bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbed nutrient accumulation and cell wall metabolism in panicles are responsible for rice straighthead disease
Authors: Liu Qinghui , Zhang Zhijun , Bai Cuihua , Li Yi , Yin Xueying , Lin Wanting , Yao Lixian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRice straighthead disease substantially reduces crop yield, posing a significant threat to global food security. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) is the causal agent of straighthead disease and is highly toxic to the reproductive tissue of rice. However, the precise physiological mechanism underlying DMA toxicity remains unknown. In this study, six rice varieties with varying susceptibility to straighthead were utilized to investigate the growth performance and element distribution in rice panicles under DMA stress through pot experiments, as well as to explore the physiological response to DMA using transcriptomic methods. The findings demonstrate significant variations in both DMA accumulation and straighthead sensitivity among cultivars. The susceptible varieties exhibited higher DMA accumulation indices and displayed typical symptoms of straighthead disease, including erect panicles, deformed rachides and husks, and reduced seed setting rate and grain yield when compared to the resistant varieties. Moreover, DMA addition promoted mineral nutrients to accumulate in rachides and husks but less in grains. DMA showed preferential accumulation in rice grains with a distribution pattern similar to that of Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) within the panicle. Transcriptome analyses underscored the substantial impact of DMA on gene expression related to mineral metabolism. Notably, DMA addition significantly up‐regulated the expression of pectin methylesterase, pectin lyase, polygalacturonase, and exogalacturonase genes in Nanjingxiangzhan, while these genes were down‐regulated or weakly expressed in Ruanhuayou 1179. The alteration of pectin metabolic pathways induced by DMA may lead to abnormality of cell wall assembly and modification, thereby resulting in deformed rice panicles.
A quick and effective method for thermostability differentiation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Liang Yonggui , Xie Weiwei , Yang Chenyu , Yu Bingwei , Qin Qiteng , Wang Yixi , Gan Yuwei , Liu Renjian , Qiu Zhengkun , Cao Bihao , Yan Shuangshuang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHigh temperature affects the growth and production of cucumber. Selecting thermotolerant cucumber cultivars is conducive to coping with high temperatures and improving production. Thus, a quick and effective method for screening thermotolerant cucumber cultivars is needed. In this study, four cucumber cultivars were used to identify heat resistance indexes. The morphological, physiological and biochemical indexes were measured. When exposed to high temperatures, thermotolerant cucumber had a more stable photosystem, membrane, and oxidation–reduction systems. The impact of high temperatures on plants is multifaceted, and the accurate discrimination of heat resistance cannot be achieved solely based on a single or multiple indicators. Therefore, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to comprehensively evaluate the heat resistance of cucumber plants. The results showed that the heat resistance obtained by PCA was significantly correlated with the heat injury index. In addition, the stepwise regression equation identified two heat‐related indices, hydrogen peroxide content (H2O2) and photosynthetic operating efficiency (Fq′/Fm′), and they can quickly distinguish the heat resistance of the other 8 cucumber cultivars. These results will help to accelerate the selection of thermotolerant resources and assist in cucumber breeding.
Conditional deviant repetition in the oddball paradigm modulates processing at the level of P3a but not MMN
Authors: Coy Nina , Bendixen Alexandra , Grimm Sabine , Roeber Urte , Schröger Erich 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe auditory system has an amazing ability to rapidly encode auditory regularities. Evidence comes from the popular oddball paradigm, in which frequent (standard) sounds are occasionally exchanged for rare deviant sounds, which then elicit signs of prediction error based on their unexpectedness (e.g., MMN and P3a). Here, we examine the widely neglected characteristics of deviants being bearers of predictive information themselves; naive participants listened to sound sequences constructed according to a new, modified version of the oddball paradigm including two types of deviants that followed diametrically opposed rules: one deviant sound occurred mostly in pairs (repetition rule), the other deviant sound occurred mostly in isolation (non‐repetition rule). Due to this manipulation, the sound following a first deviant (either the same deviant or a standard) was either predictable or unpredictable based on its conditional probability associated with the preceding deviant sound. Our behavioral results from an active deviant detection task replicate previous findings that deviant repetition rules (based on conditional probability) can be extracted when behaviorally relevant. Our electrophysiological findings obtained in a passive listening setting indicate that conditional probability also translates into differential processing at the P3a level. However, MMN was confined to global deviants and was not sensitive to conditional probability. This suggests that higher‐level processing concerned with stimulus selection and/or evaluation (reflected in P3a) but not lower‐level sensory processing (reflected in MMN) considers rarely encountered rules.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone: A novel biomarker for detecting bovine freemartinism
Authors: Koca Davut , Nak Yavuz , Sendag Sait , Nak Deniz , Turgut Ali Osman , Avcılar Talha , Ekici Zeynep Merve , Cetin Nebi , Bagci Kemal , Aktar Ahmet , Sagirkaya Hakan , Alcay Selim , Wehrend Axel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) indicates ovarian reserve in cattle, maintaining a consistent trajectory post‐puberty. In heterosexual pregnancies, the development of the Müllerian duct in female foetuses is inhibited, resulting in an anticipated minimal or absent ovarian reserve capacity. This investigation aimed to compare AMH levels in healthy Holstein heifers that had reached puberty with those of freemartin animals of the same breed and age. The study incorporated Holstein heifers reaching puberty between 11 and 15 months of age in Group 1 (G1, n = 20) and freemartin animals in Group 2 (G2, n = 19, 16). AMH measurements (AMH‐1/AMH‐2) were recorded at 12‐day intervals for the study participants. Notably, AMH levels in three freemartin animals could not be detected, prompting statistical analysis based on measurements from the remaining 16 freemartin animals in G2. A statistically significant correlation was observed between two separate measurements in G1 and G2 (p < .001). Furthermore, AMH‐1 and AMH‐2 levels were statistically higher in G1 than in G2 (p < .001). In G1, AMH‐1 levels ranged from 227 to 677 pg/mL, with an average of 367.3 ± 25.5 pg/mL, and AMH‐2 levels ranged from 234 to 645 pg/mL, with an average of 380.8 ± 24.4 pg/mL. Conversely, in G2, AMH‐1 levels ranged from 10 to 72 pg/mL, with an average of 26.8 ± 4.44 pg/mL, and AMH‐2 levels ranged from 12 to 68 pg/mL, with an average of 28.75 ± 4.18 pg/mL. The mean AMH levels in G1 were approximately 14 times higher than in G2 (p < .001). Consequently, ROC analysis utilizing AMH‐1 and AMH‐2 data established cut‐off values of ≤72 and ≤ 68 pg/mL respectively for distinguishing freemartin animals. In conclusion, AMH could be used as a reliable biomarker for identifying Holstein freemartin animals.
Estimating the cost of visiting hospital outpatient
Authors: Liyana Arachige Manoj , Tse Wai Chung , Zhang Roland , Ma Henry , Singhal Shaloo , Phan Thanh 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the cost incurred by people travelling to the neurology outpatient clinic of a large metropolitan hospital. As outpatients are a substantial portion of a hospital’s demographic, we aimed to understand the patient experience of various commuters.MethodsWe conducted an observational study collecting demographic details and travel information for how people attended the neurology clinic of Monash Medical Centre. Statistical analysis was performed using R. 165 participants were randomly selected and interviewed in-person. Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire. The study was approved by the Monash Health Human Ethics Research Committee.Results155 responses were included in the analysis. Patients paid an average of $A16.64 to travel to Monash Medical Centre. Drivers paid on average $A16.70 and those taking public transport paid on average $A9.64, with the maximum cost overall being $A120.00. For patients driving to hospital, parking accounted for 60% of their travel costs. The average to Monash Medical centre was 20.82 km with the maximum being 190.88 km. Distance from hospital was correlated with a higher cost of travel (p<0.001, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient=0.48). There was also an inverse association between distance from hospital and socioeconomic status (p<0.001, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient=−0.26).ConclusionTravelling to hospital can be a costly endeavour. Driving is the most popular form of transport, but a large portion of the cost involved is hospital parking. Further research should be conducted at other tertiary centres with larger samples.
User requirements for non-invasive and minimally invasive glucose self-monitoring devices in low-income and middle-income countries: a qualitative study in Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Peru and Tanzania
Authors: Safary Elvis , Beran David , Vetter Beatrice , Lepeska Molly , Abdraimova Aida , Dunganova Asel , Besançon Stéphane , Lazo-Porras Maria , Portocarrero Mazanett Jill , Pérez-León Silvana , Maixenchs Maria , Nchimbi Happy , Ramaiya Kaushik , Munishi Castory , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z 
Published: February 2024

AimsDevelopment of non-invasive and minimally invasive glucose monitoring devices (NI-MI-GMDs) generally takes place in high-income countries (HICs), with HIC’s attributes guiding product characteristics. However, people living with diabetes (PLWD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) encounter different challenges to those in HICs. This study aimed to define requirements for NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs to inform a target product profile to guide development and selection of suitable devices.MethodsThis was a multiple-methods, exploratory, qualitative study conducted in Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Peru and Tanzania. Interviews and group discussions/activities were conducted with healthcare workers (HCWs), adults living with type 1 (PLWD1) or type 2 diabetes (PLWD2), adolescents living with diabetes and caregivers.ResultsAmong 383 informants (90 HCW, 100 PLWD1, 92 PLWD2, 24 adolescents, 77 caregivers), a range of differing user requirements were reported, including preferences for area of glucose measurement, device attachment, data display, alert type and temperature sensitivity. Willingness to pay varied across countries; common requirements included ease of use, a range of guiding functions, the possibility to attach to a body part of choice and a cost lower than or equal to current glucose self-monitoring.ConclusionsEase-of-use and affordability were consistently prioritised, with broad functionality required for alarms, measurements and attachment possibilities. Perspectives of PLWD are crucial in developing a target product profile to inform characteristics of NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs. Stakeholders must consider these requirements to guide development and selection of NI-MI-GMDs at country level, so that devices are fit for purpose and encourage frequent glucose monitoring among PLWD in these settings.
Life-course socioeconomic status and obesity: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Adamou Habila , François Dener , Lebel Alexandre , Paquette Marie-Claude 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveWe aim to explore the literature that studies the links between life-course socioeconomic status and weight status and characterize the life-course approach used.IntroductionObesogenic environments are increasing rapidly in deprived environments, and cross-sectional studies have shown limitations in explaining the links between these environments and obesity. The life-course approach has been proposed recently to better understand the links between socioeconomic status and weight status.Inclusion criteriaStudies that identify life-course socioeconomic status and longitudinal built environment indicators and associate them with body weight indicators between January 2000 and January 2023.MethodsStudies in French or English were searched in Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and GeoBase (Embase) according to the strategies formulated for each database. The selected studies were exported to Covidence for evaluation according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria.ResultsThe main results retained are the association between longitudinal socioeconomic indicators and weight measures; longitudinal built environment indicators and the measures of weight.
Exploring the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and influencing factors of e-cigarette use among university students in Palestine: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nazzal Zaher , Maraqa Beesan , Azizeh Razan , Darawsha Bara’ , AbuAlrub Ibraheem , Hmeidat Mousa , Al-Jabari Fadel 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesE-cigarettes have gained popularity, especially among young adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette smoking, assess knowledge and attitudes and identify associated factors among Palestinian university students.DesignA cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted among Palestinian university students in early 2023.A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 1792 students from six Palestine universities in the West Bank. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including sociodemographic information, daily habits, exposure to smoking, attitudes and knowledge about e-cigarettes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ2tests and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe study revealed a high prevalence of tobacco use (41.2%), with e-cigarette use prevalent among 19.7% of participants. Knowledge about e-cigarettes was suboptimal, with misconceptions regarding their safety and health effects. Negative attitudes towards e-cigarettes were common, and students with negative attitudes were more likely to use e-cigarettes (aOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.9 to 3.6). Gender (aOR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.0), waterpipe smoking (aOR=4.5, 95% CI: 3.2 to 6.3), physical inactivity (aOR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9), high coffee consumption (aOR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3), spending time with friends (aOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.7), having a mother who is a smoker (aOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2) and having a friend who uses e-cigarettes (aOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.1) were significantly associated with e-cigarettes use.ConclusionsE-cigarette use is a growing concern among Palestinian university students. Combating this trend should include educational initiatives, social interventions and policy measures to promote informed decision-making and discourage e-cigarette use. Comprehensive tobacco control programs considering various tobacco and nicotine products and involving multiple stakeholders are warranted.
Exploring variation in timely reperfusion treatment in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Norway: a national register-based cohort study
Authors: Uleberg Bård , Bønaa Kaare Harald , Govatsmark Ragna Elise Støre , Olsen Frank , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Stensland Eva , Hauglann Beate , Vonen Barthold , Førde Olav Helge 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate determinants of reperfusion within recommended time limits (timely reperfusion) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, exploring the impact of geography, patient characteristics and socio-economy.DesignNational register-based cohort study.SettingMultilevel logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between timely reperfusion and residency in hospital referral areas and municipalities, patient characteristics, and socio-economy.Participants7607 Norwegian ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients registered in the Norwegian Registry of Myocardial Infarction during 2015–2018.Main outcome measuresThe odds of timely reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or fibrinolysis.ResultsAmong 7607 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients in Norway, 56% received timely reperfusion. The Norwegian goal is 85%. While 81% of the patients living in the Oslo hospital referral area received timely reperfusion, only 13% of the patients living in Finnmark did so.Patients aged 75–84 years had lower odds of timely reperfusion than patients below 55 years of age (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.87). Patients with moderate or high comorbidity had lower odds than patients without (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95 and OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.84). More than 2 hours from symptom onset to first medical contact gave lower odds than less than 30 min (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.72). 1–2 hours of travel time to a PCI centre (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.49) and more than 2 hours (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.30) gave substantially lower odds than less than 1 hour of travel time.ConclusionsThe varying proportion of patients receiving timely reperfusion across hospital referral areas implies inequity in fundamental healthcare services, not compatible with established Norwegian health policy. The importance of travel time to PCI centre points at the expanded use of prehospital pharmacoinvasive strategy to obtain the goals of timely reperfusion in Norway.
Evaluating pharmacological THRomboprophylaxis in Individuals undergoing superficial endoVEnous treatment across NHS and private clinics in the UK: a multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial—THRIVE trial
Authors: Machin Matthew , Whittley Sarah , Norrie John , Burgess Laura , Hunt Beverley J , Bolton Layla , Shalhoub Joseph , Everington Tamara , Gohel Manjit , Whiteley Mark S , Rogers Steven , Onida Sarah , Turner Benedict , Nandhra Sandip , Lawton Rebecca , Stephens-Boal Annya , Singer Carolyn , Dunbar Joanne , Carradice Daniel , Davies A H 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEndovenous therapy is the first choice management for symptomatic varicose veins in NICE guidelines, with 56–70 000 procedures performed annually in the UK. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a known complication of endovenous therapy, occurring at a rate of up to 3.4%. Despite 73% of UK practitioners administering pharmacological thromboprophylaxis to reduce VTE, no high-quality evidence supporting this practice exists. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may have clinical and cost benefit in preventing VTE; however, further evidence is needed. This study aims to establish whether when endovenous therapy is undertaken: a single dose or course of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alters the risk of VTE; pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is associated with an increased rate of bleeding events; pharmacological prophylaxis is cost effective.Methods and analysisA multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 6660 participants from 40 NHS and private sites across the UK. Participants will be randomised to intervention (single dose or extended course of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis plus compression) or control (compression alone). Participants will undergo a lower limb venous duplex ultrasound scan at 21–28 days post-procedure to identify asymptomatic DVT. The duplex scan will be conducted locally by blinded assessors. Participants will be contacted remotely for follow-up at 7 days and 90 days post-procedure. The primary outcome is imaging-confirmed lower limb DVT with or without symptoms or PE with symptoms within 90 days of treatment. The main analysis will be according to the intention-to-treat principle and will compare the rates of VTE at 90 days, using a repeated measures analysis of variance, adjusting for any pre-specified strongly prognostic baseline covariates using a mixed effects logistic regression.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was granted by Brent Research Ethics Committee (22/LO/0261). Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN18501431.
Effect of psychosocial aspects on medication adherence in patients with heart failure amid socioeconomic challenges
Authors: Deek Hiba , Massouh Angela 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate stress, depression and quality of life among community-dwelling patients with heart failure (HF) and evaluate their effect on perceived medication adherence in a socioeconomically challenged setting.DesignA cross-sectional design with self-administered questionnaire with data collected between October 2021 and September 2022.MethodsPatients with confirmed diagnosis of HF were sought for data collection in the community and cardiology clinics through an electronic platform. Confirmation of cases was done through the ejection fraction, medication list and frequent symptoms of the patients. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the COVID-19 Stress Scale, the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire and the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale were used to evaluate depression, stress, quality of life and medication adherence, respectively. Univariate analysis was done to present the descriptive statistics, whereas bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to evaluate the relationship between the variables.ResultsA total of 237 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.3±17.36 years, and the majority (57.8%) were male participants. Only 44.7% were on ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and 54.9% on beta-blockers. The mean scores for stress, depression, quality of life and medication adherence were 75.86 (SD=24.5), 14.03 (SD=5.7), 55.73 (SD=23.05) and 6.79 (SD=6.93), respectively, indicating high stress levels, depression, poor quality of life and medication adherence. Those with a history of hypertension and depression were significantly more adherent to their medications than those who were not. Multivariate analysis showed that anxiety, medical follow-up, quality of life and functionality class were predictors of medication adherence.ConclusionThe study showed the population with HF in Lebanon to have psychological health problems with these variables acting as predictors for medication adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics also played a role on the outcome, which can be targeted when planning interventions to improve outcomes. Future studies should compare prescribed medication with consumed medication through longitudinal approaches and medical refilling techniques when possible.