bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frost survival and gene expression in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivars as affected by age and selection in diverse field environments
Authors: Pashapu Akhil Reddy , Dalmannsdottir Sigridur , Jørgensen Marit , Schubert Marian , Rognli Odd Arne , Kovi Mallikarjuna Rao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe sustainable production of perennial grasses in Northern Norway is at risk due to the ongoing climate change. The predicted increase in temperatures and variable weather patterns are further expected to create challenges for winter survival of timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying freezing tolerance is crucial for developing robust cultivars. The current study is aimed at identifying genes involved in freezing stress response of timothy and studying gene expression differentiation due to field selection in contrasting environments using RNAseq. Four timothy cultivars were field tested for three years in Tromsø and Vesterålen, in Northern Norway. The surviving material from the field tests, along with plants raised from the original seed lots, were subjected to freezing tests. LT50 values varied across cultivars and materials. Many genes coding for transcription factors and proteins known to play an important role in freezing tolerance, like dehydrins, c‐repeat binding factors, and late embryogenesis abundant proteins were upregulated with decreasing temperatures. Moreover, genes associated with glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, proteasome pathways and genes encoding autophagy‐related proteins, plasma membrane‐associated proteins, sugar and amino acid transporters had elevated expression in field survivors compared to plants raised from the original material. The lower freezing stress tolerance of field survivors despite the elevated expression of several stress‐responsive genes might be due to a combination of selection in the field and the age effect. Furthermore, differences in freezing stress response between northern and southern adapted cultivars and surviving material from two field trial locations are discussed.
Losses disguised as wins evoke the reward positivity event‐related potential in a simulated machine gambling task
Authors: Myles Dan , Carter Adrian , Yücel Murat , Bode Stefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectronic gambling machines include a suite of design characteristics that may contribute to gambling‐related harms and require more careful attention of regulators and policymakers. One strategy that has contributed to these concerns is the presentation of “losses disguised as wins” (LDWs), a type of salient losing outcome in which a gambling payout is less than the amount wagered (i.e., a net loss), but is nonetheless accompanied by the celebratory audio‐visual stimuli that typically accompany a genuine win. These events could thereby be mistaken for gains, or otherwise act as a reward signal, reinforcing persistent gambling, despite being a loss. This study aimed to determine whether LDWs evoke a reward positivity component in a task modeled on slot machine gambling. A prominent account of the reward positivity event‐related potential suggests that it is evoked during the positive appraisal of task‐related feedback, relative to neutral or negative events, or that it is evoked by neural systems that implement the computation of a positive reward prediction error. We recruited 32 individuals from university recruitment pools and asked them to engage in a simple gambling task designed to mimic key features of a slot machine design. The reward positivity was identified using temporospatial principal components analysis. Results indicated a more positive reward positivity following LDWs relative to clear losses, consistent with the theory that LDWs contribute to positive reinforcement of continued gambling, despite being net losses.
Resource conundrum in Mongolia: Soil contamination from coal and copper–molybdenum mining
Authors: Sodnomdarjaa Enkhjargal , Knippertz Martin , Karthe Daniel , Alekseenko Alexey V. , Ganbat Gantuya , Römer Wolfgang , Lehmkuhl Frank 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoil contamination and the resulting ecological disturbances are a common phenomenon in mining areas, including the vicinities of the largest and oldest open‐pit mining areas in Mongolia. In this work, the potential ecological risk index (RI), Nemerow integrated pollution index (PIN), and Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were used to estimate the level of soil contamination with Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cr, and Pb in the top layer of the soils around Baganuur coal mine and Erdenet copper–molybdenum mine. Three different analytical methods were used: portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) for the first assessment of samples, and stationary X‐ray fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy for the confirmation of results in the laboratory. Even though general contamination levels in both study areas were relatively low, some potentially toxic elements were found at contents several times higher than the maximum permissible level (MPL) according to the national standard of Mongolia. In the Baganuur area, Zn was up to 2.8 and As was up to 3.00 times higher, while in the Erdenet area, As was up to 2.4, Cr was up to 1.7, Cu was up to 8.1, and Zn was up to 1.2 times higher than MPL of the national standard in the vicinity to the mining and industrial area. The estimation of the pXRF measurement had generally similar results to the other two laboratory methods based on spatial distributions of heavy metal content. Among the different geochemical indices, the PIN showed a more accurately distinguished spatial distribution of contamination. For example, highly contaminated areas were found in the vicinity of the open pit, the tailings pond and the industrial area based on PIN results: 3.6%–4.9% of the total area in Baganuur and 3.1%–4.9% of the total area in Erdenet. The identified pollution levels emphasize the essential need for soil rehabilitation in mining areas, a key factor for Mongolia's economic development and environmental stability. In addition, the lack of documented soil rehabilitation initiatives underscores the pressing need for enhanced environmental responsibility in the country's expanding mining sector.
Bimodal distribution of azole susceptibility in
Sporothrix brasiliensis
isolates in Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro dos Santos Amanda , Gade Lalitha , Misas Elizabeth , Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Nunnally Natalie S. , Parnell Lindsay A. , Rajeev Malavika , de Souza Carvalho Melhem Marcia , Takahashi Juliana Possato Fernandes , Oliboni Gabriel Manzi , Bonfieti Lucas Xavier , Araujo Lisandra Siufi , Cappellano Paola , Venturini James , Lockhart Shawn R. , Sexton D. Joseph 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Sporothrix brasiliensis
is an emerging zoonotic fungal pathogen that can be difficult to treat. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed on the mold phase of a convenience sample of 61
Sporothrix
spp. isolates from human and cat sporotrichosis cases in Brazil using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standard M38. A bimodal distribution of azole susceptibility was observed with 50% (28/56) of
S. brasiliensis
isolates showing elevated itraconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations ≥16 µg/mL. Phylogenetic analysis found the
in vitro
resistant isolates were not clonal and were distributed across three different
S. brasiliensis
clades. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed to identify potential mechanisms of
in vitro
resistance. Two of the 28 resistant isolates (MIC ≥16 mg/L) had a polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 gene,
cyp51
, corresponding to the well-known G448S substitution inducing azole resistance in
Aspergillus fumigatus
. SNPs corresponding to other known mechanisms of azole resistance were not identified in the remaining 26
in vitro
resistant isolates.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
transcriptome analysis of metal restriction in
ex vivo
cystic fibrosis sputum
Authors: Neff Samuel L. , Doing Georgia , Reiter Taylor , Hampton Thomas H. , Greene Casey S. , Hogan Deborah A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Chronic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
lung infections are a feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) that many patients experience even with the advent of highly effective modulator therapies. Identifying factors that impact
P. aeruginosa
in the CF lung could yield novel strategies to eradicate infection or otherwise improve outcomes. To complement published
P. aeruginosa
studies using laboratory models or RNA isolated from sputum, we analyzed transcripts of strain PAO1 after incubation in sputum from different CF donors prior to RNA extraction. We compared PAO1 gene expression in this “spike-in” sputum model to that for
P. aeruginosa
grown in synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium to determine key genes, which are among the most differentially expressed or most highly expressed. Using the key genes, gene sets with correlated expression were determined using the gene expression analysis tool eADAGE. Gene sets were used to analyze the activity of specific pathways in
P. aeruginosa
grown in sputum from different individuals. Gene sets that we found to be more active in sputum showed similar activation in published data that included
P. aeruginosa
RNA isolated from sputum relative to corresponding
in vitro
reference cultures. In the
ex vivo
samples,
P. aeruginosa
had increased levels of genes related to zinc and iron acquisition which were suppressed by metal amendment of sputum. We also found a significant correlation between expression of the H1-type VI secretion system and CFTR corrector use by the sputum donor. An
ex vivo
sputum model or synthetic sputum medium formulation that imposes metal restriction may enhance future CF-related studies.

IMPORTANCE

Identifying the gene expression programs used by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to colonize the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) will illuminate new therapeutic strategies. To capture these transcriptional programs, we cultured the common
P. aeruginosa
laboratory strain PAO1 in expectorated sputum from CF patient donors. Through bioinformatic analysis, we defined sets of genes that are more transcriptionally active in real CF sputum compared to a synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium. Many of the most differentially active gene sets contained genes related to metal acquisition, suggesting that these gene sets play an active role in scavenging for metals in the CF lung environment which may be inadequately represented in some models. Future studies of
P. aeruginosa
transcript abundance in CF may benefit from the use of an expectorated sputum model or media supplemented with factors that induce metal restriction.
Viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in body fluids associated with sexual activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Calvet Guilherme Amaral , Kara Edna , Gonsalves Lianne , Seuc Armando Humberto , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , Thwin Soe Soe , Gomez Ponce de León Rodolfo , Gámez Maité Cabrera , Peña Gilda Monteagudo , Pendás Bertha Victoria Rodríguez , Alzugaray Manuel Gómez , Carballo Gisel Ovies , Cala Duniesky Cintra , Guimarães Patrícia Machado Quintaes , Bonet Mercedes , Taylor Melanie , Thorson Anna , Kim Caron , Ali Moazzam , Broutet Nathalie 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo identify and summarise the evidence on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection and persistence in body fluids associated with sexual activity (saliva, semen, vaginal secretion, urine and faeces/rectal secretion).EligibilityAll studies that reported detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, semen, vaginal secretion, urine and faeces/rectal swabs.Information sourcesThe WHO COVID-19 database from inception to 20 April 2022.Risk of bias assessmentThe National Institutes of Health tools.Synthesis of resultsThe proportion of patients with positive results for SARS-CoV-2 and the proportion of patients with a viral duration/persistence of at least 14 days in each fluid was calculated using fixed or random effects models.Included studiesA total of 182 studies with 10 023 participants.ResultsThe combined proportion of individuals with detection of SARS-CoV-2 was 82.6% (95% CI: 68.8% to 91.0%) in saliva, 1.6% (95% CI: 0.9% to 2.6%) in semen, 2.7% (95% CI: 1.8% to 4.0%) in vaginal secretion, 3.8% (95% CI: 1.9% to 7.6%) in urine and 31.8% (95% CI: 26.4% to 37.7%) in faeces/rectal swabs. The maximum viral persistence for faeces/rectal secretions was 210 days, followed by semen 121 days, saliva 112 days, urine 77 days and vaginal secretions 13 days. Culturable SARS-CoV-2 was positive for saliva and faeces.LimitationsScarcity of longitudinal studies with follow-up until negative results.InterpretationSARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in all fluids associated with sexual activity but was rare in semen and vaginal secretions. Ongoing droplet precautions and awareness of the potential risk of contact with faecal matter/rectal mucosa are needed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020204741.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding spinal vascular malformations among doctors in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yan Zhongjun , Fan Lingling , Xu Dongwei , Ma Jie , Hu Yan , Li Jiang , Liu Yufeng 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveKnowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) models are essential tools for assessing healthcare professionals’ understanding, beliefs and behaviours towards specific health issues. This study aimed to explore the KAP of Chinese doctors in diagnosing and treating spinal vascular malformations (SVM).DesignA web-based cross-sectional survey.SettingThis study was conducted between October and December 2022 through a self-administered questionnaire.ParticipantsParticipants include full-time doctors who voluntarily participate. Doctors in advanced training, regular training or internships were excluded.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe KAP scores of Chinese doctors in diagnosing and treating SVM measured by the questionnaire.ResultsA total of 517 doctors participated in the study, mostly in Shaanxi, China, working in SVM-relevant departments (n=396) or other departments (n=121). The doctors achieved an average knowledge score of 9.66±1.95 (range: 0–12), attitude score of 22.16±1.71 (range: 6–30) and practice scores of 46.13±5.35 for those in SVM-relevant departments (neurosurgery, orthopaedics and neurology) and 8.50±1.25 for those in other departments, respectively, revealing doctors have adequate knowledge, positive attitude and good practice, and those in SVM-relevant departments showing more adeptness compared with those in other departments. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge about SVM (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.65, p=0.015), holding a master’s degree (OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.00, p=0.013) and working in orthopaedics (OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.88, p=0.026) were independently associated with good attitude.ConclusionChinese doctors showed adequate knowledge, moderate attitudes and good practice regarding SVM. A continuing education programme may improve clinical practitioners’ ability to manage SVM.
Comparison between transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy for ICA and M1 occlusions: insights from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR)
Authors: Silva Michael A , Elawady Sameh Samir , Maier Ilko , Al Kasab Sami , Jabbour Pascal , Kim Joon-Tae , Wolfe Stacey Q , Rai Ansaar , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Samaniego Edgar A , Goyal Nitin , Yoshimura Shinichi , Cuellar Hugo , Grossberg Jonathan A , Alawieh Ali , Alaraj Ali , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Romano Daniele G , Tanweer Omar , Mascitelli Justin , Fragata Isabel , Polifka Adam J , Siddiqui Fazeel M , Osbun Joshua W , Crosa Roberto Javier , Matouk Charles , Levitt Michael R , Brinjikji Waleed , Moss Mark , Dumont Travis M , Williamson Richard , Navia Pedro , Kan Peter , De Leacy Reade Andrew , Chowdhry Shakeel A , Spiotta Alejandro M , Park Min S , Starke Robert M 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe role for the transradial approach for mechanical thrombectomy is controversial. We sought to compare transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy in a large multicenter database of acute ischemic stroke.MethodsThe prospectively maintained Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) was reviewed for patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for an internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess outcomes including reperfusion time, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), distal embolization, and functional outcomes.ResultsA total of 2258 cases, 1976 via the transfemoral approach and 282 via the transradial approach, were included. Radial access was associated with shorter reperfusion time (34.1 min vs 43.6 min, P=0.001) with similar rates of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B or greater reperfusion (87.9% vs 88.1%, P=0.246). Patients treated via a transradial approach were more likely to achieve at least TICI 2C (59.6% vs 54.7%, P=0.001) and TICI 3 reperfusion (50.0% vs 46.2%, P=0.001), and had shorter lengths of stay (mean 9.2 days vs 10.2, P<0.001). Patients treated transradially had a lower rate of symptomatic ICH (8.0% vs 9.4%, P=0.047) but a higher rate of distal embolization (23.0% vs 7.1%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in functional outcome at 90 days between the two groups.ConclusionsRadial and femoral thrombectomy resulted in similar clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, the radial approach had improved revascularization rates, fewer cases of symptomatic ICH, and faster reperfusion times, but higher rates of distal emboli. Further studies on the optimal approach are necessary based on patient and disease characteristics.
A novel swine model of selective middle meningeal artery catheterization and embolization
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Pionessa Donald , Koenigsknecht Carmon , Gutierrez Liza , Setlur Nagesh Swetadri Vasan , Meess Tuttle Karen M , Spengler Mike , Akkad Yousef , Vakharia Kunal , Shapiro Maksim , Gounis Matthew J , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMiddle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a promising intervention as a stand-alone or adjunct treatment to surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematomas. There are currently no large animal models for selective access and embolization of the MMA for preclinical evaluation of this endovascular modality. Our objective was to introduce a novel in vivo model of selective MMA embolization in swine.MethodsDiagnostic cerebral angiography with selective microcatheter catheterization into the MMA was performed under general anesthesia in five swine. Anatomical variants in arterial meningeal supply were examined. In two animals, subsequent embolization of the MMA with a liquid embolic agent (Onyx-18) was performed, followed by brain tissue harvest and histological analysis.ResultsThe MMA was consistently localized as a branch of the internal maxillary artery just distal to the origin of the ascending pharyngeal artery. Additional meningeal supply was observed from the external ophthalmic artery, although not present consistently. MMA embolization with Onyx was technically successful and feasible. Histological analysis showed Onyx material within the MMA lumen.ConclusionsMicrocatheter access into the MMA in swine with liquid embolic agent delivery represents a reproducible model of MMA embolization. Anatomical variations in the distribution of arterial supply to the meninges exist. This model has a potential application for comparing therapeutic effects of various embolic agents in a preclinical setting that closely resembles the MMA embolization procedure in humans.
Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation (nerve stimulation) for the treatment of pain following cholecystectomy and hernia repair: a randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled pilot study
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M , Abramson Wendy B , Alexander Brenton , Sztain Jacklynn F , Said Engy T , Broderick Ryan C , Sandler Bryan J , Doucet Jay J , Adams Laura M , Abdullah Baharin , Cha Brannon J , Finneran John J 
Published: February 2024

Background
Percutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (neuromodulation) involves implanting electrodes around the ear and administering an electric current. A device is currently available within the USA cleared to treat symptoms from opioid withdrawal, and multiple reports suggest a possible postoperative analgesic effect. The current randomized controlled pilot study was undertaken to (1) determine the feasibility and optimize the protocol for a subsequent definitive clinical trial; and (2) estimate the treatment effect of auricular neuromodulation on postoperative pain and opioid consumption following two ambulatory surgical procedures.

Methods
Within the recovery room following cholecystectomy or hernia repair, an auricular neuromodulation device (NSS-2 Bridge, Masimo, Irvine, California, USA) was applied. Participants were randomized to 5 days of either electrical stimulation or sham in a double-blinded fashion.

Results
In the first 5 days, the median (IQR) pain level for active stimulation (n=15) was 0.6 (0.3–2.4) vs 2.6 (1.1–3.7) for the sham group (n=15) (p=0.041). Concurrently, the median oxycodone use for the active stimulation group was 0 mg (0–1), compared with 0 mg (0–3) for the sham group (p=0.524). Regarding the highest pain level experienced over the entire 8-day study period, only one participant (7%) who received active stimulation experienced severe pain, versus seven (47%) in those given sham (p=0.031).

Conclusions
Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation reduced pain scores but not opioid requirements during the initial week after cholecystectomy and hernia repair. Given the ease of application as well as a lack of systemic side effects and reported complications, a definitive clinical trial appears warranted.

Trial registration number

NCT05521516
.
Sedation from analgesics: patient preference survey
Authors: Burdon Joseph , Fingas Samuel , Parry Rachel , Pitsillides Constantina , Taylor Paul 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe propensity for certain analgesics to cause sedation is well documented, yet physician–patient dialogue does not routinely include pre-emptive exploration of preferences regarding this side effect.ObjectivesTo investigate the extent to which palliative patients would accept sedation as a side effect of analgesia and to identify factors affecting decision-making.MethodsPatients (n=76) known to a specialist palliative care services were given hypothetical scenarios regarding pain and asked about the acceptability of varying levels of sedation occurring as an analgesic side effect. Demographic data, including diagnosis, performance status and experience of pain and sedation, were collated for evaluation of the influence of these factors on patient opinion.ResultsMost patients (89.47%) would be quite or very likely to accept mild sedation. A significant minority (40.79%) would accept high levels of sedation. There is no significant association with the acceptability of sedation according to demographics. Almost half (40.79%) reported that their responses may change if the prognosis were extended, typically for less sedation with a longer prognosis.ConclusionsIncreasing levels of sedation are less acceptable, although there is significant variation in views. Palliative care patients are likely to indicate preferences regarding their acceptability of sedation. Palliative physicians must explore preferences on an individualised basis.