bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of oxidative stress mechanisms induced by acute nanoplastic exposure in Sepia esculenta larvae
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Yang Jianmin , Li Zan 
Published: August 2023

Nanoplastics (NPs), as a new type of pollutant with a size small than 1 μm, are ubiquitous and harmful to organisms. There has been an increasing amount of research concerning the effects of NPs on organisms over recent years, especially on aquatic animals. However, there is a limited study on the impact of NPs on mollusk cephalopods. In this research, Sepia esculenta, belonging to Cephalopoda, Coleoidea, Sepioidea, was selected to explore the effects caused by NPs exposure. The S. esculenta larvae were exposed to polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) with diameter 50 nm (100 mg/L) for 4 h. The detection of oxidative stress biomarkers displayed an obvious increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity and MDA (malondialdehyde) level. Then, RNA-Seq was performed to explore the oxidative stress response at mRNA level. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the expression of 2,570 genes was affected by PS-NPs. Besides, the signaling pathways of ribosome, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, proteasome, and MAPK were enriched. This study not only provides novel references for understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress response induced by NPs, but also reminds us to follow with interest the influence of acute exposure to NPs.
Elucidating the molecular responses to waterlogging stress in onion (Allium cepa L.) leaf by comparative transcriptome profiling
Authors: Gedam Pranjali A. , Khandagale Kiran , Shirsat Dhananjay , Thangasamy A. , Kulkarni Onkar , Kulkarni Abhijeet , Patil Swaranjali S. , Barvkar Vitthal T. , Mahajan Vijay , Gupta Amar Jeet , Bhagat Kiran P. , Khade Yogesh P. , Singh Major , Gawande Suresh 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWaterlogging is a major stress that severely affects onion cultivation worldwide, and developing stress-tolerant varieties could be a valuable measure for overcoming its adverse effects. Gathering information regarding the molecular mechanisms and gene expression patterns of waterlogging-tolerant and sensitive genotypes is an effective method for improving stress tolerance in onions. To date, the waterlogging tolerance-governing molecular mechanism in onions is unknown.MethodsThis study identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through transcriptome analysis in leaf tissue of two onion genotypes (Acc. 1666; tolerant and W-344; sensitive) presenting contrasting responses to waterlogging stress.ResultsDifferential gene expression analysis revealed that in Acc. 1666, 1629 and 3271 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. In W-344, 2134 and 1909 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, under waterlogging stress. The proteins coded by these DEGs regulate several key biological processes to overcome waterlogging stress such as phytohormone production, antioxidant enzymes, programmed cell death, and energy production. The clusters of orthologous group pathway analysis revealed that DEGs contributed to the post-translational modification, energy production, and carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways under waterlogging stress. The enzyme assay demonstrated higher activity of antioxidant enzymes in Acc. 1666 than in W-344. The differential expression of waterlogging tolerance related genes, such as those related to antioxidant enzymes, phytohormone biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and transcriptional factors, suggested that significant fine reprogramming of gene expression occurs in response to waterlogging stress in onion. A few genes such as ADH, PDC, PEP carboxylase, WRKY22, and Respiratory burst oxidase D were exclusively upregulated in Acc. 1666.DiscussionThe molecular information about DEGs identified in the present study would be valuable for improving stress tolerance and for developing waterlogging tolerant onion varieties.
Repeated mechanical damage enhanced Aquilaria sinensis resistance to Heortia vitessoides through jasmonic acid
Authors: Chen Yingying , Liang Shenghua , Wang Shuyao , Li Baocai , Wang Kun , Zhu Yongjin , Yang Risheng , Hao Xin , Yang Zhuoying , Shen Yingbai , Jiang Rihong , Li Kaixiang 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe leaf-chewing pest Heortia vitessoides severely threatens the growth and development of Aquilaria sinensis. In our previous study, we found that mechanical damage (MD) to stem enhanced A. sinensis sapling resistance to H. vitessoides larvae.MethodsTo reveal the defense mechanisms underlying this observation, we analyzed the types and contents of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phytohormone contents, and expression of phytohormone-related genes in response to MD and herbivory wounding(HW).ResultsHere, we identified several VOCs, such as the pesticides fenobucarb and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, in mature leaf (ML) of MD-treated plants. Compared with salicylic acid (SA) or the ethylene (ET) pathway, jasmonic acid (JA) content and JA-related genes were more strongly upregulated. Interestingly, we found a dramatic difference between JA-related upstream and downstream genes expression in YL and ML, which confirmed that JA-Ile accumulation in MD-ML and HW-ML could be derived from local damaged site.DiscussionTaken together, we provide evidence that the JA pathway plays a dominant role in the A. sinensis response to MD and HW.
The impact of intensive trauma-focused treatment on sexual functioning in individuals with PTSD
Authors: van Woudenberg Clair , Voorendonk Eline M. , Tunissen Bo , van Beek Vince H. F. , Rozendael Linda , Van Minnen Agnes , De Jongh Ad 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIndividuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience sexual disturbances.ObjectiveTo determine whether intensive trauma-focused treatment is associated with an improvement in sexual functioning (i.e., sexual satisfaction and sexual desire) in individuals with PTSD.MethodIn total, 227 patients with PTSD (68.7% women, mean age = 40.97) participated in an intensive eight-day trauma-focused treatment program consisting of prolonged exposure, eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, physical activity, and psychoeducation. Patients were assessed (i.e., Clinician Administered PTSD Scale and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire) pre- and post-treatment and at 6-months follow-up.ResultsSexual satisfaction and sexual desire increased significantly associated with trauma-focused treatment from pre-treatment to 6-months follow-up, albeit the effect sizes were small (Cohen’s d = 0.39 and 0.17, respectively). Although men reported greater overall sexual desire than women, sexual functioning improved after treatment in both men and women. Furthermore, those with remission of PTSD reported greater sexual functioning post-treatment and at 6-months follow-up, than those without remission. However, changes in PTSD symptoms associated with treatment were not predictive of the level of sexual satisfaction or sexual desire 6 months after treatment.ConclusionThe results of this uncontrolled study suggest that intensive treatment for PTSD can have beneficial effects on sexual satisfaction and desire in both men and women; however, this may not necessarily be due to a decrease in PTSD symptoms.
Vulnerability or resilience? Examining trust asymmetry from the perspective of risk sources under descriptive versus experiential decision
Authors: Zhu Jingyuan , Yao Yingying , Jiang Shan 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe investigation of trust vulnerability is important to the understanding of the potential mechanisms of trust formation and erosion. However, more effective exploration of trust vulnerability has been hindered due to the lack of consideration of risk sources and types of information.MethodsThis study extended the investigation of asymmetry to both social and natural risk under experiential and descriptive decisions. Using the trust game as the decision-making paradigm and money as the subject matter, the research employed experimental methods to examine how people perceive and make decisions after being positively and negatively affected by natural and social risks. A total of 286 college students were participated in our study. Study 1 (n = 138) and Study 2 (n = 148) explored asymmetry in experiential and descriptive decision separately.ResultsThe findings indicated that when considering experiential information, negative information had a greater effect in reducing trust compared to the enhancing effect of positive information (t = −1.95, p = 0.050). Moreover, the study revealed that negative information had a stronger negative impact in the context of social risks rather than natural risks (t = −3.26, p = 0.002), suggesting that trust is vulnerable both internally and externally. Conversely, when considering descriptive information, the effect of both positive and negative information on trust was symmetrical, and the impact of negative information was less significant compared to that of natural risks, indicating that trust has a certain level of resilience (t = 2.25, p = 0.028).DiscussionThe study emphasizes the importance of refining risk sources and information characteristics in complex scenarios in order to improve understanding of trust enhancement and repair.
Beyond adaptive cruise control and lane centering control: drivers’ mental model of and trust in emerging ADAS technologies
Authors: Huang Chunxi , He Dengbo , Wen Xiao , Yan Song 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe potential safety benefits of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) highly rely on drivers’ appropriate mental models of and trust in ADAS. Current research mainly focused on drivers’ mental model of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering control (LCC), but rarely investigated drivers’ understanding of emerging driving automation functions beyond ACC and LCC.MethodsTo address this research gap, 287 valid responses from ADAS users in the Chinese market, were collected in a survey study targeted toward state-of-the-art ADAS (e.g., autopilot in Tesla). Through cluster analysis, drivers were clustered into four groups based on their knowledge of traditional ACC and LCC functions, knowledge of functions beyond ACC and LCC, and knowledge of ADAS limitations. Predictors of driver grouping were analyzed, and we further modeled drivers’ trust in ADAS.ResultsDrivers in general had weak knowledge of LCC functions and functions beyond ACC and LCC, and only 27 (9%) of respondents had a relatively strong mental model of ACC and LCC. At the same time, years of licensure, weekly driving distance, ADAS familiarity, driving style (i.e., planning), and personability (i.e., agreeableness) were associated with drivers’ mental model of ADAS. Further, it was found that the mental model of ADAS, vehicle brand, and drivers’ age, ADAS experience, driving style (i.e., focus), and personality (i.e., emotional stability) were significant predictors of drivers’ trust in ADAS.DiscussionThese findings provide valuable insights for the design of driver education and training programs to improve driving safety with ADAS.
The cognitive effects of adjunctive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for late-onset depression: a randomized controlled trial with 4 week follow-up
Authors: Pan Wei-gang , Hu Xiao-yue , Zhu Dan-di , Li Li , Bao Feng , Ren Li , Mao Pei-xian , Ma Xin , Ren Yan-ping , Tang Yi-lang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesCognitive impairment is common and linked to poor outcomes in patients with late-onset depression (LOD). The cognitive effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for LOD are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of rTMS on cognitive function in elderly patients with LOD.MethodsIn total, 58 elderly patients (aged 60 to 75 years) with depression were enrolled and randomly assigned to an active rTMS group or a sham group. The participants received active or sham rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, at a frequency of 10 Hz rTMS and 120% of the motor threshold (MT). Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) at baseline, the end of the 4 week treatment period, and at the 4 week follow-up.ResultsThe active rTMS group showed significant improvements in immediate memory and attention scores on the RBANS compared to the sham group. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in other cognitive domains assessed by the RBANS. No serious adverse events related to rTMS treatment were observed.ConclusionTreatment with 120% MT rTMS was associated with improvement in cognitive defects related to the active phase of LOD. These findings suggest that rTMS could provide early improvements in cognitive function in clinical settings for elderly patients with LOD.Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=40698, identifier ChiCTR1900024445.
Preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion of colorectal cancer by radiomics based on 18F-FDG PET-CT and clinical factors
Authors: Yang Yan , Wei Huanhuan , Fu Fangfang , Wei Wei , Wu Yaping , Bai Yan , Li Qing , Wang Meiyun 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the value of a clinical radiomics model based on Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) radiomics features combined with clinical predictors of Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in predicting preoperative LVI in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsA total of 95 CRC patients who underwent preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-CT examination were retrospectively enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyse clinical factors and PET metabolic data in the LVI-positive and LVI-negative groups to identify independent predictors of LVI. We constructed four prediction models based on radiomics features and clinical data to predict LVI status. The predictive efficacy of different models was evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic curve. Then, the nomogram of the best model was constructed, and its performance was evaluated using calibration and clinical decision curves.ResultsMean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), maximum tumour diameter and lymph node metastasis were independent predictors of LVI in CRC patients (P &lt; 0.05). The clinical radiomics model obtained the best prediction performance, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.922 (95%CI 0.820–0.977) and 0.918 (95%CI 0.782–0.982) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. A nomogram based on the clinical radiomics model was constructed, and the calibration curve fitted well (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe clinical radiomics prediction model constructed in this study has high value in the preoperative individualized prediction of LVI in CRC patients.
Achieving global surgical excellence: an evidence-based framework to guide surgical quality improvement programs in low and middle income countries
Authors: Henry Jaymie Claire , Wong Lye-Yeng , Reyes Ana M. , Jin James Z. , Ferguson Mark K. , Yip Cheng Har , Hill Andrew 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesThere is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for enhancing global surgical care delivery. We propose a set of recommendations to serve as a framework to guide surgical quality improvement and scale-up initiatives in low and middle income countries (LMICs).MethodsFrom January-December 2019, we reviewed the available literature and their application toward LMIC settings. The first initiative was the establishment of Best Practices Recommendations intended to summarize best-level evidence around quality improvement processes that have shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in LMICs. The GRADE level of evidence and strength of the recommendation were assigned in accordance with the WHO handbook for guidelines development. The second initiative was the scale-up of principles and practices by establishing international expert consensus on the optimal organization of surgical services in LMICs using a modified Delphi methodology.ResultsRecommendations for three topic areas were established: reducing surgical site infections, improving quality of trauma systems, and interventions to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. 27 studies were included in a quantitative synthesis and meta-analysis for interventions reducing surgical site infections, 27 studies for interventions improving the quality of trauma systems, and 14 studies for interventions reducing maternal and perinatal mortality. Using Delphi methodology, an international expert panel established consensus that district hospitals should place the highest priority on developing surgical services for low complexity, high volume conditions. At the national level, emergency and essential surgical care should be integrated within national Universal Health Coverage frameworks.ConclusionsThis project fills a critical cap in the rapidly developing field of global surgery: gathering evidence-based, practical, and cost-effective solutions that will serve as a guide for the efficient planning and allocation of resources necessary to promote quality and safe essential surgical services in LMICs.
Device-based physical activity measures for population surveillance—issues of selection bias and reactivity
Authors: Christiansen Lars Breum , Koch Sofie , Bauman Adrian , Toftager Mette , Bjørk Petersen Christina , Schipperijn Jasper 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundDevice-based measurement in physical activity surveillance is increasing, but research design choices could increase the risk of self-selection bias and reactive behaviour. The aim of this study is to compare the self-reported physical activity profiles of four different samples: participants in a large national survey, participants in a telephone-based survey of non-responders, participants in the large national survey who accepted the invitation to device-based measuring, and the same sample during the week of monitoring.MethodsIn October 2020, 163,133 Danish adults participated in a national survey and of those 39,480 signed up for device-based measurements. A balanced random sample (n = 3,750) was invited to wear an accelerometer of whom 1,525 accepted the invitation. Additionally, a short telephone-based survey on 829 non-responders to the national survey was conducted. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported weekly frequencies of physical activity across four domains are compared.ResultsThe participants in the national survey were older, more often female, and more often not working. Participants in the telephone-based survey were younger, more often doing unskilled work, and were more often active at home and at work. The participants in the device-based sample were more often active during transport and leisure in the national survey, and participants categorized in the most active category increased during the week of monitoring from 29.0% to 60.7% and from 58.5% to 81.7% for active transport and leisure activities, respectively.ConclusionRecruiting a population representative sample for device-based measurement of physical activity is challenging, and there is a substantial risk of sample selection bias and measurement reactivity. Further research in this area is needed if device-based measures should be considered for population physical activity surveillance.
Characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes of injuries involving the tarsus in greyhounds
Authors: Biggo Morgan R. , Jones Stephen C. , Wanstrath Audrey W. , Tinga Selena , Dyce Jonathan , Carson Brittney A. , Schaul Kelsey , Follette Christelle M. , Kieves Nina R. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe first objective of this study was to describe the type of tarsal injuries sustained, surgery performed, and postoperative complications in greyhounds presenting to a single veterinary hospital. An additional objective of the study was to determine the surgical site infection (SSI) and explantation rate, and if any variables were associated with an increased risk of SSI and/or explantation.Animals116 greyhounds receiving surgical intervention for a tarsal injury.ProceuresMedical records from a single veterinary referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Data retrieved included signalment, details regarding the injury, surgical intervention, concurrent castration, surgical/anesthesia times, postoperative management, time to healing, and postoperative complications. In cases that underwent explantation, cause, time from initial surgery, and risk factors were evaluated.ResultsThe most frequently diagnosed tarsal injuries were fracture of the central tarsal bone (CTB; 57.8%), calcaneal fracture (56.9%) and proximal intertarsal subluxation (34.5%). The most common injury combination was a CTB fracture with a calcaneal fracture (31.9%). In total 115 (99.1%) survived to discharge. Of these, 46 (40.0%) were diagnosed with an SSI and 59 (51.3%) underwent explantation. The most common indication for explantation was SSI. Concurrent medial and lateral surgical approaches was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of SSI and explantation.Clinical relevancePractitioners performing surgical intervention for tarsal injuries in greyhounds should be aware of the high SSI rate and likelihood that explantation will be required. This risk is elevated for injuries requiring a bilateral surgical approach.
Vacuum Insulation Panel: Evaluation of Declared Thermal Conductivity Value and Implications for Building Energy
Authors: Boafo Fred Edmond , Kim Jin-Hee , Ahn Jong-Gwon , Kim Sang-Myung , Kim Jun-Tae 
Published: August 2023

Policymakers regularly implement stricter building energy-efficiency codes towards curtailing building energy use. Inevitably, super-insulating materials such as Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) are essential to satisfy such codes. VIPs have been applied to buildings for over two decades now, with many lessons learned. Generally, the thermal conductivity values of VIPs often reported in the literature are the center-of-panel thermal conductivity (λcop) and effective thermal conductivity (λeff), factoring thermal bridges. However, there are other indexes, such as λ90/90 (declared value in the 90% percentile with a confidence of 90%) and λcop,90/90,aged (factoring aging), that increase consistently and reliably in the declared thermal conductivity value for VIPs. These indexes are scarcely computed and hardly reported. The main aim of this study was to examine the different declared thermal conductivity values of VIP-based guidelines, such as draft ISO DIS 16478, and evaluate their implications on annual building energy consumption. The main study constitutes four parts: (1) experimental evaluation of the thermal properties of pristine and aged VIP samples, (2) computation of thermal conductivity indexes, (3) numerical investigation of thermal conductivity indexes based on a reference building, and (4) related building energy implications. The mean λcop for 10 VIP samples was 0.0042 W/(mK) and increased to 0.0073 W/(mK) for λ90/90, bridge, aged. Results show a significant bearing on building energy performance of as much as 2.1 GJ.