bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis to Characterize Cold Stress Responses in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Li Mengdi , Yang Xiaoxu , Liu Chang , Li Yanmei , Yan Zhishan , Feng Guojun , Liu Dajun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Cold temperatures can be detrimental to crop survival and output. Breeding can be improved by understanding the molecular basis of low temperature tolerance. We investigated the key routes and critical metabolites related to low temperature resistance in cold-tolerant and -sensitive common bean cultivars 120 and 093, respectively. Many potential genes and metabolites implicated in major metabolic pathways during the chilling stress response were identified through transcriptomics and metabolomics research. Under chilling stress, the expression of many genes involved in lipid, amino acid, and flavonoid metabolism, as well as metabolite accumulation increased in the two bean types. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower in 120 than in 093. Regarding amino acid metabolism, 120 had a higher concentration of acidic amino acids than 093, whereas 093 had a higher concentration of basic amino acids. Methionine accumulation was clearly higher in 120 than in 093. In addition, 120 had a higher concentration of many types of flavonoids than 093. Flavonoids, methionine and malondialdehyde could be used as biomarkers of plant chilling injury. According to the transcriptome analysis of hormone metabolism, the expression of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and jasmonic acid (JA) was considerably greater in 093 than in 120 during chilling stress, indicating that hormone regulation modes in 093 and 120 were different. Thus, chilling stress tolerance is different between 093 and 120 possibly due to transcriptional and metabolic regulation.
Bioinformatics analysis of KLK gene family in yak
Authors: Zheng Qingbo , Zhang Xiaolan , Bao Pengjia , Ye Na , Wang Fubin , Wu Yi , Chu Min , Guo Xian , Wu Xiaoyun , Pan Heping , Yan Ping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLK) have 15 members, which are the largest family of human serine proteases known so far, but there is no report about KLK in yak. In this study, Six members of yak KLK gene family were selected as the research objects, including KLK1, KLK4, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, and KLK15. The functions of yak KLK family members were predicted and analyzed by Expasy, STRING, R language and other software. The molecular weight of KLK proteins in yak ranged from 17276. 46-31884. 23 Da, and grand average of hydropathicity of the KLK proteins is less than 0, which indicated that they all belong to hydrophilic proteins; The phylogenetic tree showed that KLK5 and KLK1 are highly similar to the same family members, while different species of KLK7 differ in motif composition and gene structure. Protein–protein interaction analysis showed that KLK5, KLK6, and KLK7 interacted with serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 5(SPINK5), a serine protease inhibitor, while KLK7 and KLK6 interacted with corneodesmosin (CDSN); Go enrichment analysis showed that the KLK gene family was mainly enriched in the regulation of platelet alpha granules, endopeptidase activity, epidermal development and serine hydrolase activity. And the expression of KLK7 in yak skin was higher than that of KLK5, KLK6 and KLK10. Our results not only enriched the KLK gene family information and obtained the interaction gene enrichment pathway, but also provided a theoretical basis for further transition to in vitro experiments and formulation of experimental schemes.
In vitro evaluation of anti-mycobacterial active plant extracts against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using mycobacterium growth indicator tubes (MGIT-960) BACTEC system
Authors: Tamrakar Vaibhav K , Bhat Jyothi , Parihar Nitish Singh , Rajasubramaniam S , Thakur Hemant 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The emergence and treatment of Drug resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) have become a global health issue. Herbal drugs promises other possible options for Tuberculosis treatment.. In the current study, anti-mycobacterial activity of Piper longum, Cressa cretica and Calotropis gigantea extracts were tested. The methanolic extract of these plants was screened against H37Rv strain using MGIT BACTEC 960 system. The extracts showed inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Piper longum and Cressa cretica showed inhibition at 125µg/mL and Calotropis gigantea at 250µg/mL. However, isoniazid and Rifampicin as standard showed higher inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis respectively at 0.05µg/mL and 0.12µg/mL when compared to the crude extract. The present study demonstrates the anti-tubercular potential of Piper longum and Cressa cretica as a new anti-mycobacterial agent. Although, the action of these compounds and their active principles require further purification and molecular characterization besides in vivo testing to evaluate their capacity as novel anti-TB agents.
Barriers during Preoperative Informed Consent Process from Patients’ and Health Professionals’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Negash Tadese , Oumer Keder Essa , Lema Diriba , Fanta Efrem , Belete Kumilachew , Fentie Yewulsew , Mekuanint Aderajew , Tesfaw Aragaw , Ayele Tamiru , Fentie Fiseha , Daniel Tinbite 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Informed consent involves information disclosure, recommendation of a plan of care, patient understanding, informed decision making, and authorization to proceed with the plan of care. Informed consent discussions are individualized not only with regard to the patients’ surgical condition and goals but also their varying information needs, health literacy, and anxiety. Therefore, we try to figured out barriers in the informed consent process from both patient and health proffetionals perspective.Objective: The main objective of this study is to explore patients’ and health professionals’ perceived barriers during informed consent process and identify suggested solutions for improvementMethods: A qualitative research using focused group discussions and in-depth interviews was employed on patients who underwent elective surgery, anesthetists and surgeons at a comprehensive specialized hospital in Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. The sample size was determined depending on the theoretical saturation of idea during data collection. Focused group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews data were thematically analyzed using Open Code Version 4.2 software and presented with narrations and quotations. Results: 12 patients were participated for the in-depth interview and 2 FGDs were conducted with surgeons and anesthetists. The main barriers identified by the patients include: inadequate explanation about the intended procedure, family’s influence in the decision making, fear of surgery, fear of light/power interruption, inadequate time for discussion and not letting the family members to attend the discussion. On the other hand, healthcare professionals also identified various barriers during informed consent process. These include: inability of patients to understand the information, limited time to discuss with patients in detail, poorly designed informed consent form, poor awareness of patients/community, fear of patient refusal for surgery if the risks and associated health problems are explained, lack of adequate investigation to confidently explain about the disease, use of medical jargons, poor documentation habit of professionals and lack of legal system regarding ethical dilemmas.Conclusion: Patients and health professionals have identified an avoidable barriers that needs the attention of concerned health professionals, educators and the healthcare delivery system.
Synergistic protective effects of Houttuynia cordata fermented with Aureobasidium pullulans against UVA and H2O2 induced oxidative stress in human skin keratinocytes
Authors: Kwon Nakyoung , Vinayagam Ramachandran , Do Geum Sook , Lee Kyung Eun , Kang Sang Gu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The biological activities of Aureobasidium pullulans fermented with a medicinal plant, Houttuynia cordata, was investigated for human skin keratinocytes induced chemical and photo oxidations. In this research, H2O2/UVA-induced HaCaT cell lines were treated with H. cordata water/ethanol extracts (HCW/HCE) and fermented with A. pullulans water/ethanol extracts (HCFW/HCFE). A. pullulans fermented with H. cordata (HCFW) increased in 5.4 folds of total polyphenol (HCFW 46.89 mg GAE/extract g), and 2.3 folds in flavonoids (HCFW 53.80 mg GAE/extract g) compare with water extracts of H. cordata (HCW). Further, no significant cytotoxicity for HaCaT cells showed all the extracts of H. cordata fermented with A. pullulans. HCFW extracts have significantly lowered inflammation factors such as COX-2 and Hsp70 proteins in oxidative stressed HaCaT cells induced by H2O2 and UVA treatments. All H. cordata extracts significantly down-regulated gene expression involved in oxidative stress and inflammation factors, including IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, NF-κB, and MMP-1 in the H2O2/UVA treated HaCaT cells. However, keratin-1 gene expression in the UVA treaed HaCaT cells was increased in two forlds by HCFW extracts. Further, A. pullulans fermentated H. cordata extracts (HCFW/HCFE) reduced effectively the genes involved in oxidative stresses than those of H. cordata extracts only. Overall, the pholyphenol rich extracts of H. cordata fermented with A. pullulans showed synergistic protective effects for human epidermal keratinocytes to prevent photoagaing and intrisinc aging by anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory functions.
Dysregulation of Circulatory Levels of lncRNAs in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Huang Ting , Zhao Jin-Ying , Pan Rong-Rong , Jiang Teng , Fu Xin-Xin , Huang Qing , Wang Xi-xi , Gong Peng-yu , Zhang Ying-Dong , Tian You-Yong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of PD. In this study, we used gene expression profiles from GEO database to construct a PD-specific lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that ceRNA network might participate in the development of PD. The PPI network was constructed to identify these interactions between proteins translated by the screened differentially expressed genes, and the ceRNA subnetwork based on five hub genes was set up. In a cohort of 32 PD patients and 31 healthy controls, the expression of 10 DElncRNAs (TTC3-AS1, LINC01259, ZMYND10-AS1, CHRM3-AS1, MYO16-AS1, AGBL5-IT1, HOTAIRM1, RABGAP1L-IT1, HLCS-IT1, and LINC00393) were further verified. Consistent with the microarray data, expression of LINC01259 was lower in total patients compared with total controls (P = 0.008), and other lncRNAs expression levels were not significantly different in the two groups. Intriguingly, such difference was only observed between male patients and male controls when dividing study participants based on their gender (P = 0.016). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that LINC01259 has diagnostic power of 0.694. Moreover, expression of LINC01259 was not correlated with age of patients, disease duration, disease stage, MDS-UPDRS and MMSE. The current study provides further evidence for dysregulation of lncRNAs in the circulation of PD patients and revealed LINC01259 has clinical potential as a biomarker for PD diagnosis.
Three player interactions in urban settings: Design challenges for autonomous vehicles (AVs)
Authors: NATHANAEL Dimitris , Papakostopoulos Vassilis 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this study, analysis of crossing episodes between two intersecting vehicles, in which a third road user clearly affected its evolution, was conducted in an attempt to identify (i) recurring patterns of non-regulatory coordination among the road users involved and (ii) traffic situational invariances that eventually can be used by AVs to predict and comply to such patterns. The term BLOCK-EXPLOITING is introduced to describe a driver’s active search to exploit situational opportunities offered to gain priority often contrary to regulatory provisions. Depending on the situation, such behaviour may present advantages in terms of traffic efficiency. Video-data from an urban stop-controlled intersection were collected and analysed using a phenomenological framework developed in this study. Four generic types of BLOCK-EXPLOITING behaviour were identified (i.e. piggybacking, sneaking, covering, ghost-covering). It is advocated that such behaviours can be socially acceptable provided that BLOCK-EXPLOITERs’ actions are timely, inter-predictable and, not endangering to others. Proposed design challenges for AVs in mixed traffic stemming from this study include the ability to (i) distinguish BLOCK-EXPLOITING form errant driving behaviour, (ii) recognise to whom a ‘space-offering’ is addressed, as well as (iii) track the local history among the road users involved in a developing episode for assessing the appropriateness or abusiveness of a BLOCK-EXPLOITING action.
The Use of Waste Ceramic Concrete for a Cleaner and Sustainable Environment - A Comprehensive Study of Mechanical and Microstructural Properties
Authors: Najm Hadee Mohammed , Ahmad Shakeel 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Increased construction activity combined with a continued reliance on conventional concrete materials resulted in material scarcity and increased construction costs. So, in this study, an attempt has been made to find the optimal use of ceramic powder and ceramic aggregate (both fine and coarse) as a possible replacement for ordinary portland cement (OPC 43 grade) and natural aggregate (fine and coarse), respectively in concrete. The present study aims to investigate the mechanical & microstructural properties of waste ceramic concrete. The performance of this modified concrete was evaluated in terms of Compressive Strength (CS), Tensile Strength (TS), Flexural Strength (FS), and Combined Flexural and Torsional strength (FTS) obtained based on various experimental tests conducted on a total of 192 samples (48 cubes, 48 cylinders, 96 beams). The mechanical analysis of waste ceramic concrete showed that ceramic waste material as a partial replacement for natural aggregate, cement, and fine aggregate provides better performance in terms of CS, TS, and FTS at optimal percentages- 20% ceramic aggregate, 10% ceramic powder, and 10% ceramic fine aggregate (Fineness Modulus 2.2) respectively in M25 grade concrete. Waste ceramic concrete exhibits improved morphological properties as a result of increased pore filling with dense and compact structure, as well as increased C–H crystals and denser structure in pastes as a result of the incorporation of ceramic materials into the concrete mix.The present experimental research shows that the choice of using ceramic waste as a partial replacement to prepare concrete has benefited from the economic, environmental, and technological points of view. Moreover, it offers a possibility for improving the durability of concrete, which has vital importance.
Implementation and outcomes of interprofessional education programme among health care students and practitioners in Ghana
Authors: Dassah Edward T. , Norman Betty R. , Dzomeku Veronica M. , Opare-Addo Mercy N.A. , Asare Ofeibea , Buabeng Kwame O. , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) fosters health care collaboration and improves health outcomes for patients. IPE can be implemented at all training levels, including pre-service trainees, post-licensure interns and practicing health professionals. IPE especially among pre-service health students is novel in Ghana. We describe the implementation and outcomes of an IPE training in HIV care for health students and practitioners in Ghana. Methods: A pre- and post-training survey was conducted among health students and practitioners who participated in a two-day interactive IPE training in HIV care. Differences in pre- and post-test median scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P£0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Altogether, 911 health students and professionals were trained, of whom 833 and 728 completed the pre- and post-test training surveys respectively. They comprised, pre-service health students (59.1%), house officers and interns (27.9%) and health practitioners (13.1%). The overall median scores improved significantly from 245 (pre-test) to 265 (post-test) (p<0.001), as were the median scores for each module (p<0.001). The pre- and post-test median scores were significantly different across the professional categories (p<0.001), but did not differ significantly across training levels (p=0.13). The confidence level in carrying out specific module related activities nearly doubled after the training. Almost all the participants were satisfied with the training (>92%) and with the emphasis on interprofessional collaboration (>98%) and quality improvement (>97%). Conclusion: IPE improves health students’ and practitioners’ knowledge and competencies in HIV management. IPE should be incorporated into the pre-service curricula of health students and continuing professional education of health practitioners.
A patient-centered digital cost simulator based on Time-Driven Based-Activity Costing: a proof-of-concept study of knee replacement in two private Portuguese hospitals
Authors: von Hafe Francisco , Azevedo Salomé , Leal João , Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Londral Ana Rita 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Decision-makers need accurate information on intervention outcomes and costs to manage the healthcare system more efficiently. Literature proposes Time-Driven Based-Activity Costing (TDABC) as a cost measurement model that accounts for care cycle complexity. However, few studies show how to apply the TDABC model in a real context, considering the existing hospitals' information systems (IS). Our primary goal was to design a patient-centered digital cost simulator for assessing the provider's cost of care delivery in knee replacement surgeries. Additionally, to synthesize the learning experience of implementing it.
Methods
The digital cost simulator was designed on a set of spreadsheets, in Portugal based on the TDABC model and implemented in two Portuguese private hospitals located in two cities by two multidisciplinary TDABC operational teams. The cost simulator development and implementation followed the TDABC implementation steps proposed in the literature. Finally, we developed comprehensive dashboards to analyze the costing information by conducting two focus group sessions. Through one unstructured focus group, teams evaluated the implementation and development of the digital cost simulator.
Results
The cost simulator and the data structure for collecting the most relevant cost data were developed and tested. From the analysis of the developed dashboards, one can visualize the duration of the activities, the ones that can take the most time, the costliest activities, and resources, and how costs are distributed before, during, and after the surgery. Costs with Human Resources represent most costs during pre- and post-hospital surgery. However, during surgery, consumables are the costliest resources.
Conclusion
The developed simulator enlightened the healthcare provider's need for future improvements in the IS. From the simulator implementation, we concluded that the patient journey must drive data collection and analyses and breaking the activities into operations helps obtain time estimations and allocate resources better. Additionally, listing of the used resources should follow the financial IS classification. Moreover, Implementing the cost simulator requires the hospitals' IS to collect and interoperate with different data sources along the patient pathway. Finally, everyone agreed that its implementation involves the commitment of the healthcare provider's clinical and non-clinical teams.
Surprising Relationships Between Soil pH and Microbial Biomass and Activity in a Northern Hardwood Forest
Authors: Ontman Renata , Groffman Peter M. , Driscoll Charles T. , Cheng Zhongqi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Soil microbes mediate major biogeochemical processes in forest ecosystems. Soil pH is considered a “master variable” controlling these processes and many biogeochemical processes in turn influence pH. Long-term measurements of soil pH, microbial biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, microbial respiration, potential net N mineralization and nitrification rates, denitrification potential, and soil nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH+ 4) concentrations have occurred since 1994 at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, USA. Naturally acidic soils at the HBEF have been further acidified by anthropogenic acid deposition. Soils in a HBEF watershed have been experimentally treated with calcium silicate to ameliorate acid deposition. While we expected to observe strong positive relationships between soil pH and microbial biomass/activity, weak and/or curvilinear relationships between microbial biomass and activity and soil pH were evident, with peaks at unexpectedly low values (~ 4.5) and values decreased at higher pH values, especially in the calcium-treated soils. It is likely that complexities in plant: microbial interactions inhibit and/or mask microbial response to changes in pH in these acidic soils. These results raise fundamental questions about pH as a controller of microbial processes and how ecosystems recover in response to decreases in acid deposition.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of vitamin D deficiency among Japanese multiple myeloma patients: a single-center observational study
Authors: Isoda Atsushi , Miyazawa Yuri , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Kanaya Shuhei , Nakayama Keita , Mihara Masahiro , Iriuchishima Hirono , Saito Akio , Matsumoto Morio , Sawamura Morio 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose Vitamin D is a fundamental mediator of skeletal metabolism, but also plays an important role in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma (MM). Recent studies have shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and racial outcomes in MM patients. The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Japanese MM patients and the association between vitamin D status and clinical outcomesMethods We tested serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in 68 MM patients at a single Japanese institution from December 2015 to March 2016.Results Median serum 25(OH)D level was 22 ng/mL, with 32% and 51% of patients showing vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL), respectively. The 25(OH)D levels were not associated with sex, age, duration of MM disease, stage, or skeletal morbidity. In 15 patients with suboptimal 25(OH)D levels, supplementation with cholecalciferol (1000 IU/day) significantly increased 25(OH)D levels and decreased parathyroid hormone levels in all patients. Serum total procollagen type 1 N-propeptide levels, but not serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, were increased in patients who achieved complete remission. Overall survivals from vitamin D measurement and from MM diagnosis were significantly worse in the vitamin D-deficient group than in the vitamin D-deficient/sufficient group. Conclusion Most Japanese MM patients had less-than-sufficient levels of serum vitamin D, with one-third being deficient. Vitamin D deficiency also predicted poor overall survival in Japanese MM patients. Further studies are needed to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation can overcome the poor survival of MM patients.