bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Curcumin-polyvinyl alcohol nano-composite enhances tolerance of Helianthus annuus L. against salinity stress
Authors: Zaki Faten S. , Khater Mahmoud A. , El-Awadi Mohamed E. , Dawood Mona G. , Elsayed Alaa E. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Nanotechnology is a promising technology in many fields including agriculture. So, this investigation aimed to study effect of curcumin (CUR) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano-compositeat 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg L−1 on physiochemical attributes of sunflower plants grown under salinity stress (3000 ppm).

Results
Results showed that salinity stress significantly reduced all growth indiceslike plant height, number of leaves/plant, fresh and dry weight of shoot and leaf area accompanied by significant increases in proline content, secondary metabolites (total phenolic compound contents and flavonoids), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase increased significantly. The decreases in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids due to salinity stress were non-significant. On the other hand, curcumin with polyvinyl alcohol (CUR-PVA) nano-composite at all concentrations significantly promoted all vegetative growth parameters, total photosynthetic pigments, secondary metabolites, antioxidant enzyme activities accompanied by significant decreases in proline content, MDA and H2O2 either in plant irrigated with tap water or saline solution relative to corresponding control. CUR-PVA nano-composite at 20 mg L−1 was the most optimum treatment either in plant irrigated with tape water or saline solution since it caused the highest significant increases in vegetative growth parameters, total photosynthetic pigments, secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzyme activities accompanied by highest significant decreases in proline content, MDA and H2O2 relative to control.

Conclusions
In brief that CUR-PVA nano-composite employs no ticeable effect in decreasing the deleterious effect of salinity on quality of sunflower.
Blood-based Proteomic Signatures Associated With MEN1-related Duodenopancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Progression
Authors: Fahrmann Johannes F , Wasylishen Amanda R , Pieterman Carolina R C , Irajizad Ehsan , Vykoukal Jody , Wu Ranran , Dennison Jennifer B , Peterson Christine B , Zhao Hua , Do Kim-Anh , Halperin Daniel M , Agarwal Sunita K , Blau Jenny E , Jha Smita , Rivero Jaydira Del , Nilubol Naris , Walter Mary F , Welch James M , Weinstein Lee S , Vriens Menno R , van Leeuwaarde Rachel S , van Treijen Mark J C , Valk Gerlof D , Perrier Nancy D , Hanash Samir M , Katayama Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) are predisposed to develop duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (dpNETs), and metastatic dpNET is the primary cause of disease-related mortality. Presently, there is a paucity of prognostic factors that can reliably identify patients with MEN1-related dpNETS who are at high risk of distant metastasis. In the current study, we aimed to establish novel circulating molecular protein signatures associated with disease progression.

Experimental Design
Mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling was conducted on plasmas procured through an international collaboration between MD Anderson Cancer Center, the National Institutes of Health, and the University Medical Center Utrecht from a cohort of 56 patients with MEN1 [14 with distant metastasis dpNETs (cases) and 42 with either indolent dpNETs or no dpNETs (controls)]. Findings were compared to proteomic profiles generated from serially collected plasmas from a mouse model of Men1-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg) and control mice (Men1fl/fl).

Results
A total of 187 proteins were found to be elevated in MEN1 patients with distant metastasis compared to controls, including 9 proteins previously associated with pancreatic cancer and other neuronal proteins. Analyses of mouse plasmas revealed 196 proteins enriched for transcriptional targets of oncogenic MYCN, YAP1, POU5F1, and SMAD that were associated with disease progression in Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg mice. Cross-species intersection revealed 19 proteins positively associated with disease progression in both human patients and in Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg mice.

Conclusions
Our integrated analyses identified novel circulating protein markers associated with disease progression in MEN1-related dpNET.
Abnormal Calcium Levels are Associated With Worse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes; Results From an Exploratory Study
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Fahad , Elamin Aisha , Bennet William , Choudhari Yashashri Kishor , Balasubramanian Saba P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context
Precise estimates of the incidence of hyper- and hypocalcemia in pregnancy are unknown. Abnormal calcium levels have been associated with unfavorable pregnancy-related outcomes.

Objective
Determine frequency of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in pregnancy when tested and their associations with maternal and fetal outcomes.

Design
Exploratory retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Single tertiary care maternity unit.

Patients
Pregnant women with expected delivery date between 2017 and 2019 and a second additional cohort of pregnant women with hypercalcemia between 2014 and 2016 and 2020 and 2021.

Interventions
Observational.

Main outcomes measured
(1) Incidence of hyper- and hypocalcemia when calcium tested; (2) maternal outcomes: incidence of preterm delivery, emergency cesarean section, and blood loss during delivery; and (3) fetal outcomes: fetal loss (miscarriage/stillbirth), neonatal intensive care unit admission, and fetal birth weight (for term deliveries).

Results
Total number of gestations and livebirths recorded were 33 118 and 20 969, respectively, with median [interquartile range] age of 30.1 [25.6-34.3] years. A total of 15.7% (n = 5197) of all gestations had albumin-adjusted calcium tested, and incidence of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia when tested was 0.8% (n = 42) and 9.5% (n = 495), respectively. Both hypercalcemia (including additional cohort n = 89) and hypocalcemia were associated with increased incidence of preterm delivery (P &lt; .001), emergency cesarean section (P &lt; .001 and .019), blood loss (P &lt; .001), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (P &lt; .001). A total of 27% in the hypercalcemic group had an established diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusions
Abnormal calcium levels during pregnancy are common and associated with worse pregnancy-related outcomes, which raises the possible need for routine calcium testing. Prospective studies to confirm the incidence, etiology, and effects of abnormal calcium in pregnancy are recommended.
Preoperative Characteristics and Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Trigeminal Neuralgia With Concomitant Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Kalluri Anita L. , So Raymond J. , Ran Kathleen R. , Xie Michael E. , Kilgore Collin , Nair Sumil K. , Huang Judy , Bettegowda Chetan , Xu Risheng 
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Although the association between multiple sclerosis and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is well established, little is known about TN pain characteristics and postoperative pain outcomes after microvascular decompression (MVD) in patients with TN and other autoimmune diseases. In this study, we aim to describe presenting characteristics and postoperative outcomes in patients with concomitant TN and autoimmune disease who underwent an MVD.

METHODS:
A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an MVD at our institution between 2007 and 2020 was conducted. The presence and type of autoimmune disease were recorded for each patient. Patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain and numbness scores, and recurrence data were compared between groups.

RESULTS:
Of the 885 patients with TN identified, 32 (3.6%) were found to have concomitant autoimmune disease. Type 2 TN was more common in the autoimmune cohort (P = .01). On multivariate analysis, concomitant autoimmune disease, younger age, and female sex were found to be significantly associated with higher postoperative BNI score (P = .04, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). In addition, patients with autoimmune disease were more likely to experience significant pain recurrence (P = .009) and had shorter time to recurrence on Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = .047), although this relationship was attenuated on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.

CONCLUSION:
Patients with concomitant TN and autoimmune disease were more likely to have Type 2 TN, had worse postoperative BNI pain scores at the final follow-up after MVD, and were more likely to experience recurrent pain than patients with TN alone. These findings may influence postoperative pain management decisions for these patients and support a possible role for neuroinflammation in TN pain.
Characterization of an eye field-like state during optic vesicle organoid development
Authors: Owen Liusaidh J. , Rainger Jacqueline , Bengani Hemant , Kilanowski Fiona , FitzPatrick David R. , Papanastasiou Andrew S. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Specification of the eye field (EF) within the neural plate marks the earliest detectable stage of eye development. Experimental evidence, primarily from non-mammalian model systems, indicates that the stable formation of this group of cells requires the activation of a set of key transcription factors. This crucial event is challenging to probe in mammals and, quantitatively, little is known regarding the regulation of the transition of cells to this ocular fate. Using optic vesicle organoids to model the onset of the EF, we generate time-course transcriptomic data allowing us to identify dynamic gene expression programmes that characterize this cellular-state transition. Integrating this with chromatin accessibility data suggests a direct role of canonical EF transcription factors in regulating these gene expression changes, and highlights candidate cis-regulatory elements through which these transcription factors act. Finally, we begin to test a subset of these candidate enhancer elements, within the organoid system, by perturbing the underlying DNA sequence and measuring transcriptomic changes during EF activation.
The class VIII myosin ATM1 is required for root apical meristem function
Authors: Olatunji Damilola , Clark Natalie M. , Kelley Dior R. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Myosins are evolutionarily conserved motor proteins that interact with actin filaments to regulate organelle transport, cytoplasmic streaming and cell growth. Plant-specific class XI myosin proteins direct cell division and root organogenesis. However, the roles of plant-specific class VIII myosin proteins in plant growth and development are less understood. Here, we investigated the function of an auxin-regulated class VIII myosin, Arabidopsis thaliana MYOSIN 1 (ATM1), using genetics, transcriptomics and live cell microscopy. ATM1 is associated with the plasma membrane and plasmodesmata within the root apical meristem (RAM). Loss of ATM1 function results in decreased RAM size and reduced cell proliferation in a sugar-dependent manner. Auxin signaling and transcriptional responses were dampened in atm1-1 roots. Complementation of atm1-1 with a tagged ATM1 driven under the native ATM1 promoter restored root growth and cell cycle progression. Genetic analyses of atm1-1 seedlings with HEXOKINASE 1 (HXK1) and TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN COMPLEX 1 (TORC1) overexpression lines indicate that ATM1 is downstream of TOR. Collectively, these results provide previously unreported evidence that ATM1 functions to influence cell proliferation in primary roots in response to auxin and sugar cues.
A human septin octamer complex sensitive to membrane curvature drives membrane deformation with a specific mesh-like organization
Authors: Nakazawa Koyomi , Kumar Gaurav , Chauvin Brieuc , Di Cicco Aurélie , Pellegrino Luca , Trichet Michael , Hajj Bassam , Cabral João , Sain Anirban , Mangenot Stéphanie , Bertin Aurélie 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Septins are cytoskeletal proteins interacting with the inner plasma membrane and other cytoskeletal partners. Being key in membrane remodeling processes, they often localize at specific micrometric curvatures. To analyze the behavior of human septins at the membrane and decouple their role from other partners, we used a combination of bottom-up in vitro methods. We assayed their ultrastructural organization, their curvature sensitivity, as well as their role in membrane reshaping. On membranes, human septins organize into a two-layered mesh of orthogonal filaments, instead of generating parallel sheets of filaments observed for budding yeast septins. This peculiar mesh organization is sensitive to micrometric curvature and drives membrane reshaping as well. The observed membrane deformations together with the filamentous organization are recapitulated in a coarse-grained computed simulation to understand their mechanisms. Our results highlight the specific organization and behavior of animal septins at the membrane as opposed to those of fungal proteins.
Differentiation and function of cardiac valves in the adult Drosophila heart
Authors: Meyer Christian , Drechsler Maik , Meyer Heiko , Paululat Achim 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Drosophila, like all insects, has an open circulatory system for the distribution of haemolymph and its components. The circulation of the haemolymph is essentially driven by the pumping activity of the linear heart. The heart is constructed as a tube into which the haemolymph is sucked and pumped forward by rhythmic contractions running from the posterior to the anterior, where it leaves the heart tube. The heart harbours cardiac valves to regulate flow directionality, with a single heart valve differentiating during larval development to separate the heart tube into two chambers. During metamorphosis, the heart is partially restructured, with the linear heart tube with one terminal wide-lumen heart chamber being converted into a linear four-chambered heart tube with three valves. As in all metazoan circulatory systems, the cardiac valves play an essential role in regulating the direction of blood flow. We provide evidence that the valves in adult flies arise via transdifferentiation, converting lumen-forming contractile cardiomyocytes into differently structured valve cells. Interestingly, adult cardiac valves exhibit a similar morphology to their larval counterparts, but act differently upon heart beating. Applying calcium imaging in living specimens to analyse activity in valve cells, we show that adult cardiac valves operate owing to muscle contraction. However, valve cell shape dynamics are altered compared with larval valves, which led us to propose our current model of the opening and closing mechanisms in the fly heart.
Measuring the 3D wake of swimming snakes (Natrix tessellata) using volumetric particle image velocimetry
Authors: Stin Vincent , Godoy-Diana Ramiro , Bonnet Xavier , Herrel Anthony 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
We describe a method for measuring the 3D vortical structures produced by an anguilliform swimmer using volumetric velocimetry. The wake of freely swimming dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) was quantified, revealing the creation of multiple vortices along the body of the snake due to its undulation. The 3D structure of the vortices generally consisted of paired vortex tubes, some of which were linked together to form a hairpin structure. The observations match predictions from computational fluid dynamic studies of other anguilliform swimmers. Quantitative measurements allowed us to study vortex circulation and size, and global kinetic energy of the flow, which varied with swimming speed, vortex topology and individual characteristics. Our findings provide a baseline for comparing wake structures of snakes with different morphologies and ecologies and investigating the energetic efficiency of anguilliform swimming.
Controlling GDP and Debt with a Post-Keynesian model
Authors: Domenicos Charalampos-Anastasios , Kotsios Stelios 
Published: June 2023

Our aim in this paper is to design a set of fiscal policy rules using a linear, discrete macroeconomic Post-Keynesian model with delays. We develop algebraic methods with appropriate symbolic algorithms that produce a solution, which allows us to find a path for the desired GDP and debt targets to be met.

Keywords: Fiscal policy, Symbolic algorithmic methods, GDP, Debt, Algorithmic control
JEL Classification: E00, E62, E12
The Effect of Marketing Promotion Strategy in Political Campaigns: A case Study for the Region of Attica.
Authors: Panagiotidou Georgia , Chadjipadelis Theodore 
Published: June 2023

This research aims to analyze the political marketing strategy used in Greek regional elections of 2019 by candidate mayors, in the case of the region of Attica. Using advance methods of multivariate analysis such as Cluster analysis, Multiple Correspondence analysis and Principal component analysis we search for the strategy patterns used in terms of selecting promotion tools, prioritizing issues on the political agenda, and focusing on the candidate or the party. The analysis investigates the profiles of the candidates with reference to the above political marketing strategies and the connection to their political characteristics. Furthermore, the detected profiles and strategies are analyzed regarding their effect on the probability to be elected. (250 words max)

EL Classifications: C38, D72, M31.
Key words: Political Marketing; Political Analysis; Quantitative Methods; Municipal Elections; Political Campaigns
Greek family-business management performance: Emotionally intelligent or Machiavellian?
Authors: Tsirimokou Chrysoula , Richardson Clive , Palaskas Theodosios 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Although the investigation of emotional intelligence levels and personality traits such as Machiavellian behavior of the manager and the family firm’s workforce is critical in understanding the role of emotions in family business dynamics and in drawing conclusions regarding their effects on the overall business performance, the subject has not been examined adequately. Utilizing modern tools, this paper aims to measure and evaluate the qualitative characteristics of family business managers’ behavior to analyze their influence on the firms’ performance. In particular, it examines whether emotional intelligence and Machiavellianism determine the efficiency of the management in Greek family businesses’ performance. For this purpose, a structural equation model was specified and applied to fieldwork data to test the statistical validity of the hypothesis. The findings suggest that, while emotional intelligence plays an important role, Machiavellian personality does not.

EL Classifications:
Key words: emotional intelligence, Machiavellianism, family business, management, structural equation models
Attitudes toward and knowledge of collaboration of dental and medical practice among medical students in Southern India: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Atul Kumar Harshit , Uppoor Ashita , Kadakampally David , Unnikrishnan B , Mithra Prasanna 
Published: June 2023

Background: Enhancing oral health care services provided through inter-professional collaboration between medical and dental practitioner is important, and even essential. The purpose of this study is to assess the attitude toward and knowledge of medical-dental collaborative practice among medical students attending colleges in Southern India. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among medical students and interns of medical colleges in coastal South India with prior information and permission. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions to assess attitude toward and knowledge of medical-dental collaborative practice. The demographic backgrounds of participants were also recorded. Chi square test was employed for data analysis. The responses obtained were correlated with age, gender and year of study of participants using Pearson’s correlation test Results: A total 250 questionnaires were distributed and 234 responses were appropriately completed. Most of the students agreed that oral health was an integral part of systemic health, however participants disagreed on attending compulsory rotation in dentistry at a statistically significant level (p<0.05), moreover participants did not agree with physicians having an active role in motivating their patients for regular dental check-up. 82% of the medical students believe that dental check-up should be included in health packages under health insurance. A statistically significant (p<0.05) difference was observed among 3 rd year & 4 th year students and interns and also it was found that female students provided more positive responses towards medical-dental collaboration. Conclusions: Even though medical students showed fairly positive attitudes and knowledge towards dentistry, the analysis within the study groups showed that knowledge and attitudes regarding the collaborative practice worsened over the academic years among the medical students. In order to destigmatize and foster interprofessional collaboration which would contribute to higher resource efficiency and the standard of care, continuing education in both the disciplines would be highly beneficial.
Study of helminth eggs (Ascaris suum) inactivation by anaerobic digestion and electrochemical treatment
Authors: Patil Prajakta Pratap , Mutnuri Srikanth 
Published: June 2023

Background: The use of insufficiently treated wastewater or faecal sludge in agriculture raises concerns because of the pathogen content. Helminth eggs are one of the most crucial pathogens for ensuring public health and safety. Widely used disinfection treatment methods do not guarantee the complete inactivation of helminth eggs. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion and electrochemical process on helminth (Ascaris suum) egg inactivation. Methods: Lab-scale biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay was conducted by spiking A. suum eggs in a serum bottle. Total solid (TS), volatile solid (VS), pH, biogas production and its composition, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were analyzed along with A. suum inactivation every third day for the initial 15 days and fifth day for 45 days. In the second set of experiments, a hypochlorite (4700 ppm) solution was generated by electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solution in a membrane-less electrochemical cell. The hypochlorite was diluted (940, 470, 235, and 156ppm) in wastewater, spiked with A. suum eggs and then examined for inactivation at regular intervals. Results: The results of the anaerobic digestion treatment documented 98% inactivation of A. suum eggs (0.15 eggs/mL) in 35 days and remained at 0.14 eggs/mL until day 45. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between non-viable eggs and pH and a negative relationship with all the other parameters. Electrochemical treatment achieved 10% inactivation at 940 ppm concentration in 24h. Conclusions: This study revealed that the inactivation of A. suum eggs by anaerobic digestion or electrochemical treatment is a combined effect of more than one parameter.