bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ARFID Parent Training Protocol (“ARFID‐PTP”): Results of a Randomized Pilot Trial Evaluating a Brief, Parent‐Training Program for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Authors: Breiner Courtney E. , Miller McKenzie L. , Hormes Julia M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAccessible treatment options for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in children are limited. The current study sought to assess acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, virtual intervention for ARFID in children (“ARFID‐PTP”).MethodFamilies of children ages 5–12 with ARFID (n = 30) were randomized to immediate or waitlist treatment groups, with both groups ultimately receiving ARFID‐PTP. ARFID‐PTP consists of two, 2‐h individual treatment sessions with an optional booster session at 4‐week follow‐up. Families completed acceptability and feasibility measures at end‐of‐treatment, as well as preliminary efficacy measures at 4‐week, 3‐month, and 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsOf 30 families who completed an intake session, 27 (90%) completed treatment. Families rated acceptability as high (M
CEQ‐C = 7.75). Treatment was feasible by participant retention. Exposure adherence was lower than expected, and booster session requests were higher than expected, indicating that achieving feasibility across measures may require treatment modifications. Regarding preliminary efficacy, children in the immediate treatment group had a decrease in ARFID symptoms compared to those on the waitlist. Overall, at 6‐month follow‐up linear mixed models showed participants had significantly reduced ARFID symptoms by presentation (p < 0.05) and in follow‐up completers, children incorporated eight new foods on average.DiscussionARFID‐PTP is acceptable and preliminarily efficacious. The protocol may benefit from modifications to increase feasibility; however, booster session content and treatment outcomes suggest a priori feasibility markers may not accurately capture the utility of ARFID‐PTP. Further work should continue to examine the efficacy ARFID‐PTP, particularly in diverse samples where treatment accessibility is urgently needed.Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04913194
Using mobile acoustic monitoring and false‐positive N‐mixture models to estimate bat abundance and population trends
Authors: Udell Bradley J. , Straw Bethany Rose , Loeb Susan C. , Irvine Kathryn M. , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Lausen Cori L. , Reichard Jonathan D. , Coleman Jeremy T. H. , Cryan Paul M. , Frick Winifred F. , Reichert Brian E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEstimating the abundance of unmarked animal populations from acoustic data is challenging due to the inability to identify individuals and the need to adjust for observation biases including detectability (false negatives), species misclassification (false positives), and sampling exposure. Acoustic surveys conducted along mobile transects were designed to avoid counting individuals more than once, where raw counts are commonly treated as an index of abundance. More recently, false‐positive abundance models have been developed to estimate abundance while accounting for imperfect detection and misclassification. We adapted these methods to model summertime abundance and trends of three species of bats at multiple spatial scales using acoustic recordings collected along mobile transects by partners of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) from 2012 to 2020. This multiscale modeling spanned individual transect routes, larger NABat grid cells (10 km × 10 km), and across the entire extent of modeled species ranges. We estimated relationships between species abundances and a suite of abiotic and biotic predictors (landcover types, climatological variables, physiographic diversity, building density, and the impacts of white‐nose syndrome [WNS]) and found varying levels of support between species. We present clear evidence of substantial declines in populations of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) and little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), declines that corresponded in space and time with the progression of WNS, a devastating disease of hibernating bats. In contrast, our analysis revealed that similar population‐wide declines probably have not occurred in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), a species known to be less affected by WNS. This study provides the first abundance‐based species distribution predictions and population trends for bats in their summer ranges in North America. These models will probably be applicable to assessing wildlife populations in other monitoring programs where acoustic data are used or where false‐negative and false‐positive detections are present. Finally, our abundance framework (as a spatial point pattern process) can serve as a foundation from which more sophisticated integrated species distribution models that incorporate additional streams of monitoring data (e.g., stationary acoustics, captures) can be developed for North American bats.
A grazing crab drives saltmarsh carbon storage and recovery
Authors: Wittyngham Serina S. , Johnson David Samuel , Chen Yaping , Kirwan Matthew L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractConsumers can directly (e.g., consumption) and indirectly (e.g., trophic cascades) influence carbon cycling in blue carbon ecosystems. Previous work found that large grazers have nuanced effects on carbon stocks, yet, small, bioturbating‐grazers, which remove plant biomass and alter sediment properties, remain an understudied driver of carbon cycling. We used field‐derived and remote sensing data to quantify how the purple marsh crab, Sesarma reticulatum, influenced carbon stocks, flux, and recovery in salt marshes. Sesarma caused a 40%–70% loss in carbon stocks as fronts propagated inland (i.e., ungrazed to recovered transition), with front migration rates accelerating over time. Despite latitudinal differences, front migration rate had no effect on carbon stocks, flux, or time to replacement. When we included Sesarma disturbance in carbon flux calculations, we found it may take 5–100 years for marshes to replace lost carbon, if at all. Combined, we show that small grazers cause a net loss in carbon stocks as they move through the landscape, and irrespective of migration rate, these grazer‐driven impacts persist for decades. This work showcases the significant role of consumers in carbon storage and flux, challenging the classic paradigm of plant–sediment feedbacks as the primary ecogeomorphic driver of carbon cycling in blue carbon ecosystems.
Prevalence of reducing carbohydrate intake and fasted training in elite endurance athletes and association with bone injury
Authors: Raleigh Conor , Madigan Sharon , Sinnott‐O’Connor Ciara , Sale Craig , Norton Catherine , Carson Brian P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThere are conflicting reports both within the lay media and scientific literature regarding the use and benefit of dietary practices that aim to reduce CHO intake in endurance athletes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intentional reduction of CHO intake and fasted training in elite endurance‐based athletes using a semi‐quantitative questionnaire. Bone is a nutritionally modulated tissue; therefore, this study also aimed to explore if these dietary practices are potentially associated with bone injury incidence. The reported reduction of CHO intake was prevalent (28%) with the primary motivation being maintenance or manipulation of body composition. However, discrepancies in athletes' awareness of CHO intake were identified providing a potential avenue of intervention especially within applied practice. The use of fasted training was more prevalent (38%) with athletes using this practice for both body composition manipulation and promoting a desired adaptive response. Forty‐four per cent of participants had suffered a radiographically confirmed bone injury at some point in their career. There was no association between reduction in CHO intake and bone injury incidence; however, the incidence of bone injury was 1.61 times higher in those who currently use fasted training compared to those who have never used it or who have used it in the past. Although a direct causal link between these dietary practices and the incidence of bone injury cannot be drawn, it provides robust justification for future investigations of the potential mechanisms that could explain this finding.
An improved model for the nonlinear simulation of the high‐speed vehicle‐track‐bridge coupling system under seismic shaking
Authors: Lai Zhipeng , Jiang Lizhong , Chen Yuanjun , Wei Biao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWith the continuous development of high‐speed railway (HSR) construction technology, many HSR bridges are close to near‐fault earthquake zones. Due to the short warning time for earthquakes occurring in these areas, the scene of trains running on the HSR bridges under earthquakes will become more and more common. In order to effectively evaluate the train running safety performance on the HSR bridge under earthquakes, an improved model for the nonlinear simulation of the high‐speed vehicle‐track‐bridge (VTB) coupling system under seismic shaking is proposed. The commercial finite element software was utilized for the general modeling of track‐bridge structure, and nonlinear hysteric behaviors of key components were realized by using the local nonlinearity correction method. By adopting the unconditional stable explicit dynamic integration algorithm and an efficient wheel–rail contact model, an explicit dynamic solution framework is established. It can efficiently solve the nonlinear coupled vibration of the VTB system under earthquakes. Finally, based on the improved model developed in this paper, the influence of hysteretic behaviors of bridge bearings on the nonlinear coupling vibration of the VTB system under near‐fault earthquakes is discussed.
Evolution of wetlands in the northern part of the Po Delta: The experience of unmanaged realignments
Authors: Brunetta Riccardo , Ciavola Paolo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIt is increasingly recognised that nature‐based solutions in coastal ecosystems provide significant services compared to hard engineering measures. Several restoration projects are now being conducted worldwide to protect coastlines against flood risk and improve the ecosystems' quality. In the case of river deltas, managed realignment through levee breaching is becoming a recognised strategy for coastal wetland restoration. This study focusses on the formation of new wetlands in the Po River Delta after several natural dyke failures that occurred during the last century, when a large part of the land was abandoned and became wetlands. An historical review was performed to quantify the variation of the marsh extent in time developed after natural levee breaching in the easternmost lagoons of the delta and to understand the processes that determined their evolution. The analyses were based on orthophotos from the 1950s to the present‐day integrated with tidal records, water and sediment discharge records, and GPS survey for vegetation distribution. The review indicated that, between the 1950s and 1980s, anthropisation and natural processes caused a strong decline in marsh extent, thus leading to the recent shape of the lagoons. Several breaches and inlets were developed because of a combination of human intervention and erosive processes, and new tidal systems were born. Three main depositional areas connecting the main river branches were identified in three separated lagoons of the delta. These lagoons presented a ‘crevasse splay’ type of deposition which allowed the development of new tidal flats and, in certain cases, of large freshwater marsh systems within less than 8 years after the breach. The newly formed wetland systems (>100 ha) demonstrate the ability of the Po River Delta to build new wetlands, also during periods of human‐induced sediment starvation and high rates of subsidence, suggesting that further levee breaching should be exploited to favour marsh recovery.
The quality characteristics and microbial communities of three components in traditional split‐fermented red sour soup
Authors: Liu Na , Hu Yue , Wu Mingxia , Qin Likang , Bao Aiming , Qin Weijun , Miao Song 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRed sour soup is a Guizhou specialty condiment made by the natural fermentation of tomatoes and chili. In this study, three components (tomato acid, chili acid, and tomato and chili mixed acid) of split‐fermented red sour soup were explored to compare the quality characteristics and microbial communities in the middle and late fermentation stages. The titratable acidity of mixed acids was lower than that of tomato acid and chili acid in the middle stage, but it was significantly increased in the late stage. The cell viability of lactic acid bacteria was mostly higher than that of yeasts during the whole fermentation. Also significantly increased in the late stage of fermentation were sensory scores and the signal intensity of sour substances. However, the signal intensity of both bitter and salty substances decreased, and the total amount of free amino acids was reduced. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the samples and the dominant microorganisms were different between the two fermentation stages, Lactobacillus and Kazachstania were the key common genus of the different components of split‐fermented red sour soup. It is anticipated that this study would provide us an insight into the quality characteristics and microbial communities of split‐fermented red sour soup.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on care‐quality outcomes in older adults admitted to hospital with altered mental status
Authors: Fluck Adam , Fry Christopher H. , Robin Jonathan , Fluck David , Han Thang S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesDuring the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, patients with altered mental status (AMS: dementia, delirium and delirium superimposed on dementia) were profoundly affected by an abrupt transformation in healthcare systems. Here, we evaluated quality‐care outcomes, including length of stay (LOS), in‐hospital mortality, early readmission and mortality after hospital discharge, in older adults admitted for AMS during the pandemic and compared them to patients admitted prior to the pandemic.MethodsChi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to examine changes to admissions for AMS before and during the pandemic, and their outcomes. Logistic regression analyses, with reference to pre‐pandemic data, were conducted to examine the impact of the pandemic on outcomes.DesignProspective data of 21,192 non‐COVID admissions to an acute general medical department in a Surrey (UK) hospital were collected from patients admitted before (1st April 2019 to 29th February 2020) and during the pandemic (1st March 2020 to 31st March 2021).ResultsThere were 10,173 (47.7% men) from the pre‐pandemic and 11,019 (47.5% men) from the pandemic periods; overall mean age = 68.3yr. During the pandemic AMS patients had significantly higher admission rates (1.1% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). However, median LOS in hospital was shorter (9.0 days [IQR = 5.3–16.2] vs 15.5 days [IQR = 6.2–25.7], P < 0.001) and thus were less likely to stay in hospital >3 weeks: adjusted OR = 0.26 (95%CI = 0.12–0.57). In‐hospital mortality and readmission within 28 days of discharge did not change during the pandemic, but were less likely to die within 30 days of discharge: adjusted OR = 0.32 (95%CI = 0.11–0.96).ConclusionsThis combination of higher admission rate, shorter LOS, and an unchanging early readmission suggests a higher admission‐discharge turnover of different patients with AMS and provides important insights into the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare delivery to individuals with AMS.
Menstrual cycle‐driven hormone concentrations co‐fluctuate with white and gray matter architecture changes across the whole brain
Authors: Rizor Elizabeth J. , Babenko Viktoriya , Dundon Neil M. , Beverly‐Aylwin Renee , Stump Alexandra , Hayes Margaret , Herschenfeld‐Catalan Luna , Jacobs Emily G. , Grafton Scott T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCyclic fluctuations in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG‐axis) hormones exert powerful behavioral, structural, and functional effects through actions on the mammalian central nervous system. Yet, very little is known about how these fluctuations alter the structural nodes and information highways of the human brain. In a study of 30 naturally cycling women, we employed multidimensional diffusion and T1‐weighted imaging during three estimated menstrual cycle phases (menses, ovulation, and mid‐luteal) to investigate whether HPG‐axis hormone concentrations co‐fluctuate with alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, cortical thickness (CT), and brain volume. Across the whole brain, 17β‐estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were directly proportional to diffusion anisotropy (μFA; 17β‐estradiol: β1 = 0.145, highest density interval (HDI) = [0.211, 0.4]; LH: β1 = 0.111, HDI = [0.157, 0.364]), while follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) was directly proportional to CT (β1 = 0 .162, HDI = [0.115, 0.678]). Within several individual regions, FSH and progesterone demonstrated opposing relationships with mean diffusivity (Diso) and CT. These regions mainly reside within the temporal and occipital lobes, with functional implications for the limbic and visual systems. Finally, progesterone was associated with increased tissue (β1 = 0.66, HDI = [0.607, 15.845]) and decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; β1 = −0.749, HDI = [−11.604, −0.903]) volumes, with total brain volume remaining unchanged. These results are the first to report simultaneous brain‐wide changes in human WM microstructure and CT coinciding with menstrual cycle‐driven hormone rhythms. Effects were observed in both classically known HPG‐axis receptor‐dense regions (medial temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex) and in other regions located across frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. Our results suggest that HPG‐axis hormone fluctuations may have significant structural impacts across the entire brain.
Estimating the out‐of‐pocket health expenditure in patients under 5 years with severe malnutrition in Afghanistan in 2023: Findings from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tajik Amirmohammad , Ghavami Vahid , Popal Shakib , Shabanikiya Hamidreza , Varmaghani Mehdi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study, of significant importance to healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and organizations involved in child healthcare and malnutrition in Afghanistan, aimed to estimate the out‐of‐pocket expenditure (OOPE) in patients under 5 years old with severe malnutrition in a children's hospital in Herat Province, Afghanistan.MethodThis study employed a meticulously designed cross‐sectional descriptive‐analytical approach with practical results. The research population consisted of families with malnourished children under 5 who were referred to Herat Children's Hospital. Data was collected using a comprehensive standard World Health Organization questionnaire to gather demographic information from children in Herat. A carefully selected convenience sampling method was used, with 300 referring patients participating in face‐to‐face interviews with the supervisors of these children. After obtaining personal consent and coordinating with health officials, interviews were conducted with the caregivers of children under 5 who suffered from severe malnutrition. The data was then analyzed using robust descriptive statistics, quantitative variables, mean and standard deviation, frequency, and relative frequency. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that most influenced direct payments from patients' pockets, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.ResultsThe results showed that OOPE in both households with seven and less than seven people and more than seven people was 68%. The findings indicated that among the residents of Herat referred to the studied hospital, these people spent 54% of the treatment costs directly out of pocket. In contrast, people in the rural areas of Herat pay 69% of the treatment costs to receive medical services straight out of pocket. The critical point is that 93% of the families have incurred catastrophic expenses to treat their children suffering from severe malnutrition. The research revealed that the patient's location and the education level of the head of the household were the most significant factors affecting out‐of‐pocket payments by patients.ConclusionIncreasing OOPE in rural Afghanistan poses a significant obstacle to equitable healthcare services and access to appropriate medicines. To support the goal of universal healthcare coverage, geographic imbalances, and broad health financing options must be addressed. Strengthening insurance coverage and more government assistance can significantly reduce these patients' out‐of‐pocket payments.
Arterial blood pressure. Part 2: causes and management of hypotension during general anaesthesia in cats and dogs
Authors: Teotino Giulia , Neale Abigail , Auckburally Adam 
Published: July 2024

Background: Hypotension, or low arterial blood pressure (ABP), is a common complication during general anaesthesia, even in otherwise healthy animals. Recognition of the problem and an understanding of why it is occurring is necessary so that appropriate treatment can be implemented. Persistent hypotension may lead to organ injury if left untreated and can contribute to poor patient outcomes.Aim of the article: This article discusses the pathophysiology of hypotension during general anaesthesia and the treatment options available. Part one of this two‐part series, published in last month's In Practice, reviewed the physiology and measurement of ABP.
Taurocholic acid represents an earlier and more sensitive biomarker and promotes cholestatic hepatotoxicity in ANIT‐treated rats
Authors: Yang Hang , Yang Tingting , Ding Jiaxin , Wang Xue , Chen Xi , Liu Jia , Shu Ting , Wu Ziteng , Sun Lixin , Huang Xin , Jiang Zhenzhou , Zhang Luyong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBile acid homeostasis is crucial for the normal physiological functioning of the liver. Disruptions in bile acid profiles are closely linked to the occurrence of cholestatic liver injury. As part of our diagnostic and therapeutic approach, we aimed to investigate the disturbance in bile acid profiles during cholestasis and its correlation with cholestatic liver injury. Before the occurrence of liver injury, alterations in bile acid profiles were detected in both plasma and liver between 8 and 16 h, persisting up to 96 h. TCA, TCDCA, and TUDCA in the plasma, as well as TCA, TUDCA, TCDCA, TDCA, TLCA, and THDCA in the liver, emerged as early sensitive and potential markers for diagnosing ANIT‐induced cholestasis at 8–16 h. The distinguishing features of ANIT‐induced liver injury were as follows: T‐BAs exceeding G‐BAs and serum biochemical indicators surpassing free bile acids. Notably, plasma T‐BAs, particularly TCA, exhibited higher sensitivity to cholestatic hepatotoxicity compared with serum enzyme activity and liver histopathology. Further investigation revealed that TCA exacerbated ANIT‐induced liver injury by elevating liver function enzyme activity, inflammation, and bile duct proliferation and promoting the migration of bile duct epithelial cell. Nevertheless, no morphological changes or alterations in transaminase activity indicative of liver damage were observed in the rats treated with TCA alone. Additionally, there were no changes in bile acid profiles or inflammatory responses under physiological conditions with maintained bile acid homeostasis. In summary, our findings suggest that taurine‐conjugated bile acids in both plasma and liver, particularly TCA, can serve as early and sensitive markers for predicting intrahepatic cholestatic drugs and can act as potent exacerbators of cholestatic liver injury progression. However, exogenous TCA does not induce liver injury under physiological conditions where bile acid homeostasis is maintained.