bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational stressors and coping mechanisms among obstetrical nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Dobrowolski Julia , Chreim Samia , Yaya Sanni , Ramlawi Serine , Dingwall-Harvey Alysha L. J. , El-Chaâr Darine 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Due to heightened occupational stress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital nurses have experienced high rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Nurses in obstetrical departments faced unique challenges, such as the management of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy with limited evidence-based protocols and the unknown risks of the virus on pregnancy and fetal development. Despite evidence that obstetrical nurses have experienced high levels of job stress and a decrease in job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is less known about the working conditions resulting in these changes.
Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study aims to offer insight into the COVID-19 working environment of obstetrical nurses and shed light on their COVID-19 working experiences.

Methods
The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, with data collection occurring through semi-structured interviews from December 2021 to June 2022. A total of 20 obstetrical nurses recruited from the obstetrical departments of a tertiary hospital located in Ontario, Canada, participated in the study.
Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using NVivo. Data was analyzed using a theoretical thematic approach based on the JD-R model.

Results
Four themes were identified: (1) Job stressors, (2) Consequences of working during COVID-19, (3) Personal resources, and (4) Constructive feedback surrounding job resources. The findings show that obstetrical nurses faced several unique job stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic but were often left feeling inadequately supported and undervalued by hospital upper management. However, participants offered several suggestions on how they believe support could have been improved and shared insight on resources they personally used to cope with job stress during the pandemic. A model was created to demonstrate the clear linkage between the four main themes.

Conclusions
This qualitative study can help inform hospital management and public policy on how to better support and meet the needs of nurses working in obstetrical care during pandemics. Moreover, applying the JD-R model offers both a novel and comprehensive look at how the COVID-19 hospital work environment has influenced obstetrical nurses' well-being and performance.
Profiles of physician motivation towards using virtual care: differences in workplace need fulfillment
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Neufeld Adam 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Physicians appear to vary in their motivation towards using virtual care, but to what extent is unclear. To better understand this variance, which is important for supporting physician wellbeing and therefore patient care, the authors used self-determination theory’s (SDT) framework. According to SDT, different types of motivation exist, ranging from controlled to autonomous, that lend to differences in engagement, performance, and wellbeing. The authors aimed to determine: (a) if there were distinct groups of physicians based on their quality of motivation towards using virtual care, and if so, (b) how these groups varied in fulfillment of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) in the workplace.

Methods
In March-August 2022, the authors collected quantitative, survey-based data from a cross-section of 156 family physicians in Alberta, Canada. The survey contained existing scales that measure types of motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) and basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration at work. Cluster analysis was used to explore profiles of physician motivation towards using virtual care, and analysis of variance was used to determine how each profile differed with respect to workplace need fulfillment.

Results
With motivation towards using virtual care, three higher-order profiles of physician motivation were identified: autonomous (19% family physicians), controlled (16% of family physicians), and ambivalent (66% of family physicians). The three profiles differed significantly in terms of psychological need fulfillment at work.

Conclusions
This study identifies specific profiles that family physicians currently fall into when it comes to motivation towards using virtual care. In line with SDT, findings suggest that basic psychological needs are fundamental nutrients for physicians to internalize and endorse the value of using virtual care in their practices. Implications for physician wellbeing are discussed.
Metabolic shift toward ketosis in asocial cavefish increases social-like affinity
Authors: Iwashita Motoko , Tran Amity , Garcia Marianne , Cashon Jia , Burbano Devanne , Salgado Vanessa , Hasegawa Malia , Balmilero-Unciano Rhoada , Politan Kaylah , Wong Miki , Lee Ryan W. Y. , Yoshizawa Masato 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Social affinity and collective behavior are nearly ubiquitous in the animal kingdom, but many lineages feature evolutionarily asocial species. These solitary species may have evolved to conserve energy in food-sparse environments. However, the mechanism by which metabolic shifts regulate social affinity is not well investigated.

Results
In this study, we used the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), which features riverine sighted surface (surface fish) and cave-dwelling populations (cavefish), to address the impact of metabolic shifts on asociality and other cave-associated behaviors in cavefish, including repetitive turning, sleeplessness, swimming longer distances, and enhanced foraging behavior. After 1 month of ketosis-inducing ketogenic diet feeding, asocial cavefish exhibited significantly higher social affinity, whereas social affinity regressed in cavefish fed the standard diet. The ketogenic diet also reduced repetitive turning and swimming in cavefish. No major behavioral shifts were found regarding sleeplessness and foraging behavior, suggesting that other evolved behaviors are not largely regulated by ketosis. We further examined the effects of the ketogenic diet via supplementation with exogenous ketone bodies, revealing that ketone bodies are pivotal molecules positively associated with social affinity.

Conclusions
Our study indicated that fish that evolved to be asocial remain capable of exhibiting social affinity under ketosis, possibly linking the seasonal food availability and sociality.
Immunomodulation by cannabidiol in bovine primary ruminal epithelial cells
Authors: Kent-Dennis C. , Klotz James L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Ruminant livestock experience a number of challenges, including high concentrate diets, weaning and transport, which can increase their risk of disorders such as ruminal acidosis, and the associated inflammation of the ruminal epithelium. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytochemical from hemp (Cannabis sativa), is a promising target as a therapy for gastrointestinal inflammation, and may be extremely valuable as either a treatment or prophylactic. However, the effects of CBD in the the ruminant gastrointestinal tract have not been explored, in part due to the restrictions on feeding hemp to livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of CBD using a model of inflammation in primary ruminal epithelial cells (REC). In addition, CBD dose was evaluated for possible cytotoxic effects.

Results
Negative effects on cell viability were not observed when REC were exposed to 10 μM CBD. However, when the dose was increased to 50 μM for 24 h, there was a significant cytotoxic effect. When 10 μM CBD was added to culture media as treatment for inflammation induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), expression of genes encoding for pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1B was less compared to LPS exposure alone, and CBD resulted in a down-regulation of IL6. As a pre-treatment, prior to LPS exposure, REC had decreased expression of IL6 and CXCL10 while CBD was present in the media, but not when it was removed prior to addition of LPS.

Conclusions
Results suggest that CBD may reduce cytokine transcription both during LPS-induced inflammation and when used preventatively, although these effects were dependent on its continued presence in the culture media. Overall, these experiments provide evidence of an immunomodulatory effect by CBD during a pro-inflammatory response in primary REC in culture.
Proteomic analysis of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyryl in SLE reveals protein modification alteration in complement and coagulation cascades and platelet activation Pathways
Authors: Kuang Chaoying , Li Dandan , Zhou Xianqing , Lin Hua , Zhang Ruohan , Xu Huixuan , Huang Shaoying , Tang Fang , Liu Fanna , Tang Donge , Dai Yong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are considered to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyryl (Khib), as an emerging post-translational modification of proteins, is involved in some important biological metabolic activities. However, there are poor studies on its correlation with diseases, especially SLE.

Objective
We performed quantitative, comparative, and bioinformatic analysis of Khib proteins in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and PBMCs of healthy controls. Searching for pathways related to SLE disease progression and exploring the role of Khib in SLE.

Methods
Khib levels in SLE patients and healthy controls were compared based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, then proteomic analysis was conducted.

Results
Compared with healthy controls, Khib in SLE patients was up-regulated at 865 sites of 416 proteins and down-regulated at 630 sites of 349 proteins. The site abundance, distribution and function of Khib protein were investigated further. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Complement and coagulation cascades and Platelet activation in immune-related pathways were significantly enriched, suggesting that differentially modified proteins among them may affect SLE.

Conclusion
Khib in PBMCs of SLE patients was significantly up- or down-regulated compared with healthy controls. Khib modification of key proteins in the Complement and coagulation cascades and Platelet activation pathways affects platelet activation and aggregation, coagulation functions in SLE patients. This result provides a new direction for the possible significance of Khib in the pathogenesis of SLE patients.
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic applications against viruses: principles, potential, and challenges
Authors: Kang Hara , Ga Yun Ji , Kim Soo Hyun , Cho Young Hoon , Kim Jung Won , Kim Chaeyeon , Yeh Jung-Yong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRNA has emerged as a revolutionary and important tool in the battle against emerging infectious diseases, with roles extending beyond its applications in vaccines, in which it is used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their development in the 1990s, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics have demonstrated potential in reducing the expression of disease-associated genes. Nucleic acid‐based therapeutics, including RNAi therapies, that degrade viral genomes and rapidly adapt to viral mutations, have emerged as alternative treatments. RNAi is a robust technique frequently employed to selectively suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. The swift adaptability of nucleic acid‐based therapeutics such as RNAi therapies endows them with a significant advantage over other antiviral medications. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced on the basis of sequence complementarity to target and degrade viral RNA, a novel approach to combat viral infections. The precision of siRNAs in targeting and degrading viral RNA has led to the development of siRNA-based treatments for diverse diseases. However, despite the promising therapeutic benefits of siRNAs, several problems, including impaired long-term protein expression, siRNA instability, off-target effects, immunological responses, and drug resistance, have been considerable obstacles to the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies. This review provides an encompassing summary of the siRNA-based therapeutic approaches against viruses while also addressing the obstacles that need to be overcome for their effective application. Furthermore, we present potential solutions to mitigate major challenges.
Toxic metal mixtures in private well water and increased risk for preterm birth in North Carolina
Authors: Eaves Lauren A. , Keil Alexander P. , Jukic Anne Marie , Dhingra Radhika , Brooks Jada L. , Manuck Tracy A. , Rager Julia E. , Fry Rebecca C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal exposure to metals in private well water may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB) (delivery < 37 weeks’ gestation). In this study, we estimated associations between arsenic, manganese, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc concentrations in private well water and PTB incidence in North Carolina (NC).MethodsBirth certificates from 2003–2015 (n = 1,329,071) were obtained and pregnancies were assigned exposure using the mean concentration and the percentage of tests above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the census tract of each individuals’ residence at the time of delivery using the NCWELL database (117,960 well water tests from 1998–2019). We evaluated associations between single metals and PTB using adjusted logistic regression models. Metals mixtures were assessed using quantile-based g-computation.ResultsCompared with those in other census tracts, individuals residing in tracts where > 25% of tests exceeded the MCL for lead (aOR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02,1.18) or cadmium (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00,1.23) had an increased odds of PTB. Conversely, those residing in areas with > 25% MCL for zinc (aOR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.56,1.02) and copper (aOR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13,1.34)) had a reduced odds of PTB. A quartile increase in the concentrations of a mixture of lead, cadmium, and chromium was associated with a small increased odds for PTB (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03). This metal mixture effect was most pronounced among American Indian individuals (aOR per quartile increase in all metals: 1.19 (95% CI 1.06,1.34)).ConclusionsIn a large study population of over one million births, lead and cadmium were found to increase the risk of PTB individually and in a mixture, with additional mixtures-related impacts estimated from co-exposure with chromium. This study highlights critical racial and ethnic health disparities in relation to private well water thereby emphasizing the urgent need for improved private well water quality to protect vulnerable populations.
Adipose stromal cells bioproducts as cell-free therapies: manufacturing and therapeutic dose determine in vitro functionality
Authors: Skovronova Renata , Scaccia Eleonora , Calcat-i-Cervera Sandra , Bussolati Benedetta , O’Brien Timothy , Bieback Karen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are considered a cell-free alternative to mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy. Numerous reports describe the efficacy of EV in conferring immunomodulation and promoting angiogenesis, yet others report these activities to be conveyed in EV-free bioproducts. We hypothesized that this discrepancy may depend either on the method of isolation or rather the relative impact of the individual bioactive components within the MSC secretome.

Methods
To answer this question, we performed an inter-laboratory study evaluating EV generated from adipose stromal cells (ASC) by either sequential ultracentrifugation (UC) or size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The effect of both EV preparations on immunomodulation and angiogenesis in vitro was compared to that of the whole secretome and of the EV-free protein fraction after SEC isolation.

Results
In the current study, neither the EV preparations, the secretome or the protein fraction were efficacious in inhibiting mitogen-driven T cell proliferation. However, EV generated by SEC stimulated macrophage phagocytic activity to a similar extent as the secretome. In turn, tube formation and wound healing were strongly promoted by the ASC secretome and protein fraction, but not by EV. Within the secretome/protein fraction, VEGF was identified as a potential driver of angiogenesis, and was absent in both EV preparations.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that the effects of ASC on immunomodulation and angiogenesis are EV-independent. Specific ASC-EV effects need to be dissected for their use as cell-free therapeutics.
Stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Syria: a multi-center study
Authors: Al Houri Hasan Nabil , Alhouri Abdullah , Arrouk Douaa Mohammad Nazir , Al Houri Ahmad Nabil , Jomaa Sami , Sharabi Alaa , Kannout Hussein , Latifeh Youssef 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as an expected source of stress and anxiety as the healthcare workers had to work for long hours in close contact with infected patients, thus increasing the probability of medical errors and threatening the patients’ safety. This study aims to measure the levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress among Syrian healthcare workers and their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in six central hospitals in Damascus, Syria. Data were collected from 1 to 30 June—2021. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale—21 (DASS-21) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers. Quality of life was assessed using the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index.

Results
A total of 700 participants were included in this study. 61.6% (n = 431) were males and 38.4% (n = 269) were females. Younger ages (18–29 years old) were significantly associated with higher levels of depression and stress (p < 0.0083). Female healthcare workers had higher significant levels of anxiety (p < 0.05). Significant anxiety and stress levels were reported when healthcare workers had contact with COVID-19 patients, even if they had protective equipment (p < 0.05). Half of the participants (50%; n = 349) reported a good quality of life.

Conclusion
Stress levels and depressive symptoms were remarkably higher in healthcare workers of ages 18 and 29 years old, whereas anxiety levels were significantly higher and more severe in female healthcare workers. Moreover, direct interaction with COVID-19 patients was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety symptoms.
Validity and reliability of hallux valgus angle measurement on smartphone digital photographs
Authors: Cakar Albert , Kose Ozkan , Dogruoz Firat , Selcuk Huseyin , Kirtis Tolga , Egerci Omer Faruk 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis prospective study aimed to test the reliability and validity of hallux valgus angle (HVA) measurement on smartphone digital photographs compared with the standard radiographic evaluation.MethodsTwenty Seven female patients (45 feet) with forefoot deformity were evaluated with weight‐bearing anteroposterior foot radiographs and smartphone photographs. Radiographic hallux valgus angle (rHVA) was measured on digital radiographs. Two different photographic HVA measurement methods were used. In the first, the longitudinal axes of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx were determined, and the angle between these axes was measured (pHVA), similar to the radiographic method. In the other method, the angle of the margo medialis pedis was measured on the photograph (pMMP). Two independent observers performed all measurements twice on two different occasions. Reliability analysis was performed using the interclass correlation coefficient. Agreement between the measurements was tested using Bland‐Altman analysis.ResultsThe repeated rHVA, pHVA and pMMP measurements showed excellent intra and inter‐observer reliability, with ICC values above 0.900. The mean rHVA, pHVA, and pMMP were statistically similar (p:0.929, 27.03°±8.7°, 27.11°±8.8° and 26.5°±9.0° respectively). The mean difference between the rHVA and pHVA was − 0.07°±5.1° (range, ‐‐9.67 to 9.56°), and the mean difference between the rHVA and pMMP was 0.53°±4.4° (range, ‐9.76° to 8.22°). There was a strong positive correlation between both photographic methods and radiographic measurements (rho = 0.809, p = 0.001 and rho = 0.872, p = 0.001). In the Bland Altman plot, the upper and lower LOAs (95%CI) ranged from − 10.11° to 9.93° for rHVA and pHVA, and from − 8.26° to 9.33° for rHVA and pMMP. Linear regression analysis showed a proportional bias for pHVA but not for the pMMP (p:0.010 versus p:0.633, respectively). The range of the mean difference (prediction interval) between the pMMP and rHVA was 17.59° and 20° for pHVA and rHVA. Simple linear regression showed that the rHVA was predicted by the following equation: rHVA = 4.73 + 0.84 × pMMP (r2 = 0.761, p < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough measuring HVA through smartphone photographs is reliable, it is not a valid prediction method.Level of evidenceLevel II, diagnostic assessment.
MalariaSED: a deep learning framework to decipher the regulatory contributions of noncoding variants in malaria parasites
Authors: Wang Chengqi , Dong Yibo , Li Chang , Oberstaller Jenna , Zhang Min , Gibbons Justin , Pires Camilla Valente , Xiao Mianli , Zhu Lei , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Kim Kami , Miao Jun , Otto Thomas D. , Cui Liwang , Adams John H. , Liu Xiaoming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMalaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Transcriptional regulation effects of noncoding variants in this unusual genome of malaria parasites remain elusive. We developed a sequence-based, ab initio deep learning framework, MalariaSED, for predicting chromatin profiles in malaria parasites. The MalariaSED performance was validated by published ChIP-qPCR and TF motifs results. Applying MalariaSED to ~ 1.3 million variants shows that geographically differentiated noncoding variants are associated with parasite invasion and drug resistance. Further analysis reveals chromatin accessibility changes at Plasmodium falciparum rings are partly associated with artemisinin resistance. MalariaSED illuminates the potential functional roles of noncoding variants in malaria parasites.