bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant–soil feedback and plant invasion: effect of soil conditioning on native and invasive Prosopis species using the plant functional trait approach
Authors: Ali Hamada E. , Al-Wahaibi Ahmed M. , Shahid Muhammad Shafiq 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionInvasive species have been identified as a major threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide due to their superiority in spread and growth. Such superiority is explained by the invasional meltdown phenomena, which suggests that invasive species facilitate the establishment of more invasive species rather than native species by modifying the plant-soil feedback (PSF).MethodsWe conducted a two-phase plant-soil feedback experiment using the native Prosopis cineraria and the invasive Prosopis juliflora in Oman. Firstly, we conditioned the soil by planting seedlings of native species, invasive species, native and invasive species “mixed”, and unconditioned soil served as a control. Secondly, we tested the feedback of these four conditioned soil on the two species separately by measuring the productivity (total biomass) and the performance in the form of plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen content (Nmass), leaf carbon content (Cmass) and specific root length (SRL) of native and invasive species as well as the nutrient availability in soil (soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN)).Results and discussionWe found that the native species produced more biomass, best performance, and higher SOC and STN when grown in soil conditioned by native species, additionally, it gave lower biomass, reduced performance, and lower SOC and STN when grown in the soil conditioned by invasive and mixed species. These results suggest negative PSF for native species and positive PSF for invasive species in the soil conditioned by invasive species, which can be considered as red flag concerning the restoration of P. cineraria as an important native species in Oman, as such positive PSF of the invasive species P. juliflora will inhibit the regeneration of P. cineraria.
Median arcuate ligament syndrome: a cost analysis to determine the economic burden of a rarely diagnosed disease
Authors: Skelly Christopher L. , Stiles-Shields Colleen , Goldenthal Hayley , Bohr Nicole , Feldman Estee , Mak Grace Zee , Drossos Tina 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundChronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a medical condition resulting in enormous economic burden and healthcare utilization costs. One understudied source of CAP is the median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). MALS is often not diagnosed and treated for a variety of reasons, including the fact that MALS is highly comorbid with psychological symptoms and psychiatric disorders similar to CAP. To better inform future work on the study of MALS, we undertook a pilot study to estimate the economic impact and public health burden of this condition. We hypothesized that MALS imposes a significant public health burden.MethodsPediatric and adult patients enrolled in a prospective study undergoing multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for MALS at a tertiary care facility were invited to participate in a brief self-report survey, the Direct and Indirect Medical Care Impact of MALS Form, to capture health care resources including procedures, surgeries, health care visits, and absenteeism (school and work). To estimate costs from the Direct and Indirect Medical Care Impact of MALS Form, the medical care usage data self-reported by patients were converted to dollar value utilizing FSC-93 billing data and corresponding current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for procedures and provider visits one year prior to surgery and then following surgery. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize the sample in terms of demographics and reported absences from school and work.ResultsOne hundred and nineteen patients (mean age = 30.9 ± 13.0) completed the questionnaires, yielding a 57% response rate. 82.4% (n = 98) of the participants were female and 90.8% (n = 108) were non-Hispanic/Latine white. The mean and median surgical follow-up periods were 5.3 and 5.4 years, respectively. Overall, median cost of provider and ancillary healthcare provider visits for each patient was (US)$19,119 including the pre-operative and post-operative visits. The mean cost for providers alone was (US)$28,908. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests indicated that the postoperative missed number of days of school were significantly lower than the pre-surgical number of missed school days (Z = −3.36, p = 0.001). Similarly, there were significantly less missed work-days following surgery than before for the entire sample (Z = −2.86, p = 0.004).ConclusionMedian arcuate ligament syndrome imposes a large economic burden on patients and the healthcare system. The current findings, although reflective of a homogenous population, are adding to a growing body of literature suggesting that healthcare disparities play a role in the low rates of diagnosis and treatment of MALS.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the mental illness associated stigma scale for Arabic-speaking population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: BinDhim Nasser F. , Althumiri Nora A. , Al-Luhaidan Sulaiman M. , Alhajji Mohammed , Saad Sami Yahya A. , Alyami Hussain , Svendrovski Anton , Al-Duraihem Rashed Abdullah , Alhabeeb Abdulhameed Abdullah 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThis research aimed to culturally adapt and validate the MIAS scale for Arabic-speaking individuals within the Saudi Arabian general population, with an emphasis on cultural, societal, and individual nuances.MethodsAn initial pilot testing with a small group ensured the scale's clarity. Subsequently, two cross-sectional studies involving 189 participants to assess structural validity of the Arabic MIAS scale, and 38 participants to assess the test-retest reliability. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's α, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed for data analysis.ResultsThe Arabic MIAS scale demonstrated good internal consistency and acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC α = 0.631). A three-factor model emerged (CFI = 0.890, TLI = 0.845, RMSEA = 0.094), including “Outcomes,” “Negative Stereotypes,” and “Recovery,” closely mirroring the original study's structure. one item was excluded from the model since it didn't align with any of the three factors.ConclusionThe study contributes a culturally adapted, validated, non-condition-specific tool to gauge public attitudes toward mental health stigma in an Arabic context. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive stigma research and interventions and underscores the importance of improving such tools for cross-cultural applicability and comparability.
Barriers to, and facilitators of, education for children with disabilities worldwide: a descriptive review
Authors: Bani Odeh Kifah , Lach L. M. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundInclusionary ideals regarding the education of children with disabilities (CWD) are articulated in various international human rights treaties and instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights (2006), the Salamanca Statement (1994), and the 2030 agenda of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the latter, the fourth goal explicitly focuses on the removal of barriers to education and supporting access to quality, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Although data regarding access to education among CWD remains scarce, it is well known that rates of their participation in education remain low, particularly among those in LMICs. The research question of this descriptive review is what are the barriers to and facilitators of education for children with disabilities worldwide aged between 6 and 18 years old?MethodsA descriptive review of literature published in English between 2013 and 2021 was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for a scoping review using the following databases: EBSCO, SocINDEX with full text (EBSCO), and ERIC (EBSCO). The search resulted in 7,072 titles and abstracts, which were narrowed down to 1,335 papers for full text review. After data extraction, 54 papers were included in the analysis, with 34 being qualitative, 10 quantitative, and 10 mixed-methods studies. The findings on the facilitators and barriers to education for children with disabilities were analyzed using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Framework (1979).ResultsOut of the eligible studies included in our research, 40 were conducted in developing countries, while 14 studies conducted on LMICs. Of the five environmental domains in the ICF, the most significant barriers were found to be that of attitudes and services, while technology and effective communication with school staff were found to play a crucial role in facilitating the education process. Applying Bronfenbrenner’s framework, barriers occurred at the micro-system (school level), meso-system (parent and teacher communication), exo-system (services), and macro-system (education policy). Only 3 out of the 54 studies included the voices of CWD.ConclusionDespite documented barriers, facilitators of education for CWD are underexplored, lacking research on their voices. Further investigation is needed.
Regional differences in the effects of healthy aging on depressive symptoms: a Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006–2020)
Authors: Kang Soo Jin , Hwang Jinseub , Kim Dohyang , Kim Bongjeong 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDepression is a widely prevalent, often recurrent condition. To analyze the regional differences in depressive symptoms over time, we investigated urban–rural differences in change in depression over time in South Korea and the association between healthy aging and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults.MethodsData collected in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, from 2006 to 2020, of adult participants aged ≥45 years without depressive symptoms were analyzed. Healthy aging was defined under five principal components: absence of chronic disease, good physical function, normal cognitive function, active social engagement, and good psychological adaptation. Depressive symptoms were measured using the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Using the Andersen-Gill model for recurrent time-to-event, we examined the effect of healthy aging on depressive symptoms, with a subgroup analysis based on the residential area.ResultsOf the 7,708 participants, 78.2% lived in urban areas and 39.4% achieved healthy aging. In 2008, rural residents had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (rural 11.8%; urban 8.9%); however, after 2016, the depressive symptoms of urban residents gradually increased (rural 6.4%; urban 12.1%). Unhealthy aging (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.72–3.39) and urban residence (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.24) were risk factors for depressive symptoms. The subgroup analysis revealed that individuals who did not achieve healthy aging had an increased risk of depressive symptoms, regardless of their residential area (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: urban, 3.13 [2.75–3.55]; rural 2.59 [2.05–3.28]).ConclusionAs urbanization accelerates, urban residents have a higher risk of depressive symptoms than rural residents. Healthy aging is an essential factor in reducing depressive symptoms. To achieve healthy aging, appropriate interventions and policies that target the middle-aged adults and gradually extend to older adults are needed, considering individual and regional factors.
Factors affecting social integration after road traffic orthopaedic injuries in Rwanda
Authors: Allen Ingabire JC , Stewart Aimee , Uwakunda Carine , Mugisha Didace , Sagahutu Jean Baptiste , Urimubenshi Gerard , Tumusiime David K. , Bucyibaruta Georges 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) leading to long-term disability present a significant public health challenge, causing immense personal and societal consequences. Every year, 50 million people are hurt, 1.2 million die, 30% are permanently disabled, and 14% cannot return to work due to road traffic accidents. However, in many developing countries, information on the social integration of patients post-RTI remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to social integration following road traffic-related orthopedic injuries (RTOI) in Rwanda.MethodologyA multicenter, cross-sectional study included 369 adult Road traffic orthopedic injuries (RTOI) victims from five Rwandan referral hospitals. Participants completed the IMPACT-S Questionnaire between 2 June 2022, and 31 August 2022, two years after the injury. It measured social integration in terms of activities and paricipation. We used logistic regression statistical analysis with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05 to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences and Medicine at the University of Rwanda College of Medicine ethically authorized this study. Participants signed a written consent form before participating in the study. The data was kept private and was used only for this study.ResultsThe study's findings indicated that the mean age of RTOI victims was 37.5 ± 11.26 years, with a notable male predominance over females. Of the participants, 5.69% were unable to resume normal life activities. The overall mean score on the IMPACT-S scale was moderate, at 77 ± 17. Specifically, participants achieved an average score of 76 ± 16 for “activities” and a higher average of 84 ± 16 for “participation.” Certain factors were associated with poor social integration compared to others, including belonging to the age group above 65 years (OR = 8.25, p = 0.02), female sex (OR = 3.26, p = 0.02), lack of rehabilitation (OR = 3.82, p = 0.01), and length of hospital stay &gt;15 days (OR = 4.44, p = 0.02).ConclusionThe majority of RTOI victims in Rwanda achieved successful reintegration into society; nevertheless, their mobility and community engagement were more significantly impacted compared to other aspects assessed by the IMPACT-S scale. The study emphasized the importance of early management, effective rehabilitation, and prompt patient discharge from the hospital in facilitating a successful return to everyday life after road traffic-related orthopedic injuries.
Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Prefabricated Columns Connected Using a Novel Dry Sleeve
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Zhao Baojun , Wu Hao , Djerrad Abderrahim , Zhang Dekai 
Published: January 2024

Prefabricated structures are widely used because of their advantages of energy savings, environmental protection, standardization, and universality. However, due to the complex structure of the joints, it is easy to make the joint installation difficult and the prefabricated column connection unreliable, and further lead to the poor seismic performance of the structure. Therefore, a new type of dry sleeve joint with double screw sleeve without support is proposed, and the seismic performance and influencing factors of the new dry-sleeve-joint prefabricated column are studied. This study encompasses seven reinforced concrete columns characterized by cross-sectional dimensions of 600 mm × 600 mm. Among these, five specimens feature a novel dry sleeve connection, while the remaining two specimens were entirely cast-in-place. Low-cycle reversed loading experiments were conducted on all specimens to analyze and compare the damage patterns, hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, displacement ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and ultimate bearing capacity between precast and cast-in-place columns. Several parameters, including fabrication method, axial compression ratio, longitudinal reinforcement diameter, and hoop spacing, were examined. The findings demonstrated that the calculated-to-tested ratio of the ultimate bearing capacity for the prefabricated specimens was determined to be 0.62, indicating a high level of safety. The displacement ductility coefficient for each specimen ranged from 2.43 to 3.31, while the ultimate drift ratio was within the range of 1/41 to 1/33, satisfying the specified requirements for seismic performance. However, the hysteresis curve of the prefabricated specimens exhibited a pinching effect, which may be related to the existence of a weak layer on the joint surface of the post-cast section. In general, the shape of the new dry sleeve is maintained in the test, the connection form can effectively transfer the force, and the longitudinal bars can be strained and yield when the prefabricated column reaches the peak load. The new type of dry sleeve connection can be used for longitudinal reinforcement connection of reinforced concrete columns with seismic design.
The Impact of IL1B rs1143634 and DEFB1 rs11362 Variants on Periodontitis Risk in Phenylketonuria and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Latvian Population
Authors: Emulina Darta Elizabete , Abola Iveta , Brinkmane Anda , Isakovs Aleksejs , Skadins Ingus , Moisejevs Georgijs , Gailite Linda , Auzenbaha Madara 
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that affects approximately 11% of the global population. The objective of this study was to examine whether, among individuals with phenylketonuria and type 1 diabetes mellitus, those with the IL1B rs1143634 and/or DEFB1 rs11362 genetic variants exhibit a higher periodontitis risk compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In all, 43 phenylketonuria patients (aged 12–53), 28 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (aged 11–40), and 63 healthy controls (aged 12–53) were included. The evaluation of periodontitis risk was conducted using the Silness–Löe plaque index, the Greene–Vermillion index, and an assessment for the necessity of calculus removal. Genetic variants rs1143634 and rs11362 were genotyped from salivary samples using restriction length polymorphism analysis. Results: The DEFB1 rs11362 variant was associated with higher Silness–Löe and Greene–Vermillion index scores in phenylketonuria patients (p = 0.011 and p = 0.043, respectively). The IL1B rs1143634 variant was associated with lower calculus removal necessity in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (p = 0.030). Clinical examination showed the worst oral hygiene index scores for PKU patients. PKU patients also reported the least consistent tooth brushing and flossing habits. Conclusions: Genetic associations between DEFB1 rs11362 and IL1B rs1143634 variants and oral hygiene indices were observed in the PKU and T1DM groups, suggesting that genetic factors may contribute to periodontal health differences in these populations. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings and develop targeted oral health interventions.
Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 Alleviates Glucolipid Metabolism Disorders via the Adipoinsular Axis and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Su Yue , Ren Jing , Zhang Jingwen , Zheng Jiapeng , Zhang Qi , Tian Yueling , Zhang Yu , Jiang Yujun , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2024

Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) refer to a series of metabolic disorders caused by abnormal processes of glucose and lipid synthesis, decomposition, and absorption in the body, leading to glucose and lipid excess, insulin resistance, and obesity. Probiotic intervention is a new strategy to alleviate metabolic syndrome. Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 (L. paracasei JY062) was separated from the Tibet-fermented dairy products. The results demonstrated a strong ability to relieve blood glucose disorders, blood lipid disorders, and tissue damage. The LPH group had the best effect, significantly decreasing the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, insulin, and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, and GLP-1 level compared to HFD-group mice. L. paracasei JY062 could activate the APN-AMPK pathway, increased AdipoQ, AMPK GLUT-4, and PGC-1α mRNA expression and decreased SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS mRNA expression. L. paracasei JY062 intervention decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, and restored the imbalance of gut microbiota homeostasis caused by a high-glucose-fat diet. L. paracasei JY062 alleviated glucolipid metabolism disorders via the adipoinsular axis and gut microbiota. This study provided a theoretical basis for probiotics to ameliorate glucolipid metabolism disorders by regulating the adipoinsular axis.
GP perceptions of informal peer support in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hussan Aminah , Satheeskaran Maya , Dho Hajin , Basu Avishek , Fazaldin Yunis , Tariq Samir , Farkas Maria 
Published: January 2024

Background
Burnout is on the rise among GPs in the UK. One approach to mitigating burnout in GPs is through informal peer support (IPS). This refers to GPs informally supporting each other on an informational (advice) and emotional (venting and reflection) basis.

Aim
To explore GPs’ perceptions of how IPS manifests in the primary care setting and what factors influence effective GP engagement with IPS.

Design & setting
A qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews to develop an in-depth understanding of GPs’ perceptions of IPS, based on their experiences in practices across England.

Method
Fifteen GPs were purposively sampled to include the views of locum, salaried, and trainee GPs and GP partners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results
Four types of IPS were identified relating to emotional support, professional advice, sharing of workload, and mentorship, which reflect existing literature. The frequency and efficacy of IPS was found to be influenced by several factors categorised into individual traits, practice culture, and occupation.

Conclusion
The results highlight where efforts should be directed to improve GP engagement with IPS. Specifically, GP leaders have an important role in shaping practice culture and fostering an environment for IPS to occur. Practices may also benefit from introducing professional development measures targeted at training GPs to better support each other based on their individual traits.
Tempo de jejum e intensidade de sede na parturiente: estudo transversal
Authors: Godoy Rafael Silva , De Godoi Danieli Marques , Dock-Nascimento Diana Borges , De Aguilar-Nascimento José Eduardo 
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Avaliar o tempo de jejum em parturientes no centro obstétrico e sua associação com a intensidade da sede. Método: Foram incluídas parturientes admitidas para parto cesáreo ou normal, idade materna entre 18-40 anos e gestação a termo. Foi registrado o horário da última ingestão de comida e bebida antes do parto. A seguir aplicou-se uma escala visual analógica para avaliar a intensidade da sede. A principal variável de desfecho foi o tempo de jejum pré-parto para sólidos (classificado em 3 categorias: 0-6, 6,1-11,9 e ≥ 12 horas) e líquidos (classificado em 4 categorias: 0-2h, 2,1-6h, 6,1-11,9 h e ≥ 12 horas). Secundariamente, o tempo de jejum para sólidos e para líquidos foi associado à intensidade de sede relatada. Resultados: Foram avaliados 297 casos, com idade mediana de 26 anos e paridade mediana de 2. O parto cesáreo (53,5%) foi mais frequente que o parto normal (46,5%). O tempo médio de jejum da amostra foi de 11,0 (± 5,9) horas para sólidos e 6,6 (± 5,7) horas para líquidos, sendo que o grupo parto de cesáreo apresentou maior tempo de jejum para sólidos e líquidos. A intensidade da sede foi 4,4 vezes maior em pacientes com jejum prolongado de sólidos (OR 4,45; IC 95%: 3,70-5,20; p<0,001) e quase 5 vezes maior em jejum de líquidos (OR 4,99; IC 95%: 4,46-5,53; p<0,001). Conclusão: O tempo de jejum da parturiente no pré-parto geralmente é prolongado e a intensidade da sede aumenta com o tamanho do jejum, especialmente em pacientes submetidas à cesárea.