bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the size of clonal fragment on the nitrogen turnover processes in a bamboo ecosystem
Authors: Zou Zan , Li Yang , Song Huixing 
Published: November 2023

Different sizes of clonal fragments contain various number of ramets with different spacer lengths, which strongly affects the redistribution of photosynthetic assimilates. Although clonal integration significantly affects rhizosphere processes via microbial enzymes under heterogeneous conditions, the effects of clonal fragment size (ramet number and spacer length) on rhizosphere N turnover processes remain poorly understood. Here, we sampled clonal fragments of Phyllostachys bissetii with different ramet numbers and spacer lengths to determine the relative effects of clonal integration and fragment size on rhizosphere processes and resource availability. We found that clonal integration had positive effects on the C and N availability of shaded ramets in clonal fragments with different ramet numbers, owing to the large resource storage in the fragment. However, it only promoted the dissolved organic carbon of the shaded ramets in clonal fragments with different spacer lengths. Results of regression analyses indicated that the response ratios of the soil variables of the shaded ramets first increased when the spacer length was about less than 30 cm and then decreased when the spacer became longer (about &gt;30 cm), suggesting a cost–benefit tradeoff in the fragment. The contribution of the size of clonal fragment to the soil N turnover process was higher than that of clonal integration, whereas its contribution to soil C availability had the opposite effect. These results further revealed the mechanism of the size of clonal fragment in affecting the rhizosphere processes of stressed ramets, which is critical for the adaptation of P. bissetii to stressed habitats and further bamboo ecosystem N turnover under climate change.
Evidence of validity and reliability of the environmental action scale in Peruvian university students
Authors: Serpa-Barrientos Antonio , Pérez-Flores Enrique Giovanni , Bellido-Figueroa Gerardo Manuel , Saintila Jacksaint 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe environmental action scale is used to measure the degree of participation in collective environmental actions and has been shown to have adequate psychometric properties in developed countries. However, there are still no studies that have evaluated its performance in the Peruvian population.MethodsIn this instrumental study, the environmental action scale (EAS) was translated, adapted, and validated. The EAS was administered to 352 university students between 18 and 35 years of age (Mage = 23.37, SD = 2.57) from different cities in Peru. A validity analysis was performed using two sources of evidence: content validity and internal structure, carrying out an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsThe structure of the scale has been organized into three oblique factors. The findings confirmed the reliability and validity of the three dimensions of the EAS.ConclusionTherefore, this scale is considered a valid option for assessing environmental action.
A new look at an old well-being construct: evaluating the psychometric properties of 9, 5, and 1-item versions of emotional exhaustion metrics
Authors: Penny Caitlin L. , Adair Kathryn C. , Frankel Allan S. , Leonard Michael W. , Proulx Joshua , Mosca Paul J. , Sexton J. Bryan 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the relative strengths (psychometric and convergent validity) of four emotional exhaustion (EE) measures: 9- and 5-item scales and two 1-item metrics.Patients and methodsThis was a national cross-sectional survey study of 1409 US physicians in 2013. Psychometric properties were compared using Cronbach’s alpha, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Spearman’s Correlations. Convergent validity with subjective happiness (SHS), depression (CES-D10), work-life integration (WLI), and intention to leave current position (ITL) was assessed using Spearman’s Correlations and Fisher’s R-to-Z.ResultsThe 5-item EE scale correlated highly with the 9-item scale (Spearman’s rho = 0.828), demonstrated excellent internal reliability (alpha = 0.87), and relative to the 9-item, exhibited superior CFA model fit (RMSEA = 0.082, CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.972). The 5-item EE scale correlated as highly as the 9-item scale with SHS, CES-D10, and WLI, and significantly stronger than the 9-item scale to ITL. Both 1-item EE metrics had significantly weaker correlation with SHS, CES-D10, WLI, and ITL (Fisher’s R-to-Z; p &lt; 0.05) than the 5- and 9-item EE scales.ConclusionThe 5-item EE scale was repeatedly found equivalent or superior to the 9-item version across analyses, particularly with respect to the CFA results. As there is no cost to using the briefer 5-item EE scale, the burden on respondents is smaller, and widespread access to administering and interpreting an excellent wellbeing metric is enhanced at a critical time in global wellbeing research. The single item EE metrics exhibited lower convergent validity than the 5- and 9-item scales, but are acceptable for detecting a signal of EE when using a validated EE scale is not feasible. Replication of psychometrics and open-access benchmarking results for use of the 5-tem EE scale further enhance access and utility of this metric.
Higher adverse childhood experiences interference with targeted early intervention to reduce persistence of adult subacute pain: a feasibility open trial
Authors: McSwan Joyce , Stapleton Peta , Panwar Catherine E. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe feasibility of an Early Subacute Pain Intervention Program was assessed for improving outcomes in patients with subacute pain and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at increased risk of long-term disability.MethodsEligible patients were referred by their general practitioner for an open trial of individual case management with group-based education and psychological support sessions and access to allied health services. Measures of pain, disability, and mental health were assessed at baseline, on completion of the 6-month program, and 6 months after completion.ResultsThirty-nine participants (mean age 51 years, 72% women) completed the program. Pain at baseline was subacute (median duration 9.7 weeks) and of high intensity (median score 8/10), with a mean ACE score of 4.3. After completing the program, participants reported reduced pain severity and interference (~50% reduction), risk of future disability, psychological distress, and number of unhealthy days (~30% reduction) and were all statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). These gains were maintained at 6-months from the beginning of treatment. Higher ACE scores were associated with greater baseline levels of pain interference, risk of future disability, and psychological distress, and with less improvement in pain interference and psychological distress after completing the program.DiscussionThis program suggested pain-related disability and mental health in patients with subacute pain and ACE exposure may be improved, although with reduced efficacy with higher ACE exposure. There need to be further robust investigation to quantify the value of targeted early intervention programs in primary health care settings to help reduce subacute pain persistence and progression to chronic pain in patients at increased risk of long-term disability.
Improving adult behavioural weight management services for diverse UK Black Caribbean and Black African ethnic groups: a qualitative study of insights from potential service users and service providers
Authors: Maynard Maria J. , Orighoye Oritseweyinmi , Apekey Tanefa , Simpson Ellouise , van Dijk Margie , Atherton Elizabeth , Blackshaw Jamie , Ells Louisa 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundA significantly higher proportion of UK Black ethnic adults live with overweight or obesity, compared to their White British counterparts. The role of obesity in excess infection rates and mortality from COVID-19 has increased the need to understand if weight management interventions are appropriate and effective for Black ethnic groups. There is a paucity of existing research on weight management services in Black populations, and whether anticipated or experienced institutional and interpersonal racism in the healthcare and more widely affects engagement in these services. Understanding the lived experience of target populations and views of service providers delivering programmes is essential for timely service improvement.MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in June–October 2021 among 18 Black African and Black Caribbean men and women interested in losing weight and 10 weight management service providers.ResultsThe results highlighted a positive view of life in the United Kingdom (UK), whether born in the UK or born abroad, but one which was marred by racism. Weight gain was attributed by participants to unhealthy behaviours and the environment, with improving appearance and preventing ill health key motivators for weight loss. Participants relied on self-help to address their overweight, with the role of primary care in weight management contested as a source of support. Anticipated or previously experienced racism in the health care system and more widely, accounted for some of the lack of engagement with services. Participants and service providers agreed on the lack of relevance of existing services to Black populations, including limited culturally tailored resources. Community based, ethnically matched, and flexibly delivered weight management services were suggested as ideal, and could form the basis of a set of recommendations for research and practice.ConclusionCultural tailoring of existing services and new programmes, and cultural competency training are needed. These actions are required within systemic changes, such as interventions to address discrimination. Our qualitative insights form the basis for advancing further work and research to improve existing services to address the weight-related inequality faced by UK Black ethnic groups.
A qualitative study on the clinical safety and user experiences of female condoms for anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China
Authors: Huang Jia-Lu , Xin Xin , Ma Ming-Jun , Ning Zhen , Xiao Shao-tan , Chen Pan-pan 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis qualitative study aimed to understand the clinical safety, efficacy, and receptiveness of using the female condom (FC) during anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsSubjects for this study were recruited from a two-group crossover trial among MSM in Shanghai. The trial consisted of two phases, each including the use of condoms (FC vs. male condom), questionnaires, and in-depth one-on-one interviews. The two phases were separated by a washout period of 4 weeks. The minimum sample size for this study was determined in accordance with the principle of “information saturation.” The qualitative data were organized and analyzed using ATLAS.ti version 7.ResultsA total of 26 participants from the MSM population were recruited for this study, with 10 assuming the insertive role (i.e., “1”), 8 assuming the receptive role (i.e., “0”), and 8 being versatile (i.e., “0.5”). Each participant completed the crossover trial comprising two phases. The cumulative usage of FCs and male condoms (MCs) amounted to 115 and 127 times, respectively. During the reported sexual encounters, no participants reported incidents of condom rupture, slippage, or other malfunctions. A few participants reported experiencing slight chafing pain, primarily put forward by “0” participants. Apart from those reports, no instances of bleeding, swelling, or allergic reactions were reported. The efficiency of FC in disease prevention, the sexual partner’s willingness to use FC, the freshness of FC, and positive sexual experiences were the main reasons for the consistent use of FC for anal sex. Discomfort and pain during sexual activity, the loose design and thick material of FCs, and difficulties in placing FCs were the major obstacles to FC use among MSM. The elements referring to the forehead exhibited varied in importance among “1,”, “0,” and “0.5” participants. Regarding the willingness to use the FC in the future anal intercourse, 61.54% of participants expressed a positive inclination, 23.08% were uncertain, and 15.38% stated that they would not. “A better sense of security during anal sex” was the main factor affecting willingness among “0” participants and “the sexual pleasure that the FC brought” among “1” participants. Improving the design and technology of FCs and increasing the frequency of use and practice might improve the use skills, which will favor the willingness to use FCs among the MSM population.ConclusionFCs received positive user feedback from study participants, but distinctions were found in individuals in different sexual roles. Large-scale quantitative studies are needed to evaluate the clinical safety of the FC and its effectiveness in preventing the transmission of STDs during anal intercourse.
The cost-effectiveness of improved brief interventions for tobacco cessation in Thailand
Authors: Palakai Rungrat , Sornpaisarn Bundit , Sawangdee Yothin , Chuanwan Sutthida , Saonuam Pairoj , Katewongsa Piyawat , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThis study estimated the cost-effectiveness of four strategies enhancing the quality and accessibility of Brief Intervention (BI) service for smoking cessation in Thailand during 2022–2030: (1) current-BI (status quo), (2) the effective-training standard-BI, (3) the current-BI plus the village health volunteers (VHV) mobilization, and (4) the effective-training BI plus VHV mobilization.MethodsBy interviewing five public health officers, nine healthcare professionals aiding these services, and fifteen BI service experts, we explored the status quo situation of the Thai smoking cessation service system, including main activities, their quantity assumptions, and activities’ unit prices needed to operate the current cessation service system. Then, we modeled additional activities needed to implement the other three simulated scenarios. We estimated the costs and impacts of implementing these strategies over a nine-year operating horizon (2022–2030), covering 3 years of service system preparation and 6 years of full implementation. The modeled costs of these four strategies included intervention and program costs. The study focused on current smokers age 15 years or older. The assessed impact parameters encompassed smoking prevalence, deaths averted, and healthy life-years gained. An Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Analysis compared the four simulated strategies was employed. Data analysis was performed using the One Health Tool software, which the World Health Organization developed.ResultsThe findings of this investigation reveal that all three intervention strategies exhibited cost-effectiveness compared to the prevailing status quo. Among these strategies, Strategy 2, enhancing BI service quality, emerged as the most efficient and efficacious option. Therefore, the expansion of quality services should be synergistically aligned with augmented training, service delivery optimization, and managerial enhancements.ConclusionThis approach is particularly poised to enhance accessibility to and the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions across Thailand.
Isolation, characterization, and immunomodulatory activity evaluation of probiotic strains from colostrum and canine milk
Authors: Quilodrán-Vega Sandra Rayén , Muñoz-Flores Carolina , Pino Ana , Buldres Paula , Sandoval Felipe , Aguirre Alex , Portillo Brígida , Parra Natalie , Altamirano Claudia , Albarracín Leonardo , Villena Julio , Toledo Jorge R. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to characterize potential probiotic strains for use in dogs to prevent infectious enteropathies. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from canine milk and colostrum were characterized according to their functional properties, including their resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, inhibitory effect against pathogens, and intestinal adhesion.MethodsThe immunomodulatory effects of the strains were also analyzed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Among the strains evaluated, two LAB strains (TUCO-16 and TUCO-17) showed remarkable resistance to pH 3.0, bile salts, and pancreatin, as well as inhibitory effects against pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Clostridium perfringens.ResultsThe TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains induced a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α, IL-8, and TLR2 in canine macrophages. The oral administration of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains to mice significantly augmented their resistance to pathogenic E. coli or Salmonella intestinal infections. Both canine strains reduced intestinal damage and pathogen counts in the liver and spleen and avoided their dissemination into the bloodstream. These protective effects were related to the ability of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains to differentially modulate the production of IFN-γ, IFN-β, TNF-α, IL-6, KC, MCP-1, and IL-10 in the intestinal mucosa.ConclusionBoth strains, TUCO-16 and TUCO-17, are potential probiotic candidates for improving intestinal health in dogs, particularly for their ability to inhibit the growth of Gram-negative pathogens common in gastrointestinal infections and modulate the animal's immune response. Further studies are required to effectively demonstrate the beneficial effects of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains in dogs.
Failure to experimentally infect 10 days-old piglets with a cell culture-propagated infectious stock of a classical genotype 1a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
Authors: Gerber Priscilla F. , Cao Dianjun , Xiao Chao-Ting , Chen Qi , Lager Kelly , Bosch Berend Jan , Meng Xiang-Jin , Halbur Patrick G. , Opriessnig Tanja 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes enteric disease in pigs of all ages. PEDV can be grouped into G1 (classical strains) and G2 (variant strains) based on sequence differences in the spike gene. Although several pathogenesis studies using contemporary strains of PEDV have been conducted to date, there is limited information on the pathogenesis of historical PEDV strains in contemporary pigs. This study aimed to investigate the clinical disease course of 10 days-old pigs infected with a classical European G1a PEDV strain from the 1980s which was last passaged in pigs in 1994.MethodsSequencing results confirmed that the virus inoculum was a PEDV strain closely related to the prototype CV777 strain. The PEDV stock was serially passaged three times in Vero cells, and the P3 infectious virus stock was used to inoculate the pigs. A total of 40 pigs were inoculated using the oral route.ResultsPigs showed no enteric disease signs, and PEDV shedding was not detected for 44 days post-inoculation (dpi). At necropsy at 3 (5 pigs) or 7 dpi (5 pigs), no lesions were observed in intestinal sections, which were negative for PEDV antigen by immunohistochemistry. In addition, no IgG or IgA PEDV-specific antibodies in serum or fecal samples for 35 dpi further indicates a lack of infection. Titration of the leftover thawed and refrozen PEDV virus stock inoculum showed that the virus stock retained its infectivity in Vero cell culture and the porcine small intestine enterocytes cell line IPEC-J2.DiscussionThe reasons for the loss of infectivity in pigs are unknown. In conclusion, we showed that a classical G1a PEDV strain successfully propagated in cell cultures could not orally infect 40 piglets.
Структурно-функциональные изменения в почках при дистанционном ударно-волновом воздействии в эксперименте
Authors: Клочков А.В. 
Published: November 2023

Исследование проводилось на 42-х половозрелых нелинейных белых крысах самцах. Животные были разделены на 5 групп: группа интактных животных (контрольная), 4 группы животных, которым однократно проводилось дистанционное ударно-волновое воздействие (ДУВВ). После ДУВВ на 1-е; 3-е; 7-е; 14-е сутки изучались маркеры повреждения и функциональных нарушений почек. Следующим этапом исследования была гистоморфологическая оценка изменений в почках животных после ДУВВ в динамике на 1-е; 3-е;7-е; 14-е сутки.
Установлено, что ДУВВ на почку экспериментальных животных приводит к развитию мембрано-деструктивных процессов, к изменению структурно-функциональной организации почки, которые носят обратимый характер, восстановление происходит на 14-е сутки.

Ключевые слова: Дистанционное ударно-волновое воздействие, крысы, почки, маркеры повреждения, функциональные, гистоморфологические изменения.
Частота встречаемости и клинические проявления туберкулеза гортани у впервые выявленных госпитальных пациентов с туберкулезом органов дыхания
Authors: Колчин Д.В. , Савоненкова Л.Н. , Рузов В.И. , Нестерова А.В. 
Published: November 2023

Целью работы изучить частоту и клинические проявления туберкулеза гортани у впервые выявленных госпитальных пациентов с туберкулезом легких.
Туберкулез гортани встретился у 20 (4,6%) из 436 впервые выявленных госпитальных больных туберкулезом легких. Возраст пациентов составил 46±4,7 лет, все они были лицами мужского пола и злостными курильщиками. Преимущественная локализация туберкулезного процесса в гортани - вестибулярные складки и желудочки, истинные голосовые складки. Диссеминированная форма легочного туберкулеза встретилась у 14 (70%), инфильтративная у 4 (20%), фиброзно-кавернозная- у 2 (10%) пациентов с туберкулезом гортани.
Туберкулез гортани диагностируется у 4,6 % впервые выявленных госпитальных пациентов с туберкулезом легких, преимущественно с диссеминированноой формой.
Преобладающим патогенетическим механизмом явилась гематогенная генерализация, в связи с тем пациентам с диссеминированой формой туберкулеза легких рекомендуется более тщательное оториноларингологическое обследование с видеоларингоскопией.

Ключевые слова: туберкулез гортани, голосовые складки, дисфония.
Взаимосвязь факторов риска у пациентов с атеротромботическими инсультами и церебральными венозными тромбозами
Authors: Ситникова А.И. , Белова Л.А. , Белов Д.В. , Плаксина Т.Д. , Сухих С.С. 
Published: November 2023

Объектом исследования явились 100 пациентов с инфарктом мозга. Пациенты были разделены на группы: с атеротромботическим подтипом инсульта и с церебральным венозным тромбозом, а также с учетом наличия или отсутствия конституциональной венозной недостаточности. Всем пациентам проведено полное клинико-неврологическое исследование, МРТ головного мозга и\или МР-венография. Проанализированы модифируемые и немодифицируемые факторы риска. При анализе факторов риска установлено, что наиболее сильными независимыми предикторами развития ЦВТ были конституциональная венозная недостаточность, женский пол, прием комбинированных оральных контрацептивы, возраст моложе 54 лет.
Для АТ наиболее значимые факторами риска АТ явились наличие артериальной гипертензии и атеросклероза.

Ключевые слова: церебральный венозный тромбоз, факторы риска, венозный инсульт, атеротромботический инсульт, артериальная гипертензия, конституциональная венозная недостаточность.