bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on well-being and mental health of elementary school children: Results from a randomized cluster trial
Authors: Malboeuf-Hurtubise Catherine , Taylor Geneviève , Lambert Danika , Paradis Pierre-Olivier , Léger-Goodes Terra , Mageau Geneviève A. , Labbé Gabrielle , Smith Jonathan , Joussemet Mireille 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Prevention programs for children such as mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are often implemented in schools to prevent psychological disorders from emerging and contribute to children’ mental health.
Aim: This study used a randomized cluster design and assessed the impact of a MBI on well-being and mental health of elementary school children’s.
Method: 13 elementary school classrooms were randomly allocated to the experimental condition (7 classrooms, n = 127 students) or the waitlist control condition (6 classrooms, n = 104 students). Participants in the experimental condition received a 10-week MBI.
Results: Regression analyses revealed significant differences between conditions for inattention. Participants in the MBI condition reported no changes in pre- to post-intervention scores, whereas participants from the control conditionreported increases in scores. Results also showed significant differences in competence scores. Participants in the MBI condition reported a non-significant decrease in competence scores, whereas participants in the control condition reported significantly higher competence scores from pre- to post-intervention.
Discussion: Results do not indicate that the MBI had a significant impact on children’s well-being and mental health. This suggests MBIs may not have an added value when compared to other preventive interventions geared towards well-being and mental health promotion in school settings.
A parasitic leiomyoma of the greater omentum disguised as an abdominal tumor：a case report and literature review
Authors: Xie Jiping , Li Wu , Zhu Guang , Liu Yanbo , Jin Linxi , Chen Linlin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Parasitic leiomyoma (PL) is an exceedingly rare type of leiomyoma characterized by the distribution of multiple nodules across various organ surfaces within the pelvic and abdominal cavities, mimicking malignant tumor implants. PLs originating from the greater omentum are notably rare, with few cases reported thus far. Their nonspecific clinical presentations, such as abdominal distension, ascites, and urinary difficulties, often lead to their misidentification as abdominal malignancies. The considerable mobility of the greater omentum facilitates PL torsion, potentially causing ischemic necrosis of the tumor mass and presenting as acute abdomen, which complicates diagnosis further. Clinicians should consider the possibility of PLs of the greater omentum in patients with a history of uterine fibroids or prior fibroid surgeries. This review highlights a case of a patient who experienced sudden onset abdominal pain eight years after undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Intraoperative findings confirmed torsion and necrosis of a PL on the greater omentum, leading to the surgical removal being deemed the most suitable treatment method.
Faricimab maintains substance integrity and sterility after compounding and storage in two different polypropylene syringe types
Authors: Taschauer Alexander , Sedivy Arthur , Egger Daniel , Angermann Reinhard , Sami Haider , Wunder Claudia , Waldstein Sebastian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Compounding and storage of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in syringes is commonly performed in an off-label manner. However, preservation of compound integrity and microbiological safety must be guaranteed. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical and physical stability, sterility, and binding affinity to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) of faricimab, a novel bispecific anti-VEGF/Ang-2 biologic, after compounding and storage in two different polypropylene syringe types for up to 28 days.
Methods:
Faricimab was compounded into silicone oil-free and silicone oil-containing polypropylene syringes under controlled aseptic clean room conditions and stored under light protection at 2°C to 8°C for up to 28 days. Compound integrity was analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, nano differential scanning fluorimetry, UV-Vis and dynamic light scattering. The analysis of the simultaneous binding of VEGF and Ang-2 was performed by grating-coupled interferometry. Additionally, samples were tested for sterility and presence of bacterial endotoxins. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze statistical significance (p ≤0.05).
Results:
No significant differences in VEGF and ANG-2 binding affinity were found in faricimab samples stored in either syringe type after 28 days compared to control. Chemical and physical stability testing revealed no statistically significant variation. Furthermore, sterility and the absence of bacterial endotoxins could be maintained.
Conclusion:
Our findings confirm the pharmaceutical safety of compounded faricimab after storage for up to 28 days. This may facilitate a cost effective off-label use of faricimab in clinical practice while maintaining safety in the treatment of patients.
Insecticidal and repellent activity of essential oils from Copaifera reticulata, Citrus paradisi, Lavandula hybrida and Salvia sclarea against immature and adult stages of Ctenocephalides felis felis
Authors: Lima Emily Andressa Santos , Campos Diefrey Ribeiro , Soares Eduardo Fellipe Melo Santos , Fortunato Anna Beatriz Ribeiro , Silva Taynara Monsores e , Pereira Nayana de Figueiredo , Chaves Douglas Siqueira de Almeida , Cid Yara Peluso , Coumendouros Katherina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose

The flea Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), parasitizes dogs and cats globally, acting as a vector for various pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Growing interest in environmentally friendly, plant-based products prompted this study. The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from Copaifera reticulata, Citrus paradisi, Lavandula hybrida and Salvia sclarea, assessing their insecticidal and repellent properties, determining lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90), and evaluating residual efficacy in vitro against Ctenocephalides felis felis.

Methods

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector analyzed EO composition. In vitro tests involved preparing EO solutions at various concentrations. Ten specimens from each life stage (egg, larva, pupa, adult) were used for insecticidal activity assessment. For immature stages, Petri dishes were used. Mortality percentage was calculated using (number of dead insects X 100) / number of incubated insects. Probit analysis calculated LC50 values with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Major EO constituents were β-caryophyllene (EOCR), linalool (EOLH), linalyl acetate (EOSS), and limonene (EOCP). LC50 values were obtained for all stages except for the essential oil of C. paradisi. All oils showed repellent activity at 800 μg/cm2. OECR exhibited greater residual efficacy.

Conclusion

Each EO demonstrated superior insecticidal activity against specific C. felis felis stages.
Breast Milk Bacteria: The Key to Regulating Defecation Frequency Changes in Infants
Authors: Huang Yongkun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Kai , Chen Yan , Xie Zhen-Rong , Li Meng , Xiong Jingjing , Li Zhanhua , Xie Yunfei , Xiong Zhaoxia , Liu Mei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Breastfeeding can significantly impact the establishment of the infant's intestinal microbiota. In this study, we hypothesized that maternal breast milk bacteria were associated with variations in defecation frequency in infants aged 1 to 6 months who were exclusively breastfed, and we sought to identify potential breast milk microbiota diagnostic markers. 102 exclusively breastfed infants aged at 1 to 6 months were enrolled in the study. Then, we collected their mothers' breast milk as samples for 16S rRNA sequencing evaluation of microbiotas. The results revealed a clear distinction between the three groups regarding microbiota structures and compositions. Changes were observed in the various species and genera, and the breast milk microbiota features Hydrogenobacteria, Serratia, and Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium were confirmed as potential biomarkers for regulating the change in neonate defecation frequency. This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the frequency of defecation in exclusively breastfed infants and the microbiota in their mothers' milk. It was discovered that the human breast milk microbiota may play a significant metabolic role in amino acids and oligosaccharides during its colonization in infants' intestines, which influences their defecation frequency. Our research provides new evidence and hypotheses regarding the association between infant defecation frequency and breast milk microbiome.
Trial Registration
This trial was registered on 22/12/2023 at www.chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR2300078973.
Blocking the TRAIL-DR5 pathway reduces cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and neutrophil extracellular traps formation
Authors: Wang Xuance , Xie Ran , Zhao Dan , Wang Guiling , Zhang Lijie , Shi Wei , Chen Yanyan , Mo Tingting , Du Yuxin , Tian Xuefei , Wang Wanjun , Cao Run , Ma Yuanfang , Wei Yinxiang , Wang Yaohui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality. Neutrophils penetrate injured heart tissue during AMI or ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and produce inflammatory factors, chemokines, and extracellular traps that exacerbate heart injury. Inhibition of the TRAIL-DR5 pathway has been demonstrated to alleviate cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in a leukocyte-dependent manner. However, it remains unknown whether TRAIL-DR5 signaling is involved in regulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release.
Methods This study used various models to examine the effects of activating the TRAIL-DR5 pathway with soluble mouse TRAIL protein and inhibiting the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway using DR5 knockout mice or mDR5-Fc fusion protein on NETs formation and cardiac injury. The models used included a co-culture model involving bone marrow-derived neutrophils and primary cardiomyocytes and a model of myocardial I/R in mice.
Results NETs formation is suppressed by TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway inhibition, which can lessen cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. This intervention reduces adhesion molecules and chemokines releasing, resulting in decreased neutrophil infiltration and inhibiting NETs production by downregulating PAD4 in neutrophils.
Conclusion This work clarifies how the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway regulates the neutrophil response during myocardial I/R damage, thereby providing a scientific basis for therapeutic intervention targeting the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway in myocardial infarction.
The impact of buckwheat and paulownia (Paulownia elongata x P. fortunei) intercropping on beekeeping value and buckwheat yield
Authors: Chorbiński Paweł , Liszewski Marek , Bąbalewski Przemysław , Jama-Rodzeńska Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Increasing crop diversity is a way for agriculture to transition towards a more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly system. Growing buckwheat intercropped with paulownia can contribute not only to mitigating climate change but can also enrich the environment with species of agricultural importance, without causing a decline in pollinators, since buckwheat is pollinated mainly by the honeybee. Buckwheat is a significant forage crop in some areas. In a field experiment comparing growing buckwheat with paulownia against a monoculture crop, we investigated differences in flower visitation and beekeeping value, as well as the associated impact on crop yields. We analysed the effect of intercropping on the beekeeping value of buckwheat in terms of bee population size and the sugar mass in buckwheat flowers, nectar mass in buckwheat flowers, the quality of the delivered raw sugar and biometric characteristics. We found significant differences in the number of branches on the main shoot and the total number of branches. Significantly higher parameters were obtained in sites with buckwheat monoculture. We recorded more flowers per plant per observation day and more flowers in million flowers per hectare per observation day in the intercropping of buckwheat with paulownia. Based on our experiment, we concluded that growing buckwheat in monoculture significantly increased the number of flowers, resulting in an increase in pollinator density and an increased number of pollinators per unit area.
Estimating Thresholds of Natural Vegetation for the Protection of Water Quality in South African Catchments
Authors: Locke Kent Anson , Winter Kevin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Many of South Africa’s current water quality problems have been attributed to diffuse pollution derived from poorly regulated land use/land cover (LULC) transformations. To mitigate these impacts, the preservation of an adequate amount of natural vegetation within catchment areas is an important management strategy. However, it is not clear how much natural vegetation cover is required to provide adequate levels of protection, nor at which scale(s) this strategy would be most effective. To investigate the possibility of estimating minimum thresholds of natural vegetation required to protect water resources, regression analysis was used to model relationships between water quality (measured using Nemerow’s Pollution Index) and metrics of natural vegetation at multiple scales across a sample of sub-catchments located along the western, southern, and south-eastern coast of South Africa. With conspicuous outliers removed, the models were able to explain up to 82% of the variability in the relationship between land use and water quality. Moreover, a statistically significant, nonlinear, and inverse relationship was found between proportions of natural vegetation cover and pollution levels. This relationship was strongest when measured (1) across the whole catchment and (2) within a 200 m riparian buffer zone. The models further indicated that approximately 80 to 90% natural vegetation cover was necessary at these scales to maintain water quality at ecologically acceptable levels. Additional nonlinear thresholds estimated using breakpoint analysis suggested that if proportions of natural vegetation fall below 45% (across the whole catchment) and 60% (within a 200 m riparian buffer zone) a dramatic increase in pollution levels can be expected. The estimated thresholds are recommended as guidelines that can be used to inform integrated land and water resources management strategies aimed at protecting water quality in the study area. Likewise, the methods described are recommended for the estimation of similar thresholds in other regions.
Risk factors for early mortality in Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia and the effect of the bacterial virulence
Authors: Ham Sin Young , Chun June Young , Song Kyoung-Ho , Kang Chang Kyung , Park Jeong Su , Jo Hee Bum , Ryu Choong-Min , Choi Yunsang , Choi Seong Jin , Lee Eunyoung , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Moon Song Mi , Park Wan Beom , Bang Jihwan , Park Sang-Won , Park Kyoung Un , Kim Nam Joong , Oh Myoung-don , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) has emerged as a major pathogen in vulnerable and severely ill patients. It remains unclear whether early mortality (EM) due to AB bacteremia is because of worse clinical characteristics of the infected patients or the virulence of the pathogen. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of AB virulence on EM due to bacteremia. This retrospective study included 138 patients with AB bacteremia (age: ≥18 years) who were admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in South Korea between 2015 and 2019. EM was defined as death occurring within 7 days of bacteremia onset. The AB clinical isolates obtained from the patients’ blood cultures were injected into 15 Galleria mellonella larvae each, which were incubated for 5 days. Clinical isolates were classified into high- and low-virulence groups based on the number of dead larvae. Patients’ clinical data were combined and subjected to multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the risk factors for EM. In total, 48/138 (34.8%) patients died within 7 days of bacteremia onset. The Pitt bacteremia score was the only risk factor associated with EM. In conclusion, AB virulence had no independent effect on EM in patients with AB bacteremia.
Relationships between population size and fitness in four common and four rare alpine plant species
Authors: Inniger Hannah , Prati Daniel , Fischer Markus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Due to habitat fragmentation and climate change, many plant populations become smaller and more isolated and thus more prone to local extinction. Whereas it is well established for lowland species that plants of small populations have lower individual fitness, alpine species have not been sufficiently studied in this respect. It is also not clear whether relationships between population size and fitness vary between naturally rare and common species. We assessed how population size and rarity affect seed set, seed mass, seed number, total seed mass per fruit, germination, time to germination, offspring survival and offspring size in four congeneric alpine plant species pairs (Androsace chamaejasme Wulfen, A. puberula Jord. & Fourr., Primulaceae; Gentiana acaulis L., G. alpina Vill., Gentianaceae; Potentilla crantzii (Crantz) Fritsch, P. nivea L., Rosaceae; Viola calcarata L., V. lutea Huds., Violaceae). Across all eight species, plants from smaller populations produced fewer seeds and had lower total seed mass per fruit than plants from larger populations. This demonstrates that population size also affects fitness in alpine species. Rare species did not have lower individual fitness than common species. Therefore, naturally rare species might be well adapted to their environment. Relationships between population size and fitness were equally pronounced in rare and common species. We conclude that plant fitness is reduced in small populations in alpine species, also in common species.
Association of cognitive impairment with postoperative mortality risk in patients with geriatric hip fractures.
Authors: Jianrong Qian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the association between cognitive impairment and postoperative mortality risk in patients with geriatric hip fractures.
Methods From Jan 2018 to Dec 2019, 109 older patients with hip fractures were retrospectively enrolled from the Department of Orthopedics of Beijing Fengtai Hospital. Based on their cognitive function, all patients were categorized into cognitive impairment and normal groups. Postoperative mortality risk was regarded as the primary outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and survival curves were generated to explore the effect of cognitive impairment. The results A total of 103 patients were followed up with a mean follow-up time of 33 months. Twenty-seven patients (22 females, mean age 84.59 ± 6.68 years) were in the cognitive impairment group, while 76 patients (51 females, mean age 79.89 ± 7.83 years) were in the normal group. The cognitive impairment group had a significantly greater mortality rate than the normal group did (21 (77.8%) vs. 24 (31.6%), P<0.001). A significant association between cognitive impairment and mortality risk still remained even after adjustments for potential covariates (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.28~4.88, P=0.007).
Conclusion Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with postoperative mortality risk in patients with geriatric hip fractures. Cognitive impairment may be an independent risk factor for death after hip fracture.
Development of Quality Indicators for Hypertension Management at the Primary Health Care Level in South Africa
Authors: Rampamba Enos , Meyer Johanna , Godman Brian , Ndwamato Ntodeni , Campbell Stephen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Despite many quality initiatives at the primary health care (PHC) level, little is known about the actual quality of care of patients diagnosed with hypertension in South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop quality indicators for hypertension management at the PHC level to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. A 2-round RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used to develop clear, appropriate, and feasible evidence-based quality indicators for hypertension. In round one, a 9-point scale was used by an 11-member panel to rate clarity and appropriateness of 102 hypertension quality indicator statements grouped under 9 dimensions of quality hypertension management, using an online MS Excel® spreadsheet. In round two, 9 of the same panellists discussed all indicators and rated their appropriateness and feasibility during a remote online, interactive face-to-face MS Teams® meeting. Statements rated ≥7-9 with agreement were defined as either appropriate or feasible. The panel rated 46 hypertension quality indicator statements ≥7-9 with agreement for the appropriate andfeasible measurement of the management of hypertension: monitoring (n=16), review (n=5), lifestyle advice (n=9), tests (n=7), intermediate outcomes (n=6), referrals (n=2) and practice/facility structures (n=1). No indicator statements were rated both appropriate and feasible for measuring blood pressure levels and treatment. If applied, these indicators would improve monitoring and management of patients with hypertension, patient outcomes, data quality and result in a more efficient use of scarce resources. This study can be replicable for improving care of other non-communicable diseases in South Africa and Africa.
Fully human single-domain antibody targeting a highly conserved cryptic epitope on the Nipah virus G protein
Authors: Ying Tianlei , Wang Yulu , Sun Yifang , Shen Zhaoling , Wang Cong , Qian Jun , Mao Qiyu , Wang Yajie , Song Wenping , Kong Yu , Zhan Changyou , Chen Zhenguo , Dimitrov Dimiter , Yang Zhenlin , Jiang Shibo , Wu Fan , Lu Lu , Sun Lei , Wu Yanling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nipah virus infection, one of the top priority diseases recognized by the World Health Organization, underscores the urgent need to develop effective countermeasures against potential epidemics and pandemics. Here, we identified a fully human single-domain antibody that targets a highly conserved cryptic epitope situated at the dimeric interface of the Nipah virus G protein (receptor binding protein, RBP), as elucidated through structures by high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This unique binding mode disrupts the tetramerization of the G protein stalk domain, consequently obstructing the activation of the F protein and inhibiting viral membrane fusion. Furthermore, our investigations revealed that this compact antibody displays enhanced permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and demonstrates superior efficacy in eliminating pseudovirus within the brain in a murine model of Nipah virus infection, particularly compared to the well-characterized antibody m102.4 in an IgG1 format. Consequently, this single-domain antibody holds promise as a therapeutic candidate to prevent Nipah virus infections and has potential implications for vaccine development.