bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic distribution of autotrophic bacteria was more affected by precipitation than by soil properties in an arid area
Authors: Wang Ying , Huang Yimei , Zeng Quanchao , Liu Dong , An Shaoshan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAutotrophic bacteria play an important role in carbon dioxide fixation and are widespread in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the biogeographic patterns of autotrophic bacteria and the driving factors still remain poorly understood.MethodsHerein, we conducted a 391-km north to south transect (mean annual precipitation &lt;600 mm) survey in the Loess Plateau of China, to investigate the biogeographic distributions of autotrophic bacteria (RubisCO cbbL and cbbM genes) and the environmental drivers across different latitude sites with clear vegetational and climatic gradients.Results and discussionThe soils in northern region with lower precipitation are dominated by grassland/forest, which is typically separated from the soils in southern region with higher precipitation. The community structure of autotrophic bacterial cbbL and cbbM genes generally differed between the soils in the southern and northern Loess Plateau, suggesting that precipitation and its related land use practices/ecosystem types, rather than local soil properties, are more important in shaping the soil autotrophic microorganisms. The cbbL-containing generalist OTUs were almost equally abundant across the northern and southern Loess Plateau, while the cbbM-containing bacterial taxa were more prevalent in the low precipitation northern region. Such differences indicate differentiate distribution patterns of cbbM- and cbbL-containing bacteria across the north to south transect. Our results suggest that the community composition and the differentiate distributions of soil cbbL- and cbbM-containing bacterial communities depend on precipitation and the related ecosystem types in the north to south transect in the Loess Plateau of China.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood: a retrospective study at a single center in China over 3 years
Authors: Fang Yu , Gao Qiqi , Jin Wenwen , Li Jianshun , Yuan Hao , Lin Zhenlang , Pan Guoquan , Lin Wei 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveAcute Necrotizing Encephalopathy of Childhood (ANEC) is a rare, fulminant neurological disease in children with unknown mechanisms and etiology. This study summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of ANEC through a retrospective analysis, providing insights into the ANEC early diagnosis and prognosis assessment.MethodsClinical data of children diagnosed with ANEC at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThere were 25 cases, 14 males and 11 females, with a median age of 3 years. Hospital admissions were mainly in the winter (14/25, 56%) and spring (9/25, 36%). All patients presented with varying degrees of fever and altered consciousness, with 92% (23/25) experiencing high body temperatures (&gt;39.1°C) and 88% (22/25) having a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of ≤8. Seizures were observed in 88% (22/25) of patients. Laboratory findings indicated 100% B lymphocyte activation (14/14), and 78% (14/18) of patients showed cytokine storm (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-α). Neuroimaging showed symmetrical thalamus involvement, commonly involving basal ganglia and brainstem regions. Viral infection (23/24, 96%) was the predominant etiological finding, with 42% (10/24) of cases due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and 42% (10/24) to influenza A virus infection. Multi-organ dysfunction occurred in 68% (17/25) of patients, and 52% (13/25) died. Correlation analysis revealed the death group exhibited higher proportion of male, lower GCS scores, higher IL-6 level and a greater likelihood of associated brainstem impairment (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionANEC is more prevalent in the winter and spring, and its etiology may be associated with B lymphocyte activation and cytokine storm following viral infections. Clinical manifestations lack specific features, with fever, consciousness disturbances, and seizures being the main presentations, particularly in cases of high fever and hyperpyrexia. ANEC progresses rapidly and has a high mortality rate. The child’s gender, GCS score, IL-6 levels, and the presence of brainstem involvement can serve as important risk factors for assessing the risk of mortality.
Scalp electroacupuncture targeting the VTADA neurons to relieve negative emotions and promote the alleviation of chronic pain
Authors: Yang Yanan , Wei Xiali , Tian Jun , Zhu Ye , Jia Shaohui , Shu Qing 
Published: December 2023

ObjectChronic pain and negative emotions are often linked, and both can impact the reward circuit. The use of electroacupuncture (EA) has been found to regulate and improve these conditions. This study explores the potential mechanism of chronic pain relief by adding acupoints with emotional regulation effect to the basis of routine EA analgesia, to optimize the acupoint compatibility scheme of EA in the treatment of analgesia.MethodFor this study, 42 male Wistar rats were used. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses were used to label and regulate the activity of dopamine (DA) neurons. The rat model was established by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Lower limb electroacupuncture (LEA) was applied to the ST36 and BL60 acupoints. In addition, LEA + scalp EA (SEA) was given using the GV20 and GV24+ acupoints besides ST36 and BL60. To evaluate the pain threshold, we measured 50% paw withdrawal thresholds and thermal paw withdrawal latencies. Negative emotions were evaluated through the open field test, marble-burying test, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test. Moreover, the conditional place preference test was conducted to measure the reward behavior in response to pain relief. Immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and qPCR were used to detect the activity of the VTADA-NAc reward circuit.ResultThe injection of CFA significantly lowered the pain threshold. As the pain persisted, the anxiety and depression-like behaviors escalated while the response to reward reduced. Meanwhile, the VTADA-NAc pathway was suppressed with pain chronification. However, activating DA neurons in VTA attenuated the effects induced by CFA. LEA could relieve chronic pain, negative emotions, and reward disorders, while also activating the VTADA-NAc pathway. In addition, LEA + SEA exhibited a more pronounced effect compared with LEA alone. Nevertheless, chemogenetic inhibition of DA neurons decreased the efficacy of LEA + SEA in the treatment of chronic pain and associated comorbidities.ConclusionAdding SEA to conventional LEA effectively alleviates negative emotions and chronic pain, potentially due to the activation of the VTADA-NAc reward neural circuit. Thus, LEA + SEA is a more effective treatment for hyperalgesia and associated negative emotions compared with LEA alone.
A comparative study of elective nodal irradiation and involved field irradiation in elderly patients with advanced esophageal cancer
Authors: Dai Yuanfei , Huang Di , Zhao Wei , Wei Jie 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis comparative study aimed to explore the feasibility of involved field irradiation (IFI) in the radiotherapy of elderly patients with advanced esophageal cancer, compared with elective nodal irradiation (ENI).MethodsA total of 245 elderly patients (age ≥70 years) with advanced esophageal cancer, who received radiotherapy in our department from January 2014 to December 2020, were divided into the ENI group (n=111) and the IFI group (n=134). Clinical efficacy, toxicities, survival rates, treatment failures, and multifactorial survival analyses were conducted for both groups.ResultsThe ENI group and the IFI group showed no significant differences in terms of short-term efficacy (91.9% vs 91.0%, P=0.814), 1-year overall survival (OS) (81.1% vs 74.6%, P=0.228), 2-year OS (22.5% vs 25.4%, P= 0.603), 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) (56.8% vs 51.5%, P= 0.198), 2-year PFS (8.1% vs 9.0%, P=0.814), regional failures (38.7% vs 31.3%, P=0.226), and distant metastasis (21.6% vs 14.9%, P=0.174). The median overall survival (OS) was 19 months in the ENI group and 18 months in the IFI group (Log-rankχ2 = 0.012, P=0.913). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13 months in the ENI group and 11 months in the IFI group (Log-rankχ2 = 1.834, P=0.176). There were no significant statistical differences in both OS and PFS (P&gt;0.05). The incidence of grade ≥3 radiation pneumonia and grade ≥3 radiation esophagitis in the IFI group was 8.2% and 11.2%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the ENI group (17.1%, P=0.034; 21.6%, P=0.026). Univariate analysis revealed that age, gender, T stage, N stage, and synchronous chemotherapy were factors affecting prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that age, gender, T stage, and synchronous chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors, with hazard ratios of 1.227, 1.466, 2.441, and 2.714, and P values of &lt;0.001, 0.006, &lt;0.001, and&lt;0.001, respectively.ConclusionIFI is a suitable choice for elderly patients with advanced esophageal cancer, as it yields similar efficacy to ENI while reducing toxicities. Age, gender, T stage, and synchronous chemotherapy are independent prognostic factors for elderly patients with esophageal cancer.
Optimal planning target margin for prostate radiotherapy based on interfractional and intrafractional variability assessment during 1.5T MRI-guided radiotherapy
Authors: Kim Jina , Sung Jiwon , Lee Seo Jin , Cho Kang Su , Chung Byung Ha , Yang Dongjoon , Kim Jihun , Kim Jun Won 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionWe analyzed daily pre-treatment- (PRE) and real-time motion monitoring- (MM) MRI scans of patients receiving definitive prostate radiotherapy (RT) with 1.5 T MRI guidance to assess interfractional and intrafractional variability of the prostate and suggest optimal planning target volume (PTV) margin.Materials and methodsRigid registration between PRE-MRI and planning CT images based on the pelvic bone and prostate anatomy were performed. Interfractional setup margin (SM) and interobserver variability (IO) were assessed by comparing the centroid values of prostate contours delineated on PRE-MRIs. MM-MRIs were used for internal margin (IM) assessment, and PTV margin was calculated using the van Herk formula.ResultsWe delineated 400 prostate contours on PRE-MRI images. SM was 0.57 ± 0.42, 2.45 ± 1.98, and 2.28 ± 2.08 mm in the left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP), and superior-inferior (SI) directions, respectively, after bone localization and 0.76 ± 0.57, 1.89 ± 1.60, and 2.02 ± 1.79 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively, after prostate localization. IO was 1.06 ± 0.58, 2.32 ± 1.08, and 3.30 ± 1.85 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively, after bone localization and 1.11 ± 0.55, 2.13 ± 1.07, and 3.53 ± 1.65 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively, after prostate localization. Average IM was 2.12 ± 0.86, 2.24 ± 1.07, and 2.84 ± 0.88 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively. Calculated PTV margin was 2.21, 5.16, and 5.40 mm in the LR, AP, and SI directions, respectively.ConclusionsMovements in the SI direction were the largest source of variability in definitive prostate RT, and interobserver variability was a non-negligible source of margin. The optimal PTV margin should also consider the internal margin.
Gender differences in vitiligo: psychological symptoms and quality of life assessment description
Authors: Samela Tonia , Malorni Walter , Matarrese Paola , Mattia Gianfranco , Alfani Stefania , Abeni Damiano 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveAssuming that the difference exist in the manifestation of psychological suffering among genders, the purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on gender differences in vitiligo quality of life and psychological assessment.MethodsWe searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for original articles in English language. Results were screened according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA checklist).ResultsThe study yielded 107 results; 12 articles have been evaluated as eligible. Each eligible study has been screened and analyzed. The study’s qualitative evaluation revealed that 8 papers were classifiable as satisfactory, 4 were classifiable as unsatisfactory. The agreement between the coders was high (% agreement = 84.6%; Cohen’s kappa = 0.79). All considered researches (100%) were cross-sectional studies, based on self-report questionnaires. From our analysis, women with vitiligo had a higher risk to experience lower quality of life, and worse mental health in a wide range of psychopathology symptoms than men. A wide heterogeneity of tools is used to investigate the quality of life and psychological symptoms among these patients.ConclusionUnfortunately, there are few explanatory models proposed in the literature to rationalize these findings. It will be important to investigate in further researches the specific influence of known risk factors for psychopathology in this population to better explore these phenomena.
Hypnosis measured with monitors of anesthetic depth – EEG changes during the test for Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility
Authors: Zech Nina , Seemann Milena , Hansen Ernil 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionHypnotic trance can be defined as a non-ordinary state of consciousness that is accompanied by a number of neurophysiological changes, including brain electrophysiology. In addition to subjective measures, corresponding objective parameters are needed in experimental and clinical hypnosis research but are complex, impractical, or unspecific. A similar challenge exists for the measurement and monitoring of drug-induced hypnosis, namely general anesthesia. The observation of changes in EEG induced by narcotics has led to the development of monitors for the depth of anesthesia based on EEG parameters. We investigated whether two such monitors react to the induction and maintenance of hypnosis during a highly standardized procedure.MethodsA total of 56 volunteers were monitored for the bispectral index (BIS) and cerebral state index (CSI) (range 0–100, &gt;95 considered “awake”) during the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility test. For this test, trance is induced by a taped text and followed by 12 tasks performed under hypnosis. In contrast to random forms of hypnosis, this represents a standardized, worldwide-established condition. According to the resulting score, participants were classified into suggestibility groups in order to evaluate whether the electrophysiological measurements of BIS and CIS indices differ between high and low suggestible persons. Furthermore, participants were asked to rate their hypnotic depth (HD, 1–10) at every task of the test.ResultsScores dropped significantly from a mean of 97.7 to 86.4 for BIS and from 94.6 to 77.7 for CSI with the induction of hypnosis to stay throughout hypnosis at levels of approximately 88.6 or 82.9, respectively. Results did not differ between high- and low-suggestible participants. The means of the subjective score of hypnotic depth and of the electrophysiological measurements showed a similar course. However, no correlation was found between BIS or CSI values and scores of hypnotic depths.ConclusionMonitors for depth of anesthesia respond to changes in consciousness, including trance states of hypnosis. However, specificity is unclear. Practically, in hypnosis research with the exclusion of drug effects or sleep, these monitors might be helpful to test and compare the efficacy of induction texts and to detect disturbances of trance state.
The relationship between trait mindfulness and inclusive education attitudes of primary school teachers: a multiple mediating model
Authors: Huang Fenxia 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the impact of primary school teachers’ empathy and efficacy for inclusive practice on the relationship between trait mindfulness and inclusive educational attitudes.MethodsA total of 606 primary school teachers were tested using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Interpersonal Response Index Scale, Teacher Self-efficacy for Inclusive Practice Scale, and Teachers’ Multidimensional Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale.ResultsPrimary school teachers’ trait mindfulness is significantly positively correlated with inclusive educational attitudes. Primary school teachers’ trait mindfulness has an indirect impact on inclusive education attitudes through empathy, and primary school teachers’ trait mindfulness has an indirect impact on inclusive education attitudes through teacher efficacy for inclusive practice. In addition, empathy and teacher efficacy for inclusive practice play a sequential mediating role between primary school teachers’ trait mindfulness and inclusive education attitudes.ConclusionThis empirical study reveals that empathy and efficacy for inclusive practice play a sequential mediating role between primary school teachers’ trait mindfulness and inclusive education attitudes. On one hand, this research contributes to enriching the outcomes in the field of inclusive education for primary school teachers, providing a theoretical foundation for the study of their inclusive education attitudes. On the other hand, the study offers a detailed explanation of the psychological mechanisms behind the impact of mindfulness traits on the inclusive education attitude of primary school teachers, guiding schools in implementing mindfulness-based intervention programs.
Organizational compassion and employee adversarial growth under various job control
Authors: Nie Ting , Zhao Xinqiang , Zheng Yanying 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAdversity can bring stress and challenges to an individual's life, but many people who experience adversity also have positive changes. The formative mechanisms of individual adversarial growth have received widespread attention.MethodsA two-wave survey of 421 Chinese employees who experienced adversity during the COVID-19 epidemic was used to examine the influence mechanism of organizational compassion on adversarial growth and the moderating effect of job control.ResultsThrough correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and bootstrap test on the cross-sectional data, the study has verified organizational compassion, work passion, self-worth, and adversarial growth form a chain mediating relation. Job control negatively moderates the indirect effect of organizational compassion on adversarial growth through work passion and self-worth, that is, the positive effect of organizational compassion on employee adversarial growth through work passion and self-worth is more pronounced under lower job control.DiscussionOrganizational compassion can increase employee adversarial growth by enhancing their work passion and self-worth. Organizations should also pay more attention to those employees with lower job control who are in adversity, they are more likely to benefit from the organization's care and compassion.
Global systematic review of occupational health and safety outcomes among sanitation and hygiene workers
Authors: Tolera Sina Temesgen , Temesgen Shibiru , Mulat Endalew Salie , Alamirew Tamagnu Sintie , Temesgen Liku Muche 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSanitary workers are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards in a variety of working environments, which can result in occupational-related outcomes. As a result, the goal of this review was to identify occupational health and safety outcomes among sanitary workers worldwide.MethodsPRISMA was used as flow diagram and PICOS was used review questions. The studies published in English were searched from databases and others methods ranging from 2000 to 2022. Boolean logic (AND, OR), MeSH, and keywords used: (Occupation *OR Job *OR Work) AND (Occupational related respiratory Symptoms *OR Disease) AND [Solid waste collectors (SWCs) *OR Street sweepers (SS) *OR Sewage workers and waste treatment (STWs)] AND (Countries).ResultsA total of 228 studies were identified from 23 countries across the world. Studies were found via PubMed (n = 40), Medline (n = 25), Embase (n = 11) and Global Health (n = 66) and Google scholar (n = 63) and from previous (n = 23). From 8,962 of eligible sanitary workers, about 4,742 (54%), 1714 (19%) and 1,441 (16%) were sewage, sweepers and solid waste workers, respectively. A total study (n = 51) were eligible for occupational health and safety outcomes. Of these, respiratory problems accounted 27 (52%) and Gastroenteritis 14 (27%).ConclusionDespite a large number of studies to date provides sanitary employees all over the world face occupational-related risks, hence more research is needed to enhance and quantify illness burden among sanitary workers.
Threat or opportunity? An analysis of perceptions of cultured meat in the UK farming sector
Authors: Manning Louise , Dooley John J. , Dunsford Illtud , Goodman Michael K. , MacMillan Tom C. , Morgans Lisa C. , Rose David C. , Sexton Alexandra E. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe environmental and social impacts of cultured meat, and its economic viability, are contingent on its implications for food production and for agriculture. However, the implications of cultured meat production for farmers have not yet been thoroughly investigated and are poorly understood. The aim of this research was to engage with the farming sector in critically assessing cultured meat as a technology which could profoundly affect future farm livelihoods, land use, rural and farming communities and agricultural value chains. Ensuring farmers’ voices, and potential ‘counter-narratives’ inform the development of cultured meat is not only inclusive, but could identify unexpected impacts of this emerging technology and contribute to the framing of the social license of the industry developing them.MethodsSix focus groups were undertaken with 75 UK farmers from a variety of farming sectors and regions. Questions focused on what the term ‘cultured meat’ means to farmers, the potential impacts of cultured meat, and potential business scenarios arising for farmers. All meetings were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.Results and discussionFarmers expressed complex and considered reflections on cultured meat, raising several perceived opportunities and risks associated with the themes of ‘ethics and affective’ narratives, ‘environment-based’ narratives, and ‘socio-economic’ narratives. Aspects of foci of power, food system control and transparency associated with cultured meat emerged from the conversations, as well as cultured meat’s potential impacts on the environment and on jobs, farming/rural communities and connecting with the land.ConclusionGlobally, meat production underpins the livelihoods of many rural communities, so a transition to cultured meat is likely to have deep-seated ethical, environmental, and socio-economic impacts. Within the discourse on cultured meat the voices of farmers are often lost. While not claiming to be representative of all UK farming, this study engaged UK farmer perspectives as a way of starting the substantive process of greater stakeholder inclusion in cultured meat innovation pathways, and which should underpin responsible technology transitions in agriculture.