Camille Le , Lecorguillé Marion , Poncet Lorraine , Cissé Aminata-Hallimat , Gassama Malamine , Simeon Thierry , Lanoë Jean-Louis , Melchior Maria , Bernard Jonathan Yoan , Charles Marie-Aline , Heude Barbara , Lioret Sandrine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An inverse social gradient in early childhood overweight has been consistently described in high-income countries; however, less is known about the role of migration status. We aimed to study the social patterning of overweight in preschool children according to the mother’s socio-economic and migration background. For 9,250 children of the French ELFE birth cohort with body mass index collected at 3.5 years, we used nested logistic regression to investigate the association of overweight status in children (IOTF definition) with maternal educational level, occupation, household income and migration status. Overall, 8.3% (95%CI: [7.7–9.0]) of children were classified with overweight. The probability of overweight was increased for children from immigrant and descendants of immigrant mothers (OR 2.22 [95%CI 1.75–2.78] and 1.35 [1.04–2.78]) versus non-immigrant mothers. The highest probability of overweight was also observed in children whose mothers had low education, were unemployed or students, or from households in the lowest income quintile. Our findings confirm that socio-economic disadvantage and migration status are risk factors for childhood overweight. However, the social patterning of overweight did not apply uniformly to all variables. These new and comprehensive insights should inform future public health interventions aimed at tackling social inequalities in childhood overweight.
Successful development of a unique anther culture protocol for the production of doubled haploids in Hot Pepper
Authors: Misal Sachin , Das Arunava 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Hot pepper ranks seventh among the most produced vegetables in the world. This crop is famous for its color and pungency. Hot pepper contains many important phytonutrients that enable it to fight against cancer. Conventional breeding in Hot Pepper is labor-consuming and a long-term process. This can be overcome by using novel approaches, such as, in vitro doubled haploid plant production. This method not only accelerate breeding programs but also facilitates recovery of recessive mutations. There are many articles published on doubled haploid development in Capsicum annuum; it reports both anther culture and shed-microspore culture methods, but both these methods require either subculture of anthers or the addition of new media, which makes both protocols laborious. The present study aims to develop a single-step direct embryogenesis protocol to produce doubled haploids in Capsicum annuum. We analyzed effectiveness of microspore embryogenesis on ten Hot pepper genotypes with six media combinations including shed-microspore culture protocol (Supena et.al 2006) and two-step anther culture protocol (Dumas de vaulx et.al 1981 and Para-Vega et.al 2016). Among six, one media combination responded very well to single-step direct embryogenesis compared to other protocols with more than 20% plant regeneration frequency. We observed an average embryogenesis of 7.53% and plant regeneration frequency of 3.81%. We achieved a survival index of 97.61% after acclimatization of plants in the polyhouse. The results of these experiments show that, one-step direct embryogenesis can be achieved with unique combination of plant growth regulators.
Rab32 facilitates Schwann cell pyroptosis in rats following peripheral nerve injury by elevating ROS levels
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Chen Pin , Han Guanjie , Zhou Yongjie , Xiang Xingdong , Lu Shunyi , Bian Mengxuan , Huang Lei , Wang Xiang , He Binfeng , Shi Fengchao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is commonly observed in clinical practice, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the correlation between the expression of a Ras-related protein Rab32 and pyroptosis in rats following PNI, and potential mechanisms have been explored by which Rab32 may influence Schwann cells pyroptosis and ultimately peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) through the regulation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
Methods: The authors investigated the induction of Schwann cell pyroptosis and the elevated expression of Rab32 in a rat model of PNI. In vitro experiments revealed an upregulation of Rab32 during Schwann cell pyroptosis. Furthermore, the effect of Rab32 on the level of ROS in mitochondria in pyroptosis model has also been studied.
Finally, the effects of knocking down the Rab32 gene on PNR were assessed, morphology, sensory and motor functions of sciatic nerves, electrophysiology and immunohistochemical analysis were conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy.
Results: Silencing Rab32 attenuated PNI-induced Schwann cell pyroptosis and promoted peripheral nerve regeneration. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that Rab32 induces significant oxidative stress by damaging the mitochondria of Schwann cells in the pyroptosis model in vitro.
Conclusion: Rab32 exacerbated Schwann cell pyroptosis in PNI model, leading to delayed peripheral nerve regeneration. Rab32 can be a potential target for future therapeutic strategy in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
Klotho inhibits IGF1R/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway and protects the heart from oxidative stress during ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Olejnik Agnieszka , Radajewska Anna , Krzywonos-Zawadzka Anna , Bil-Lula Iwona 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of the heart involves the activation of oxidative and proapoptotic pathways. Simultaneously Klotho protein presents anti-aging, antiapoptotic and antioxidative properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Klotho protein on oxidative stress in hearts subjected to IRI. Isolated rat hearts perfused with the Langendorff method were subjected to ischemia, followed by reperfusion, in the presence or absence of recombinant rat Klotho protein. The factors involved in the activation of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R)/phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signalling pathway were evaluated. IRI caused activation of the IGF1R (p = 0.0122)/PI3K (p = 0.0022) signalling, as compared to the aerobic control group. Infusion supply of Klotho protein during IRI significantly reduced the level of phospho-IGF1R (p = 0.0436), PI3K (p = 0.0218) and phospho-AKT (p = 0.0020). Transcriptional activity of forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) was reduced (p = 0.0207) in hearts subjected to IRI, compared to aerobic control. Administration of Klotho decreased phosphorylation of FOXO3 (p = 0.0355), and enhanced activity of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0452) and superoxide dismutase (p = 0.0060) in IRI + Klotho group. The levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) (p = 0.0480) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (p = 0.0460), and heart injury (p = 0.0005) were significantly increased in hearts from the IRI group in comparison to the aerobic group. Klotho reduced NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) (p = 0.0390), ROS/RNS (p = 0.0435) and H2O2 (p = 0.0392) levels, and heart damage (p = 0.0286) in the hearts subjected to IRI. In conclusion, Klotho contributed to the protection of the heart against IRI and oxidative stress via inhibition of the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT pathway, thus can be recognized as a novel cardiopreventive/cardioprotective agent.
Prenatal stress increases corticosterone levels in offspring by impairing placental glucocorticoid barrier function
Authors: Liu Hong-ya , Wang Rui , Zhu Jia-shu , Li Ye , Li Jia-qi , Yao Gui-xiang , Ma Shu-qin , Guan Su-zhen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Exposure to high cortisol levels in fetus of prenatal stress (PS) has adverse effects on growth, which is related to placental glucocorticoid (GC) barrier. DNA methylation is a potential prenatal planning mechanism in embryonic stage, however, the epigenetic regulation of placental GC barrier related genes on the PS resulting higher GC is unclear. This study was to test the hypothesis that PS would elevate cortisol which was associated with GC-related placenta genes (11β-HSD2, P-gp, NR3C1, and FKBP5) based on the DNA methylation.
Method: PS model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). DNA methylation in GC-related genes was analyzed using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and confirmed results using MethylTarget™ sequencing. The genes expression were subjected to qRT-PCR and Western blot.
Results: Offspring of PS had increased plasma corticosterone levels. GC-related gene (P-gp(abcb1a) and FKBP5) were identified by RRBS. We further verified DNA methylation and gene expression, including 43 differentially methylated sites and 2 differentially methylated regions. We found P-gp was hypermethylation and low expression, FKBP5 was hypermethylation low translational and high transcriptional levels. The expressions of 11β-HSD2 decreased, the NR3C1 mRNA expression was inhibited, and the protein expression increased.
Discussion:This study provides an exploratory result: PS disrupts the placental GC barrier through hypermethylation and aberrant expression of GC-related genes, resulting in high corticosterone level in offspring, affecting growth and development. However, the molecular mechanism by which PS regulates the placental GC barrier remains to be further determined.
Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception
Authors: Albayati Sinan , Badiani Sarit , Ang Zhen Hao , Turner Catherine E , Berney Christophe R , Morgan Matthew J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to compare short- and long-term outcomes following robot-assisted (RVR) and laparoscopic (LVR) ventral mesh rectopexy in patients with external rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception.
Methods
All consecutive patients undergoing LVR or RVR between April 2015 and June 2018 were included in this study. Patients were contacted by mail or phone for follow ups at one year, and up to 6 years post surgery. St Mark’s, Cleveland Clinic constipation score (CCCS), and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) were obtained before surgery and at each follow up.
Results
Sixty-one patients had ventral mesh rectopexy, 34 robot-assisted and 27 laparoscopic. Mean operative time was longer in the RVR group compared to LVR (237 vs 182 minutes, P < 0.01). There were three postoperative complications in the LVR group compared to one in the RVR group (11% vs. 3%, P = 0.2). Median length of hospital stay was 2 days in both groups (P = 0.09). Recurrence rate for patients with external rectal prolapse was 10% in both groups (P = 1). Median St Mark’s score, CCCS, and GIQLI significantly improved following both laparoscopic and robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy.
Conclusion
Both laparoscopic and robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy are safe and effective techniques in patients with external rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception. Except for prolonged operative time with RVR, there are no significant differences in short-term outcomes between the two groups. Both techniques significantly improve, faecal incontinence, obstructed defaecation and quality of life in patients with rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception.
Reducing image artifacts in sparse projection CT using conditional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Usui Keisuke , Kamiyama Sae , Arita Akihiro , Ogawa Koichi , Sakamoto Hajime , Sakano Yasuaki , Kyogoku Shinsuke , Daida Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Reducing the amount of projection data in computed tomography (CT), called sparse-view CT, can reduce the exposure dose; however, image artifacts can occur. We quantitatively evaluated the effects of conditional generative adversarial networks (CGAN) on image quality restoration for sparse-view CT using simulated sparse projection images and compared them with autoencoder (AE) and U-Net models.
Methods: To simulate sparse-view CT, we acquired fan-beam projections at rotation angles of 1°, 2°, 5°, and 10° for the chest images (4250 slices). Four types of sinograms with different decimating projections were generated to simulate sparse-view CTs. The AE, U-Net, and CGAN models were trained using pairs of artifacts and original images, with 90% of all data used for training and the remaining for evaluation. Restoration of CT value was evaluated using mean error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE). The image quality was evaluated using structural image similarity (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR).
Results: Organ structures were restored up to a sparse projection of 2°; however, slight deformation in tumor and spine regions was observed, with a dispersed projection of over 5°. Image resolution decreased, and blurring occurred in AE and U-Net; therefore, large deviations in ME and MAE were observed in lung and air regions, and the results of SSIM and PSNR were degraded.
Conclusions: The CGAN demonstrated higher image reproducibility than AE and U-Net, particularly for accurate CT value restoration. However, over a decimation angle of 5°, the accuracy of the reconstruction of exact organ structures is limited.
IoT data management for caching performance improvement in NDN
Authors: Zahedinia Marzieh Sadat , Khayyambashi Mohammad Reza , Bohlooli Ali 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Connected devices in IoT continuously generate monitoring and measurement data to be delivered to application servers or end-users. Transmitting IoT data through networks would lead to congestion and long delay. NDN is an emerging network paradigm based on name-identified data known to be an appropriate architecture in supporting IoT networks. In-network caching is one of the main advantages of NDN, a major issue discussed in many studies. One of the significant challenges for some IoT data is the transiency nature, making the data caching mechanism different. In this study, the cache placement and data placement are considered together. Data placement is decided upon based on the data lifetime and node position. Data lifetime is an essential property that must be involved in caching methods to prevent invalid data delivery; consequently, the data are classified based on the data lifetime, and specific nodes are selected for caching according to defined classes and nodes position in topology. The objective is to reduce redundancy caused by data caching on all nodes of the data delivery path. By considering both the cache and data placements for transient data, a more comprehensive view is grasped in improving the caching performance. This issue, which has not been addressed in the available studies run on IoT data caching, can lead to the appropriate use of available storage and also reduce redundancy. The obtained results indicate that this method can improve the transient data caching efficiency.