bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
USP2 regulates neuroinflammation to ameliorate depression via the IL-1R2/NF-κB signalling pathway
Authors: Li Cai , Li Songyang , Zhang Hang , Xu Zhengyu , Zhang Yujie , Cheng Qiong , Chang Mujun , Nie Chunjie , Chen Jiguang , Li Yuanyuan , Hou Mingyang , Yao Daoke , Li Hong , Tian Xin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) play a vital role in the modulation of protein trafficking and degradation through deubiquitination. It was reported that there is a strong correlation of ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) expression with apoptosis and inflammation. Nonetheless, the role of USP2 in alleviating depression remains unclear, and no therapeutic strategies targeting USP2 to treat depression have been reported.
Methods
The forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were performed to investigate depressive-like behaviour. Western blotting was used to examine the expression levels of proteins related to neuroinflammation. A lentivirus carrying USP2 shRNA (LV-shUSP2) was utilized to inhibit USP2 function/expression. The small-molecule USP2 inhibitor ML364 was used to suppress USP2 activity. A USP2-overexpressing lentivirus (LV-USP2) was utilized to promote USP2 function/expression. Additionally, the role of USP2 in corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression in mice was confirmed using HT-22 cells.
Results
The expression of USP2 in the hippocampus was significantly decreased in CORT-induced depression model mice. Similar to CORT, LV-shUSP2 and ML364 caused depressive-like behaviour in mice. In CORT-treated mice, both LV-USP2 and the antidepressant venlafaxine (VNX) exerted antidepressant-like effects and ameliorated the downregulation of USP2 in the hippocampus. In addition, VNX reversed the induction of depressive-like behaviour in mice caused by LV-shUSP2 or ML364 and positively modulated USP2 in the hippocampus. In-depth mechanistic studies showed that CORT, LV-shUSP2 and ML364 all reduced IL-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2) expression and activated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signalling in the hippocampus. However, both VNX and LV-USP2 suppressed the downregulation of IL-1R2 and decreased the activation of NF-κB signalling. In HT22 cells, VNX-induced upregulation of UPS2 or LV-USP2 could regulate neuroinflammation to ameliorate neuronal damage via the IL-1R2/NF-κB signalling pathway.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that USP2 exerts antidepressant-like effects on hippocampal neurons and that VNX is a novel therapeutic agent that can positively regulate USP2 to ameliorate depression. Additionally, the USP2-mediated IL-1R2/NF-κB pathway may be a potential target for the treatment of depression, allowing the development of more efficient antidepressant agents.
Isolation, structure analysis and expression characterization of the Hexokinase gene family in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Li Sen , Qin Xin’er , He Xiaofei , Han Shaopeng , Lv Yang , Zhang Bo , Deng Zhuying , Zeng Gongjian , Gao Xinqiang , Hu Yongfeng , Shen Xiangling 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Hexokinases (HXK, Ec2.7.1.1), a key rate-limiting enzyme of glycolytic pathway, catalyze hexoses phosphorylation. HXKs not only help hexoses metabolism, but also play an important role in sugar signaling and tolerance to abiotic stress in higher plants. In past years, a number of HXK gene families have been reported in many plant species. However, detailed information about the HXK genes in sorghum is still lacking. To investigate the roles of HXKs in Sorghum bicolor, 7 putative sorghum HXK genes (SbHXK1, SbHXK2, SbHXK3, SbHXK4, SbHXK5, SbHXK6, SbHXK7) were identified in sorghum genome. Gene sequence analysis, structural analysis, phylogenetic analysis, collinearity analysis, multi-sequence alignment and motif analysis of all SbHXKgenes showed evolutionarily conservation to those in other plant species. Expression profiling revealed the potential activation of SbHXKs in ripping organisms, stamen and root tissues. Cis-elements related to abiotic stress and sucrose metabolism were identified through promoter screening in all SbHXKs, and further qRT-PCR confirmed the potential role of SbHXK genes in response to abiotic stress and sugar metabolism in sorghum. Interestingly, SbHXKs are mostly localized in cytoplasm, while some rice and ArabidopsisHXKs are localized in chloroplast or mitochondrion, which indicated the different role of SbHXKs comparing with other plant species. Altogether, our study shows a theoretical reference of HXK genes in Sorghum, which provides basic information that will assist in elucidating the functions of HXK gene family in Sorghum.
Does family planning and HIV services integration increase contraceptive prevalence? A comparative analysis of modern contraceptive prevalence among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women of reproductive age in Tanzania-analysis of the 2016/17 Tanzania HIV impact survey
Authors: Timoth Saitoti , Machange Janeth , Karino Kilaye , Mtenga Sally , Mkopi Abdallah , Levira Francis 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background Prevention of unplanned pregnancies through modern contraceptives among HIV-positive women is one of the essential strategies for reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Family planning and HIV services integration is a national strategy designed to scale-up modern contraceptives among HIV-positive women. This study evaluates the success of the service integration strategy by comparing modern contraceptive prevalence among HIV-positive accessing HIV treatment (ARV) through integrated services with those not accessing the services in Tanzania. Methods We used data from the Tanzania HIV impact survey (THIS) of 2016/17. THIS provided HIV counselling and testing with a return of results in over 30,000 adults over 15 years of age. Women tested positive self reported their enrollment into ARV with further confirmation through laboratory analysis for any detectible ARV in their blood. All non-pregnant women reported their contraceptive use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of accessing integrated services controlling for potential confounders. Results A total of 14,986 women were included in the analysis; HIV-positive women were 1,066 and HIV-negative women 13,830. Prevalence of modern contraceptive was 35% in HIV-positive women and 30% in HIV-negative women. Prevalence was higher among women enrolled into integrated service (40%) compared to those who were HIV-positive but unaware of their HIV status (27%) (p-value = 0.0014). The most common contraceptive methods in HIV-positive women were injectables (32%) and male condoms (31%), while in HIV-negative women, injectables (39%) and implants (30%, n = 1032) were the most preferred methods. Among HIV-positive women, enrolment into integrated services (currently on ART) demonstrated an increase in the odds of modern contraceptives by 85% (AOD = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.27–2.71) Conclusion Our study therefore calls for the evaluation on the implementation of the integration programme to identify factors that constrain or facilitate programme effectiveness.
Longitudinal study on the effects of school closure due to COVID-19 on the physical fitness of Japanese kindergarteners
Authors: Aoyama Sho 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to longitudinally clarify differences in physical fitness between Japanese kindergarteners who experienced school closure due to COVID-19 (COVID-19 pandemic group) and those who did not (control group).
Methods: For the COVID-19 pandemic group, 51 three-year-old children underwent physical fitness measurements at three years old in November 2019, four years old in November 2020, and five years old in November 2021. In the control group, 52 three-year-old children underwent similar measurements at three years old in November 2017, four years old in November 2018, and five years old in November 2019. For physical fitness measurements, we performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA) of group × time for each gender.
Results: Regarding body support duration, the COVID-19 pandemic group performed significantly lower than the control group at four and five years old.
Conclusion: The present study longitudinally revealed that muscle endurance among Japanese kindergarteners who experienced school closure due to COVID-19 was impaired.
Research on the Hydrodynamic Influence of Marine Data Buoy with Different Mooring Systems in Northern Part of Weihai: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Wang Huamei , Lu Kuan , Shangguan Liang , Rao Xiang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The hydrodynamic of marine data buoy and its mooring system has an important im-pact on its reliability, viability and adaptability at sea. In this paper, the numerical simulation, which is combined with physical model test verification, is adopted for studying hydrodynamic of data buoy, by using the measured data in the northern sea area of Chu Island, Weihai, Shandong Province, China. In the numerical analysis, the Advanced Quantitative Wave Analysis (AQWA) module in ANSYS is used, which includes frequency domain analysis and time domain analysis. The hydrodynamic performance of three different mooring systems, i.e. slack type, inverted S type and tension type, under the action of wind and waves coupling is studied. The model test of the buoy was carried out at the Environmental Laboratory in the National Ocean Technology Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, and the scale of the model is determined to be 1:5, according to the laboratory test capacity and buoy prototype size. The results show that the inverted S type mooring system has higher reliability, while the tension type mooring system can obtain more accurate observation data, and the performance of the slack mooring system is between the two, among the three types of mooring systems. The research results can provide a reference for the design of other marine buoys and their mooring systems, and the validated numerical simulation method can be applied to the study of the survival performance of the buoy in long-term and extreme sea condition.
Normal values and correlation of age and the Heart Rate Variability in healthy children younger than 18 months
Authors: Peherstorfer Anna , Gröppel Gudrun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
A normal heart rate variability (HRV) is the result of a balanced relation between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. Epilepsy, as one of the most common diseases worldwide, is thought to have an impact on the autonomic nervous system and could therefore lead to an imbalance. But anyway, there are no available normal values for HRV in children, especially in infants. The current study is aimed to create reference values for the HRV in children aged younger than 18 months.
Methods
We analyzed ECG curves of 30 infants, who had a routine EEG due to non-epileptic paroxysmal events. To evaluate the HRV we calculated the RMSSD (root mean square of the successive differences) and the SDNN (standard deviation of all normal sinus R/R intervals). Analyses were performed for each patient and in a second step separately for patients from 0 - <12 months and from 12 - <18 months.
Results
We found no significant differences in the different age groups regarding the HRV. Using linear regression, it was also shown that there were no other significant differences in HRV in children under 18 months of age.
Conclusions
Our results also indicate age-dependent differences when compared to previous findings in the literature and show that it is important to have age-matching normal values.
Historical and contextual pathways of inequity in child nutritional status: A case study of Paniya and Kurichiya Adivasi communities in Wayanad District, Kerala
Authors: Ulahannan Sabu Kochupurackal , Soman Biju , Prashanth N S , Kutty V Raman , Ravindran T K Sundari 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground:Adivasi communities in Kerala continue to bear a disproportionately high burden of child undernutrition compared with other communities in Kerala. Furthermore, different ethnic groups within the Adivasi communities have different patterns of nutritional inequality that require understanding the historical and contextual pathways of nutritional inequity. This paper examines the historical and contextual pathways of inequity in child nutritional outcomes between thePaniyaandKurichiyaAdivasi communities in the Wayanad district of Kerala.Methods:This study used a mixed-method approach with quantitative cross-sectional and qualitative case study components. The Diderichsen framework was used as the conceptual framework of the study. The quantitative cross-sectional component was done using a survey involving 314 children aged 2–5 years and their mothers as participants chosen using a multi-stage cluster sampling that was conducted using a structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews, observation diary notes, and document reviews and analysed using inductive and deductive approaches.Results:ThePaniyaandKurichiyaAdivasi children reported stark disparities in the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting; the prevalence of these conditions among thePaniyawas 52.3%, 58.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, whereas the prevalence among theKurichiyawas 28.2%, 31.1%, and 12.3%, respectively. Historical accumulation of poverty through land alienation and overall social exclusion from developmental reforms among thePaniyacontributed to their lower socio-economic position, which in turn explains the higher prevalence of child undernutrition amongPaniyacompared to that ofKurichiya. These historical pathways continue to drive an experience of stigma and discrimination while using health and nutritional services, thus intergenerationally contributing to their inequalities in the social determinants of child nutrition.Conclusions:The tribal health and nutritional policies and programmes that are currently targeted at Adivasi communities need to integrate particular Adivasi identities into their strategies and implementations.
Improving Quantum-to-Classical Data Decoding using Optimized Quantum Wavelet Transform
Authors: Jeng Mingyoung , Islam SM Ishraq Ul , Levy David , Riachi Andrew , Chaudhary Manu , Nobel Md. Alvir Islam , Kneidel Dylan , Jha Vinayak , Bauer Jack , Maurya Anshul , Mahmud Naveed , El-Araby Esam 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
One of the challenges facing current Noisy-Intermediate-Scale-Quantum devices (NISQ) is achieving efficient quantum circuit measurement or readout. The process of extracting classical data from the quantum domain, termed in this work as quantum-to-classical (Q2C) data decoding, generally incurs significant overhead, since the quantum circuit needs to be sampled repeatedly to obtain useful data readout. In this paper, we propose and evaluate time-efficient and depth-optimized Q2C methods based on the multidimensional, multilevel-decomposable, quantum wavelet transform (QWT) whose packet and pyramidal forms are leveraged and optimized. We also propose a zero-depth technique that uses selective placement of measurement gates to perform the QWT operation. To demonstrate their efficiency, the proposed techniques are quantitatively evaluated in terms of execution time, circuit depth, and accuracy in comparison to existing Q2C techniques. Experimental evaluations of the proposed Q2C methods are performed using real high-resolution multispectral images on a 27-qubit state-of-the-art quantum computing device from IBM Quantum.
Physical and chemical post-treatment of effluent from stabilization ponds: potential use of sludge in civil construction
Authors: Junior¹ Osmar Pereira Silva , Daniel¹ Luiz Antonio 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical wastewater post-treatment using ferric chloride and the organic coagulant Tanfloc of a facultative pond that treats domestic sewage. The study was divided into two steps. In the first step, the best coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation condition was determined for the coagulant dosage, which resulted in BOD removal efficiency compatible with the quality required to comply with the legislation, both for ferric chloride and Tanfloc. Afterward, 50 mg/L dosages for Tanfloc and 75 mg/L dosages for ferric chloride were established, defined in the first step. In the second step, the removal efficiency process was the following for ferric chloride and Tanfloc, respectively: 81.00 and 85.00% for BOD, 76.57 and 79.55% for COD, 81.54 and 40.67% for phosphorus, 42.76 and 48.39 for ammonia nitrogen and 1.13 and 1.72 log for E. coli. The results showed that the 50 mg/L Tanfloc coagulant dosages and 75 mg/L ferric chloride coagulant dosages produced wastewater quality compatible with the state of São Paulo environmental legislation. The sludge generated in the post-treatment was transformed into ash and the results of the XRF and XRD analyzes indicated the potential for use in civil construction.
A New Viscosity Implicit Approximation Method for Solving a class of variational inequalities over the common fixed points set of a finite family of non-expansive mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Sun Linqi , Xu Hongwen , Ma Yan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This paper is devoted to introducing a new implicit iterative algorithm based on viscosity approximation method and hybrid steepest-descent iterative method for finding the common fixed points set of a finite family of non-expansive mappings in Hilbert spaces. We certify that the sequences generated by this new implicit rule strongly converges to the unique solution of a class of variational inequalities under some suitable conditions of the parameters. The result extends and improves the corresponding results announced by many others. Moreover, applications to a broader family of λ-strictly pseudo-contractive mappings and generalized equilibrium problems. Finally, numerical results are given to clarify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed algorithm, which compares with the iterative scheme of Cai and Shehu.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 47H10, 47J25, 49J40.
The Acromegaly Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (Acro-TSQ): Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability study
Authors: Sözen Mehmet , Köse Özlem , Çetinarslan Berrin , Cantürk Zeynep , Selek Alev , Demirhan Yeliz , Ertürk Erdinç , Hocaoğlu Erhan , Topaloglu Ömercan , Fırat Sevde Nur , Gezer Emre , Köksalan Damla , Karatoprak Ayfer Peker 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The patient-reported outcome becomes important to evaluate the situation perceived by the patients and to develop new strategies. This study aims to adapt the Acromegaly Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (Acro-TSQ), which was specially developed for patients with acromegaly, into Turkish by conducting a validity and reliability study.
Methods
After the translation and back-translation process, Acro-TSQ was filled in by face-to-face interviews with 136 patients diagnosed with acromegaly and currently receiving somatostatin analogue injection therapy. Internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale were determined.
Results
Acro-TSQ had a six-factor structure and explained 77.2% of the total variance in the variable. The Cronbach alpha value calculated for internal reliability showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.870). Factor loads of all items were found to be between 0.567 and 0.958. As a result of EFA analysis, one item fell into a different factor in the Turkish version of the Acro-TSQ, different from its original form. CFA analysis shows that acceptable fit values are obtained for fit indices.
Conclusion
The Acro-TSQ, a patient-reported outcome tool, shows good internal consistency, and good reliability, suggesting it is an appropriate assessment tool for patients with acromegaly in the Turkish population
Maturation and quality of seeds of an endangered tropical palm species (Euterpe edulis Martius) assessed by imaging and X-ray densitometry
Authors: Mello Tamyris , Zanardo Tadeu Ériton Caliman , Taliuli Yanara dos Santos , Simões Ingridh Medeiros , Baptista Julcinara Oliveira , Gonçalves Fabricio Gomes , Hegedus Clovis Eduardo Nunes , Schmildt Edilson Romais , Ferreira Adésio , Santos Heloisa Oliveira dos , Lopes José Carlos , Otoni Wagner Campos , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Euterpe edulis Martius is an endangered palm species that grows in the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado of South America. Economic exploitation of its antioxidant-rich fruits could ensure the sustainable management of this species. However, this relies on the rapid selection of high-quality seeds from which to derive seedlings. The objective of this study was to investigate the maturation of E. edulis seeds using image analysis and X-ray densitometry. Fruits were harvested from ten matrices at different stages of maturation, from 94 days after anthesis (DAA) to 290 DAA. Seed dry mass, water content, germination, vigor, and density were quantified at each stage. At the same time, seeds were analyzed by GroundEye® imaging, radiography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The highest dry mass was detected 255 DAA (0.83 g), in vitro germination began 115 DAA and achieved 100% from 150 DAA, and maximum vigor was observed 164 DAA, whereby 100% of seedlings appeared normal. X-ray imaging revealed dehydrated seeds and small mechanical damage, such as cracking of the pericarp. X-ray densitometry revealed that seed density increased considerably 185 DAA. SEM/EDS detected changes between maturation stages, such as the accumulation of K and Si, in the mesocarp and endocarp. Overall, E. edulis seeds presented maximum in vitro germination, vigor, percentage of normal seedlings, and physicochemical qualities 164 DAA (green epicarp), which corresponds to 126 days earlier compared with the fruits harvested 290 DAA (black epicarp) for ex vitro germination.
Spatiotemporal distribution of malaria in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elagali Ahmed , Shubayr Mosa , Alene Kefyalew , Elagali Asmaa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Malaria is a significant public health concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria in KSA between 2017 - 2021.
Methods: A spatial analysis was conducted using data for malaria cases stratified by Plasmodium species reported by the Ministry of Health for theperiod 2017 - 2021. Covariate data such as environmental, socio-economic, and demographic factors were assembled from different publicly available sources.
Results: A total of 13, 852 cases were reported from 20 provinces in KSA during the study period. The study indicated a decline in the overall number of reported cases from 2,715 in 2017 to 2,616 in 2021, primarily driven by a decrease in Plasmodium falciparum infections. However, the number of Plasmodium vivax cases increased in 2021. Southern provinces of KSA remained at higher risk dueto imported cases from neighboring Yemen. Socioeconomic and demographicfactors, such as access to healthcare and education, were found to affect malaria transmission. Environmental factors, such as temperature and rainfall, were also identified as determinants of malaria risk.
Conclusion: This study showed significant spatial variation in malaria cases in KSA that was related to underlying socioeconomic status and environmental factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for continued efforts tocontrol and eliminate malaria in KSA, particularly in provinces with higher risk of malaria.