bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Different Proteins Binding to Na, K-ATPase α1 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Cell Model by Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Wen Xu-Peng , Zhang Yue-Zhong , Huang He , Liu Tao-Hua , Wan Qi-Quan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by refractory hypoxemia caused by accumulation of pulmonary fluid, which is related to inflammatory cell infiltration, impaired tight junction of pulmonary epithelium and impaired Na, K-ATPase function, especially Na, K-ATPase α1 subunit. Up until now, the pathogenic mechanism at the level of protein during lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ARDS remains unclear. Using an unbiased, discovery and quantitative proteomic approach, the discovery of differentially expressed proteins binding to Na, K-ATPase α1 between LPS-induced A549 cell and control-A549 group is of particular interest for the current study. These proteins may help the clinical diagnosis and facilitate the personalized treatment of ARDS. We screened these Na, K-ATPase α1 interacting proteins, carried out the related Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and found evident phenomena of ubiquitination and deubiquitination, as well as the pathways related to autophagy. We also chose some of the differentiated expressing proteins with significant performance for further verification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among proteins with rich abundance, there were several intriguing ones, including the deubiquitinase (OTUB1), the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), the scaffold protein in CUL4B-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL4B) complexes (CUL4B) and the autophagy-related protein sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1). Protein-protein interaction network showed that there were 244 significantly enriched co-expression among 60 proteins in the group control-A549. while the group LPS-A549 showed 43 significant enriched interactions among 29 proteins. In conclusion, our quantitative discovery-based proteomic approach identified commonalities, and revealed targets related to the occurrence and development of ARDS, being the first study to investigate significant differences in Na, K-ATPase α1 interacting proteins between LPS-induced ARDS cell model and control-A549 cell.
Predictors of Postnatal Depression in the Slums Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kariuki Esther Wanjiku , Kuria Mary Wangari , Were Fredrick Namenya , Ndetei David Musyimi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPostnatal depression (PND) is a universal mental health problem that prevents mothers' optimal existence and mothering. Although research has shown high PND prevalence rates in Africa, including Kenya, little research has been conducted to determine the contributing factors, especially in low-resource communities.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the PND risk factors among mothers attending Maternal and Child Health Clinics (MCH) in the slums, Nairobi.MethodsThis study is cross-sectional, which is a part of a larger study. A sample of 567 mothers of 6-10 weeks postnatal from two Maternal and Child Health (MCH) formed the study population. The Depression rate was measured using the original 1961 Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). In addition, a sociodemographic questionnaire (SDQ) was used to collect hypothesized risk variables. Results The PND prevalence rate was 27.1%. Women with: unplanned pregnancy (AOR=1.87, 95% CI 1.02, 3.43), unemployed (AOR=4.43, 95% CI 1.01, 19.76), dissatisfied with body image (AOR=2.51, 95% CI 1.21, 5.19) and feeling fatigued (AOR=2.02, 95% CI 1.06, 3.85) had higher odds of developing PND. ConclusionThis study builds upon scarce previous studies on PND from low-income countries. Identifying specific PND risk factors may help in devising targeted prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
Identifying Genetic Variation Associated With Environmental Variation and Drought-tolerance Phenotypes in Ponderosa Pine
Authors: Shu Mengjun , Moran Emily V. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Genotype-to-environment (G2E) association analysis coupled with genotype-to-phenotype (G2P) association analysis promises exciting advances towards discovering genes responsible for local adaptation. We combine G2E and G2P analysis with gene annotation in Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), an ecologically and economically important conifer that lacks a sequenced genome, to identify genetic variants and gene functions that may be associated with local adaptation to drought.
Results

We identified SNP markers in 223 genotypes from across the Sierra Nevada by aligning GBS sequence fragments to the reference genome of Pinus taeda (loblolly pine). Focusing on SNPs in or near coding regions, we found 1458 associated with 5 largely-uncorrelated climate variables, with the largest number (1151) associated with April 1st snow pack. We also planted seeds from a subset of these trees in the greenhouse, subjected half of the seedlings to a drought treatment, and measured phenotypes thought to be associated with drought tolerance, including root length and stomatal density. 817 SNPs were associated with the control-condition values of six traits, while 1154 were associated with responsiveness of these traits to drought.
Conclusions

While no individual SNPs were associated with both the environmental variables and the measured traits, several categories of genes were associated with both, particularly those involved in cell wall formation, biotic and abiotic stress responses, and ubiquitination. However, functions of many of the associated genes have not yet been determined due to the lack of gene annotation information for trees and future studies are needed.
Predicting the Total PAHs Concentrations in Sediments from Selected Congeners Using a Multiple Linear Relationship
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Xu Huaping , Qu Xiaolei , Lin Daohui , Yang Kun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, four congeners, i.e., naphthalene (Nap), acenaphthylene (Acy), phenanthrene (Phe) and benz(a)anthracene (BaA), screened out by hierarchical clustering analysis from 16 PAHs, are the characteristic PAHs congeners in emission sources and in sediments. Novel multiple linear relationships, i.e., the total PAHs emission factors and the total PAHs concentration with the emission factors of Nap, Acy, Phe and BaA and their sediment concentrations data reported in the past 30 years were established, respectively. The same characteristic congeners observed for PAHs in sediments and in emission sources indicates that the concentration of PAHs in sediments are largely dependant on the PAHs emission. Moreover, the ratio of multicomponents coefficient from the multiple linear relationship in sediments to that in emission sources correlated positively with the logKow values and biodegradation half-lifes of four characteristic congeners, indicating PAHs concentrations in sediments are also alternated by their environmental behaviors including sorption and biodegradation. However, the established relationship gives a useful way to predicted C∑PAHs in sediments without the PAHs emissions data and can eliminate the effects of environmental behaviors and the difference of emissions in various regions.
Microwave-assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis to Produce Xylooligosaccharides from Rice Husk Alkali- soluble Arabinoxylan
Authors: Klangpetch Wannaporn , Pattarapisitporn Alisa , Phongthai Suphat , Jaichakan Pannapapol 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to produce xylooligosaccharide (XOS) and arabino-xylooligosaccharide (AXOS) from rice husk (RH) using microwave treatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis and evaluate their prebiotic properties. The RH was pretreated by a microwave heating process at 140, 160 and 180°C for 5, 10, and 15 min to obtain crude arabinoxylan (AX). The results emphasized that increasing microwave pretreatment time increased sugar content. The crude AX was then extracted with 2% (w/v) sodium hydroxide at 25°C for 24 h. The obtained AX was then used as a substrate for XOS production by commercial xylanases. The results showed that the oligosaccharide produced by Pentopan Mono BG and Ultraflo Max provided xylobiose and xylotriose as the main products. Interestingly, AXOS was also present in the oligosaccharide product. Furthermore, the oligosaccharides obtained were able to promote the growth of Lactobacillus spp. and to resist degradation more than 70% after exposure to simulated human digestion.
A Phenomenological Study on Students’ Experiences in Learning Physics in an Online Class
Authors: Mercado Justine C. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Online learning keeps on growing and being explored in this time of the pandemic. Most of the tertiary institutions here in the Philippines have shifted from face-to-face to online instructions in all courses, especially in physics subjects. The conduct of physics classes through virtual classroom has its advantages and presents some challenges that why it is important to understand the perspective and experiences of students. This study aims to describe the experiences of students in learning physics in a virtual classroom, specifically their experiences in preparation, learning management, and opportunities and the challenges they have encountered. This study used a descriptive phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences of BSED Science students who have taken physics subjects in an online class which is chosen purposively. There are four themes that emerged in this study Technological Preparations, Self-Preparations, Challenges in Online Learning, and Learning Management and Opportunities. It was realized in this study that students are prepared to take online classes in both technological and personal aspects. Despite their preparations, they have encountered challenges such as network issues, time constraints, and distractions in the learning environment at home. However, students were optimistic, so, they have seen opportunities in these challenges to improve their technological skills, time management, and maximize online resources for a better understanding of physics concepts.
Interfacial crystallization and supramolecular self-assembly of spider silk inspired protein at the water-air interface
Authors: Mohammadi Pezhman , Zemke Fabian , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Linder Markus B. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Macromolecular assembly into complex morphologies and architectural shapes is an area of fundamental research and technological innovation. In this work, we investigate the self-assembly process of recombinantly produced protein inspired by spider silk (spidroin). To elucidate the first steps of the assembly process we looked into highly concentrated and viscous pendant droplets of this protein in air. We show how the protein self-assembles and crystallizes at the water-air interface into a relatively thick and highly elastic skin. Using time-resolved in-situ synchrotron x-ray scattering measurements during the drying process, we showed that the skin evolved to contain a high β-sheet amount over time. We also found that β-sheet formation strongly depended on protein concentration and relative humidity. These had a strong influence not only on the amount but also on the ordering of these structures during the β-sheet formation process. We also showed how the skin around pendant droplets can serve as a reservoir for attaining liquid-liquid phase separation and coacervation from the dilute protein solution. Essentially, this study shows a new assembly route which could be optimized for the synthesis of new materials from a dilute protein solution and determine the properties of the final products.
Insights into the role of cytokinin and gibberellic acid in improving waterlogging tolerance of mung bean
Authors: Islam M Rafiqul , Rahman Md. Mezanur , Akter Munny , Zama Erin , Keya Sanjida Sultana , Hasan Mehfuz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is one of the most important pulse crops, well-known for its protein rich seeds, which growth and productivity are severely undermined by waterlogging. In this study, we aim to evaluate how two promising phytohormones, namely cytokinin (CK) and gibberellic acid (GA3), can improve waterlogging tolerance in mung bean by investigating key morphological, physiological, biochemical and yield-related attributes. Our results showed that foliar application of CK and GA3 under 5-days of waterlogged conditions improved mung bean growth and biomass, which was associated to increased levels of photosynthetic rate and pigments. Waterlogged-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and the consequent elevated levels of malondialdehyde, were considerably reduced by CK and GA3 treatments. Mung bean plants sprayed with either CK or GA3 suffered less oxidative stress due to the enhancement of total phenolics and flavonoids levels. Improvement in the contents of proline and total soluble sugars indicating a better osmotic adjustment following CK and GA3 treatments in waterlogged-exposed plants. Most fundamentally, CK or GA3-sprayed waterlogged-stressed mung bean plants demonstrated an increased tendency of the above-mentioned parameters after the 15-day recovery period as compared to water-sprayed waterlogged-exposed plants. Our results also revealed that CK and GA3 treatments increased yield-associated features in waterlogged-stressed plant. Importantly, both phytohormones are efficient in improving mung bean resistance to waterlogging; however, CK was found to be more effective. Overall, our findings suggested that CK or GA3 could be used for the management of waterlogging-induced damage in mung bean, and perhaps in other cash crops.
Anisotropic Purcell Factor Control of an Emitter in Graphene Under the Modulation of a Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Ma Zenghong , Chen Zijian , Zhang Lian , Lu Xiaocui , Xu Jian , Yang Guangwu , Xu Xin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Spontaneous emission control of emitters hold great promise for applications in pho-tonics and quantum optics. As a definition of the spontaneous emission lifetime of an atom or molecule, the Purcell factor of an emitter coupled with graphene plasmons by a static magnetic field is studied. The results show that the Purcell factor can be effectively modulated by the applying of external magnetic field to graphene at lower terahertz frequencies. In addition, in the presence of a magnetic field, the coupling between the graphene and emitter becomes stronger, which results in a strong enhancement of the emission of the emitter and the numerically calculated Purcell factor is increased. More specifically, the Purcell factor increases by almost an order of magnitude when the applied magnetic field is 10T. Moreover, the Purcell factor also depends on the polarization direction of the emitter, especially when the polarization direction of the emitter is parallel to the graphene plane, the Purcell factor will show anisotropy with the change of polarization angle. Bias of the applied magnetic field extends a new path for the realization of Purcell factor modulation based on graphene-emitter interaction, it may provides a promising application value for the design of the photo-magnetic based quantum devices.
Titin-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Sequence of Events and The Role of Circulating Biomarkers in The Clinical Assessment
Authors: Chmielewski Przemysław , Truszkowska Grażyna , Kowalik Ilona , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Michalak Ewa , Sobieszczańska-Małek Małgorzata , Franaszczyk Maria , Stawiński Piotr , Stępień-Wojno Małgorzata , Oręziak Artur , Lewandowski Michał , Leszek Przemysław , Bilińska Maria , Zieliński Tomasz , Płoski Rafał , Bilińska Zofia T. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Titin truncating variants (TTNtv) are known as the leading cause of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Nevertheless, the clinical course is not fully understood and it is unclear whether circulating cardiac biomarkers are helpful in the detection and risk assessment. We sought to assess: 1) early signs of cardiotitinopathy including serum biomarkers: high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in clinically stable patients, and 2) indicators of outcome among TTNtv carriers. Our single-centre cohort included 108 carriers (including 70 DCM patients) from 43 families. Clinical, laboratory and follow-up data were analyzed. The earliest abnormality was left ventricular dysfunction, present in 8, 26 and 47% of patients in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th decade of life, respectively. It was followed by symptoms of heart failure and elevation of NT-proBNP, linked to severe (persistent or transient) left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and later by arrhythmias, preceding both malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) and end-stage heart failure (esHF). Hs-cTnT serum levels were increased in the late stage of the disease only. During the median follow-up of 5.2 years both MVA and esHF occurred in 12% of TTNtv carriers. In multivariable analysis, NT-proBNP level ≥650 pg/ml was the best predictor of both composite endpoint (MVA and esHF), and of MVA alone. We conclude that assessment of circulating cardiac biomarkers is not useful in the detection of cardiotitinopathies but may be helpful in the risk assessment.
When To Start Tacrolimus Ointment For Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis? A Proposed Treatment Protocol
Authors: Arnon Roee , Knisbacher Irit Rozen - , Yahalomi Tal , Stanescu Nir , Niazov Yulia , Goldberg Dina , Sharabi-Nov Adi , Mostovoy Dina 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare treatment regimens of tacrolimus and of topical steroids for VKC and suggest a treatment protocol according to our clinical experience.MethodsThis retrospective, nonrandomized case series enrolled 85 Patients with VKC. Patients were classified clinically according to severity (mild, moderate, severe) and were treated according to a suggested protocol. Analysis was made according to treatment received: tacrolimus ointment as first line treatment (tacrolimus 1st line), tacrolimus ointment after topical steroid drops treatment (tacrolimus 2nd line) and topical steroid drops or artificial tears alone (topical steroid and tears group). Results Significant improvements in clinical signs and symptoms were achieved under tacrolimus treatment 14 months in the moderate group and 5 months in the severe group. The longest duration of treatment was for tacrolimus 2nd line group (p=0.031) and the mean number of visits in the clinic was the highest. The mean number of topical treatments per day was higher in the topical steroid and tears group (2.6 times) than in the two tacrolimus groups (1.3 times for both). The mean time needed to achieve disease remission or relief did not differ between the tacrolimus 1st line and 2nd line groups.ConclusionTacrolimus treatment is effective and safe for VKC. Tacrolimus as 1st line treatment may be preferred for severe cases, for faster disease remission compared to tacrolimus as 2nd line treatment; and with fewer topical treatments per day compared to topical steroids.
Male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Anbesu Etsay Woldu , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Kahsay Znabu Hadush 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The need to include males that required joint spousal decision is critical in achieving key reproductive health indicators. The low involvement of males in family planning use is one of the contributing factors for low contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Moreover, there are inconsistent findings on the prevalence and determinates of males involvement in family planning use. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of men's involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia.Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to develop the protocol. Online databases PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and grey literature will be searched to retrieve available articles. The quality of the studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Chi-squared test and I-squared statistic will be used to examine heterogeneity among studies. Sources of heterogeneity will be investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Publication bias will be examined by observation using funnel plots and statistically by Begg’s and Egger’s tests. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence and its determinants. Discussion: The role of the male in family planning and participation in contraceptive use improves women’s uptake and continuity of family planning use. Though there are studies on male involvement in family planning use, there are no synthesis research findings on the overall pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore, the finding from this systematic review and meta-analysis will help the national health sector transformational plane to emphasize the overall pooled prevalence and its determinants that drive low male involvement in family planning use.
Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike antibodies in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Japan.
Authors: Furukawa Hiroshi , Oka Shomi , Higuchi Takashi , Yamaguchi Miho , Uchiyama Shota , Koiwa Tomohiro , Nakama Moriyuki , Minegishi Masaaki , Nagai Hideaki , Tohma Shigeto 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antibodies (Abs) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) Abs is performed to detect prior COVID-19 infection. It is still controversial which antibodies are the most sensitive and specific, and which can be detected earliest after infection. Here, we evaluated the results of serological tests of anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs in Japan.Methods Symptomatic COVID-19 patients (n = 84) and control patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 93) were recruited at Tokyo National Hospital. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs were measured by commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassays.Results The fraction of patients positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs was highest > 14 days after symptom onset. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Ab positivity at this time (80.4%) tended to be slightly but not significantly lower than anti-SARS-CoV-2 N Ab positivity (84.8%). Optimized cut-off levels for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Ab positivity were lower than the manufacturer's recommended cut-off levels. Using multiple linear regression analyses with anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs, we created an Ab-index with high sensitivity.Conclusion To increase the sensitivity of serological diagnostic tests for COVID-19, it is suggested that both anti-SARS-CoV-2 N and S Abs should be measured and cut-off levels decreased.