bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant growth promotion and differential expression of defense genes in chilli pepper against Colletotrichum truncatum induced by Trichoderma asperellum and T. harzianum
Authors: Yadav Mukesh , Divyanshu Kumari , Dubey Manish Kumar , Rai Ashutosh , Kumar Sunil , Tripathi Yashoda Nandan , Shukla Vaishali , Upadhyay Ram Sanmukh 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Trichoderma asperellum and T. harzianum were assessed in this study as a potential biological control against Colletotrichum truncatum. C. truncatum is a hemibiotrophic fungus that causes anthracnose disease in chilli thereby affecting plant growth and fruit yield. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique showed the beneficial interaction between chilli root-Trichoderma spp. inducing the plant growth promotion, mechanical barrier, and defense network under C. truncatum challenged conditions.

Methods
Seeds bio-primed with T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum + T. harzianum promoted the plant growth parameters and strengthening of physical barrier via lignification on the wall of vascular tissues. Seed primed with bioagents were used for exploring the molecular mechanism of defense response in pepper against anthracnose to assess the temporal expression of six defense genes in the Surajmukhi variety of Capsicum annuum. QRT-PCR demonstrated induction of defense responsive genes in chilli pepper bioprimed with Trichoderma spp. such as plant defensin 1.2 (CaPDF1.2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APx), guaiacol peroxidase (GPx), pathogenesis related proteins PR-2 and PR-5.

Results
The results showed that bioprimed seeds were assessed for T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum + T. harzianum-chilli root colonization interaction under in vivo conditions. The results of the scanning electron microscope revealed that T. asperellum, T. harzianum and T. asperellum + T. harzianum interact with chilli roots directly via the development of plant-Trichoderma interaction system. Seeds bio-primed with bioagents promoted the plant growth parameters, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, plant height, leaf area index, number of leaves, stem diameter and strengthening of physical barrier via lignification on the wall of vascular tissues and expression of six defense related genes in pepper against anthracnose.

Conclusions
Application of T. asperellum and T. harzianum and in combination of treatments enhanced the plant growth. Further, as seeds bioprimed with T. asperellum, T. harzianum and in combination with treatment of T. asperellum + T. harzianum induced the strengthening of the cell wall by lignification and expression of six defense related genes CaPDF1.2, SOD, APx, GPx, PR-2 and PR-5 in pepper against C. truncatum. Our study contributed for better disease management through biopriming with T. asperellum, T. harzianum and T. asperellum + T. harzianum. The biopriming possess enormous potential to promote plant growth, modulate the physical barrier, and induced the defense related genes in chilli pepper against anthracnose.
Antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of carvacrol alone and in combination with cefixime against Escherichia coli
Authors: Asadi Sepideh , Nayeri-Fasaei Bahar , Zahraei-Salehi Taghi , Yahya-Rayat Ramak , Shams Nemat , Sharifi Aram 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Plant-derived compounds can be used as antimicrobial agents in medicines and as food preservatives. These compounds can be applied along with other antimicrobial agents to strengthen the effect and/or reduce the required treatment dose.

Results
In the present study, the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory activity of carvacrol alone and in combination with the antibiotic cefixime against Escherichia coli was investigated. The MIC and MBC values for carvacrol were 250 μg/mL. In the checkerboard test, carvacrol showed a synergistic interaction with cefixime against E. coli (FIC index = 0.5). Carvacrol and cefixime significantly inhibited biofilm formation at MIC/2 (125 and 62.5 μg/mL), MIC/4 (62.5 and 31.25 μg/mL) and MIC/8 (31.25 and 15.625 μg/mL) for carvacrol and cefixime, respectively. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential effect of carvacrol confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed significant down-regulation of the luxS and pfs genes following treatment with a MIC/2 (125 μg/mL) concentration of carvacrol alone and of only pfs gene following treatment with MIC/2 of carvacrol in combination with MIC/2 of cefixime (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Because of the significant antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of carvacrol, the present study examines this agent as an antibacterial drug of natural origin. The results indicate that in this study the best antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties are for the combined use of cefixime and carvacrol.
CT texture analysis in predicting treatment response and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization using random forest models
Authors: An He , Bhatia Inderjeet , Cao Fei , Huang Zilin , Xie Chuanmiao 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Using texture features derived from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) combined with general imaging features as well as clinical information to predict treatment response and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment.

Methods
From January 2014 to November 2022, 289 patients with HCC who underwent TACE were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical information was documented. Their treatment-naïve contrast-enhanced CTs were retrieved and reviewed by two independent radiologists. Four general imaging features were evaluated. Texture features were extracted based on the regions of interest (ROIs) drawn on the slice with the largest axial diameter of all lesions using Pyradiomics v3.0.1. After excluding features with low reproducibility and low predictive value, the remaining features were selected for further analyses. The data were randomly divided in a ratio of 8:2 for model training and testing. Random forest classifiers were built to predict patient response to TACE treatment. Random survival forest models were constructed to predict overall survival (OS) and progress-free survival (PFS).

Results
We retrospectively evaluated 289 patients (55.4 ± 12.4 years old) with HCC treated with TACE. Twenty features, including 2 clinical features (ALT and AFP levels), 1 general imaging feature (presence or absence of portal vein thrombus) and 17 texture features, were included in model construction. The random forest classifier achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947 with an accuracy of 89.5% for predicting treatment response. The random survival forest showed good predictive performance with out-of-bag error rate of 0.347 (0.374) and a continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) of 0.170 (0.067) for the prediction of OS (PFS).

Conclusions
Random forest algorithm based on texture features combined with general imaging features and clinical information is a robust method for predicting prognosis in patients with HCC treated with TACE, which may help avoid additional examinations and assist in treatment planning.
MicroRNA-125b as a valuable predictive marker for outcome after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Amiri Fatemeh , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein , Hajifathali Abbas 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Relapse is a frequent occurrence in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), and early relapse after AHSCT results in poor survival and low quality of life. Predictive marker determination for AHSCT outcomes could be helpful in the prevention of relapse through personalized medicine. Here the predictive value of circulatory microRNAs (miRs) expression for AHSCT outcomes was studied.

Methods
50 MM and lymphoma candidates for AHSCT participated in this study. Two plasma samples were obtained before AHSCT from each candidate; one before mobilization and the other after conditioning. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated by ultracentrifugation. miR-125b, miR-126, miR-150, and miR-155 expression were analyzed in both plasma and EVs using real time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Other data related to AHSCT and its outcomes were also collected. The predictive value of miRs and other factors for outcomes was assessed by multi-variant analysis.

Results
By 90 weeks follow up after AHSCT, multi-variant and ROC analysis showed miR-125b as a predictive marker for relapse, high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The cumulative incidence of relapse, high LDH, and high ESR increased with an increase in circulatory miR-125b expression.

Conclusion
miR-125b could be applicable in prognosis evaluation and also create a possible new targeted therapy opportunity for enhanced outcomes and survival after AHSCT.

Trial registration
The study was retrospectively registered. Ethic code No: IR.UMSHA.REC.1400.541.
Predictive value of pigment epithelial detachment markers for visual acuity outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Shu Yiyang , Ye Fuxiang , Liu Haiyun , Wei Jin , Sun Xiaodong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
To determine the predictive value of quantitative morphological parameters for pigment epithelial detachment (PED) of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients.

Methods
One eye from each of 159 patients with nAMD were studied. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) group included 77 eyes, and non-PCV group 82. Patients received conbercept 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) in a 3 + ProReNata (PRN) treatment regimen. Correlations between retinal morphologic parameters at baseline and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain at 3 or 12 months after treatment (structure–function correlations) were assessed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were used to assess retinal morphologic features including intraretinal cystoid fluid (IRC), subretinal fluid (SRF), PED or PED type (PEDT), and vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). Greatest height (PEDH) and width of PED (PEDW), and volume of PED (PEDV) at baseline were also measured.

Results
For non-PCV group, BCVA gain from 3 or 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDV at baseline (r = -0.329, -0.312, P = 0.027, 0.037). BCVA gain at 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDW at baseline (r = -0.305, P = 0.044). For PCV group, there were no correlations with PEDV, PEDH, PEDW, and PEDT in BCVA gain between baseline and 3 or 12 months after treatment (P > 0.05). SRF, IRC, VMA at baseline did not correlate with short-term and long-term BCVA gain in patients with nAMD (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
For patients with non-PCV, PEDV at baseline was negatively correlated with short-term and long-term BCVA gain, and PEDW was negatively correlated with long-term BCVA gain. On the contrary, quantitative morphological parameters for PED at baseline had no correlation with BCVA gain in patients with PCV.
Effect of anxiety and depression on self-reported adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Zhitong , Shen Junwei , Zhao Miaomiao , Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Tao , Li Jue , Zhao Xudong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The association of anxiety and depression with adverse reactions after receipt of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is not clear among the general population. This study aims to evaluate the effect of anxiety and depression on self-reported adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods
The cross-sectional study was conducted during April–July 2021. Participants completing the two doses of vaccine were included in this study. Sociodemographic information, anxiety and depression levels and adverse reactions after the first dose of vaccine for all participants were collected. The anxiety and depression levels were assessed by the Seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire Scale, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between anxiety and depression and adverse reactions.

Results
A total of 2161 participants were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 13% (95% confidence interval (CI), 11.3–14.2%) and 15% (95%CI, 13.6–16.7%), respectively. Of the 2161 participants, 1607 (74%; 95% CI, 73–76%) reported at least one adverse reaction after the first dose of the vaccine. Pain at the injection site (55%) and fatigue and headache (53% and 18%, respectively) were the most commonly reported local and systemic adverse reactions, respectively. Participants with anxiety or depression or both were more likely to report local and systemic adverse reactions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The results suggest that anxiety and depression increase the risk of self-reported adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccine. Consequently, appropriate psychological interventions before vaccination will help to reduce or alleviate symptoms of vaccination.
Temperament and longitudinal changes in physical activity – the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study
Authors: Karppanen Anna-Kaisa , Miettunen Jouko , Hurtig Tuula , Nordström Tanja , Tammelin Tuija , Korpelainen Raija 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundInsufficient physical activity is risk factor for morbidity and premature mortality. This population-based birth cohort study investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between self-reported temperament at age 31 and self-reported leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels and changes thereof from the age of 31 to the age of 46 years.MethodsThe study population comprised 3,084 subjects (1,359 male and 1,725 female) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. MVPA was self-reported at ages 31 and 46 years. Novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, and persistence and their subscales were measured using Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory at age 31. Four temperament clusters were used in the analyses:persistent,overactive,dependent, andpassive. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between temperament and MVPA.ResultsThepersistentandoveractivetemperament profiles at age 31 were positively associated with higher MVPA levels both in young adulthood and in midlife, while thepassiveanddependenttemperament profiles were associated with lower MVPA levels. Theoveractivetemperament profile was associated with a decrease in MVPA levels from young adulthood to midlife among males.ConclusionApassivetemperament profile characterized by high harm avoidance is associated with a higher risk of low MVPA level than other temperament profiles over the life cycle in females. The results suggest that temperament may play a role in determining the level and sustainability of MVPA. Individual targeting and intervention tailoring for promoting physical activity should consider temperament traits.
Radical reform of the undergraduate medical education program in a developing country: the Egyptian experience
Authors: Badrawi Nadia , Hosny Somaya , Ragab Lamis , Ghaly Mona , Eldeek Bassem , Tawdi Ahmed F. , Makhlouf Ahmed M. , Said Zeinab N. A. , Mohsen Lamiaa , Waly Amira H. , El-Wazir Yasser 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMedical educators are in a continuous quest to close the gap between the needs of medical practice and the rising expectations of the communities in their countries. During the past two decades, competency-based medical education has been evolving as an appealing strategy to close this gap. In 2017, the Egyptian medical education authorities mandated all medical schools to change their curricula to comply with revised national academic reference standards, which changed from outcome-based to competency-based. In parallel, they also changed the timeline of all medical programs for six years of studentship and one-year internship to five years and two years, respectively. This substantial reform involved the assessment of the existing situation, an awareness campaign for the proposed changes and an extensive national faculty development program. Monitoring the implementation of this substantial reform was performed through surveys, field visits and meetings with students, teaching staff and program directors. In addition to the expected challenges, the COVID-19-associated restrictions presented a significant further challenge during the implementation of this reform. This article presents the rationale for and steps of this reform, the challenges faced and how they were addressed.
Cultural competence of dutch physician assistants: an observational cohort study
Authors: Leij-Halfwerk Susanne , van Uden Daniëlla , Jooren Sophie J. A. , van den Brink Geert 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Current cultural competence training needs were assessed as baseline measurement in Dutch physician assistant (PA) students and PA alumni that were not specifically trained in cultural competence. In particular, differences in cultural competency between PA students and PA alumni were assessed.

Methods
In this cross-sectional, observational cohort study knowledge, attitude, and skills and self-perceived overall cultural competence were assessed in Dutch PA students and alumni. Demographics, education and learning needs were collected. Total cultural competence domain scores as well as percentage of maximum scores were calculated.

Results
A total of 40 PA students and 96 alumni (female:75%; Dutch origin:97%) consented to participate. Cultural competence behavior was moderate in both groups. In contrast, general knowledge and exploration of patients’ social context were insufficient, i.e., 53% and 34%, respectively. Self-perceived cultural competence was significantly higher in PA alumni (6.5 ± 1.3, mean ± SD) than in students (6.0 ± 1.3; P < 0.05). Low heterogeneity among PA students and educator exists. Seventy percent of the respondents considers cultural competence important and the majority expressed a need for cultural competence training.

Conclusions
Dutch PA students and alumni have moderate overall cultural competence, but insufficient knowledge and exploring social context. Based on these outcomes the curriculum of the master of science program for physician assistant will be adapted.Emphasis should be made to increase the diversity of PA students to stimulate cross-cultural learning and developing a diverse PA workforce.
The importance of in-country African instructors in International experiential training programs; a qualitative case study from the university of Minnesota
Authors: Nawagi Faith , Raman Aruna 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundFor effective delivery of international experiential training programs, many universities in the global north, have created partnerships with universities in the global south especially in Africa to enhance their capacity and diversity of learning for their students. However, there is hardly any literature that exhibits the importance of African instructors in international experiential learning programs. This study aimed at establishing the importance of African instructors in international experiential learning programs.MethodsThis was a qualitative case study that examined the importance of instructors and experts from Africa in influencing student learning processes and outcomes in the GCC 3003/5003 - Seeking Solutions to Global Health Issues. Semi-structured interviews with (2) students, (2) University of Minnesota lead faculty for the course, and (3) in-country instructors/experts from countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa were conducted. Data was analyzed thematically.ResultsFour themes were identified: (1) Filling gaps in knowledge, (2) Orchestrating partnerships for practical exposure, (3) Improving the quality of training, and (4) orchestrating professional personal growth for students. The African in-country course instructors/experts contributed to student learning by providing a true picture reflection of happenings on the ground.ConclusionThe importance of in-country African instructors’ can be viewed as that aimed at validating students’ ideas to apply to the local settings, streamlining students’ focus, providing a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement to a particular topic, coupled with bringing an in-country context experience in the classroom.
A six-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, dietary trial design to investigate the potential of psychobiotics on seizure semiology and comorbidities in canine epilepsy: study protocol
Authors: Schmidt Teresa , Meller Sebastian , Meyerhoff Nina , Twele Friederike , Zanghi Brian , Volk Holger Andreas 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs. More than two-thirds of these patients suffer from associated behavioural comorbidities. The latter could have their origin in partially overlapping pathomechanisms, with the intestinal microbiome as a potential key link between them. The current arsenal of drugs for epilepsy management remains limited. Most canine patients continue to have seizures despite treatment and the occurrence of comorbidities is not sufficiently addressed, limiting quality of life of affected dogs and owners. Therefore, novel additional epilepsy management options are urgently needed. The microbiome-gut-brain axis may serve as a new target for the development of innovative multimodal therapeutic approaches to overcome current shortcomings in epilepsy management.MethodsA six-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, dietary trial was designed to investigate the potential of the psychobioticBifidobacterium longumon behavioural comorbidities in canine epilepsy. Seizure semiology will be evaluated as a secondary outcome measure. Thirty-four privately owned dogs are planned to be included in the ongoing study meeting the following inclusion criteria: Dogs displaying increased anxiety/fear behaviour since the start of the idiopathic epilepsy. Tier II confidence level of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force for the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, with a maximum seizure interval of 3 month and a minimum of three generalised seizures within that period and chronically treated with at least one antiseizure drug without improvement in seizure frequency Each dog will receive the allocated supplement (probiotic vs. placebo) alongside its normal diet for a 3-month period. After a three-week wash out period, the second phase starts by administering the respective other supplement for another 3 months.DiscussionThe current study considers modern high-quality standards for epilepsy medication trials. Common biasing effects should be limited to a possible minimum (regression-to-the mean effect, placebo effect, observer effect), ensuring a high validity and accuracy of the acquired results, thus enabling a representative nature of the efficacy ofBifidobacterium longumas add-on supplement for dogs suffering from epilepsy and its comorbidities. This publication should provide a description of the study procedure and data acquisition methods, including prognosed statistical analysis.