bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular profiling of Rosa canina L. Greek native germplasm collection for enhanced fruit extract production: A comprehensive approach utilizing neutral, gene, and exon-based markers
Authors: Boutsika Anastasia , Mellidou Ifigeneia , Grigoriadou Katerina , Papapanastasi Katerina , Krigas Nikos , Maloupa Eleni , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Xanthopoulou Aliki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The genus Rosa L. is globally distributed and encompasses the economically and ecologically important species Rosa canina L. Apart from the traditional uses of R. canina in folk medicine, food, cosmetics, and ornamental applications, it is renowned for the functional bioactive components found in rose hips. Identifying the genetic diversity within this species is crucial for any plant breeding project. This study employed three molecular markers (ISSR, SCoT, and EBAP) to conduct the first comprehensive genetic analysis of 12 R. canina genotypes. DNA extraction, marker selection, and PCR amplification were performed following established protocols. The resulting genetic data were analyzed for polymorphism, diversity indices, and population structure using various statistical methods, including PCA, UPGMA clustering, and STRUCTURE analysis. The ISSR analysis revealed a high level of polymorphism (81.82%) and identified two major clusters in the UPGMA dendrogram. SCoT and EBAP markers also exhibited substantial polymorphism (74.56% and 82.11%, respectively) and formed three distinct clusters. PCA indicated a consistent pattern across markers, suggesting reliable genetic grouping. STRUCTURE analysis supported the presence of three genetically uniform subpopulations (K = 3) within the studied R. canina germplasm collection. This study provides a comprehensive genetic characterization of the Greek native R. canina gene bank collection. The observed genetic diversity and population structure provided valuable insights for future breeding programs targeting specific genetic clusters within R. canina populations.
Behaviors of nucleosomes with mutant histone H4s in euchromatic domains of living human cells
Authors: Semeigazin Adilgazy , Iida Shiori , Minami Katsuhiko , Tamura Sachiko , Ide Satoru , Higashi Koichi , Toyoda Atsushi , Kurokawa Ken , Maeshima Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Since Robert Feulgen first stained DNA in the cell, visualizing genome chromatin has been a central issue in cell biology to uncover how chromatin is organized and behaves in the cell. To approach this issue, we have developed single-molecule imaging of nucleosomes, a basic unit of chromatin, to unveil local nucleosome behavior in living cells. In this study, we investigated behaviors of nucleosomes with various histone H4 mutants in living HeLa cells to address the role of H4 tail acetylation, including H4K16Ac and others, which are generally associated with more transcriptionally active chromatin regions. We ectopically expressed wild-type (wt) or mutated H4s (H4K16 point, H4K5,8,12,16 quadruple, and H4 tail deletion) fused with HaloTag in HeLa cells. Expressed wtH4-Halo, H4K16-Halo mutants, and multiple H4-Halo mutants had the euchromatin-concentrated distribution. Consistently, the genomic regions of the wtH4-Halo nucleosomes corresponded to Hi-C contact domains with active chromatin marks (A-compartment). Utilizing single-nucleosome imaging, we found that none of the H4 deacetylation or acetylation mimicked H4 mutants altered the overall local nucleosome motion. This finding suggests that H4 mutant nucleosomes embedded in the condensed euchromatic domains with excess endogenous H4 nucleosomes cannot cause an observable change in the local motion. Interestingly, H4 with four lysine-to-arginine mutations displayed a substantial freely diffusing fraction in the nucleoplasm, whereas H4 with a truncated N-terminal tail was incorporated in heterochromatic regions as well as euchromatin. Our study indicates the power of single-nucleosome imaging to understand individual histone/nucleosome behavior reflecting chromatin environments in living cells.
Exploring the Potential Link between Vitamin D Receptor Cdx2 Gene Polymorphisms and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Female Patients: A Study in Erbil, Iraq
Authors: Qadir Raghda R. , Shnawa Bushra H. , Ahmed Mukhtar H. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:In the last decades, vitamin D has been a subject of research in several autoimmune diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a distinctive pattern of joint involvement and joint destruction.Aim: The main goal of the study is to examine the relationship between (RA) and the polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor's Cdx2 gene in a sample of women.Methods:Eighty females (60 with RA and 20 controls) participated in this case-control investigation. The Cdx2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the VDR gene were genotyped using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction technique (ARMS-PCR).Results:The current study discovered that 51 RA patients have the heterozygous GA genotype of the Cdx2 polymorphism despite non-significant values. Although the present findings showed no significant association between Cdx2 gene polymorphisms and the risk of RA, this genotype still represents the majority among the study's RA patients. Moreover, the results showed that the serum VD3 was significantly lower in RA with the GA genotype compared to healthy controls with a similar genotype (p=0.0002). Also RA patients with heterozygote GA genotype for Cdx2 had a relatively lower mean for serum vitamin D3 level than those with homozygote GG genotype.Conclusion:The novelty of this study is to discover the probable association of Vitamin D receptor, caudal-related homeobox 2 (VDR-Cdx2) polymorphism with RA in the given study group for the first time in our society using a tetra primer ARMS-PCR. Additionally, the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique was simple, reliable, low-cost, and might be a valuable substitute for Restriction fragment of length polymorphism- polymerase chain reaction– (RFLP-PCR) in routine clinical settings for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping.
Synthesis of Ag-Doped CuPc-ZnO/Hydrophobic Silica Aerogel Photocatalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Floating Benzene: A Comparative Study of Different Photoreactor Geometries
Authors: Hakki Hamid Kazemi , Seyyedbagheri Hadi , Ahmed Shahla Zubair , Avalzali Hossein Alinezhad , Ghaderi Aref 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Water pollution caused by water-immiscible pollutants such as BTXs has become a major concern for researchers in recent years. This study presents the synthesis of a hydrophobic photocatalyst, Ag-CuPc-ZnO/Silica Aerogel, prepared using sol-gel and impregnation methods for the degradation of floating benzene. The effect of different percentages of Ag on the photocatalyst performance was studied, and the optimal sample was tested in rectangular and cylindrical photoreactors. The physicochemical properties of the hydrophobic photocatalyst were analyzed using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, BET/BJH, PL, contact angle, and UV-Vis DRS. Our analysis showed that decreasing nanoparticle size led to an increased specific surface area and decreased pore diameter. DRS analysis demonstrated that increasing Ag content led to a decreased bandgap and increased light absorption in the visible light region with CuPc addition. PL analysis indicated a significant decrease in electron-hole recombination with 5% Ag and confirms the efficient charge separation. The 5% wt. Ag sample achieved highest benzene photodegradation efficiency, while the rectangular photoreactor outperformed with superior degradation rates, STY, PSTY, and QY due to uniform light distribution and improved illumination. This study offers valuable insights on hydrophobic photocatalysts for degrading water-immiscible pollutants, emphasizing the need to optimize catalyst performance for efficient wastewater treatment.
Thermal dynamics of a magnetized fluid containing radioactive dust particulates within a thermal channel in a sudden motion
Authors: Pal Tilak Kumar , Das Sanatan , Karmakar Poly , Sarkar Soumitra , Ali Asgar , Jana Rabindra Nath 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the aerospace and automotive industries, detailing the thermal dynamics of particulate matter is crucial for optimizing engine cooling systems, improving vehicle aerodynamics and ensuring environmental safety. Similarly, grasping the behaviour of natural phenomena such as volcanic ash movement, dust storms, and other geophysical and astrophysical flows influenced by thermal and magnetic forces is essential. Against this backdrop, our primary objective is to develop and simulate a model capturing the thermal behaviour of a fluid laden with dust particulates as it moves through a thermally driven channel in a sudden motion, under the influence of thermal emission and magnetic forces. Our methodology employs the Casson fluid model to accurately depict the functioning of the dusty fluid, incorporating factors such as buoyancy forces, radiant heat flux, and periodic thermal boundary conditions. We utilize partial differential equations to mathematically model the time-dependent flow, from which we derive solutions in a compact form. Through a series of graphs and tables, we illustrate how various parameters impact the flow profiles and related metrics, providing a vivid visual depiction of flow dynamics alterations under differing scenarios. Our findings indicate that the fluid phase (FP) generally exhibits higher velocity and temperature values compared to the dust phase (DP), where these values are reduced. An amelioration in the particle concentration parameter leads to a downswing in the thermal profile for both FP and DP. The entropy origination rate also escalates with the magnetic parameter, showing a higher entropy near the channel’s right wall. Shear stresses at the channel walls abate as the particle relaxation time evolves. Notably, significant periodic temperature variations at the right wall have a substantial sequel on the heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) at both channel walls. This study has potential applications in designing more efficient air filtration systems, enhancing vehicle design for better aerodynamics and environmental safety, advancing material technology, and managing particulate pollution in industrial environments.
Equilibria Data for the CO2 + Ethanol + Ketoprofen Systems – Experimental and Modeling
Authors: Mattos J. V. , Molina M. J. , Rodriguez-Reartes S. B. , Ferreira-Pinto L. , Zabaloy M. S. , Cardozo-Filho L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the solid-fluid and vapor-liquid equilibrium of binary {CO2 + ketoprofen} and ternary {CO2 + ethanol + ketoprofen} systems across various molar fractions. Experiments were conducted at 313 to 333 K and pressures up to 14 MPa, using a visual synthetic static method with a variable volume cell. The results showed increased ketoprofen solubility with temperature and minimal impact of ketoprofen on the ternary system's bubble pressure. Thermodynamic modeling employed the Redlich-Kwong-Peng-Robinson equation of state with quadratic mixing rules for fluid phases and a pure solid model for ketoprofen, accurately describing the observed phase behavior.
Access to quality assured artemisinin-based combination therapies and associated factors among selected private drug outlet clients in Uganda
Authors: Ocan Moses , Nakalembe Loyce , Otike Caroline , Mordecai Tayebwa , Birungi Joan , Nsobya Sam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is faced with challenges including unreliable supply of efficacious agents, substandard medicines coupled with high price of artemisinin-based agents. This affects access to effective treatment predisposing patients to unwanted outcomes such as resistance development and adverse drug events. The study investigated access to quality assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (QAACT) agents among private drug-outlet clients in Uganda.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study where exit interviews were conducted among randomly selected private drug outlet clients in high and low malaria transmission settings in Uganda. The study adapted World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standardized criteria. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire. Data entry screen with checks was created in Epi-data ver 4.2 software and data entered in duplicate. Data was transferred to STATA ver 14.0 and cleaned prior to analysis. The analysis was done at 95% level of significance.
Results: A total of 1114 exit interviews were conducted among systematically sampled private drug outlet clients. Over half, 54.9% (611/1114) of the participants were males. Majority, 97.2% (1083/1114) purchased an ACT antimalarial from the drug outlets. Most, 55.5% (618/1114) of the participants had a laboratory diagnosis of malaria. Majority, 77.9% (868/1114) of the participants obtained antimalarial agents without a prescription. Less than a third, 27.7% (309/1114) of the participants obtained a quality assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (QAACT). Of the participants who obtained QAACT, more than half 56.9% (173/309) reported finding the medicine expensive. The predictors of accessing QAACT antimalarial agent among drug outlet clients include type of drug outlet visited (aPR=0.74; 95%CI: 0.6, 0.91), not obtaining full dose (3-day treatment) of ACTs (aPR=0.49; 95%CI: 0.33, 0.73), not finding the ACTs expensive (aPR=1.24; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.49), post primary education (aPR=1.29; 95%CI: 1.07,1.56), business occupation (aPR=1.24; 95%CI: 1.02,1.50) and not having a prescription (aPR=0.76; 95%CI: 0.63, 0.92).
Conclusion: Less than a third of the private drug outlet clients obtained a quality assured artemisinin-based combination therapy for management of malaria symptoms. Individuals who did not find ACTs to be expensive were more likely to obtain a QAACT antimalarial. The Ministry of Health needs to conduct regular surveillance to monitor accessibility of quality assured ACTs antimalarial agents under the current private sector copayment mechanism.
Sildenafil increased the Applebaum score and pregnancy rate in patients with unexplained infertility: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bosenge-Nguma Jean-Didier , O’yandjo Antoine Modia , Djang’eing Roland Marini , SKV Jean-Jeannot Juakali , Otuli Noël Labama , CHIN Alexis Heng Boon , Bosunga Gédéon Katenga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Ovarian stimulation with clomiphene is often associated with low pregnancy rates despite high ovulation rates in patients. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the results of clomiphene induction cycles, including the adjuvant use of sildenafil and estradiol. However, the efficacy of these adjuvants has been assessed in the majority of studies by measuring endometrial thickness, yet some evidence has reported a lack of correlation between endometrial thickness and clinical pregnancy rate. Our study therefore aims to compare the effects of sildenafil on the biophysical profile of the uterus (Applebaum score) and pregnancy rate, in comparison with valerate estradiol, among patients with unexplained infertility undergoing clomiphene induction cycles.
Methods: This was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial that compared two ovarian stimulation protocols in patients with unexplained infertility. Eligible patients who consented to this study were randomly assigned to one of two groups: clomiphene + sildenafil or clomiphene + estradiol valerate. The outcomes measured were clinical pregnancy rates and Applebaum scores.
Results: The mean Applebaum scores of patients in the sildenafil group were significantly higher than those in the estradiol group (P=0.000). The rate of biochemical pregnancy was comparable and not significantly different between both randomization groups (P=0.385). However, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the sildenafil group, at 28.92% versus 20.83% in the control group (P=0.04).
Conclusion: As compared to estradiol valerate, the addition of sildenafil as an adjuvant during clomiphene ovulation induction cycles is associated with a high rate of clinical pregnancy and a good Applebaum score in patients with unexplained infertility.
Study registration:
Registry: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry
Trial n°: PACTR 202310849449401
Date of registration: October 12, 2023.
A Relevant Role for Dopamine Transporter Gene in Highly Sensitive Persons under Stressful Conditions: Focus on Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: D’Addario Claudio , Bellia Fabio , Piccinini Alessandro , Annunzi Eugenia , Cannito Loreta , Lionetti Francesca , Dell'Osso Bernardo , Adriani Walter , Dainese Enrico , Domenico Alberto Di , Pucci Mariangela , Palumbo Riccardo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Coping with stress is essential for mental well-being and can be critical for highly sensitive persons, which constitute around 20 to 30% of the general population and are characterized by a deeper perception and processing of stimuli.
At the molecular level, it is still not clear what induces a high sensitivity with gene × environment possibly playing a key role in making some people more susceptible than others.
We here analyzed the genetic and epigenetic of dopamine (DAT1) and serotonin (SERT) transporter genes in young adults, subjects that might face more than others overwhelming experiences. An increase in DNA methylation at one specific CpG site at DAT 5’UTR has been observed in highly sensitive students reporting high levels of perceived stress when compared to those less sensitive and/or less stressed. Moreover, considering DAT1 VNTR at 3’UTR, this effect is even more clear in university students having the 9/9 genotype when compared to those with the 9/10 genotype. Corroborating these data, higher levels of miR-132, which is associated with DAT1, are reported in the same population when compared again with those reporting to be less stressed. No changes have been observed for SERT gene. We here suggest the genetic and epigenetic of DAT1 gene as possible biomarkers to be considered for mental health wellness in vulnerable subjects like highly sensitive students coping with high stress conditions.
‘We don’t talk about that around here’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of South Asian men’s experiences of sexual violence in the UK
Authors: Widanaralalage B. Kennath , Jennings Stacey , Dando Coral , Mackenzie Jay-Marie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Sexual violence against men is an understudied issue, particularly among ethnic minority groups. This study explored how South Asian cultural norms shape disclosure and help-seeking for male survivors in the UK.
Methods
Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 South Asian male survivors of sexual violence currently living in the UK. Participants were recruited through specialist support organisations. Interviews explored participants' experiences of disclosure, cultural factors surrounding sexual violence, and barriers/facilitators to support. Data were analysed following IPA's idiographic approach to identify themes across participant accounts.
Results
Three key themes emerged centred on familial pressures, cultural taboos, and barriers to support/justice. Familial reputational pressures made survivors reluctant to disclose and they often received dismissive reactions. Cultural taboos about sex and mental health meant survivors felt unable to recognise their experiences and needs. Barriers to professional support included stigma and lack of cultural understanding. Distrust of systems discouraged justice-seeking, with negative experiences for those reporting abuse.
Conclusions
Traditional South Asian values regarding family honour, gender norms, and stigma created obstacles to disclosure and help-seeking for male survivors. Culturally-tailored outreach and supports are needed to overcome taboos and empower South Asian male survivors to access appropriate care. Findings emphasise the intersection of masculinity and culture in shaping experiences of sexual violence. Further research should explore diversity within South Asian communities and experiences navigating systems and services.
The Role of NAD+ in Myocardial Ischemia-induced Heart Failure in Sprague-dawley Rats and Beagles
Authors: Pei Zuowei , Yang Chenguang , Guo Ying , Dong Min , Wang Fang 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) participates in various processes
that are dysregulated in cardiovascular diseases. Supplementation with NAD+ may be
cardioprotective. However, whether the protective effect exerted by NAD+ in heart failure (HF)
is more effective before acute myocardial infarction (MI) or after remains unclear. The left anterior
descending arteries of male Sprague Dawley rats and beagles that developed HF following
MI were ligated for 1 week, following which the animals were treated for 4 weeks with low,
medium, and high doses of NAD+ and LCZ696.

Methods:
Cardiac function, hemodynamics, and
biomarkers were evaluated during the treatment period. Heart weight, myocardial fibrosis, and
MI rate were measured eventually.

Results:
Compared with the HF groups, groups treated with
LCZ696 and different doses of NAD+ showed increased ejection fractions, fractional shortening,
cardiac output, and stroke volume and decreased end-systolic volume, end-systolic dimension,
creatine kinase, and lactic dehydrogenase. LV blood pressure was lower in the HF group than in
the control group, but this decrease was significantly greater in the medium and high NAD+ dose
groups.

Conclusion:
The ratios of heart weight indexes, fibrotic areas, and MI rates in the
CZ696 and medium and high NAD+ dose groups were lower than those in the HF group. Medium
and high-dose NAD+ showed superior positive effects on myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac
function, and myocardial fibrosis and reduced the MI rate.