bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria interaction with host plants: implications for drought stress response gene expression
Authors: Ferrante Roberta , Campagni Chiara , Vettori Cristina , Checcucci Alice , Garosi Cesare , Paffetti Donatella 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe molecular and physiological mechanisms activated in plants during drought stress tolerance are regulated by several key genes with both metabolic and regulatory roles. Studies focusing on crop gene expression following plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation may help understand which bioinoculant is closely related to the induction of abiotic stress responses.MethodsHere, we performed a meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to summarise information regarding plant-PGPR interactions, focusing on the regulation of nine genes involved in plant drought stress response. The literature research yielded 3,338 reports, of which only 41 were included in the meta-analysis based on the chosen inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed on four genes (ACO, APX, ACS and DREB2); the other five genes (ERD15, MYB, MYC, acdS, WRKY) had an insufficient number of eligible articles.ResultsForest plots obtained through each meta-analysis showed that the overexpression of ACO, APX, ACS and DREB2 genes was not statistically significant. Unlike the other genes, DREB2 showed statistically significant results in both the presence and absence of PGPR. Considering I2&gt;75 %, the results showed a high heterogeneity among the studies included, and the cause for this was examined using subgroup analysis. Moreover, the funnel plot and Egger’s test showed that the analyses were affected by strong publication bias.DiscussionThis study argues that the presence of PGPR may not significantly influence the expression of drought stress response-related crop genes. This finding may be due to high heterogeneity, lack of data on the genes examined, and significant publication bias.
Relationship between health literacy and generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khuzestan province, Iran
Authors: Dadgarinejad Amirreza , Nazarihermoshi Nargess , Hematichegeni Negar , Jazaiery Mahta , Yousefishad Shabnam , Mohammadian Hashem , Sayyah Mehdi , Dastoorpoor Maryam , Cheraghi Maria 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes occurred in various cultural, social, and economic fields, leading to the creation of psychological effects, especially anxiety, in the community. Fear and anxiety about emerging diseases (COVID-19) and less participation in preventive behaviors reduce individual resistance and ultimately lower one’s quality of life. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy and generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khuzestan province, Iran.MethodsThis was a descriptive-analytical (cross-sectional) study conducted among participants aged 18–65 in Khuzestan province during the years 2020–2021 through online sampling. Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 and the impossibility of face-to-face communication, the questionnaire was designed on the Porseline Survey website and the questionnaire link was provided to participants through WhatsApp and Telegram. The data collection tool includes the Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire, which includes 33 items, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, which has 7 items based on a Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using STATA14 software and descriptive and analytical statistical tests at a significant level less than 0.05.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) score for health literacy was 52.9 ± 9.3 and for generalized anxiety disorder was 5.2 ± 3.1. A significant negative correlation was found between the mean of anxiety disorder and health literacy (p &lt; 0.05). The frequency of health literacy in individuals included 427 (37.8%) with inadequate health literacy, 628 (55.6%) with marginal health literacy, and 75 (6.6%) with sufficient health literacy. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean of generalized anxiety disorder among individuals with different levels of health literacy (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAs the level of health literacy increases, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder caused by fear of COVID-19 decreases. Therefore, increasing awareness and health literacy about this virus, its transmission, and prevention methods is very effective in managing anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19. Paying attention to the issue of health literacy and generalized anxiety disorder, and promoting preventive behaviors can be effective tools for planners, health officials, and policymakers to promote health literacy for any type of disease.
Quality of life, stress, anxiety and depression and associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Western region Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abualhamael Shahad Abduljalil , Baig Mukhtiar , Alghamdi Waleed , Gazzaz Zohair Jamil , Al-Hayani Majid , Bazi Abdulrahman 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), depression, anxiety, and stress, along with associated factors among individuals with diabetes in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) was conducted using the DASS-21 questionnaire, while diabetes-related QoL was evaluated using the revised version of the diabetes QoL questionnaire (RV-DQoL13). Data were analyzed using SPSS-26.ResultsA total of 251 subjects were included in the study (165 [65.7%] males and 86 [34.3%] females, mean age 50.1 ± 14.5 years). The individuals with DM had a mean value of QoL of 29.16 ± 9.23, with 46.9% having poor QoL. Furthermore, in dimensions of QoL, almost half of the individuals reported high worry about the disease (49.6%), followed by a high diabetes impact (46.6%) and low life satisfaction (42.9%). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 49.4, 71.7, and 49.8%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between depression, anxiety, and stress and DASS-21 scores with QoL (p &lt; 0.001). The regression analysis indicated an association of distinct factors with QoL like age above 41 years (p = 0.004), being married (p &lt; 0.001), being divorced (p = 0.04), higher education (p = 0.007), regular medicine intake (p = 0.01), regular exercise (p = 0.03), lipid profile (p = 0.01), HbA1c (p &lt; 0.001), and DASS-21 scores (p &lt; 0.001). Poor QoL score (TQoL score &gt; 27) was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress (p &lt; 0.001). The participants with higher monthly income, shorter disease duration, regular medicine use, and altered lipid profile, and older subjects had a lower chance of depression, anxiety, and stress.ConclusionApproximately half of individuals with T2DM experienced poor QoL, while the prevalence rates for depression, anxiety, and stress were 49.4, 71.7, and 49.8%, respectively. Scores in the domains of impact, worry, and satisfaction were below optimal levels. Several factors were linked to QoL and depression, anxiety, and stress, and an association was observed between DASS-21 scores and QoL.
Understanding solastalgia from a decolonised, Indigenist lens: a scoping review
Authors: Upward Kisani , Usher Kim , Saunders Vicki , Maple Myfanwy 
Published: January 2024

The objective of this review is to use a decolonised, Indigenist lens to understand the definition of solastalgia from an Aboriginal perspective, as a potential emotional response experienced by Aboriginal communities impacted by increasingly frequent natural disasters, such as bushfires. Initial search results revealed a lack of literature referencing solastalgia in an Aboriginal-specific context. Indigenist research methodologies such as Heuristic inquiry and Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) contributed to the identification of alternative terminologies, which led to the majority of the included publications referring to solastalgia-related concepts, with one included publication mentioning solastalgia specifically. These methods were consequently used to synthesize data, confirm results and contribute to final discussions. Lastly, our results determined that at this stage there is insufficient evidence to conclusively suggest that Aboriginal Peoples in a general sense, experience solastalgia. Acknowledging the ethical dilemma and potential harm of generalising personal philosophies and experiences based on Culture. Thereby, signify the need for further research in this space and in particular, from a decolonised, Indigenist perspective.PrefaceIn the context of this review, we as co-authors are mindful of and respect the tensions or politics associated with proclaiming or discussing the identities of Australia's First Peoples. Therefore, in the context of this review, the often preferred term Aboriginal refers to the traditional owners of Australia. Where possible, traditional place/tribe names are written to acknowledge the ownership and origins of the information referenced within this review. Furthermore, we wish to acknowledge the storeys and traditional knowledge shared by the authors of the studies referenced within this review. These words of Country and Kin have contributed to the development and conceptualisation of this literature review, and we wish to pay our respects and appreciation.
Association between e-cigarette use and susceptibility to tobacco product use: findings from the 2019 China National Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Li Sixuan , Zeng Xinying , Di Xinbo , Liu Shiwei 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is an ongoing debate about whether e-cigarettes act as a gateway to tobacco smoking or contribute to smoking cessation, and relevant studies are limited among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study therefore aimed to explore the relationship between e-cigarette use and susceptibility to tobacco product use among Chinese high school students.MethodsThe study population comprised 107,633 never smokers and 19,377 former smokers, generated from the 2019 China National Youth Tobacco Survey. The primary independent variables of interest were ever e-cigarette use, current e-cigarette use, and the frequency of current e-cigarette use. The main outcome was the susceptibility to tobacco product use. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the primary independent variables of interest and the outcome variable. Moreover, two additional multilevel logistic regression models were fitted using two alternative definitions of the outcome as the sensitivity analyses.ResultsAmong never smokers, students who ever used e-cigarettes were more likely to be susceptible to tobacco product use compared to students who never used e-cigarettes (AOR = 2.83, 95%CI = 2.59–3.08). Students who currently used e-cigarettes were more likely to be susceptible to tobacco product use than those who did not currently use e-cigarettes (AOR = 3.89, 95%CI = 3.21–4.72). Among former smokers, with the same settings of modeling, the AORs were 1.76 (95%CI = 1.62–1.91) and 3.16 (95%CI = 2.52–3.97), respectively. Similar results were obtained from the two sensitivity analyses.ConclusionAmong Chinese high school students, both never smokers and former smokers, e-cigarette use, especially current e-cigarette use, was positively associated with susceptibility to tobacco product use. It is recommended to strengthen the monitoring of e-cigarettes and to provide targeted health education to adolescents.
Ready for new waves: optimizing SARS-CoV-2 variants monitoring in pooled samples with droplet digital PCR
Authors: Pacini Antonella , Paredes Franco , Heckel Sofia , Ibarra Guadalupe , Petreli Maria Victoria , Perez Marilina , Agnella Yanina , Piskulic Laura , Allasia Maria Belen , Caprile Luis , Colaneri Alejandro , Sesma Juliana 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe declaration of the end of the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 on May 11th, 2023, has shifted the global focus led by WHO and CDC towards monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Augmenting these international endeavors with local initiatives becomes crucial to not only track the emergence of new variants but also to understand their spread. We present a cost-effective digital PCR-based pooled sample testing methodology tailored for early variant surveillance.MethodsUsing 1200 retrospective SARS-CoV-2 positive samples, either negative or positive for Delta or Omicron, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of our detection strategy employing commercial TaqMan variant probes in a 1:9 ratio of variant-positive to variant-negative samples.ResultsThe study achieved 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity in 10-sample pools, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) exceeding 0.998 in ROC curves, using distinct commercial TaqMan variant probes.DiscussionThe employment of two separate TaqMan probes for both Delta and Omicron establishes dual validation routes, emphasizing the method’s robustness. Although we used known samples to model realistic emergence scenarios of the Delta and Omicron variants, our main objective is to demonstrate the versatility of this strategy to identify future variant appearances. The utilization of two divergent variants and distinct probes for each confirms the method’s independence from specific variants and probes. This flexibility ensures it can be tailored to recognize any subsequent variant emergence, given the availability of its sequence and a specific probe. Consequently, our approach stands as a robust tool for tracking and managing any new variant outbreak, reinforcing our global readiness against possible future SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Acute effects of plyometric-based conditioning activity and warm-up music stimuli on physical performance and affective state in male taekwondo athletes
Authors: Messaoudi Hamdi , Ouergui Ibrahim , Delleli Slaheddine , Ballmann Christopher Garrett , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Chtourou Hamdi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis study assesses the acute effects of combining a plyometric-based conditioning activity (CA) with different musical stimuli during warm-up on taekwondo (TKD) performance and related psychological aspects.MethodsIn a randomized cross-over study design, 16 male TKD athletes (age: 19.94 ± 1.12 years) performed the TKD-specific agility test (TSAT), frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s) and its multiple version (FSKT-mult) under 7 experimental and one control condition. For the experimental conditions, participants experienced varying combinations of music selection process [self-selected (SSM) vs. pre-selected (PSM)], and music tempo [fast (F) vs. slow (S)], within preferred (PG) and non-preferred (NPG) music genre; all in the presence of a plyometric based-CA. Athletes were instructed to rate their perceived exertion (RPE) after each test and their felt arousal (FAS), feeling scale (FS), and motivation after testing completion.ResultsFindings showed that combining a plyometric-based CA with SSMPG at both fast and slow tempo improved TSAT, FSK-10s, FSKT-mult, FAS, motivation, and RPE post-TSAT greater than the other conditions (all p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, FSSMPG combined with CA improved FS, and RPE after both FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult better than the other conditions (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, listening to fast self-selected music from a preferred genre in combination with a plyometric-based CA during warm-up setups an individualized warm-up strategy and serves to improve the subsequent specific performances and the related psychological aspects in TKD athletes.
A Scientometric Analysis of Africa’s Health Science Journals Indexed in International and Regional Databases: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Selemani Apatsa , Wella Kondwani , Chen Yen-Fu , Vicente-Crespo Marta , Uthman Olalekan , Igumbor Jude 
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the geographic coverage, citation impact, subject trends and authorship collaboration pattern of African health science journals indexed in international and regional databases.Methods: Data was collected from Ulrichs web serials directory, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar, African Index Medicus (AIM) and African Journals Online (AJOL) between February 2023 and May 2023. Data was analysed using summary descriptive statistics such as percentages and interquartile ranges, and through network visualisation.Results: More than 40 African countries had no any health science journal indexed in WoS, whereas 20 African countries did not have any health science journal indexed in AJOL and AIM. The Journal of Advanced research was the top performing journal on almost all journal metric lists such as Google scholar’s H5-Index, SNIP, Journal Impact Factor, and Citescore, except Journal Citation indicator.Conclusion: The coverage of African health science journals by international citation databases is still limited which result in low scientific impact of many African health science journals. Authorship collaboration is related to historical ties among countries.
A European Multi-Center Analysis of Extracorporeal Photopheresis as Therapy for Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Benazzo Alberto , Bagnera Cecilia , Ius Fabio , Del Fante Claudia , Gottlieb Jens , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Meloni Federica , Jaksch Peter , Greer Mark 
Published: January 2024

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is used by few lung transplant centers to treat chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Although reported results suggest a beneficial effect on CLAD progression, evidence is limited to single center experiences. The aim of this study is to analyze outcomes of ECP in a large multicenter European cohort. The primary endpoint was patient survival after initiation of ECP. This study included 631 patients, 87% suffered from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and 13% had restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). Long-term stabilization was achieved in 42%, improvement in 9%, and no response in 26%. Within the first 12 months of therapy, 23% of patients died. Patients’ survival after initiation of ECP at 5 years was 56% in stable, 70% in responders, and 35% in non-responders (p= 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression, both stabilization (HR: 0.48, CI: 0.27–0.86,p= 0.013) and response (HR: 0.11, CI: 0.04–0.35,p&lt; 0.001) to ECP were associated with survival. Absolute FEV1 at baseline was also protective (HR: 0.09, CI: 0.01–0.94,p= 0.046). RAS phenotype was the only risk factor for mortality (HR: 2.11, 1.16–3.83,p= 0.006). This study provides long-term outcomes of ECP use in CLAD patients in the largest published cohort to date. Two-thirds of the cohort had a sustained response to ECP with excellent long-term results.
Interactions of CdSe Nanocrystals with Cationic Proteins Extracted from Moringa oleifera Seeds
Authors: Daniel Likius Shipwiisho , Kapofi Salatiel , Kandawa-Schulz Martha , Kwaambwa Habauka Majority 
Published: January 2024

Even with significant developments in nanoscience, relatively little is known about the interactions of nanocrystal semiconducting materials with bio-macromolecules. To investigate the interfacial phenomena of cadmium selenide quantum dot (CdSe QD) nanocrystals with proteins extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds, different concentrations of cadmium selenide quantum dots–Moringa oleifera seed protein (CdSe–MSP) complexes were prepared. Respective CdSe QDs with hexagonal phase and crystalline size in the range of 4–7 nm were synthesized and labelled with the purified mesoporous MSP having a surface area of 8.4 m2/g. The interaction mechanism between CdSe QDs and MSP was studied using UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopies. The UV–Vis absorption spectra showed absorption bands of CdSe–MSP complexes at 546.5 nm. The fluorescence intensity of CdSe QDs was found to decrease with increasing concentration of MSP. The thermodynamic potentials ∆Hθ (−321.3 × 103 Jmol−1); ∆Sθ (156.0 JK−1mol−1) and ∆Gθ (−46.6 × 103 Jmol−1) were also calculated. The stability of the complex found is strongly influenced by electrostatics interaction and surface-bound complexation equilibrium attraction. This information can help to elucidate the surface characteristics of MSP and its potential interactions with other molecules or nanoparticles.
Evaluation of Field Applicability of Sewage Treated with an Electrochemical Floatation System Coupled with a Separation Membrane Process
Authors: Yun Sang-Leen , Kim Seogku , Oh Hye-Cheol , Hong Min 
Published: January 2024

An electrochemical floatation system (EFS)-based sewage-treatment process that applied a dimensionally stable anode (DSA) was developed to secure treated sewage water from sewage-treatment plants for reuse. The DSA was fabricated at a temperature of 673–923 K by dispersing a low quantity of activated carbon on a titanium plate coated with mixed metal oxides (Pt, Re, Pd, Re, and Ir) to a thickness of 5 μm. The average size of the bubbles generated through the DSA of the EFS was 20–40 μm, thus confirming microbubble generation. An efficiency assessment of a titanium-based DSA confirmed metal oxide activity through the removal of Escherichia coli (100%) and total organic carbon (TOC; 48.83%) at a reaction time shorter than 10 min and a low current density (19.6 A/m2). During the long-term operation of the EFS with the separation membrane process, the average removal efficiency was 94.7%, 90.0%, 96.1%, 90.9%, and 98.0% for suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, TOC, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous, respectively. Coliforms were not detected. Overall, our EFS coupled with the separation membrane process produced high-quality recycled water that could be used for various purposes according to the water-quality standards for different applications.
Visualization of Tethered Particle Motion with a Multidimensional Simulation
Authors: Ramdin Khovesh , Hackl Markus , Chundawat Shishir P.S. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
The analysis of particles bound to surfaces by tethers can facilitate understanding of biophysical phenomena (e.g., DNA–protein or protein–ligand interactions and DNA extensibility). Modeling such systems theoretically aids in understanding experimentally observed motions, and the limitations of such models can provide insight into modeling complex systems. The simulation of tethered particle motion (TPM) allows for analysis of complex behaviors exhibited by such systems; however, this type of experiment is rarely taught in undergraduate science classes. We have developed a MATLAB simulation package intended to be used in academic contexts to concisely model and graphically represent the behavior of different tether–particle systems. We show how analysis of the simulation results can be used in biophysical research using single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Students in physics, engineering, and chemistry will be able to make connections with principles embedded in the field of study and understand how those principles can be used to create meaningful conclusions in a multidisciplinary context. The simulation package can model any given tether–particle system and allows the user to generate a parameter space with static and dynamic model components. Our simulation was successfully able to recreate generally observed experimental trends by using acoustic force spectroscopy (AFS). Further, the simulation was validated through consideration of the conservation of energy of the tether–bead system, trend analyses, and comparison of particle positional data from actual TPM in silico experiments conducted to simulate data with a parameter space similar to the AFS experimental setup. Overall, our TPM simulator and graphical user interface is primarily for demonstrating behaviors characteristic to TPM in a classroom setting but can serve as a template for researchers to set up TPM simulations to mimic a specific SMFS experimental setup.