bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery and characterization of magnesium transporter (MGT) genefamilyin Citrus sinensis and their role in magnesium deficiency stress
Authors: Bin Minliang , Yi Ganjun , Zhang Xinxin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The divalent cation Magnesium (Mg2+) is necessary for healthy plant development, growth, and defense. Plants acquire Mg2+ from the soil and transport it throughout their body tissues with Mg2+ transporter (MGT) proteins. Although several MGT genes have been discovered and described in rice, maize, and Arabidopsis, far less information is available regarding their diversity and function in other plant species. To address this knowledge gap, here we identified seven putative MGT genes (CsMGT1-CsMGT7) in Citrus sinensis, which were classified into four distinct clades through phylogenetic analysis. Gene structures, cis-acting regulatory elements, and conserved motifs were also analyzed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that the seven CsMGT genes were constitutively expressed across a variety of plant tissues, with the exception of CsMGT5, which lacked detectable expression in fruit peels and pulp. Furthermore, qRT-PCR indicated that the seven CsMGT genes responded differently to Mg2+ deprivation in leaves and roots. Complementation assays using Salmonella typhimurium MM281 and yeast CM66 demonstrated that CsMGT7 possessed the strongest Mg2+ transport capacity. We propose that CsMGT7 might serve as an Mg2+ transporter and play a crucial role in Mg2+ deficiency response. Our results will aid future research on the biological roles of MGTs in plants, which is beneficial for combining theoretical and application-based research in fruit plants.
Prevalence and Correlates of Postpartum Depression among Nursing Mothers within the Kumasi Metropolis: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Peters Favour , Hormeku Elias , Peprah Amponsah , Appiah-Brempong Emmanuel 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder produced by changes in brain chemistry among women, beginning 4-6 weeks postpartum and lasting up to a year. This maternal mental health problem affects 11-42% of postpartum women globally with a reported prevalence of 60.8%, causing severe health implications to both the mother and the baby. In developing African countries like Ghana, maternal mental health is generally neglected during the postpartum period, and consequently, their specific symptoms are often undetected. This study aimed at estimating the point prevalence of postpartum depression and determining the socio-demographic and social support variables associated with postpartum depression
Methods: This research employed an analytical cross-sectional design and a Quantitative Approach. A purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting the respondents involved in the study through the help of the management of the health facilities. Data collection tools were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a structured questionnaire. Data Analysis was performed using Binary Logistic Regression tests in Stata (Version 17.0).
Results: A total of 274 mothers participated in the study. Prevalence of Postpartum Depression was estimated at 31.39%, the circumstance surrounding pregnancy (i.e. wanted/unwanted pregnancy, planned/unplanned pregnancy, denied by father/abandonment) was the only socio-demographic correlate to PPD [p=0.015, OR=0.805, 95% CI 0.675 – 0.959]. Social support variables showing significant association with PPD were partner support [p=0.005, OR=1.357 95% CI 1.096 – 1.682], the experience of social pressure [P=0.002, OR=0.713 95% CI 0.575 – 0.884], and the ability to maintain a fair life balance in the postpartum period [P=0.011, OR=0.752 95% CI 0.603 – 0.936].
Conclusions: This study identified the demographic and social factors to developing PPD that should serve as pointers to medical professionals when evaluating postpartum women. Once these indicators are recognised, there is a higher likelihood toimprove overall maternal mental health and reduce the prevalence of postpartum depression through psychosocial support, in-service training of primary health care workers on PPD Screening, education on maternal psychological and emotional needs and Public maternal mental health campaigns.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor independently affects tissue fluid accumulation and is related to deteriorating tissue perfusion and oxygenation in severe sepsis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Lin Chin-Kuo , Tsai Ying-Huang , Kao Kuo-Chin , Lin Chieh-Mo , Zhou Shao-Kui , Ho Meng-Chin , Huang Shu-Yi , Fang Yu-Hung , Chang Che-Chia , Lee Wei-Chun , Lee Yueh-Lin , Chen Min-Chi , Hsieh Meng-Jer , Lin Yu-Ching , Hung Ming-Szu , Kuo Wen-Chun , Lin Bor-Shyh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Positive fluid balance and tissue fluid accumulation are associated with adverse outcomes in sepsis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases in sepsis, promotes vascular permeability, and may affect tissue fluid accumulation and oxygenation. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate tissue hemoglobin (Hb) oxygenation and water (H2O) levels to investigate their relationship with serum VEGF levels.
Material and methods: New-onset severe sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit were enrolled. Relative tissue concentrations of oxy-Hb ([HbO2]), deoxy-Hb ([HbR]), total Hb ([HbT]), and H2O ([H2O]) were estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for three consecutive days and serum VEGF levels were measured. Comparisons between oliguric and non-oliguric patients were conducted and the correlations between variables were analyzed.
Results: Among 75 eligible patients, compared with non-oliguric patients, oliguric patients were administrated more intravascular fluids (median [IQR], 1926.00 [1348.50-3092.00] mL/day vs. 1069.00 [722.00-1486.75] mL/day, p<0.001) and had more positive daily net intake and output (mean [SD], 1,235.06 [1,303.14] mL/day vs. 313.17 [744.75] mL/day, p=0.012), lower [HbO2] and [HbT] over the three-day measurement (analyzed by GEE p=0.01 and 0.043, respectively) and significantly higher [H2O] on the third day than on the first two days (analyzed by GEE p=0.034 and 0.018, respectively). Overall, serum VEGF levels were significantly negatively correlated with [HbO2] and [HbT] (rho=-0.246 and -0.266, p=0.042 and 0.027, respectively) but positively correlated with [H2O] (rho=0.449, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant correlation between serum VEGF and [H2O] in oliguric patients (rho=0.532, p=0.003). Multiple regression analysis determined the independent effect of serum VEGF on [H2O] (standardized coefficient=0.281, p=0.038).
Conclusions
In severe sepsis, oliguria relates to higher positive fluid balance, lower tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and progressive tissue fluid accumulation. Elevated serum VEGF is associated with worsening tissue perfusion and oxygenation and independently affects tissue fluid accumulation.
Determinants of health-seeking behaviour in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Nisha Saeed , Islam Tanweer Ul 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Considering the low performance of Pakistan on health indices in the region, fast growing population and higher poverty levels, this study aims to highlight the practical relevance of the Grossman’s health investment model by analysing the health demand in Pakistan.
Method
To avoid the problem of endogeneity due to the interdependence of health capital and demand for medical care, we used the binary dependent variable. Logistic regression is employed to estimate the empirical model using microdata from Pakistan’s Social & Household Integrated Economic Survey (2018-19).
Results
Results indicate that individuals with better income, education, and social respect demand more healthcare as they value healthy lifetime high. Due to higher cumulative risk of illness, female’s health demand is higher than male. While individuals engaging in sports and recreational activities care about their anticipated future health outcomes and hence demand more healthcare. Finally, the regional control variables show that people seek less healthcare services in rural areas and in Baluchistan province due to financial constraints, lack of health care facilities, and transport issues.
JAK2 Genetic Variation Associated with Susceptibility to Severe A(H1N1) Influenza
Authors: Cheng Zhong-shan , Zhou Jie 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
JAK2 plays a key role in cytokine signaling. Genetic variation in JAK2 may affect the severity of influenza. We sought to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) close to JAK2 associated with the development of severe A(H1N1) influenza.
Methods
A pilot genome wide association study (GWAS) of A(H1N1) influenza harvested 15 highly linked SNPs of JAK2 that were differentially distributed in severe cases and mild controls. Four SNPs, including a promoter SNP rs1887429 and its high linkage disequilibrium (LD) SNP rs7034539 (R2 = 0.49 in Asian population), as well as other two high LD SNPs (rs17425819 and rs7850484; R2 = 0.88) associated with JAK2 expression in Chinese lymphoblastoid cell lines (n = 45), were validated in an extension cohort (n = 343). The mechanisms underlying these associations were determined by functional experiments.
Results
The four SNPs of JAK2 were significantly associated with the severe influenza in both pooled analysis (n = 463) and meta-analysis (all p-values < 0.01). A potential functional enhancer harboring one SNP rs59384377 and an indel rs527982744 (-/19T-repeat) were identified to be in high LD to rs17425819 and rs7850484, and was predicted to regulate the promoter activity of JAK2. Reporter gene luciferase assay demonstrated that rs59384377 and rs527982744 encoded regulatory polymorphisms for the enhancer activity. Furthermore, JAK2 expression was upregulated by A(H1N1) virus infection, and the inhibition of JAK2 by the inhibitor NVP-BSK805 attenuated the A(H1N1) virus-triggered induction of IP-10 and IL-8. In conclusion, the genetic association study together with molecular and cellular experiments support JAK2 as an important factor in the pathogenesis of severe A(H1N1) influenza.
Self-healing hybrid hydrogels with sustained bioactive components release for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Weichang , Kong Mengjie , Li Zongtai , Yang Tao , Wang Qinmei , Teng Wei 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is widely used in treating oral bone defects to exclude the influence of non-osteogenic tissue on the bone healing process. The traditional method of GBR with a titanium mesh to treat large-area bone defects is limited by the deficiency of increased trauma and costs to patients. Herein, a bi-layered scaffold for GBR composed of a fiber barrier layer and a self-healing hydrogel repair layer is successfully fabricated. The barrier layer is a fibrous membrane material with specific porosity constructed by electrospinning, while the functional layer is a self-healing hydrogel material formed by multiple dynamic covalent bonds. The system can provide an osteogenic microenvironment by preventing the infiltration of connective tissue to bone defects, maintain the stability of the osteogenic space through the self-healing property, and regulate the release of bioactive substances in the dynamic physical condition, which is beneficial to osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and bone regeneration. This study focused on exploring the effects of different crosslinkers and bonding methods on the comprehensive properties of hydrogels. and proved that the hybrid scaffold system has good biocompatibility, cell barrier function and can enhance bone regeneration activity. Thereby it could be a promising clinical strategy for bone regeneration.
A Wearable Electronic Based on Capacitive Flexible Pressure Sensor for Running Motion Monitoring
Authors: Chang Xiaoming 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The flexible pressure sensor is expected to be applied in the new generation of sports wearable electronic devices. Developing flexible pressure sensors with a wide linear range and great sensitivity, however, remains a significant barrier. In this work, we propose a hybrid conductive elastomeric film oxide-based material with a concave-shape micro-patterned array (P-HCF) on the surface that sustainably shows the necessary sensing qualities. To enhance sensing range and sensitivity, one-dimensional carbon fibers (CF) and two-dimensional MXene (MX) are incorporated into the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to form a three-dimensional conductive network. Micro-patterns with a curved shape in P-HCFs are designed to resemble a human fingerprint and were able to linear sensitivity across the sensing range by controlling the pressure distribution inside the material. Besides, the sensitivity of P-HCF pressure sensor can reach 31.92 kPa− 1, and meanwhile, the linear band of P-HCF pressure sensor can arrive at 24 Pa − 720 kPa, which makes it a good choice for sports monitoring. The designed pressure sensor can be used to monitor the foot pressure during running. By analyzing the gait information during running, it can provide data support and strategy improvement for running. This new dual working mode pressure P-HCF sensor will provide a new way for the development of intelligent sports.
The Fiscal Origins of Comparative Inequality levels: An Empirical and Historical Investigation
Authors: Irarrázaval Andrés 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
What explains exceptional inequality across Latin America, Africa, and India? By exploiting analytical, historical, and empirical tools, this research revisits the literature on inequality and long-term development. The findings challenge the “colonial origins” thesis, showing that significant inequality in Latin America, Africa, and India is not rooted in the colonial period nor explained by allegedly persistent “extractive” economic institutions. Instead, the empirical strategy that revises Acemoglu et al. (2001) instrument variable (IV) method, consistent with historical evidence, indicates that current inequality differences only materialized during the 20th century following divergent fiscal patterns. In Western countries, progressive fiscality led to tangibly lower inequality since the 1920s. Whereas in Latin America, Africa, and India, despite post-colonial convergence toward “inclusive” economic institutions, inequality persists through a regressive fiscal equilibrium. In these developing regions, limited democratic accountability has undermined the formation of the credible commitments necessary to raise substantial direct (i.e., progressive) taxes and the political pressure required to mobilize such resources towards redistribution.
Ion-beam Assisted Sputtering of Titanium Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Draher Timothy , Polakovic Tomas , Li Juliang , Li Yi , Welp Ulrich , Jiang Jidong Samuel , Pearson John , Armstrong Whitney , Meziani Zein-Eddine , Chang Clarence , Kwok Wai-Kwong , Xiao Zhili , Novosad Valentine 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Titanium nitride is a material of interest for many superconducting devices such as nanowire microwave resonators and photondetectors. Thus, controlling the growth of TiN thin films with desirable properties is of high importance. This work aims toexplore effects in ion beam-assisted sputtering (IBAS), which has reduced nitrogen sensitivity during deposition in tandemwith an increase in nominal critical temperature and upper critical fields in previous work on Niobium nitride (NbN). We growthin films of titanium nitride by both, the conventional method of DC reactive magnetron sputtering and the IBAS method, tocompare their superconducting critical temperatures Tc as functions of thickness, sheet resistance, and nitrogen flow rate.We perform electrical and structural characterizations by electric transport and x-ray diffraction measurements. Comparedto the conventional method of reactive sputtering, the IBAS technique has demonstrated a 10% increase in nominal criticaltemperature and 33% reduced sensitivity to nitrogen flow, without noticeable variation in the lattice structure. Additionally, weexplore the behavior of superconducting Tc in ultra-thin films. Trends in films grown at high nitrogen concentrations followpredictions of mean-field theory in disordered films and show suppression of superconducting Tc due to geometric effects,while nitride films grown at low nitrogen concentrations strongly deviate from the theoretical models.
Association of PKCi variant and its gene expression with breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Shah Hania , Khan Khushbukhat , Badshah Yasmin , Trembley Janeen H. , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Shabbir Maria , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Razak Suhail 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of fatalities in females globally. Rising cases of drug resistance against existing chemotherapeutics are great problem. To address this issue, there is a need to find appropriate biomarker that could be used to detect cancer at early stages, so drug resistance development can be avoided. Protein Kinase C iota (PKCɩ), an AGC kinase, has an oncogenic role in cancers and its expression and SNPs have been reported to be associated with the cancer development. So, the study aims were to examine the expression of PKCɩ, Protein Kinase B (AKT), Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOC3), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Krupple like factor 3 (KLF3), Tumor protein D52 (TPD52), Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α) and microRNA-124 (miR-124) in breast cancer and association of PKCɩ variants (G34W & F66Y) with breast cancer.: Genetic expression assay was performed through real time PCR, whereas the genotypic association of PKCɩ SNPs with breast cancer was accomplished through Tetra-ARMS PCR. The overall expression levels of PKCɩ, AKT, SOC3, VEGF, HIF1α and TPD52 were elevated in patients as compared to control whereas the expression levels of miR-124 and KLF3 were lowered in patients. Positive association of variant G34W (TT) of PKCɩ with breast cancer has been explored while no association of variant F66Y with breast cancer was found. Hence, the results suggest that PKCɩ and related genes can serve as the potential biomarkers for the early-diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.
Photocatalysis of bifunctional Cr- and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles toward selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and decomposition of high-density polyethylene
Authors: Nam Jeong-Woo , Pham Vy Ngoc , Ha Jeong Min , Shin Minjeong , Lee Hangil , Youn Young-Sang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Oxygen vacancies (Vo) present in CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) can effectively boost their photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) light. To improve photocatalytic performance, Cr- and Fe-doped CeO2 NPs with increased Vo were prepared using a simple method of doping Cr and Fe ions into CeO2 NPs, which was confirmed by an in-depth analysis of the structural and electronic changes. Through photocatalytic degradation (PCD) experiments with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), we found that the PCD rates of the two doped CeO2 NPs were approximately 1.6 times faster than that of the CeO2 NPs. In addition, the conversion of HMF to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) using the doped CeO2 NPs occurred only through the mechanism of the selective oxidation to 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), with a conversion efficiency of 40%, exhibiting approximately 3.7 times better efficiency than using CeO2 NPs. Furthermore, we confirmed that the photocatalytic reaction with the two doped CeO2 NPs leads to the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through C-H bond breakage in the polymer backbone of HDPE, resulting in the doped CeO2 NPs enhancing the decomposition rate of HDPE microplastics by more than 1.7 times compared to CeO2 NPs.
Investigation of chemical structure recognition by encoder-decoder models in learning progress
Authors: Nemoto Shumpei , Mizuno Tadahaya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Descriptor generation methods using latent representations of Encoder-Decoder (ED) models with SMILES as input is useful because of continuity of descriptor and restorability to structure. However, it is not clear how the structure is recognized in the learning progress of ED model. In this work, we created ED models of various learning progress and investigated the relationship between structural information and the learning progress. We showed that compound substructures were learned early in ED models by monitoring the accuracy of downstream tasks and input-output substructure similarity using substructure-based descriptor, which suggests that existing evaluation methods based on the accuracy of downstream tasks may not be sensitive enough to evaluate the performance of ED models few with SMILES as descriptor generation methods. On the other hand, we showed that structure restoration was time consuming, and in particular, insufficient learning led to estimation of a larger structure than the actual one. It can be inferred that determining the end point of the structure is a difficult task for the model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to link the learning progress of SMILES by ED model to chemical structures for a wide range of chemicals.
Targeting High Glucose-Induced Epigenetic Modifications at Cardiac Levels: The Role of SGLT2 and SGLT2 Inhibitors
Authors: Scisciola Lucia , Taktaz Fatemeh , Fontanella Rosaria Anna , Pesapane Ada , Surina Surina , Cataldo Vittoria , Ghosh Puja , Franzese Martina , Puocci Armando , Paolisso Pasquale , Rafaniello Concetta , Marfella Raffaele , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Barbato Emanuele , Vanderheyden Marc , Barbieri Michelangela 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background:
Sodium-glucose co-transporters inhibitors showed many beneficial effects at the cardiovascular level. Several mechanisms of action have been identified. However, no data are reported on their capability to act via epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ability of SGLT2 inhibitors to induce protective effects at the cardiovascular level by acting on DNA methylation.
Methods:
To better clarify this issue, the effects of empagliflozin on hyperglycemia-induced epigenetic modifications were evaluated in human ventricular cardiac myoblasts AC16 exposed to hyperglycemia for 7 days. Therefore, effects of EMPA on DNA methylation of NF-κB, SOD2, and IL-6 genes in AC16 exposed to high glucose were analyzed by pyrosequencing-based methylation analysis. Modifications of gene expression and DNA methylation of NF-κB and SOD2 were confirmed in response to a transient SGLT2 gene silencing in the same cellular model. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) was performed to evaluate the occupancy of TET2 across the investigated regions of NF-κB and SOD2 promoters.
Results:
Seven days of high glucose treatment induced a significant demethylation in the promoter regions of NF-kB and SOD2 with a consequently high level in mRNA expression of both genes. The observed DNA demethylation was mediated by increased TET2 expression and binding to the CpGs island in promoter regions of analyzed genes. Indeed, empagliflozin prevented the HG-induced demethylation changes by reducing TET2 binding to the investigated promoter region and counteracts the altered gene expression. The transient SGLT2 gene silencing prevents the DNA demethylation observed in promoter regions, thus suggesting a role of SGLT2 as a potential target of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of empagliflozin in cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, our results demonstrated that empagliflozin, mainly acting on SGLT2, prevented DNA methylation changes induced by high glucose and provided evidence of a new mechanism by which SGLT2i can exert cardio-beneficial effects.