bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential responses of chili varieties grown under cadmium stress
Authors: Sana Sundas , Ramzan Musarrat , Ejaz Samina , Danish Subhan , Salmen Saleh H. , Ansari Mohammad Javed 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeavy metal cadmium (Cd) naturally occurs in soil and is a hazardous trace contaminant for humans, animals, and plants. The main sources of Cd pollution in soil include overuse of phosphatic fertilizers, manure, sewage sludge, and aerial deposition. That’s why an experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of Cd toxicity inCapsicum annuumL. by selecting its seven varieties: Hybrid, Desi, Sathra, G-916, BR-763, BG-912, and F1-9226. Cadmium was spiked in soil with four levels, i.e., (0, 3, 4, and 5 mg Cd kg− 1of soil) for a week for homogeneous dispersion of heavy metal. Chili seeds were sown in compost-filled loamy soil, and 25-day-old seedlings were transplanted into Cd-spiked soil. Cadmium increasing concentration in soil decreased chili growth characteristics, total soluble sugars, total proteins, and amino acids. On the other hand, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased with the increasing concentration of Cd in almost all the varieties. Treatment 5 mg Cd/kg application caused − 197.39%, -138.78%, -60.77%, -17.84%, -16.34%, -11.82% and − 10.37% decrease of carotenoids level in chili V2 (Desi) followed by V4 (G-916), V1 (Hy7brid), V7 (F1-9226), V6 (BG-912), V5 (BR-763) and V3 (Sathra) as compared to their controls. The maximum flavonoids among varieties were in V5 (BR-763), followed by V6 (BG-912), V7 (F1-9226), V3 (Sathra) and V1 (Hybrid). Flavonoids content was decreased with − 37.63% (Sathra), -34.78% (Hybrid), -33.85% (G-916), -31.96% (F1-9226), -31.44% (Desi), -30.58% (BR-763), -22.88% (BG-912) as compared to their control at 5 mg Cd/kg soil stress. The maximum decrease in POD, SOD, and CAT was − 31.81%, -25.98%, -16.39% in chili variety V7 (F1-9226) at 5 mg Cd/kg stress compared to its control. At the same time, maximum APX content decrease was − 82.91%, followed by -80.16%, -65.19%, -40.31%, -30.14%, -10.34% and − 6.45% in V4 (G-916), V2 (Desi), V3 (Sathra), V6 (BG-912), V1 (Hybrid), V7 (F1-9226) and V5 (BR-763) at 5 mg Cd/kg treatment as compared to control chili plants. The highest CAT was found in 5 chili varieties except Desi and G-916. Desi and G-916 varieties. V5 (BR-763) and V6 (BG-912) were susceptible, while V1 (Hybrid), V3 (Sathra), and V7 (F1-9226) were with intermediate growth attributes against Cd stress. Our results suggest that Desi and G-916 chili varieties are Cd tolerant and can be grown on a large scale to mitigate Cd stress naturally.
Reveal the kernel dehydration mechanisms in maize based on proteomic and metabolomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gou Xiaonan , Ma Liangchuan , Zhang Xiaojun , Qu Jianzhou , Wang Xiaoyue , Huang Wenjie , Yan Shijuan , Zhang Xinghua , Xue Jiquan , Xu Shutu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Kernel dehydration is an important factor for the mechanized harvest in maize. Kernel moisture content (KMC) and kernel dehydration rate (KDR) are important indicators for kernel dehydration. Although quantitative trait loci and genes related to KMC have been identified, where most of them only focus on the KMC at harvest, these are still far from sufficient to explain all genetic variations, and the relevant regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we tried to reveal the key proteins and metabolites related to kernel dehydration in proteome and metabolome levels. Moreover, we preliminarily explored the relevant metabolic pathways that affect kernel dehydration combined proteome and metabolome. These results could accelerate the development of further mechanized maize technologies.

Results
In this study, three maize inbred lines (KB182, KB207, and KB020) with different KMC and KDR were subjected to proteomic analysis 35, 42, and 49 days after pollination (DAP). In total, 8,358 proteins were quantified, and 2,779 of them were differentially expressed proteins in different inbred lines or at different stages. By comparative analysis, K-means cluster, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on the proteome data, some important proteins were identified, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress and defense response, lipid metabolism, and seed development. Through metabolomics analysis of KB182 and KB020 kernels at 42 DAP, 18 significantly different metabolites, including glucose, fructose, proline, and glycerol, were identified.

Conclusions
In sum, we inferred that kernel dehydration could be regulated through carbohydrate metabolism, antioxidant systems, and late embryogenesis abundant protein and heat shock protein expression, all of which were considered as important regulatory factors during kernel dehydration process. These results shed light on kernel dehydration and provide new insights into developing cultivars with low moisture content.
Transcriptome analysis of axillary buds in low phosphorus stress and functional analysis of TaWRKY74s in wheat
Authors: Li Xue-zheng , Zhang Xiao-tong , Bie Xiao-min , Zhang Jing , Jiang Deng-ji , Tang Heng , Wang Fang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Wheat is one of the main grain crops in the world, and the tiller number is a key factor affecting the yield of wheat. Phosphorus is an essential element for tiller development in wheat. However, due to decreasing phosphorus content in soil, there has been increasing use of phosphorus fertilizer, while imposing risk of soil and water pollution. Hence, it is important to identify low phosphorus tolerance genes and utilize them for stress resistance breeding in wheat.

Results
We subjected the wheat variety Kenong 199 (KN199) to low phosphorus stress and observed a reduced tiller number. Using transcriptome analysis, we identified 1651 upregulated genes and 827 downregulated of genes after low phosphorus stress. The differentially expressed genes were found to be enriched in the enzyme activity regulation related to phosphorus, hormone signal transduction, and ion transmembrane transport. Furthermore, the transcription factor analysis revealed that TaWRKY74s were important for low phosphorus tolerance. TaWRKY74s have three alleles: TaWRKY74-A, TaWRKY74-B, and TaWRKY74-D, and they all belong to the WRKY family with conserved WRKYGQK motifs. These proteins were found to be located in the nucleus, and they were expressed in axillary meristem, shoot apical meristem(SAM), young leaves, leaf primordium, and spikelet primordium. The evolutionary tree showed that TaWRKY74s were closely related to OsWRKY74s in rice. Moreover, TaWRKY74s-RNAi transgenic plants displayed significantly fewer tillers compared to wild-type plants under normal conditions. Additionally, the tiller numebr of the RNAi transgenic plants was also significantly lower than that of the wild-type plants under low-phosphorus stress, and increased the decrease amplitude. This suggestd that TaWRKY74s are related to phosphorus response and can affect the tiller number of wheat.

Conclusions
The results of this research showed that TaWRKY74s were key genes in wheat response to low phosphorus stress, which might regulate wheat tiller number through abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin signal transduction pathways. This research lays the foundation for further investigating the mechanism of TaWRKY74s in the low phosphorus environments and is significant for wheat stress resistance breeding.
Does preoperative multidisciplinary team assessment of high-risk patients improve the safety and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery?
Authors: Kuiper B. I. , Janssen L.M.J. , Versteeg K. S. , ten Tusscher B. L. , van der Spoel J. I. , Lubbers W. D. , Kazemier G. , Loer S. A. , Schober P. , van Halm V. P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
International guidelines recommend preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment for high-risk surgical patients. Preoperative MDT meetings can help to improve surgical care, but there is little evidence on whether they improve patient outcomes.

Methods
This paper aims to share our experience of MDT meetings for high-risk surgical patients to underline their added value to the current standard of care. An observational study of a retrospective cohort of preoperative high-risk MDT meetings of a tertiary referral hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. For 249 patients the outcomes preoperative data, MDT decisions, and patient outcomes were collected from electronic health records.

Main results
A total of 249 patients were discussed at high-risk MDT meetings. Most of the patients (97%) were assessed as having an American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥ 3, and 219 (88%) had a European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Anaesthesiology risk score of intermediate or high. After MDT assessment, 154 (62%) were directly approved for surgery, and 39 (16%) were considered ineligible for surgery. The remaining 56 (23%) patients underwent additional assessments before reconsideration at a high-risk MDT meeting. The main reason for patients being discussed at the high-risk MDT meeting was to assess the risk-benefit ratio of surgery. Ultimately, 184 (74%) patients underwent surgery. Of the operated patients, 122 (66%) did not have a major complication in the postoperative period, and 149 patients (81%) were alive after one year.

Conclusions
This cohort study shows the vulnerability and complexity of high-risk patients but also shows that the use of an MDT assessment contributes too improved peri- and postoperative treatment strategies in high-risk patients. Most patients underwent surgery after careful risk assessment and, if deemed necessary, preoperative and perioperative treatment optimization to reduce their risk.
Expectations of general practitioners on a practice based research network in Germany- a qualitative study within the Bavarian Research Practice Network (BayFoNet)
Authors: Sanftenberg Linda , Stofella Julia , Mayr Katharina , Nassehi Armin , Härdtlein Annette , Stark Stefanie , Kühlein Thomas , Kurotschka Peter Konstantin , Gágyor Ildikò , Eck Stefanie , Schneider Antonius , Bößenecker Melanie , Roos Marco , Dreischulte Tobias , Gensichen Jochen ,   for the BayFoNet study group, Baumgärtel Andrea , Endrich Isabell , Ermster Maike , Gehrmann Jan , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Hueber Susann , Klanke Merle , Kretzschmann Christian , Kurotschka Peter Konstantin , Linde Klaus , Lorenz Klara , Sanftenberg Linda , Schneider Antonius , Stark Stefanie , Uebel Til , Walter Fabian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite general practitioners' (GPs') key role in Germany`s primary health care, clinical research in general practice is scarce. Clinical research is mainly conducted at inpatient facilities, although their results are rarely transferable. German GPs have no extra time or funding for research, as well as limited research training. To support clinical research in German primary health care, practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are developed. As they will be based on an active involvement of GPs, we need more information on GPs` participation-readiness. The aim of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to participation in the Bavarian Research Practice Network (BayFoNet) from the GPs`perspective before clinical trials will be performed.MethodsWe have performed semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 20 Bavarian GPs in 2022 under the application of the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). Transcriptions were analysed according to Kuckartz` qualitative content analysis. The five domains of the CFIR framework served as initial deductive codes.ResultsN = 14 interviewees already agreed to participate in BayFoNet, whereasn = 6 interviewees opted not to participate in BayFoNet at the time of data collection. Main facilitators to conduct clinical research within BayFoNet were the motivation to contribute to evidence strength and quality in general practice, professional development and training of practice staff, as well as networking. Barriers for an active participation were bad experiences with previous clinical studies and lack of resources.ConclusionsPBRNS in Germany have to be promoted and the entire practice team has to be involved at an early stage of development. Professional training of general practice staff and a living network might enhance engagement. Participatory approaches could help to develop acceptable and feasible study designs. Furthermore, PBRNs should support patient recruitment and data collection in general practices and disseminate the results of their research projects regularly to maintain GPs` engagement.Trial registrationDRKS00028805, NCT05667207.
Primary care physicians working in rural areas provide a broader scope of practice: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Higuchi Tomoya , Ohta Ryuichi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Scope of practice (SoP) is an important factor for primary care physicians (PCPs). One of the strong determinants of SoP is rurality. Although Japan has several rural areas, the SoP in rural areas and the effect of rurality on SoP have not been investigated. This study aimed to describe SoP in Japanese primary care settings and examine the association between rurality and SoP.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included PCPs in Japan. The participants were randomly sampled from the mailing list of the Japan Primary Care Association. The Scope of Practice Inventory (SPI) and Scope of Practice for Primary Care (SP4PC) were used as indicators of SoP. The Rurality Index for Japan (RIJ) was used for rurality. This study compared the number of items of SPI (total score, inpatient care, urgent care and ambulatory care) and SP4PC experienced by > 80% of all PCPs in the most urban (RIJ:1–10) and rural areas (RIJ: 91–100). A multivariable linear regression analysis was also performed to examine the relationship between the RIJ and SPI/SP4PC.

Results
Of 1,000 potential participants, 299 physicians responded to the survey (response rate: 29.9%). PCPs in the most rural areas experienced a greater number of items in the inpatientl/urgent care domains of the SPI and SP4PC than those in the most urban areas. The RIJ was the only common factor for a broader SoP in both the SPI and SP4C models. The coefficients of SoP were 0.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.16) in the SPI model and 0.017 (0.005–0.03) in the SP4PC model.

Conclusion
Rurality was considerably associated with SoP. The findings of this study will be helpful in understanding the SoP on rural and urban areas.
The effect of an acute aspirin challenge on intestinal permeability in healthy adults with and without prophylactic probiotic consumption: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
Authors: Judkins Taylor C. , Solch-Ottaiano Rebecca J. , Ceretto-Clark Brendan , Nieves Carmelo , Colee James , Wang Yu , Tompkins Thomas A. , Caballero-Calero Sara E. , Langkamp-Henken Bobbi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Healthy individuals may experience increases in intestinal permeability after chronic or acute use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which may be attenuated by probiotics. This study investigates the effects of an acute aspirin challenge on gastroduodenal barrier function with or without prophylactic probiotic consumption.

Methods
Twenty-nine generally healthy participants (26 ± 6 years) completed a 14-week randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. A probiotic containing 2 Lactobacilli strains or placebo was administered for 3 weeks, with a 4-week washout period between crossover phases. Daily and weekly questionnaires assessing gastrointestinal function were completed for 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after each intervention to assess gastrointestinal function. Gastroduodenal permeability was assessed by urinary excretion of orally administered sucrose after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of each intervention with a 1950 mg-aspirin challenge after 2 weeks of supplementation. Stool samples were collected weekly during supplementation for detection of species of interest.

Results
Gastroduodenal permeability increased with aspirin challenge (Week 1: 3.4 ± 0.6 μmol vs Week 2: 9.9 ± 1.0 μmol urinary sucrose; p < 0.05). There were no differences in the change in permeability after the aspirin challenge or gastrointestinal function between interventions.

Conclusion
The acute aspirin challenge significantly increased intestinal permeability similarly in both groups, and prophylactic probiotic consumption was unable to prevent the loss in this particular model.
Association of chronic hepatitis B infection with hepatic steatosis and injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease children
Authors: Wang Lu , Lu Chang , Zhang Yuncong , Liang Qingsheng , Zhang Jie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The influence of chronic hepatitis B infection (CBI) on hepatic steatosis, necroinflammation, and fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) population was unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of CBI on hepatic steatosis and assess the association between NAFLD co-existed CBI and hepatic injury in NAFLD pediatric population.

Methods
Consecutive hospitalized children with biopsy-proven NAFLD with or without CBI were included. Hepatic steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by NASH CRN system and/or METAVIR scoring system, appropriately. Using multivariate logistic analysis, we identified variables associated with hepatic steatosis and liver injury.

Results
Of 223 biopsy-proven NAFLD children, 161 were NAFLD without CBI, and 62 were NAFLD co-existed CBI. Grouped by mild, moderate and severe hepatic steatosis, there was an inverse association between CBI and the severity of hepatic steatosis [odd ratio (OR) 0.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.014–0.098]. In addition, we explored the relationship between CBI and hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD children. Hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis, respectively, were divided into two groups according to severity. And CBI was positively associated with hepatic necroinflammation (OR 6.125, 95%CI 1.958–19.158). However, there was no statistically independent association between CBI and significant hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusions
CBI was inverse associated with the grade of steatosis and positively associated with severe hepatic necroinflammation, and does not appear to affect significant hepatic fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD children.
Reconstructing the COVID-19 incidence in India using airport screening data in Japan
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Anzai Asami , Nishiura Hiroshi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
A major epidemic of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) occurred in India from March to July 2021, resulting in 19 million documented cases. Given the limited healthcare and testing capacities, the actual number of infections is likely to have been greater than reported, and several modelling studies and excess mortality research indicate that this epidemic involved substantial morbidity and mortality.

Methods
To estimate the incidence during this epidemic, we used border entry screening data in Japan to estimate the daily incidence and cumulative incidence of COVID-19 infection in India. Analysing the results of mandatory testing among non-Japanese passengers entering Japan from India, we calculated the prevalence and then backcalculated the incidence in India from February 28 to July 3, 2021.

Results
The estimated number of infections ranged from 448 to 576 million people, indicating that 31.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 26.1, 37.7) – 40.9% (95% CI: 33.5, 48.4) of the population in India had experienced COVID-19 infection from February 28 to July 3, 2021. In addition to obtaining cumulative incidence that was consistent with published estimates, we showed that the actual incidence of COVID-19 infection during the 2021 epidemic in India was approximately 30 times greater than that based on documented cases, giving a crude infection fatality risk of 0.47%. Adjusting for test-negative certificate before departure, the quality control of which was partly questionable, the cumulative incidence can potentially be up to 2.3–2.6 times greater than abovementioned estimates.

Conclusions
Our estimate of approximately 32–41% cumulative infection risk from February 28 to July 3, 2021 is roughly consistent with other published estimates, and they can potentially be greater, given an exit screening before departure. The present study results suggest the potential utility of border entry screening data to backcalculate the incidence in countries with limited surveillance capacity owing to a major surge in infections.
Exploring the biomarkers and potential therapeutic drugs for sepsis via integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liang Pingping , Wu Yongjian , Qu Siying , Younis Muhammad , Wang Wei , Wu Zhilong , Huang Xi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an excessive inflammatory response to an infection, associated with high mortality. However, the regulatory mechanism of sepsis remains unclear.

Results
In this study, bioinformatics analysis revealed the novel key biomarkers associated with sepsis and potential regulators. Three public datasets (GSE28750, GSE57065 and GSE95233) were employed to recognize the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Taking the intersection of DEGs from these three datasets, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 537 shared DEGs and their biological functions and pathways. These genes were mainly enriched in T cell activation, differentiation, lymphocyte differentiation, mononuclear cell differentiation, and regulation of T cell activation based on GO analysis. Further, pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell differentiation. Additionally, five hub immune-related genes (CD3E, HLA-DRA, IL2RB, ITK and LAT) were identified from the protein–protein interaction network, and sepsis patients with higher expression of hub genes had a better prognosis. Besides, 14 drugs targeting these five hub related genes were revealed on the basis of the DrugBank database, which proved advantageous for treating immune-related diseases.

Conclusions
These results strengthen the new understanding of sepsis development and provide a fresh perspective into discriminating the candidate biomarkers for predicting sepsis as well as identifying new drugs for treating sepsis.