bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An immunoinformatic approach to assessing the immunogenic capacity of alpha-neurotoxins in elapid snake venoms
Authors: Chan Yi Wei , Tan Choo Hock , Heh Choon Han , Tan Kae Yi 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Most elapid snakes produce venoms that contain alpha-neurotoxins (α-NTXs), which are proteins that cause post-synaptic blockade and paralysis in snakebite envenoming. However, existing elapid antivenoms are known for their low potency in neutralizing the neurotoxic activity of α-NTXs, while the immunological basis has not been elucidated.Methods: In this study, a structure-based major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) epitope predictor of horse (Equus caballus), complemented with DM-editing determinant screening algorithm was adopted to assess the immunogenicity of α-NTXs in the venoms of major Asiatic elapids (Naja kaouthia, Ophiophagus hannah, Laticauda colubrina, Hydrophis schistosus, Hydrophis curtus).Results: The scoring metric M2R, representing the relative immunogenic performance of respective α-NTXs, showed all α-NTXs have an overall low M2R of &lt;0.3, and most of the predicted binders feature non-optimal P1 anchor residues. The M2R scores correlate strongly (R2 = 0.82) with the potency scores (p-score) generated based on the relative abundances of α-NTXs and the neutralization potency of commercial antivenoms.Discussion: The immunoinformatic analysis indicates that the inferior antigenicity of α-NTXs is not only due to their small molecular size but also the subpar immunogenicity affected by their amino acid composition. Structural modification with conjugation and synthetic epitope as immunogen may potentially enhance the immunogenicity for improved antivenom potency against α-NTXs of elapid snakes.
Preoperative state anxiety predicts postoperative health-related quality of life: A prospective observational study on patients undergoing lung cancer surgery
Authors: Takamiya Shinnosuke , Honma Motoyasu , Masaoka Yuri , Okada Momoka , Ohashi Shinichi , Tanaka Yoko , Suzuki Kosuke , Uematsu Shugo , Kitami Akihiko , Izumizaki Masahiko 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveImproving quality of life (QOL) after surgery is very important. Recently, preoperative anxiety has been suggested to predict postoperative health-related (HR) QOL, however the accuracy of anxiety measurement remains problematic. We examined the relationship between preoperative anxiety level and postoperative HRQOL using qualitative and quantitative assessment of anxiety.MethodWe used a detailed anxiety assessment to quantitatively investigate preoperative anxiety as a predictor of postoperative HRQOL in lung cancer patients. Fifty one patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer were included. They were assessed four times: on admission, on discharge, 1 month after surgery, and 3 months after surgery. Anxiety was measured separately as “state anxiety” and “trait anxiety” using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and HRQOL was measured using the EuroQol 5 dimension 5-level.ResultsThe HRQOL decreased at discharge and gradually recovered over time, reaching the same level at 3 months after surgery as at admission. HRQOL score was lower at discharge than at pre-surgery and 3 months after the surgery (p &lt; 0.0001 each), and the score at 1 month after the surgery was lower than at pre-surgery (p = 0.007). In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that HRQOL at discharge was associated with “state anxiety” rather than “trait anxiety” at admission (p = 0.004).ConclusionThis study identifies the types of anxiety that affect postoperative HRQOL. We suggest that postoperative HRQOL on discharge may be improved by interventions such as psychological or medication treatment for preoperative state anxiety if identified preoperative state anxiety can be managed appropriately.
Development of the sickle Pan-African research consortium registry in Tanzania: opportunity to harness data science for sickle cell disease
Authors: Kandonga Daniel , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Masamu Upendo , Kazumali Eliah , Jonathan Agnes , Msangawale Michael , Kaihula Winfrida , Rwegalulila Julieth , Ondego Jesca , Tutuba Hilda J. , Ndunguru Joyce , Ambrose Emmanuela E. , Kidenya Benson R. , Yonazi Mbonea , Kyomugisha Irene , Mupfururirwa Wilson , Jonas Mario , Nembaware Victoria , Mazandu Gaston Kuzamunu , Kengne Andre Pascal , Wonkam Ambroise , Makani Julie , Balandya Emmanuel 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe hereditary form of anemia that contributes between 50% and 80% of under-five mortality in Africa. Eleven thousand babies are born with SCD annually in Tanzania, ranking 4th after Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and India. The absence of well-described SCD cohorts is a major barrier to health research in SCD in Africa.ObjectiveThis paper describes the Sickle Pan African Consortium (SPARCO) database in Tanzania, from the development, design of the study instruments, data collection, analysis of data and management of data quality issues.MethodsThe SPARCO registry used existing Muhimbili Sickle Cell Cohort (MSC) study case report forms (CRF) and later harmonized data elements from the SickleInAfrica consortium to develop Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) instruments. Patients were enrolled through various strategies, including mass screening following media sensitization and health education events during World Sickle Cell Day each June and the SCD awareness month in September. Additional patients were identified through active surveillance of previously participating patients in the MSC.ResultsThree thousand eight hundred patients were enrolled between October 2017 and May 2021. Of these, 1,946 (51.21%) were males and 1,864 (48.79%) were females. The hemoglobin phenotype distribution was 3,762 (99%) HbSS, 3 (0.08%) HbSC and 35 (0.92%) HbSβ +thalassemia. Hemoglobin levels, admission history, blood transfusion and painful events were recorded from December 2017 to May 2021.ConclusionThe Tanzania SPARCO registry will improve healthcare for SCD in Africa through the facilitation of collaborative data-driven research for SCD.
Robotic gaze and human views: A systematic exploration of robotic gaze aversion and its effects on human behaviors and attitudes
Authors: Koller Michael , Weiss Astrid , Hirschmanner Matthias , Vincze Markus 
Published: April 2023

Similar to human–human interaction (HHI), gaze is an important modality in conversational human–robot interaction (HRI) settings. Previously, human-inspired gaze parameters have been used to implement gaze behavior for humanoid robots in conversational settings and improve user experience (UX). Other robotic gaze implementations disregard social aspects of gaze behavior and pursue a technical goal (e.g., face tracking). However, it is unclear how deviating from human-inspired gaze parameters affects the UX. In this study, we use eye-tracking, interaction duration, and self-reported attitudinal measures to study the impact of non-human inspired gaze timings on the UX of the participants in a conversational setting. We show the results for systematically varying the gaze aversion ratio (GAR) of a humanoid robot over a broad parameter range from almost always gazing at the human conversation partner to almost always averting the gaze. The main results reveal that on a behavioral level, a low GAR leads to shorter interaction durations and that human participants change their GAR to mimic the robot. However, they do not copy the robotic gaze behavior strictly. Additionally, in the lowest gaze aversion setting, participants do not gaze back as much as expected, which indicates a user aversion to the robot gaze behavior. However, participants do not report different attitudes toward the robot for different GARs during the interaction. In summary, the urge of humans in conversational settings with a humanoid robot to adapt to the perceived GAR is stronger than the urge of intimacy regulation through gaze aversion, and a high mutual gaze is not always a sign of high comfort, as suggested earlier. This result can be used as a justification to deviate from human-inspired gaze parameters when necessary for specific robot behavior implementations.
Effect of Drip Irrigation, N, K, and Zn Coupling on Pn of Densely Cultivated Apple on Dwarf Rootstock in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Mu Weiyi , Duan Xiaoxian , Wang Quanjiu , Wei Xuesong , Wei Kai , Li Yuanxin , Guo Xin 
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to determine the effect of irrigation amount (W), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) on the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of closely planted apple trees on dwarf rootstocks in arid areas of Xinjiang. Taking the “Royal Gala” apple as the experimental material, a mathematical model for Pn was established using the principle of four-factor five-level quadratic regression with a general rotation combination design. The results show that: (1) The regression equations reached significant levels (F = 37.06 > F0.01(11.11) = 4.54). (2) The effect of W, N, K, Zn on Pn is significant with relative importance W > N > Zn > K. (3) The results of single factor analysis showed that with an increase in W, N, K, and Zn, Pn exhibits an n-shaped parabolic response. (4) The positive coupling between W and N is significant, and the positive coupling between W and Zn is also significant. (5) Analysis of the interaction between sets of three factors revealed that W, N, and Zn could be combined to best effect, with the maximum value reaching 12.77 μmol·m−2·s−1. Compared with W×K×Zn and W×N×K, the combination of W×N×Zn reduces W by 9.2% and 6.3%, respectively, which indicates its suitability for use in the dry and water deficient planting environment in Xinjiang. (6) Within the 95% confidence level, when W is 258–294.75 mm, N is 33.44–39.51 kg/hm2, K is 53.82–69.39 kg/hm2, and Zn is 6.46–7.84 kg/hm2, the net photosynthetic rate reaches 11 μmol·m−2·s−1.
Inhibition of Mixed Biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus by β-Caryophyllene-Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Fazlurrahman , Tabassum Nazia , Jeong Geum-Jae , Jung Won-Kyo , Kim Young-Mog 
Published: April 2023

Polymicrobial biofilms, consisting of fungal and bacterial pathogens, often contribute to the failure of antimicrobial treatment. The growing resistance of pathogenic polymicrobial biofilms to antibiotics has led to the development of alternative strategies to combat polymicrobial diseases. To this end, nanoparticles synthesized using natural molecules have received significant attention for disease treatment. Here, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using β-caryophyllene, a bioactive compound isolated from various plant species. The shape, size, and zeta potential of the synthesized β-c-AuNPs were found to be non-spherical, 17.6 ± 1.2 nm, and -31.76 ± 0.73 mV, respectively. A mixed biofilm of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus was used to test the efficacy of the synthesized β-c-AuNPs. The results revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the initial stages of formation of single-species as well as mixed biofilms. Furthermore, β-c-AuNPs also eliminated mature biofilms. Therefore, using β-c-AuNPs to inhibit biofilm and eradicate bacterial-fungal mixed biofilms represents a promising therapeutic approach for controlling polymicrobial infections.
Chlorophyll a Synthesis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides by Chlorophyll Synthase of Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Kim June , Lee Jeong K. , Kim Eui-Jin 
Published: April 2023

The production of phytylated chlorophyll a (Chl aP) in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, which uses phytylated bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl aP), is the first step in expanding the light absorption spectra. Unlike the chlorophyll synthase (ChlG) of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, ChlGs of angiosperms, including Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, Avena sativa, and Oryza sativa, showed bacteriochlorophyll synthase activity and resistance to inhibition by bacteriochlorophyllide a (BChlide a), geranylgeranylated BChl a (BChl aGG), and BChl aP, collectively called bacteriochlorins. Among the angiosperm ChlGs, N. tabacum ChlG had the highest bacteriochlorophyll synthase activity and resistance to inhibition by bacteriochlorins. Expression of N. tabacum chlG in R. sphaeroides resulted in the formation of free Chl aP in the presence of BChl aP during photoheterotrophic growth, even though reactive oxygen species were generated.
SOX1 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Repressing HES1 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Chang Shan-Yueh , Wu Ti-Hui , Shih Yu-Lueng , Chen Ying-Chieh , Su Her-Young , Chian Chih-Feng , Lin Ya-Wen 
Published: April 2023

The development of lung cancer is a complex process that involves many genetic and epigenetic changes. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box (SOX) genes encode a family of proteins that are involved in the regulation of embryonic development and cell fate determination. SOX1 is hypermethylated in human cancers. However, the role of SOX1 in the development of lung cancer is unclear. We used quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis, and web tools to confirm the frequent epigenetic silencing of SOX1 in lung cancer. Stable overexpression of SOX1 repressed cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and invasion in vitro as well as cancer growth and metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. Knockdown of SOX1 by the withdrawal of doxycycline partly restored the malignant phenotype of inducible SOX1-expressing NSCLC cells. Next, we discovered the potential downstream pathways of SOX1 using RNA-seq analysis and identified HES1 as a direct target of SOX1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR. Furthermore, we performed phenotypic rescue experiments to prove that overexpression of HES1-FLAG in SOX1-expressing H1299 cells partly reversed the tumor-suppressive effect. Taken together, these data demonstrated that SOX1 acts as a tumor suppressor by directly inhibiting HES1 during the development of NSCLC.
Characterization of Pseudofusicoccum Species from Diseased Plantation-Grown Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., and Pinus massoniana in Southern China
Authors: Li Guoqing , Wu Wenxia , Lu Linqin , Chen Bingyin , Chen Shuaifei 
Published: April 2023

Fungi from Pseudofusicoccum (Phyllostictaceae, Botryosphaeriales) have been reported as pathogens, endophytes, or saprophytes from various woody plants in different countries. Recently, Botryosphaeriales isolates were obtained from the dead twigs of Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Pinus massoniana, and Cunninghamia lanceolata in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Provinces in southern China. This study aimed to understand the diversity, distribution, and virulence of these Pseudofusicoccum species on these trees. A total of 126 Pseudofusicoccum isolates were obtained, and the incidences of Pseudofusicoccum (percentage of trees that yielded Pseudofusicoccum) on A. mangium, P. massoniana, Eucalyptus spp., and C. lanceolata were 21%, 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0%, respectively. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and β-tubulin (tub2) loci, 75% of the total isolates were identified as P. kimberleyense, and the remaining isolates were identified as P. violaceum. For P. kimberleyense, the majority of isolates (83%) were from A. mangium, and the rest were from P. massoniana (14%) and Eucalyptus spp. (3%). Similarly, the proportion of isolates of P. violaceum from A. mangium, P. massoniana, and Eucalyptus spp. were 84%, 13%, and 3%, respectively. Inoculation trials showed that the two species produced expected lesions on the tested seedlings of A. mangium, E. urophylla × E. grandis, and P. elliottii. This study provides fundamental information on Pseudofusicoccum associated with diseases in main plantations in southern China.
Levofloxacin HCl-Incorporated Zein-Based Solvent Removal Phase Inversion In Situ Forming Gel for Periodontitis Treatment
Authors: Senarat Setthapong , Rojviriya Catleya , Puyathorn Napaphol , Lertsuphotvanit Nutdanai , Phaechamud Thawatchai 
Published: April 2023

Zein is composed of nonpolar amino acids and is a water-insoluble protein used as the matrix-forming agent of localized in situ forming gel (ISG). Therefore, this study prepared solvent removal phase inversion zein-based ISG formulations to load levofloxacin HCl (Lv) for periodontitis treatment using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol formal (GF) as the solvents. Their physicochemical properties were determined, including viscosity, injectability, gel formation, and drug release. The topography of dried remnants after drug release was revealed using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) to investigate their 3D structure and % porosity. The antimicrobial activities were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 with agar cup diffusion. Increasing zein concentration or using GF as the solvent notably enhanced the apparent viscosity and injection force of the zein ISG. However, its gel formation slowed due to the dense zein matrix barrier’s solvent exchange: the higher loaded zein or utilization of GF as an ISG solvent prolonged Lv release. The SEM and μCT images revealed the scaffold of dried ISG in that their % porosity corresponded with their phase transformation and drug release behavior. In addition, the sustainability of drug diffusion promoted a smaller antimicrobial inhibition clear zone. Drug release from all formulations was attained with minimum inhibitory concentrations against pathogen microbes and exhibited a controlled release over 7 days. Lv-loaded 20% zein ISG using GF as a solvent exhibited appropriate viscosity, Newtonian flow, acceptable gel formation and injectability, and prolonged Lv release over 7 days with efficient antimicrobial activities against various test microbes; thus, it is the potential ISG formulation for periodontitis treatment. Consequently, the Lv-loaded solvent removal zein-based ISGs proposed in this investigation offer promising potential as an efficacious drug delivery system for periodontitis treatment by local injection.
Decay accelerating factor (DAF) restrains complement activation and delays progression of murine cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy
Authors: Budge Kelly L , Verlato Alberto , Bin Sofia , Salem Fadi E. , Perin Laura , La Manna Gaetano , Zaza Gianluigi , Fiaccadori Enrico , Cantarelli Chiara , Cravedi Paolo 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Complement activation is thought to play a major pathogenic role in membranous nephropathy (MN), but its effector mechanisms are still unclear. Even less investigated is the role of podocyte-expressed complement regulators, including decay accelerating factor (DAF) in disease pathophysiology.

Methods:
We induced MN by serial injections of cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA) in WT, DAF-/-, and C3aR-/- BALB/c mice and measured disease severity (by albuminuria, BUN, serum albumin, and glomerular histological changes) and signs of complement activation in the glomeruli (IF for C1q, C3b, and membrane attack complex, MAC). We also treated DAF-/- mice with cBSA-induced MN with a selective C3aR antagonist and measured the same readouts.
Results: cBSA-induced MN was associated with increased glomerular expression of DAF. Genetic deletion of DAF resulted in increased complement activation and higher disease severity than in WT animals. Treating cBSA-injected DAF-/- mice with a C3aR antagonist reduced disease severity. Similarly, C3aR-/- were protected from cBSA-induced MN, despite IgG deposition in the glomeruli and complement activation. Evidence of C1q and C3b deposition in the glomeruli of these mice suggest that IgG-cBSA immune complex formation in the glomeruli activates complement through the classical pathway.

Conclusions:
Upon cBSA-induced injury, podocytes upregulate DAF expression, which restrains complement activation. However, after prolonged injury, complement activation overcomes DAF regulatory effects leading to the formation of soluble anaphylatoxin C3a that, by signaling through C3aR, promotes glomerular injury and cBSA-induced MN disease progression. Considering the growing number of complement targeting therapies, our findings may have major translational impact on the treatment of MN patients.
Ultrathin Al-doped SiO
x
passivating hole-selective contacts formed by a simple wet process
Authors: Nakajima Hiroki , Thi Cam Tu Huynh , Ohdaira Keisuke 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Ultrathin Al-doped Si oxide (SiO
x
) layers were formed by a simple wet chemical treatment, and their hole-selective passivating contact and electrical properties were investigated. From the evaluated contact resistivity (ρ
c) and saturation current density (J
0), carrier selectivity (S
10) was estimated to be 13.3. Moreover, in Si nitride (SiN
y
)/Al-doped SiO
x
stacks, negative values of fixed charge density (Q
f) were obtained, despite a high positive Q
f existing in the single SiN
y
layer. This result implies that Al-doped SiO
x
has high negative fixed charges and overcompensates the charge polarity in the stacks, which forms an inversion layer and accumulates holes on the Si surface. Furthermore, the negative fixed charges realize excellent carrier separation by the induced upward band bending. In addition, we proposed a novel device architecture named Al-induced charged oxide inversion layer solar cells and confirmed device operation in a simple device configuration.
المقاصد البلاغية لاسلوب الالتفات في الخطاب القرآنيّ
Authors: مغاوي نجوى 
Published: April 2023

الملخص
يعتبر (الالتفات) ظاهرة بلاغية متأصّلة في التراث العربيّ شعرا ونثرا، كما أنّه من أكثر الأساليب البلاغية حضورا في الخطابات القرآنية وهو ظاهرة تقوم على أسلوب المخالفة بين عناصر الكلام لتحقيق أغراض تبليغية بالدرجة الأولى، والتي لا يمكن ضبطها وتحديدها، لأنّها متعلّقة بالسياق اللّغويّ والمقام التخاطبيّ الذي ورد فيه هذا الأسلوب. ولكن على الرغم من أصالتها، فإنّها شهدت اضطرابا مصطلحيا ومفهوميا واسعين لتقاربها مع ظواهر بلاغية متشابهة، بحيث لم تعرف استقرارا في الفكر البلاغيّ العربي إلاّ في فترة متأخّرة.
B12 deficiency and Helicobacter Pylori enfections in Adolescents
Authors: SUMAN Kamuran , GÖK Ebru , KUŞCU Havva , TURAN Hasan , BÜYÜK Musa , SUMAN Murat 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Aim: Low intake of Vitamin B12 (vit B 12) with malabsorptions are the most critical factors causing the deficiency. Vit B 12 deficiency has also been associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP) gastritis in previous studies. This study's main goal is to find a similar relation with recent studies or an opposite conclusion. For this purpose we choose the most suitable group; patients with the same two diseases HP gastritis and vit B 12 deficiency.
Patients and methods: The whole study was conducted retrospectively. İn the study we included 19 patients (mean age: 15.6 ± 1.3 years ). The B12 levels of patients undergoing upper gastroscopy for any reason were studied. We tried to figure out whether B12 deficiency and HP positivity were statistically significant. The Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method has been used for serum vit B12 level measurement.
Results: There are 15 (62.5%) patients with neurological symptoms and 6 (25.0%) patients with fatigue and weakness. Only 3 (12.5 %) patients have no symptoms. There was no statistical significance between these groups (p=0.224). There are 18 (75%) patients with HP positivity. HP positive and negative patients have levels of B12 108.6 ± 31.1 pg/mL and 113.5 ± 41.2 pg/mL respectively (p=973).

Conclusion: There were no statistical significance with vitamin B 12 levels in HP-positive patients and HP-negative patients. İt sure be beneficial to use a bigger aspect patients group to have better results between HP infection and vitamin B 12 deficiency relation.