bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure among four shelterbelt species in the northeast China plain
Authors: Yang Jia , Ding Dang , Zhang Xiuru , Gu Huiyan 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Conducting studies that focus on the alterations occurring in the soil microbiome within protection forests in the northeast plain is of utmost importance in evaluating the ecological rehabilitation of agricultural lands in the Mollisols region. Nevertheless, the presence of geographic factors contributes to substantial disparities in the microbiomes, and thus, addressing this aspect of influence becomes pivotal in ensuring the credibility of the collected data. Consequently, the objective is to compare the variations in soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure within the understory of diverse shelterbelt species. In this study, we analyzed the understory soils of
Juglans mandshurica
(Jm),
Fraxinus mandschurica
(Fm),
Acer mono
(Am), and
Betula platyphylla
(Bp) from the same locality. We employed high-throughput sequencing technology and soil physicochemical data to investigate the impact of these different tree species on soil microbial communities, chemical properties, and enzyme activities in Mollisols areas. Significant variations in soil nutrients and enzyme activities were observed among tree species, with soil organic matter content ranging from 49.1 to 67.7 g/kg and cellulase content ranging from 5.3 to 524.0 μg/d/g. The impact of tree species on microbial diversities was found to be more pronounced in the bacterial community (Adnoism: R = 0.605) compared to the fungal community (Adnoism:
R
= 0.433). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed a total of 5 (Jm), 3 (Bp), and 6 (Am) bacterial biomarkers, as well as 2 (Jm), 6 (Fm), 4 (Bp), and 1 (Am) fungal biomarker at the genus level (LDA3). The presence of various tree species was observed to significantly alter the relative abundance of specific microbial community structures, specifically in Gammaproteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, environmental factors, such as pH, total potassium, and available phosphorus were important factors influencing changes in bacterial communities. We propose that Fm be utilized as the primary tree species for establishing farmland protection forests in the northeastern region, owing to its superior impact on enhancing soil quality.

IMPORTANCE
The focal point of this study lies in the implementation of a controlled experiment conducted under field conditions. In this experiment, we deliberately selected four shelterbelts within the same field, characterized by identical planting density, and planting year. This deliberate selection effectively mitigated the potential impact of extraneous factors on the three microbiomes, thereby enhancing the reliability and validity of our findings.
Bisbenzimide compounds inhibit the replication of prototype and pandemic potential poxviruses
Authors: Samolej Jerzy , Mendonca Diogo Correa , Upfold Nicole , McElwee Marion , Landsberger Mariann , Yakimovich Artur , Patel Arvind H. , Strang Blair L. , Mercer Jason 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

We previously identified the bisbenzimide Hoechst 33342 (H42) as a potent multi-stage inhibitor of the prototypic poxvirus, the vaccinia virus (VACV), and several parapoxviruses. A recent report showed that novel bisbenzimide compounds similar in structure to H42 could prevent human cytomegalovirus replication. Here, we assessed whether these compounds could also serve as poxvirus inhibitors. Using virological assays, we show that these bisbenzimide compounds inhibit VACV spread, plaque formation, and the production of infectious progeny VACV with relatively low cell toxicity. Further analysis of the VACV lifecycle indicated that the effective bisbenzimide compounds had little impact on VACV early gene expression but inhibited VACV late gene expression and truncated the formation of VACV replication sites. Additionally, we found that bisbenzimide compounds, including H42, can inhibit both monkeypox and a VACV mutant resistant to the widely used anti-poxvirus drug TPOXX (Tecovirimat). Therefore, the tested bisbenzimide compounds were inhibitors of both prototypic and pandemic potential poxviruses and could be developed for use in situations where anti-poxvirus drug resistance may occur. Additionally, these data suggest that bisbenzimide compounds may serve as broad-activity antiviral compounds, targeting diverse DNA viruses such as poxviruses and betaherpesviruses.

IMPORTANCE
The 2022 mpox (monkeypox) outbreak served as a stark reminder that due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination over 40 years ago, most of the human population remains susceptible to poxvirus infection. With only two antivirals approved for the treatment of smallpox infection in humans, the need for additional anti-poxvirus compounds is evident. Having shown that the bisbenzimide H33342 is a potent inhibitor of poxvirus gene expression and DNA replication, here we extend these findings to include a set of novel bisbenzimide compounds that show anti-viral activity against mpox and a drug-resistant prototype poxvirus mutant. These results suggest that further development of bisbenzimides for the treatment of pandemic potential poxviruses is warranted.
High-fat diet disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, damage to tight junctions, and apoptosis and necrosis in Nyctereutes procyonoides intestines
Authors: Wei Chengwei , Xu Tianchao , Geng Yuan , Yang Jie , Lv Hongli , Guo Meng-yao 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Given the burgeoning Nyctereutes procyonoides breeding industry and its growing scale, it is imperative to investigate the impact of high-fat diets on the health of these animals. This study involved 30 male Nyctereutes procyonoides of comparable weights (3 kg ±0.5), randomly assigned to either a control group or a high-fat diet group (
n
= 15 each). The latter group was fed a mixture of lard and basal diet in a 2:5 ratio, establishing a high-fat diet model in Nyctereutes procyonoides. This diet induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the Nyctereutes procyonoides. Analysis of the small intestine contents using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high-fat diet-induced disruption in the gut microbiota. Specifically,
Escherichia-Shigella
emerged as the biomarker in the high-fat diet group (
P
= 0.049), while
Vagococcus
was prevalent in the control group (
P
= 0.049), indicating a significant increase in harmful bacteria in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, this disrupted gut flora correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by marked increases in TNF-α (
P
< 0.01), IL-1β (
P
< 0.05), and IL-6 (
P
< 0.05) levels, measured
via
q-PCR, Western blot, and oxidative stress assays. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis and necrosis markers, including Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, Caspase12, RIPK3, and RIPK1 (
P
< 0.01 to
P
< 0.001), and a concurrent downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 (
P
< 0.01) in the high-fat diet group, consistent with protein expression trends. These findings suggest that a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiome toward a more harmful bacterial composition, escalating inflammatory responses and intestinal tissue permeability, culminating in intestinal cell apoptosis and necrosis.

IMPORTANCE
This study examines the impact of high-fat diets on Nyctereutes procyonoides. Our research established a Nyctereutes procyonoides model on a high-fat diet, revealing significant health impacts, such as diarrhea, histological anomalies, and alterations in the gut microbiota. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing health issues and promoting sustainable industry growth. They highlight the significant impact of diet on gut microbiota and overall animal health.
Does workforce explain the relationship between funding and patient experience? A mediation analysis of primary care data in England
Authors: Salant Natasha , Massou Efthalia , Awan Hassan , Ford John Alexander 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo determine whether general practitioner (GP) workforce contributes to the link between practice funding and patient experience. Specifically, to determine whether increased practice funding is associated with better patient experience, and to what degree an increase in workforce accounts for this relationship.SettingPrimary care practice level analysis of workforce, funding and patient experience of all NHS practices in England.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe link between NHS-provided funding to general practice (payments per patient) and patient experience, as per the General Practice Patient Survey, was evaluated. Subsequently, mediation analysis, adjusted for covariates, was used to scrutinise the extent to which GP workforce accounts for this relationship (measured as the number of GPs per 10 000 patients).ParticipantsWe included all general practices in England for which there was relevant data for each primary variable. Atypical practices were excluded, such as those with a patient list size of 0 or where the workforce variable was recorded as being more than 3 SD from the mean. After exclusion, 6139 practices were included in the final analysis.ResultsWe found that workforce (GPs per 10 000 population) significantly (p<0.001) acts as a mediator in the effect of practice funding on overall patient experience even after adjusting for rurality, sex and age, and deprivation. On average, the mediated effect constitutes 30% of the total effect of practice funding on patient experience.ConclusionsThe increase in the number of doctors in primary care in England appears to be a mechanism through which augmented practice funding could positively impact patient experience. Policy initiatives targeting improved patient experience should prioritise considerations related to workforce and practice funding.
Barriers and enablers to blood culture sampling in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam: a Theoretical Domains Framework-based survey
Authors: Suntornsut Pornpan , Asadinia Koe Stella , Limato Ralalicia , Tamara Alice , Rotty Linda W A , Bramanti Rendra , Nusantara Dwi U , Nelwan Erni J , Khusuwan Suwimon , Suphamongkholchaikul Watthanapong , Chamnan Parinya , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Vu Huong Thi Lan , Nguyen Yen Hai , Nguyen Khanh Hong , Pham Thach Ngoc , Le Quang Minh , Vu Vinh Hai , Chau Duc Minh , Vo Dung Em Thi Hoang , Harriss Elinor K , van Doorn Hindrik Rogier , Hamers Raph Leonardus , Lorencatto Fabiana , Atkins Lou , Limmathurotsakul Direk 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveBlood culture (BC) sampling is recommended for all suspected sepsis patients prior to antibiotic administration. We examine barriers and enablers to BC sampling in three Southeast Asian countries.DesignA Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based survey, comprising a case scenario of a patient presenting with community-acquired sepsis and all 14 TDF domains of barriers/enablers to BC sampling.SettingHospitals in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam, December 2021 to 30 April 2022.Participants1070 medical doctors and 238 final-year medical students were participated in this study. Half of the respondents were women (n=680, 52%) and most worked in governmental hospitals (n=980, 75.4%).Outcome measuresBarriers and enablers to BC sampling.ResultsThe proportion of respondents who answered that they would definitely take BC in the case scenario was highest at 89.8% (273/304) in Thailand, followed by 50.5% (252/499) in Viet Nam and 31.3% (157/501) in Indonesia (p<0.001). Barriers/enablers in nine TDF domains were considered key in influencing BC sampling, including ‘priority of BC (TDF-goals)’, ‘perception about their role to order or initiate an order for BC (TDF-social professional role and identity)’, ‘perception that BC is helpful (TDF-beliefs about consequences)’, ‘intention to follow guidelines (TDF-intention)’, ‘awareness of guidelines (TDF-knowledge)’, ‘norms of BC sampling (TDF-social influence)’, ‘consequences that discourage BC sampling (TDF-reinforcement)’, ‘perceived cost-effectiveness of BC (TDF-environmental context and resources)’ and ‘regulation on cost reimbursement (TDF-behavioural regulation)’. There was substantial heterogeneity between the countries. In most domains, the lower (higher) proportion of Thai respondents experienced the barriers (enablers) compared with that of Indonesian and Vietnamese respondents. A range of suggested intervention types and policy options was identified.ConclusionsBarriers and enablers to BC sampling are varied and heterogenous. Cost-related barriers are more common in more resource-limited countries, while many barriers are not directly related to cost. Context-specific multifaceted interventions at both hospital and policy levels are required to improve diagnostic stewardship practices.
Inhaled nitric oxide therapy for preterm infants after 7 days of age: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Minamitani Yohei , Kato Shin , Hosokawa Miku , Nakashima Toshinori , Iwatani Sota , Nakao Atsushi , Suzuki Daichi , Ota Erika , Nakanishi Hidehiko 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionInhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use is recommended for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in term and late preterm infants. Recently, iNO therapy to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or rescue for hypoxic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension secondary to BPD has increasingly been used in preterm infants after 7 days of postnatal age (in the postacute phase), despite its off-label use. However, the initiation criteria of iNO therapy for preterm infants in the postacute phase are varied. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the clinical and/or echo findings at the initiation of iNO therapy in preterm infants in the postacute phase.Methods and analysisWe will search PubMed, Embase and the Japanese database ‘Ichushi.’ The following studies will be included in the review: randomised controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies, case–control studies and case series on iNO therapy for preterm infants in the postacute phase; studies published between January 2003 and August 2023; studies conducted in developed countries and studies written in English or Japanese. We will independently screen, extract and chart data using the population–concept–context framework following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We will summarise the characteristics and findings of the included studies.Ethics and disseminationObtaining an institutional review board approval is not required because of the nature of this review. A final report of review findings will be published and disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant conferences.Trial registration numberUMIN000051498.
Priority strategies to reduce socio-gendered inequities in access to person-centred osteoarthritis care: Delphi survey
Authors: Iziduh Sharon , Abbaticchio Angelina , Theodorlis Madeline , Ahluwalia Vandana , Battistella Marisa , Borkhoff Cornelia M , Hazlewood Glen Stewart , Lofters Aisha , MacKay Crystal , Marshall Deborah A , Gagliardi Anna R 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesOsteoarthritis (OA) prevalence, severity and related comorbid conditions are greater among women compared with men, but women, particularly racialised women, are less likely than men to access OA care. We aimed to prioritise strategies needed to reduce inequities in OA management.DesignDelphi survey of 28 strategies derived from primary research retained if at least 80% of respondents rated 6 or 7 on a 7-point Likert scale.SettingOnline.Participants35 women of diverse ethno-cultural groups and 29 healthcare professionals of various specialties from across Canada.ResultsOf the 28 initial and 3 newly suggested strategies, 27 achieved consensus to retain: 20 in round 1 and 7 in round 2. Respondents retained 7 patient-level, 7 clinician-level and 13 system-level strategies. Women and professionals agreed on all but one patient-level strategy (eg, consider patients’ cultural needs and economic circumstances) and all clinician-level strategies (eg, inquire about OA management needs and preferences). Some discrepancies emerged for system-level strategies that were more highly rated by women (eg, implement OA-specific clinics). Comments revealed general support among professionals for system-level strategies provided that additional funding or expanded scope of practice was targeted to only formally trained professionals and did not reduce funding for professionals who already managed OA.ConclusionsWe identified multilevel strategies that could be implemented by healthcare professionals, organisations or systems to mitigate inequities and improve OA care for diverse women.
Protocol for a multicentre and prospective follow-up cohort study of early detection of atrial fibrillation, silent stroke and cognitive impairment in high-risk primary care patients: the PREFA-TE study
Authors: Hernández-Pinilla Alba , Clua-Espuny Jose-Luis , Satué-Gracia Eva María , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , Martín-Luján Francisco M 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Future estimations suggest an increase in global burden of AF greater than 60% by 2050. Numerous studies provide growing evidence that AF is not only associated with stroke but also with cognitive impairment and dementia.AimThe main goal is to assess the impact of the combined use of cardiac rhythm monitoring devices, echocardiography, biomarkers and neuroimaging on the early diagnosis of AF, silent strokes and cognitive decline, in subjects at high risk of AF.Methods and analysisTwo-year follow-up of a cohort of individuals aged 65–85 years at high risk for AF, with no prior diagnosis of either stroke or dementia. The study involves baseline echocardiography, biomarkers, and neuroimaging, yearly cardiac monitoring, and semiannual clinical assessments. Different parameters from these tests will be analysed as independent variables. Throughout the study period, primary outcomes: new diagnoses of AF, stroke and cognitive impairment, along with any clinical and therapeutic changes, will be registered. A first descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis, appropriate to the types of variables, will be done. The information obtained from the data analysis will encompass adjusted risk estimates along with 95% confidence intervals. Event risk predictions will rely on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. The predictive value of the model will be evaluated through the utilisation of receiver operating characteristic curves for area under the curve calculation. Additionally, time-to-event analysis will be performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the Foundation University Institute for Primary Health Care Research-IDIAP Jordi Gol (expedient file 22/090-P). The authors plan to disseminate the study results to the general public through various scientific events. Publication in open-access journals and presentations at scientific congresses, seminars and meetings is also foreseen.Trial registration numberNCT05772806.
Personalised virtual reality in palliative care: clinically meaningful symptom improvement for some
Authors: Altman Kaylin , Saredakis Dimitrios , Keage Hannah , Hutchinson Amanda , Corlis Megan , Smith Ross T , Crawford Gregory Brian , Loetscher Tobias 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study examined the effects of virtual reality (VR) among palliative care patients at an acute ward. Objectives included evaluating VR therapy benefits across three sessions, assessing its differential impact on emotional versus physical symptoms and determining the proportion of patients experiencing clinically meaningful improvements after each session.MethodsA mixed-methods design was employed. Sixteen palliative inpatients completed three personalised 20 min VR sessions. Symptom burden was assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised and quality of life with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-Pal-14). Standardised criteria assessed clinically meaningful changes. Quantitative data were analysed using linear mixed models.ResultsQuality of life improved significantly pre-VR to post-VR with a large effect size (Cohen’s d: 0.98). Total symptom burden decreased after 20 min VR sessions (Cohen’s d: 0.75), with similar effect sizes for emotional (Cohen’s d: 0.67) and physical symptoms (Cohen’s d: 0.63). Over 50% of patients experienced clinically meaningful improvements per session, though substantial individual variability occurred.ConclusionsThis study reveals the nuanced efficacy of personalised VR therapy in palliative care, with over half of the patients experiencing meaningful benefits in emotional and physical symptoms. The marked variability in responses underscores the need for realistic expectations when implementing VR therapy.
Superluminal propagation along the brane in space with extra dimensions
Authors: Dai De-Chang , Stojkovic Dejan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe demonstrate that a model with extra dimensions formulated in Csaki et al. (Phys Rev D 62:045015, 2000), which fatefully reproduces Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) equations on the brane, allows for an apparent superluminal propagation of massless signals. Namely, a massive brane curves the spacetime and affects the trajectory of a signal in a way that allows a signal sent from the brane through the bulk to arrive (upon returning) to a distant point on the brane faster than the light can propagate along the brane. In particular, the signal sent along the brane suffers a greater gravitational time delay than the bulk signal due to the presence of matter on the brane. While the bulk signal never moves with the speed greater than the speed of light in its own locality, this effect still enables one to send signals faster than light from the brane observer’s perspective. For example, this effect might be used to resolve the cosmological horizon problem. In addition, one of the striking observational signatures would be arrival of the same gravitational wave signal at two different times, where the first signals arrives before its electromagnetic counterpart. We used GW170104 gravitational wave event to impose a strong limit on the model with extra dimensions in question.
Charting mobility patterns in the scientific knowledge landscape
Authors: Singh Chakresh Kumar , Tupikina Liubov , Lécuyer Fabrice , Starnini Michele , Santolini Marc 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFrom small steps to great leaps, metaphors of spatial mobility abound to describe discovery processes. Here, we ground these ideas in formal terms by systematically studying mobility patterns in the scientific knowledge landscape. We use low-dimensional embedding techniques to create a knowledge space made up of 1.5 million articles from the fields of physics, computer science, and mathematics. By analyzing the publication histories of individual researchers, we discover patterns of scientific mobility that closely resemble physical mobility. In aggregate, the trajectories form mobility flows that can be described by a gravity model, with jumps more likely to occur in areas of high density and less likely to occur over longer distances. We identify two types of researchers from their individual mobility patterns: interdisciplinary explorers who pioneer new fields, and exploiters who are more likely to stay within their specific areas of expertise. Our results suggest that spatial mobility analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the evolution of science.