bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Butyrate suppresses experimental necrotizing enterocolitis–induced brain injury in mice
Authors: Martinez Maribel , Yu Wei , Menden Heather L. , Lei Tianhua , Monaghan-Nichols Paula , Sampath Venkatesh 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease in premature infants, and 50% of infants with surgical NEC develop neurodevelopmental defects. The mechanisms by which NEC-induced cytokine release and activation of inflammatory cells in the brain mediate neuronal injury, and whether enteral immunotherapy attenuates NEC-associated brain injury remain understudied. Based on our prior work, which demonstrated that experimental NEC-like intestinal injury is attenuated by the short-chain fatty acid, butyrate, in this study, we hypothesize that NEC-induced brain injury would be suppressed by enteral butyrate supplementation.MethodsA standardized NEC mouse model [enteral formula feeding, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and hypoxia] was used. Mice were randomized into the following groups: control, NEC, butyrate pretreated NEC, and butyrate control. NEC scoring (1–4 with 4 representing severe injury) was performed on ileal sections using a validated scoring system. Intestinal and brain lysates were used to assess inflammation, proinflammatory signaling, and apoptosis.ResultsNEC-induced intestinal injury was attenuated by butyrate supplementation. NEC-induced microglial activation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was suppressed with butyrate. NEC increased the number of activated microglial cells but decreased the number of oligodendrocytes. Butyrate pretreatment attenuated these changes. Increased activation of proinflammatory Toll-like receptor signaling, cytokine expression, and induction of GFAP and IBA1 in the cerebral cortex observed with NEC was suppressed with butyrate.ConclusionExperimental NEC induced inflammation and activation of microglia in several regions of the brain, most prominently in the cortex. NEC-induced neuroinflammation was suppressed with butyrate pretreatment. The addition of short-chain fatty acids to diet may be used to attenuate NEC-induced intestinal injury and neuroinflammation in preterm infants.
Enhanced central sympathetic tone induces heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in rats
Authors: Nandi Shyam S. , Katsurada Kenichi , Moulton Michael J. , Zheng Hong , Patel Kaushik P. 
Published: December 2023

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogenous clinical syndrome characterized by diastolic dysfunction, concentric cardiac left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis with preserved systolic function. However, the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF are not clear. We hypothesize that an enhanced central sympathetic drive is sufficient to induce LV dysfunction and HFpEF in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to central infusion of either saline controls (saline) or angiotensin II (Ang II, 20 ng/min, i.c.v) via osmotic mini-pumps for 14 days to elicit enhanced sympathetic drive. Echocardiography and invasive cardiac catheterization were used to measure systolic and diastolic functions. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and ± dP/dt changes in responses to isoproterenol (0.5 μg/kg, iv) were measured. Central infusion of Ang II resulted in increased sympatho-excitation with a consequent increase in blood pressure. Although the ejection fraction was comparable between the groups, there was a decrease in the E/A ratio (saline: 1.5 ± 0.2 vs Ang II: 1.2 ± 0.1). LVEDP was significantly increased in the Ang II-treated group (saline: 1.8 ± 0.2 vs Ang II: 4.6 ± 0.5). The increase in +dP/dt to isoproterenol was not significantly different between the groups, but the response in -dP/dt was significantly lower in Ang II-infused rats (saline: 11,765 ± 708 mmHg/s vs Ang II: 8,581 ± 661). Ang II-infused rats demonstrated an increased heart to body weight ratio, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and fibrosis. There were elevated levels of atrial natriuretic peptide and interleukin-6 in the Ang II-infused group. In conclusion, central infusion of Ang II in rats induces sympatho-excitation with concurrent diastolic dysfunction, pathological cardiac concentric hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. This novel model of centrally mediated sympatho-excitation demonstrates characteristic diastolic dysfunction in rats, representing a potentially useful preclinical murine model of HFpEF to investigate various altered underlying mechanisms during HFpEF in future studies.
Response of leaf functional traits to soil nutrients in the wet and dry seasons in a subtropical forest on an island
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Liang Minxia , Tong Sen , Qiao Xueting , Li Buhang , Yang Qiong , Chen Ting , Hu Ping , Yu Shixiao 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIsland ecosystems often have a disproportionate number of endemic species and unique and fragile functional characteristics. However, few examples of this type of ecosystem have been reported.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive field study on Neilingding Island, southern China. The leaf samples of 79 subtropical forest tree species were obtained and their functional traits were studied in the dry and wet seasons to explain the relationships between plant functional traits and soil nutrients.ResultsWe found a greater availability of soil moisture content (SMC) and nutrients in the wet season than in the dry season. The values of wet season soil available phosphorus (5.97 mg·kg−1), SMC (17.67%), and soil available potassium (SAK, 266.96 mg·kg−1) were significantly higher than those of the dry season. The leaf dry matter content, specific leaf weight, leaf density, leaf total carbon, leaf total nitrogen, leaf total calcium, and the N/P and C/P ratios of leaves were all significantly higher in the dry season than in the wet season, being 18.06%, 12.90%, 12.00%, 0.17%, 3.41%, 9.02%, 26.80%, and 24.14% higher, respectively. In contrast, the leaf area (51.01 cm2), specific leaf area (152.76 cm2·g−1), leaf water content (0.59%), leaf total nitrogen (1.31%), leaf total phosphorus (0.14%), and leaf total magnesium (0.33%) were much lower in the dry season than in the wet one. There were significant pairwise correlations between leaf functional traits, but the number and strength of correlations were significantly different in the dry and wet seasons. The SAK, soil total phosphorus (STP), and pH impacted plant leaf functional traits in the dry season, whereas in the wet season, they were affected by SAK, STP, pH, and NO3− (nitrate).DiscussionBoth soil nutrients and water availability varied seasonally and could cause variation in a number of leaf traits.
Reliability and validity of the Nepean Beliefs Scale for delusions and overvalued ideas in chronic schizophrenia: analysis of a preliminary pilot study
Authors: Ishigaki Takuma , Shimada Takeshi , Tanoue Hiroki , Yoshinaga Naoki , Nishiguchi Yuki , Ishikawa Ryotaro , Hosono Masahito 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe Nepean Beliefs Scale by Brakoulias et al. is an interview-based multidimensional instrument that measures pathological beliefs in various psychiatric disorders. This study examined the reliability and validity of Nepean Beliefs Scale (NBS) for delusions and overvalued ideas in patients with chronic-phase schizophrenia. Methods: Multiple raters at two healthcare settings examined the beliefs of 28 individuals with schizophrenia using the NBS. Concurrently, PANSS, PDI-21, BCIS, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were administered.ResultsThe NBS had high reliability and correlation with relevant scales.DiscussionThe NBS was found to have sufficient reliability and validity for assessing the pathological beliefs of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Although NBS is an easy-to-instruct instrument, it should be noted that appropriate explanations and examples should be added to instructions to obtain reliable responses from patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Leveraging collaborative research networks against antimicrobial resistance in Asia
Authors: He Shiying , Shrestha Pami , Henry Adam Douglas , Legido-Quigley Helena 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health security threat requiring research collaboration globally and regionally. Despite repeated calls for international research collaboration in Asia, literature analyzing the nature of collaborative AMR research in Asia has been sparse. This study aims to describe the characteristics of the AMR research network in Asia and investigate the factors influencing collaborative tie formation between organizations.MethodsWe carried out a mixed-methods study by combining social network analysis (SNA) and in-depth interviews. SNA was first conducted on primary data to describe the characteristics of the AMR research network in Asia. Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) were then used to examine the influence of factors such as organization type, country affluence levels, regional proximity and One Health research on collaborative tie formation among organizations. In-depth interviews were conducted with network participants to provide contextual insights to the quantitative data.ResultsThe results reveal that the research network exhibits a core-periphery structure, where a minority of organizations have a significantly higher number of collaborations with others. The most influential organizations in the network are academic institutions from high-income countries within and outside Asia. The ERGM results demonstrate that organizations prefer to collaborate with others of similar organization types, country-based affluence levels and One Health domains of focus, but also with others across different World Health Organization regions. The qualitative analysis identified three main themes: the challenges that impede collaboration, the central role of academic institutions, and the nature of collaborations across One Health domains, giving rise to important empirical milestones in understanding AMR research in Asia.ConclusionWe thus recommend leveraging academic institutions as “integrators” to bridge differences, increasing funds channelled towards research capacity building to alleviate structural barriers to collaboration, streamlining collaborative mechanisms to overcome cumbersome administrative hurdles, and increasing efforts to establish trust between all organizations.
Implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in Mexico: a systematic literature review using the RE-AIM framework
Authors: Bueno Angela K. , Vilar-Compte Mireya , Cruz-Villalba Valeria , Rovelo-Velázquez Natalia , Rhodes Elizabeth C. , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael 
Published: December 2023

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global strategy to encourage health facilities to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding by implementing a package of policies and practices known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Prior studies have found that implementing the Ten Steps has a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Yet, little is known about the implementation of the Ten Steps in Mexico. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Ten Steps in Mexico, using the RE-AIM framework. The systematic literature review included studies published in English or Spanish without date restrictions. Two of the authors coded each of the articles through a harmonized data extraction tool, and group meetings were used to discuss any discrepancies. The reviewed data were managed in the Rayyan platform. The risk of study bias was assessed through the Johanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Of the 1,123 articles initially identified, 6 met the review inclusion criteria. None of the articles evaluated the reach and maintenance of the Ten Steps. The articles identified major gaps in the implementation of the Ten Steps. Most of the articles had important limitations in terms of their quality. In Mexico, it is necessary to rethink the BFHI and employ multiple strategies to improve implementation of the Ten Steps, including developing transparent BFHI monitoring mechanisms that produce data on implementation and that are publicly available, as well as investing in implementation research and evaluation to generate strong evidence to support the adoption and efficient maintenance of the Ten Steps in health facilities in Mexico. When properly implemented, BFHI becomes central to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential for Mexico to position BFHI as a top priority of the country's public policy agenda.Systematic Review Registrationidentifier: CRD42021248118.
Patterns and trends of hepatitis C virus infection in Jordan: an observational study
Authors: Abu-Dayyeh Issa , Chemaitelly Hiam , Ghunaim Mohammad , Hasan Thaer , Abdelnour Amid , Abu-Raddad Laith J. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection levels in Jordan remain uncertain. No HCV national population-based survey has ever been conducted in the country. To meet the World Health Organization’s target of reducing HCV incidence to ≤5 per 100,000 people per year by 2030, it is essential to determine the infection levels, identify affected individuals and populations, and provide appropriate treatment using direct-acting antivirals to individuals carrying the virus.MethodsThe study utilized the HCV testing database of 28,798 attendees of Biolab Diagnostic Laboratories in Jordan, covering the period from January 19, 2010, to May 26, 2023. Cross-sectional and cohort study analyses were conducted, including estimating HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence, examining associations with HCV Ab positivity, determining the HCV viremic rate, and estimating HCV incidence rate using a retrospective cohort study design.ResultsA total of 27,591 individuals, with a median age of 31.3 and 52.9% being females, underwent HCV Ab testing, while 1,450 individuals, with a median age of 42.2 and 32.8% being females, underwent HCV RNA PCR testing. The study sample HCV Ab prevalence was 4.0% (95% CI: 3.7–4.2%). After applying probability weights, the weighted HCV Ab prevalence was 5.8% (95% CI: 4.6–7.3%). Age was strongly associated with HCV Ab positivity, particularly among individuals aged 50 years or older, who had 10-fold higher odds of being HCV Ab positive compared to those aged 10–19 years. Males had 2.41-fold higher odds of testing positive for HCV Ab compared to females. The HCV viremic rate was 54.1% (95% CI: 43.0–65.0%). The cumulative incidence of HCV infection, after 5 years of follow-up, was estimated to be 0.41% (95% CI: 0.17–0.99%). The HCV incidence rate was calculated at 1.19 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 0.50–2.87).ConclusionPrevalence and incidence of HCV infection were substantial, estimated at ~5% and 1 per 1,000 person-years, respectively, and highlighting the presence of core groups actively engaged in the virus’ acquisition and transmission. The high observed viremic rate indicates the need for expanding HCV treatment efforts to effectively control HCV transmission in Jordan. Utilizing quality diagnostic laboratories and innovative testing strategies is key to identifying infection carriers and facilitating linkage to treatment and care.
What are effective strategies to respond to the psychological impacts of working on the frontlines of a public health emergency?
Authors: Neil-Sztramko Sarah E. , Belita Emily , Hopkins Stephanie , Sherifali Diana , Anderson Laura , Apatu Emma , Kapiriri Lydia , Tarride Jean Eric , Bellefleur Olivier , Kaasalainen Sharon , Marr Sharon , Dobbins Maureen 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the healthcare and public health sectors. The impact of working on the frontlines as a healthcare or public health professional has been well documented. Healthcare organizations must support the psychological and mental health of those responding to future public health emergencies.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to identify effective interventions to support healthcare workers’ mental health and wellbeing during and following a public health emergency.MethodsEight scientific databases were searched from inception to 1 November 2022. Studies that described strategies to address the psychological impacts experienced by those responding to a public health emergency (i.e., a pandemic, epidemic, natural disaster, or mass casualty event) were eligible for inclusion. No limitations were placed based on study design, language, publication status, or publication date. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion and a third reviewer when needed. Results were synthesized narratively due to the heterogeneity of populations and interventions. Outcomes were displayed graphically using harvest plots.ResultsA total of 20,018 records were screened, with 36 unique studies included in the review, 15 randomized controlled trials, and 21 quasi-experimental studies. Results indicate that psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and mind–body interventions may reduce symptoms of anxiety, burnout, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with the lowest risk of bias found among psychotherapy interventions. Psychoeducation appears most promising to increase resilience, with mind–body interventions having the most substantial evidence for increases in quality of life. Few organizational interventions were identified, with highly heterogeneous components.ConclusionPromoting healthcare workers’ mental health is essential at an individual and health system level. This review identifies several promising practices that could be used to support healthcare workers at risk of adverse mental health outcomes as they respond to future public health emergencies.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=203810, identifier #CRD42020203810 (PROSPERO).
The association between intimate partner violence type and mental health in migrant women living in Spain: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bentley Abigail , Riutort-Mayol Gabriel 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health has been clearly established in the literature, however the differential associations between IPV type and mental health are less well understood, particularly in migrant groups who are at increased risk of both IPV and poor mental health. Under-studied and emerging forms of violence such as economic abuse and technology-facilitated abuse must be considered alongside more traditionally studied forms of IPV in order to fully understand the complex nature of violence. This study makes a novel contribution to the literature by assessing multiple forms of IPV including psychological, physical, sexual, economic and technology-facilitated IPV and their relationship with symptoms of depression and anxiety in migrant women, disaggregated by IPV type.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of migrant women living in the Valencian Community of Spain was conducted, to assess experiences of IPV and symptoms of mental health. Regression analysis from the Bayesian perspective was performed.Results1,998 women accessed the survey. They had an average age of 37, and came predominantly from Europe (49%), namely Western Europe, followed by Latin America (38%). The majority had been in Spain between 1 and 3 years, and 80% had resident status. A total of 1,156 responded to questions on violence and mental health. Results showed that the prevalence of IPV was high, with 59% of women reporting any experience of violence. Economic abuse was the most commonly reported form of violence, and showed the strongest relationship with symptoms of depression. Sexual violence was the strongest predictor of anxiety. In both cases, in the presence of violence, the odds of having more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety increases by over 2.25. Technology-facilitated abuse was as detrimental to women’s mental health as face-to-face violence.DiscussionThe findings from the study are relevant to researchers, policy-makers and service providers. They highlight the complex nature of IPV experiences faced by migrant women and the importance of understanding how different types of IPV can impact migrant mental health, in order to ensure survivors receive adequate care.
A mass event of paraquat poisoning via inhalation
Authors: Shi Mengdi , Zeng Mei , Jian Tianzi , Yu Guangcai , Genjiafu Aerbusili , Zhang Xiangxing , Guo Lanlan , Shang Ruikai , Zhou Zhiqiang , Zhang Tongyue , Jian Xiangdong , Kan Baotian 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveIn January 2023, a rare event of collective inhalation paraquat poisoning occurred in Shandong, China. To analyze the clinical characteristics of an event of respiratory tract paraquat poisoning through inhalation.MethodsClinical data from eight patients with paraquat inhalation poisoning were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe patients were mainly exposed to paraquat via the respiratory tract. The main clinical manifestations were ocular and respiratory irritation. Lung computed tomography (CT) showed that all eight patients had varying degrees of lung injury, mainly manifesting as exudative lesions. Laboratory tests revealed arterial blood gas hypoxemia, abnormal white blood cell count, and increased neutrophil ratio. Sufficient glucocorticoid impact therapy was effective, and all eight patients survived.ConclusionEight patients experienced chest tightness, shortness of breath, and varying degrees of lung injury due to inhalation of paraquat through the respiratory tract. The early use of glucocorticoids and other comprehensive treatment measures, active prevention and treatment of lung infections, and protection of organ function have beneficial effects in such cases.
Unmet Need for Family Planning and Spousal Separation in Nepal: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Kim Yoona , Hendrickson Zoé Mistrale , Shakya Manju , Park Young Su , Jung Myunggu 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: In Nepal, where increasing numbers of married couples live apart due to migration, progress in reducing unmet need for family planning (UMN) is stagnant. This study aims to identify spatial patterns of UMN of married women and spousal separation in Nepal and explore associations between UMN and spousal separation at individual- and district-levels.Methods: We used 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys data to conduct spatial and multilevel logistic analyses.Results: This study shows evidence of similar geographical patterns in UMN of married women and spousal separation. At the individual level, women living with their spouses had 88% (aOR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.11–0.13) decreased odds of experiencing UMN compared to those living apart from their spouses. While not statistically significant, increasing odds of UMN were observed with higher prevalence of spousal separation at the district level.Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing literature by showing similar geographical patterns of UMN and spousal separation across Nepal and demonstrating both individual and contextual effects of spousal separation on UMN among married women. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.