bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockout of CAFFEOYL-COA 3-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE 6/6L enhances the S/G ratio of lignin monomers and disease resistance in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Liu Huayin , Zhang Jianduo , Li Cui , Li Yinke , Yang Guangyu , Xia Tong , Huang Haitao , Xu Yong , Kong Weisong , Hou Bingzhu , Qi Xiaoquan , Wang Jin 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundNicotiana tabacumis an important economic crop, which is widely planted in the world. Lignin is very important for maintaining the physiological and stress-resistant functions of tobacco. However, higher lignin content will produce lignin gas, which is not conducive to the formation of tobacco quality. To date, how to precisely fine-tune lignin content or composition remains unclear.ResultsHere, we annotated and screened 14CCoAOMTsinNicotiana tabacumand obtained homozygous double mutants ofCCoAOMT6andCCoAOMT6Lthrough CRSIPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotype showed that the double mutants have better growth than the wild type whereas the S/G ratio increased and the total sugar decreased. Resistance against the pathogen test and the extract inhibition test showed that the transgenic tobacco has stronger resistance to tobacco bacterial wilt and brown spot disease, which are infected byRalstonia solanacearumandAlternaria alternata, respectively. The combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome in the leaves and roots suggested that the changes of phenylpropane and terpene metabolism are mainly responsible for these phenotypes. Furthermore, the molecular docking indicated that the upregulated metabolites, such as soyasaponin Bb, improve the disease resistance due to highly stable binding with tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase targets inRalstonia solanacearumandAlternaria alternata.ConclusionsCAFFEOYL-COA 3-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE 6/6L can regulate the S/G ratio of lignin monomers and may affect tobacco bacterial wilt and brown spot disease resistance by disturbing phenylpropane and terpene metabolism in leaves and roots ofNicotiana tabacum, such as soyasaponin Bb.
Smartphone dependency and mental health among Chinese rural adolescents: the mediating role of cognitive failure and parent–child relationship
Authors: Chen Lilan 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundWith the widespread use of smartphones in daily life, smartphone dependency has become a global problem, especially among adolescents. Existing research studies have supported the association between smartphone dependency and the mental health of Chinese rural adolescents, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.ObjectiveThe present study used a survey to test whether smartphone dependency may be associated with mental health in Chinese rural adolescents. The mediating role of cognitive failure and parent–child relationship was also examined.Materials and methodsIn total, 941 adolescents (45.91% male; mean age = 14.05, SD = 1.04) in rural areas of mainland China were recruited to complete four scales, including the Mobile Phone Dependence Scale (MPDS), Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), Family Adaption and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES), and Mental Health of Middle School Students Scale.ResultsThe results showed that both cognitive failure and parent–child relationship acted as mediators in the effect of smartphone dependency on mental health among Chinese rural adolescents, and smartphone dependency also affected parent–child relationship by influencing cognitive failure, thus affecting mental health among Chinese rural adolescents indirectly.ConclusionThe present study suggests that improving parent–child relationships and reducing cognitive failure can reduce the impact of smartphone dependency on the mental health of Chinese rural adolescents.
Validation of Italian students’ self-ratings on the SSIS SEL brief scales
Authors: Cavioni Valeria , Conte Elisabetta , Grazzani Ilaria , Ornaghi Veronica , Cefai Carmel , Anthony Christopher , Elliott Stephen N. , Pepe Alessandro 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionDespite increasing interest in measuring social and emotional learning (SEL), there is a lack of European-validated tools for assessing the efficacy of SEL programs. The aim of this study was to validate an Italian version of the social skills improvement system (SSIS) SEL brief scales–student form.MethodsParticipants were 1,175 students (mean age: 11.02 years; SD: 2.42; range: 8–16 years; males: 46.8%) recruited at schools in Northern Italy.Statistical analyses and resultsInitial confirmatory factor analysis encountered a series of challenges, implying non-convergence of the original five-factor measurement model (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) based on the Collaborative on Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) competency framework established with students in the United States. Further exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported a four-factor model that remained partially invariant across gender groups. The Italian version of the SSIS SEL brief scales was thus shown to be an efficient measurement tool for estimating social and emotional learning in students.DiscussionWe discuss the implications of findings in relation to selecting valid and reliable instruments for assessing children’s and adolescents’ SEL competencies, while considering the culturally-situated nature of the constructs under study.
The relationship between depressive mood and non-suicidal self-injury among secondary vocational school students: the moderating role of borderline personality disorder tendencies
Authors: Lu Zhaoyuan , Chen Mo , Yan Shu , Deng Weixi , Wu Taimin , Liu Lianzhong , Zhou Yang 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become an important public health issue of global concern, often occurring in adolescents, and depressive mood is closely related to NSSI. In addition, NSSI is considered a symptom of borderline personality disorder. It has been found that adolescents in secondary vocational schools are more vulnerable to behavior and emotional disorders than those in general high schools. This study investigated the risk factors associated with NSSI affecting secondary vocational school students and analyzed the role of borderline personality disorder tendencies in promoting the occurrence of NSSI among students with depressive moods.MethodsA total of 1,848 Chinese secondary vocational students completed a self-report questionnaire. The homemade NSSI behavior questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 were used in this survey. Binary logistic regression and PROCESS software analysis were used to explore the influencing factors associated with NSSI and to test for moderating effects.ResultsFemale (OR = 3.412, 95% CI 2.301–5.060), drinking history (OR = 2.007, 95% CI 1.383–2.911), history of suicidal death exposure (OR = 3.161, 95% CI 1.999–4.999), depressive mood (OR = 2.436, 95% CI 1.668–3.558) and borderline personality disorder tendencies (OR = 2.558, 95% CI = 1.764–3.711) were independent risk factors for NSSI. Borderline personality disorder tendencies (B = 0.047, p = 0.000) moderated the relationship between depressive mood and NSSI. The stronger the borderline personality tendencies, the more NSSI behavior occurred when they were depressive.ConclusionsBorderline personality disorder tendencies in secondary vocational school adolescents significantly enhance the association of depressive mood with NSSI. There is a moderating role for borderline personality disorder tendencies in depressive mood and NSSI.
Implementation of a psychomotor vigilance test to investigate the effects of driving fatigue on oil and gas truck drivers’ performance
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Al-Baraa Abdulrahman , Isha Ahmad Shahrul Nizam , Al-Quraishi Maged S. , Kanwal Noreen 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionDriving fatigue has been shown to increase the risk of accidents and potentially fatal crashes. Fatigue is a serious risk that some drivers do not take seriously. Previous studies investigated the effects of driving fatigue in the Malaysian oil and gas transportation industry by employing survey questionnaires. However, they did not explain the behavior of fatigue. Besides, these results required validation by a more reliable method that can describe how fatigue occurs.MethodsThus, in this study, we used the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-192) and a short survey to address driving fatigue behavior and identify the influences of driving fatigue on driving performance in real life (on the road) with actual oil and gas tanker drivers. The total participants in the experimental study were 58 drivers.ResultsFor the analysis, a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Z value and Spearman’s rho were used to measure the significant difference between the pre and post-tests of PVT and the correlation between the fatigue variables and driving performance.DiscussionDuring the experiment’s first and second days, this study’s results indicated that driving fatigue gradually escalated. Likewise, there was a negative correlation based on the test of the relationship between the PVT data and the driving performance survey data. Additionally, the drivers suffer from accumulative fatigue, which requires more effort from the transportation company management to promote the drivers awareness of fatigue consequences.
Asthma prevalence based on the Baidu index and China's Health Statistical Yearbook from 2011 to 2020 in China
Authors: Li Yahui , Wang Ping , Shao Xuekun , Peng Fulai , Lv Danyang , Du Haitao , Wang Yi , Wang Xingchen , Wu Fengxia , Chen Cai 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundDue to environmental pollution, changes in lifestyle, and advancements in diagnostic technology, the prevalence of asthma has been increasing over the years. Although China has made early efforts in asthma epidemiology and prevention, there is still a lack of unified and comprehensive epidemiological research within the country. The objective of the study is to determine the nationwide prevalence distribution of asthma using the Baidu Index and China's Health Statistical Yearbook.MethodsBased on China's Health Statistical Yearbook, we analyzed the gender and age distribution of asthma in China from 2011 to 2020, as well as the length of hospitalization and associated costs. By utilizing the Baidu Index and setting the covering all 31 provinces and autonomous regions in China, we obtained the Baidu Index for the keyword 'asthma'. Heatmaps and growth ratios described the prevalence and growth of asthma in mainland China.ResultsThe average expenditure for discharged asthma (standard deviation) patients was ¥5,870 (808). The average length of stay (standard deviation) was 7.9 (0.38) days. During the period of 2011 to 2020, hospitalization expenses for asthma increased while the length of hospital stay decreased. The proportion of discharged patients who were children under the age of 5 were 25.3% (2011), 19.4% (2012), 16% (2013), 17.9% (2014), 13.9% (2015), 11.3% (2016), 10.2% (2017), 9.4% (2018), 8.1% (2019), and 7.2% (2020), respectively. The prevalence of asthma among boys was higher than girls before the age of 14. In contrast, the proportion of women with asthma was larger than men after the age of 14. During the period from 2011 to 2020, the median [The first quartile (Q1)-the third quartile (Q3)] daily asthma Baidu index in Guangdong, Beijing, Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Zhejiang were 419 (279–476), 328 (258–376), 315 (227–365), 272 (166–313), and 312 (233–362) respectively. Coastal regions showed higher levels of attention toward asthma, indicating a higher incidence rate. Since 2014, there has been a rapid increase in the level of attention toward asthma, with the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Guangdong experiencing the fastest growth.ConclusionThere are regional variations in the prevalence of asthma among different provinces in China, and the overall prevalence of asthma is increasing.
Post-COVID-19 fatigue and health-related quality of life in Saudi Arabia: a population-based study
Authors: Al-Johani Moath S. , Khalil Rehana , Al-Mohaimeed Yazeed A. , Al-Mundarij Omar M. , Al-Samani Abdulmajeed S. , Al-saqry Osama S. , Al-saawi Alwaleed A. , Al-dhali Ibrahim K. , Al-Essa Waleed A. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundDespite substantial literature on symptoms and long-term health implications associated with COVID-19; prevalence and determinants of post-acute COVID-19 fatigue (PCF) remain largely elusive and understudied, with scant research documenting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hence, prevalence of PCF and its associated factors, and HRQoL among those who have survived Covid-19 within the general population of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is the subject under examination in this research.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 2063 individuals, selected from the KSA’s general population, using a non-probability sampling approach. An online survey was used to employ a self-administered questionnaire to the participants, which included socio-demographic information, the patient’s COVID-19 infection history, 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to assess quality of life, and Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) (CFQ 11) to evaluate the extent and severity of fatigue. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. A p &lt; 0.05 was considered to be strong evidence against the null hypothesis.ResultsThe median age of participants was 34 (IQR = 22) years, with females comprising the majority (66.2%). According to the SF-12 questionnaire, 91.2% of patients experienced physical conditions, and 77% experienced depression. The prevalence of PCF was 52% on CFQ 11 scale. Female gender, higher levels of education, a pre-existing history of chronic disease, as well as the manifestations of shortness of breath and confusion during acute COVID-19 infection, were identified as independent predictors of fatigue.ConclusionTo facilitate timely and effective intervention for post-acute COVID-19 fatigue, it is essential to continuously monitor the individuals who have recovered from acute COVID-19 infection. Also, it is critical to raise health-education among these patients to improve their quality of life. Future research is required to determine whether COVID-19 survivors would experience fatigue for an extended duration and the impact of existing interventions on its prevalence and severity.
Exploring hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Rivero Mariana Alejandra , Arce Lorena Paola , Gutiérrez Silvina Elena , Tisnés Adela , Passucci Juan Antonio , Silva Julia Analia , Barón Prato Ayelén , Sánchez Florencia , Matias Brancher Julia , Estein Silvia Marcela , Vizoso-Pinto María Guadalupe 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common cause of acute clinical hepatitis worldwide and is emerging as a disease in Argentina. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food, following the fecal-oral route. Furthermore, is a zoonotic disease with swine as the primary reservoir. Prevalence of HEV infection in humans in several regions of Argentina remains unknown.Objectives(i) Determine the seroprevalence of HEV among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (ii) Evaluate its association with demographic, socioeconomic and other risk exposures variables, and (iii) Describe and analyze spatial patterns related to HEV infection.MethodsFrom August 2020 to July 2021, serum samples were collected from 969 individuals aged 1–80 years. Seroprevalence and 95% Confidence Interval was determined. To assess the factors associated with the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, associations between the variables and seropositivity were evaluated through bivariate and multivariate analysis. Spatial scanning for clusters of positivity was carried out. Factors associated with these clusters were also assessed.ResultsAnti-HEV antibodies were detected in 4.64% (IC 95% 3.27–6.02) of samples. Dark urine was associated with seropositivity (p = 0.02). Seropositivity was linked with the presence of natural water courses near their households (p = 0.02); the age (p = 0.04); and previous travel to Europe (p = 0.04). A spatial cluster of low rates of HEV seropositivity was detected, with greater distance of the households to water courses associated to the cluster, and male sex inversely associated to it.Discussion and conclusionThis study is the first study to investigate the prevalence of HEV in the population from Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Considering HEV infection in the differential diagnosis in individuals presenting acute hepatitis is highlighted. The incorporation of HEV testing into blood screening policies should be mandatory. Factors related to the infection and spatial patterns of high and low risk were determined, and should be considered when implementing specific preventive measures.
Risk factors for postoperative cervical haematoma in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a retrospective, multicenter, international analysis (REDHOT study)
Authors: Canu Gian Luigi , Medas Fabio , Cappellacci Federico , Rossi Leonardo , Gjeloshi Benard , Sessa Luca , Pennestrì Francesco , Djafarrian Reza , Mavromati Maria , Kotsovolis George , Pliakos Ioannis , Di Filippo Giacomo , Lazzari Giovanni , Vaccaro Carla , Izzo Martina , Boi Francesco , Brazzarola Paolo , Feroci Francesco , Demarchi Marco Stefano , Papavramidis Theodossios , Materazzi Gabriele , Raffaelli Marco , Calò Pietro Giorgio ,   REDHOT Study Collaborative Group
Published: October 2023

BackgroundPostoperative cervical haematoma represents an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication of thyroidectomy. Since this complication is uncommon, the assessment of risk factors associated with its development is challenging. The main aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for its occurrence.MethodsPatients undergoing thyroidectomy in seven high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Europe, between January 2020 and December 2022, were retrospectively analysed. Based on the onset of cervical haematoma, two groups were identified: Cervical Haematoma (CH) Group and No Cervical Haematoma (NoCH) Group. Univariate analysis was performed to compare these two groups. Moreover, employing multivariate analysis, all potential independent risk factors for the development of this complication were assessed.ResultsEight thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine patients were enrolled: 8,561 were included in NoCH Group and 278 in CH Group. Surgical revision of haemostasis was performed in 70 (25.18%) patients. The overall incidence of postoperative cervical haematoma was 3.15% (0.79% for cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, and 2.35% for those managed conservatively). The timing of onset of cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis was within six hours after the end of the operation in 52 (74.28%) patients. Readmission was necessary in 3 (1.08%) cases. At multivariate analysis, male sex (P &lt; 0.001), older age (P &lt; 0.001), higher BMI (P = 0.021), unilateral lateral neck dissection (P &lt; 0.001), drain placement (P = 0.007), and shorter operative times (P &lt; 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for cervical haematoma.ConclusionsBased on our findings, we believe that patients with the identified risk factors should be closely monitored in the postoperative period, particularly during the first six hours after the operation, and excluded from outpatient surgery.
Mixed Endometrial Epithelial Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Treatment and Survival Rates—A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from a Single Institution
Authors: Pappa Christina , Le Thanh Valentina , Smyth Sarah Louise , Zouridis Andreas , Kashif Ammara , Sadeghi Negin , Sattar Alisha , Damato Stephen , Abdalla Mostafa , Laganà Antonio Simone , Ferrari Federico , Kehoe Sean , Addley Susan , Soleymani majd Hooman 
Published: October 2023

Mixed endometrial carcinoma (MEEC) refers to rare endometrial tumours that are composed of two or more distinct histotypes, at least one of which is serous or clear cell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, treatment outcomes and survival rates of patients with mixed endometrial carcinoma. The medical records of 34 patients diagnosed with MEEC between March 2010 and January 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathological variables and treatment strategies were assessed, and overall survival and disease-free survival rates were evaluated. The histology of endometrioid and serous component was found in 26 (76.5%) patients, followed by serous and clear-cell components (5/34, 14.5%) and mixed endometrioid serous and clear-cell components (3/34, 8.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 70 years (range 52–84), and the median follow-up time was 55 months. The 5-year disease-free survival and the 5-year overall survival were 50.4% and 52.4%, respectively. Advanced disease stage was identified as an independent predictor of inferior disease-free (<0.003) and overall survival (p < 0.001). Except for stage, none of the traditional prognostic factors was associated with disease recurrence or death from disease. MEECs represent rare high-risk endometrial carcinomas with significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Undoubtedly, the implementation of a molecular analysis can offer further diagnostic and management insights.
Atomic Insights into the Structural Properties and Displacement Cascades in Ytterbium Titanate Pyrochlore (Yb2Ti2O7) and High-Entropy Pyrochlores
Authors: Azeem M. Mustafa , Wang Qingyu 
Published: October 2023

Pyrochlore oxides (A2B2O7) are potential nuclear waste substrate materials due to their superior radiation resistance properties. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural properties and displacement cascades in ytterbium titanate pyrochlore (Yb2Ti2O7) and high-entropy alloys (HEPy), e.g., YbYTiZrO7, YbGdTiZrO7, and Yb0.5Y0.5Eu0.5Gd0.5TiZrO7. We computed lattice constants (LC) (ao) and threshold displacement energy (Ed). Furthermore, the calculation for ao and ionic radius (rionic) were performed by substituting a combination of cations at the A and B sites of the original pyrochlore structure. Our simulation results have demonstrated that the lattice constant is proportional to the ionic radius, i.e., ao α rionic. Moreover, the effect of displacement cascades of recoils of energies 1 keV, 2 keV, 5 keV, and 10 keV in different crystallographic directions ([100], [110], [111]) was studied. The number of defects is found to be proportional to the energy of incident primary knock-on atoms (PKA). Additionally, the Ed of pyrochlore exhibits anisotropy. We also observed that HEPy has a larger Ed as compared with Yb2Ti2O7. This establishes that Yb2Ti2O7 has characteristics of lower radiation damage resistance than HEPy. Our displacement cascade simulation result proposes that HEPy alloys have more tendency for trapping defects. This work will provide atomic insights into developing substrate materials for nuclear waste applications.