bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties on leaf bud sprouting for rapid multiplication of planting materials
Authors: Meibuko Ngakwi Masai , Mtui Hosea Dunstan , Baltazari Anna 
Published: January 2025

A drawback associated with conventional clonal propagation of cassava is its limited multiplication ratio, which poses challenges for both cassava crop enhancement and seed system initiatives. This study was aimed to evaluate the response of varieties on the sprouting ability of their leaf buds from the upper, middle, and lower positions of mature plant branches for rapid multiplication of planting materials. Five varieties, namely, Kizimbani, Mkombozi, Mkumba, TARICASS 4, and Mkuranga 1, were selected. The criteria for selection were resistance to green mites (Mononychellus tanajoa), a common cassava serious insect pest; Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), the most serious cassava viral diseases; and high-yielding, dry matter, and starch content potentials. The experiment was conducted in a screen house where the leaf buds from mature mother plant branches were planted in a growth cage measuring 3.0 m × 1.5 m × 3.5 m made of metal pipes and covered with a transparent polyethylene sheet for sprouting. The design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split–split plot arrangement with three replications. Varieties were the main plot factor, media as a subplot factor, and leaf bud position as a sub–sub plot factor. Results showed that variety had significant effects (p &lt; 0.001) on number of nodes, percent sprouting, number of sprouts, and days to 50% sprouting, and a significant difference (p &lt; 0.01) on percent survival rates and days to first sprouting. The effects of leaf bud position had significant effects (p &lt; 0.001) on the number of leaf buds, percent sprouting, number of sprouts, days to first sprouting, and percent survival rates. The media used showed significant effects on days to first sprouting (p &lt; 0.01) and first sprouting. TARICASS 4 was the most promising variety for rapid multiplication of cassava planting materials using the leaf bud technique due to its superior performance. The use of coco peat and peat moss media generally led to early and more successful sprouting. These results are important as a basis for selecting varieties for propagation using the leaf bud technique for rapid multiplication of planting materials for breeding and seed production purposes.
Levels and related factors of occupational stress among nurses: hospital-based evidence from China, 2023
Authors: Zhong Xiaoying , Zeng Yan , Peng Lin , Li Xixi , Jia Yuanli , Pan Changqing , Wang Bangjun 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundChina’s birth rate continues to decline, reaching only 6.39% in 2023. In light of this trend, hospitals may need to reassess their allocation of resources, including funding, staffing, and facilities. Nurses may face job insecurity and uncertainty regarding their roles, which could prompt some to consider transitioning to different specialties. This study aimed to investigate the levels of occupational stress among nurses in the context of low fertility in China in 2023 and to identify the factors contributing to this stress. In addition, the study sought to explore the relationship between family dysfunction, low fertility rates, and occupational stress levels.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study involved 270 nurses working in hospitals, who were recruited between December 2023 and January 2024 through a Chinese free web-based platform (Sojump) to complete online questionnaires. In addition to demographic information, the Nursing Job Stressors Scale (NJSS) and the Family APGAR Index were utilized for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. For continuous variables, the mean, standard deviation (SD), median, and interquartile range were reported, while counts and percentages were used for categorical variables. The independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were employed for univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression was utilized for multivariate analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe participants’ average scores for the NJSS and Family APGAR Index were 1.76 ± 0.58 and 6.35 ± 3.30 points, respectively. In addition, workload and time pressure were rated highest among the sub-scales of the NJSS. The top five job stressors for nurses were Q3 (Wages and other benefits are low), Q1 (The social status of nursing is too low), Q5 (Frequent shift work), Q12 (Too much useless paperwork), and Q16 (Fear of mistakes and accidents at work). The score of the Family APGAR Index demonstrated a negative correlation with occupational stress (r = −0.19, p &lt; 0.001). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that a high level of worry about losing one’s job (SE = 0.044, β = 0.152, t = 2.567, p = 0.011) and poorer family APGAR scores (SE = 0.035, β = −0.202, t = −3.406, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with higher NJSS scores.ConclusionThe nurses reported experiencing a moderate level of occupational stress in the context of low fertility in China. The key predictors of occupational stress among the nurses included concerns about job security and the Family APGAR classification. Implementing fair compensation and providing more effective family-oriented support programs are essential for reducing occupational stress among nurses.
Body composition and CO2 dietary emissions
Authors: García Silvia , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Mas-Fontao Sebastián , Cuadrado-Soto Esther , Ortiz-Ramos María , Matía-Martín Pilar , Daimiel Lidia , Vázquez Clotilde , Tur Josep A. , Bouzas Cristina 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe amount and quality of foods consumed not only impact on individual health, as reflected in body composition, but they could influence on greenhouse gas emissions and then, on environment.AimThis study aims to assess the relationship between the body composition and the CO2 emissions resulting from the dietary choices of an adult population.DesignA cross-sectional study on baseline data from 778 participants aged 55–75 years old, with metabolic syndrome (MetS) as part of the PREDIMED-Plus study.MethodsFood intake was registered using a validated semi quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The amount of CO2 emitted was calculated using data from the Agribalyse® 3.0.1 database. Anthropometry (body weight, height, and waist, and hip circumference, and body mass index) was determined by usual measurements, and body composition (fat mass, visceral fat, muscular mass, fat free mass, and total body water) were assessed by bioimpedance.ResultsCO2 emissions were linearly and positively associated with weight, waist circumference, visceral fat, fat free mass, total body water and energy intake.ConclusionBody composition is associated with dietary CO2 emissions. The higher total body water, fat free mass, and body weight, the higher the dietary CO2 emissions were, following a linear relationship.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870, ISRCTN89898870.
Rising congenital syphilis rates in Canada, 1993–2022
Authors: Tetteh Ashorkor , Abdi Nadifa , Moore Victoria , Gravel Geneviève 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe number of cases of confirmed early congenital syphilis has risen steeply in Canada in recent years, particularly since 2018, to the highest number ever recorded since national reporting began in 1993. We analyzed national data on confirmed early congenital syphilis from 1993 to 2022 to describe epidemiologic trends in Canada during this period.MethodsData from 1993 to 2017 were obtained from routine surveillance conducted through the Canadian Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, and data from 2018 to 2022 were obtained from enhanced surveillance conducted through a federal-provincial-territorial working group. Case counts and rates were computed nationally and by province and territory. Infectious syphilis data from the same time period for females of reproductive age were also analyzed.ResultsThe national rate of confirmed early congenital syphilis was 127-fold higher in 2022 than in 1993, increasing from 0.3 to 32.7 cases per 100,000 live births. Case counts began increasing rapidly in 2018, with the highest case count observed to date (n = 115) occurring in 2022. The highest rates in the country in recent years have been observed in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario. Infectious syphilis rates among females of reproductive age have also been rapidly increasing in these provinces. Between 2018 and 2022, the national rate of confirmed early congenital syphilis increased approximately seven-fold and the national rate of infectious syphilis increased approximately two-fold, including an approximately three-and-a-half-fold rate increase among females of reproductive age.DiscussionThese numbers represent huge shifts in the epidemiological landscape of syphilis in Canada. The increase in vertical transmission appears to be driven by not only the increasing rate of infectious syphilis among females of reproductive age but also by multiple structural and social determinants of health impacting pregnant individuals.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of vocational college teachers towards occupational burnout
Authors: Li Hongbing , Chen Jiangyun , Wei Qing , Chen Haohao 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of vocational college teachers regarding occupational burnout.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers from 15 vocational colleges between 20 April 2024 and 20 June 2024. Basic demographic information and KAP scores were collected through a self-developed questionnaire. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES) was used to assess levels of occupational burnout.ResultsA total of 462 valid questionnaires were analysed, of which 264 (57.14%) respondents were female. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 10.04 ± 4.61 (possible range: 0–18), 28.24 ± 3.77 (possible range: 7–35), and 16.68 ± 4.01 (possible range: 6–30), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that knowledge score (β = −0.137, 95% CI: −0.251 to −0.024, p = 0.018), attitude score (β = −0.284, 95% CI: −0.424 to −0.145, p &lt; 0.001), practice score (β = 0.320, 95% CI: 0.193 to 0.446, p &lt; 0.001), and sleep disorders (β = −1.915, 95% CI: −3.345 to −0.486, p = 0.009) were independently associated with MBI-ES scores. Structural equation modeling revealed that knowledge directly influenced attitude (β = 0.410, p &lt; 0.001) and practice (β = 0.312, p = 0.001). Knowledge (β = −0.92, p = 0.024), attitude (β = −2.850, p &lt; 0.001), and practice (β = 1.525, p &lt; 0.001) directly affected burnout.ConclusionAlthough vocational college teachers demonstrate positive attitudes towards addressing occupational burnout, they exhibit insufficient knowledge and passive practices, leading to an increased risk of burnout. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance vocational college teachers’ knowledge and skills in managing occupational burnout.
Quantifying conjugation rates in clinical and environmental matrices: a systematic review to inform risk assessment
Authors: Quon Hunter , Ramirez Lucia , Bagwell Blakeley , Moralez Jennifer , Sheppard Richard J. , Lopatkin Allison J. , Hamilton Kerry A. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major public health concern and challenge. The transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) between bacteria and the movement of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) between human, environmental, and animal reservoirs allows AMR to spread and drive its persistence. Modeling efforts are useful for providing understanding of fate and transport, dynamics, or probabilistic risk, but lack estimates of bacterial conjugation parameters to be used within these frameworks.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to summarize measured rates of conjugation for AMR and other resistances across a variety of settings, experimental media, and donor sources. Results: Across the 113 studies, reported conjugation frequencies and rates were examined in environmental, clinical, and animal/agricultural settings. The findings spanned over 12 orders of magnitude. From all studies, a subset of 25 were able to be analyzed for time-dependent rate estimation, which is most useful in modeling approaches. The highest rates were found in samples originating from wastewater sources or transferred in wastewater matrices, pointing to the significance and role of anthropogenic impacts on the environment in dissemination of AMR.DiscussionThe results allowed us to identify knowledge gaps in measuring conjugation rates in key environmental exposure areas, such as biofilms, and in reporting experimental outputs for understanding cell growth and conjugation dynamics, such as donor, recipient and transconjugant densities over time.
Identification and prioritization of factors affecting the saffron supply chain and selection strategies during the pandemic crisis based on the ANP-SWOT method
Authors: Riahi Dorcheh Farshid , Rahbari Misagh 
Published: January 2025

PurposeIran is the world’s leading producer of saffron. This study aimed to investigate the challenges and provide some approaches to developing the supply chain of saffron, especially saffron exports during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of saffron exports were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, the weights of the criteria, sub-criteria, and priorities of the presented strategies are computed using the AHP-SWOT and ANP-SWOT methods. Finally, data were acquired through the systematic collection of expert opinions using the Delphi method.FindingsAccording to the prioritization of saffron export development strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the AHP-SWOT method, “Performing marketing research in universities” and “Creating international associations and using anti-COVID-19 tools” were identified as the most important strategies. Moreover, in the prioritization of saffron export development strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the ANP-SWOT method, “Encouraging investors to attract investments and develop infrastructures” and “Performing marketing research in universities” are determined to be the most significant strategies.Originality/valueBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, many economic problems have arisen for saffron-producing companies, highlighting the importance of implementing the best strategies to deal with these conditions. However, given the importance of saffron exports in Iran due to their high price and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, it is imperative to conduct this research.
Amiodarone treatment in cats: evaluation of indications, adverse effects, and survival outcomes
Authors: Rossi Graham C. , Tjostheim Sonja S. , Kellihan Heidi B. , Stepien Rebecca L. , Liou Michael , Marshall Cecilia , Wright Kathy N. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionTime-and dose-dependent adverse effects of amiodarone have not been described in cats. The primary aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to report the type and frequency of clinical adverse effects and biochemical changes in cats receiving amiodarone chronically. The secondary aim was to report survival outcomes in this population of cats.MethodsMedical records were reviewed for signalment, arrhythmia diagnosis, presence of structural heart disease, systemic comorbidities and congestive heart failure at presentation, amiodarone dose, serial bloodwork results, adverse events, and survival outcome.ResultsThe study population included 27 client-owned cats (2016–2022). All cats had structural cardiac disease, and many were in congestive heart failure (17/27; 63%) at presentation. Amiodarone was most commonly prescribed for ventricular tachycardia (19/27, 70%), and it was administered once daily with a median [range] dose of 8.8 [4.515.2] mg/kg/day. There was a decrease in serum concentration of alanine transaminase between pretreatment values and values measured during the early amiodarone treatment window, 1–90 days (n = 16; p = 0.034). No statistical difference in serum concentration of alanine transaminase (n = 10; p = 0.799) was noted after 90 days of treatment compared to pretreatment. There was no change in hematocrit, neutrophil count, and serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase and total thyroxine during treatment in assessed cats. Ten cats (37%) had at least one episode of hyporexia or vomiting while receiving amiodarone. The median survival time for all-cause mortality was 441 days (95% confidence interval, 126–929 days); cats in which the primary therapeutic target was both supraventricular and concomitant ventricular tachyarrhythmias had at least a two-fold risk of dying compared to cats with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias alone (hazard ratio 12.9, 95% CI 1.86–89.8; p = 0.010).DiscussionAmiodarone was primarily used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. Transient gastrointestinal signs were reported in approximately one-third of the cats studied, but no clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were found in cats receiving amiodarone.
The Introduction of the Global Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance and Its Added Value to the WHO and the WHO/FAO/UNEP/WOAH 2023 Research Agendas on Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Baars Erik W. , Weiermayer Petra , Szőke Henrik P. , van der Werf Esther T. 
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Given the magnitude and urgency of the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem and the insufficiency of strategies to reduce antimicrobial use, there is a need for novel strategies. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) provides strategies and solutions that contribute to reducing (inappropriate) antimicrobial use, preventing or treating infections in both human and veterinary medicine, and may contribute to promoting the health/resilience of humans and animals and reducing AMR. The aims of this study were to present the core results of a global TCIH research agenda for AMR and its added value to two existing global AMR research agendas published in 2023. Methods: A survey, interviews, and consensus meetings among network members, as an adapted version of the nominal group technique, were executed to develop the global TCIH research agenda. A comparison of the global TCIH research agenda with the two existing global AMR research agendas was performed. The TCIH additions to these two existing global AMR research agendas were determined. Results: The global TCIH research agenda adds to 19 of 40 research priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO) AMR research agenda 2023 and three of the five pillars of the WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) research agenda 2023. In addition, the TCIH research agenda adds two new research themes with four new research priorities and three new research priorities to already existing themes of the two global AMR research agendas. Conclusions: The global TCIH research agenda fits with and adds to two global AMR research agendas and can be used as an additional strategy to reduce AMR and (inappropriate) use of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Commensal Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from Chickens in Hungarian Poultry Farms Between 2022 and 2023
Authors: Szabó Ábel , Jerzsele Ákos , Kovács László , Kerek Ádám 
Published: January 2025

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest challenges of our time, urging researchers in both veterinary and public health to engage in collaborative efforts, thereby fostering the One Health approach. Infections caused by Staphylococcus species can not only lead to significant diseases in poultry but also pose serious threats to human life, particularly in hospital (nosocomial) infections; therefore, it is crucial to identify their antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Our objective was to assess the susceptibility profile of commensal Staphylococcus aureus strains (n = 227) found in commercial chicken flocks in Hungary through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Results: Based on our findings, resistance to tiamulin (82.8%; 95% CI: 77.4–87.2%) and doxycycline (74.4%; 95% CI: 68.5–79.7%) is the most critical. The 55.1% (95% CI: 48.8–61.3%) resistance rate to enrofloxacin, a critically important antimicrobial, is also concerning. The fact that 58.6% (95% CI: 52.4–64.5%) of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin and 35.7% (95% CI: 29.7–42.1) were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid suggests that a proportion of the strains produce β-lactamase. Comparing our results with the available human hospital data, it was found that resistance to macrolide antibiotics is similarly high in both cases. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the necessity of conducting regular surveillance studies, which would allow the monitoring of future temporal trends. This information could benefit practitioners making clinical decisions to successfully treat infections. To uncover the underlying causes of multidrug resistance, next-generation sequencing can be employed to elucidate the genetic basis of phenotypic resistance.
Improving Geldanamycin Production in Streptomyces geldanamycininus Through UV Mutagenesis of Protoplast
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yang Lu , Fang Zhikai , Chen Haimin , Sun Fei , Jiang Hong , Zhou Jian 
Published: January 2025

Geldanamycin, a benzoquinone ansa antibiotic, has been extensively applied in medical, agricultural, and health research areas due to its antitumor, antifungal, herbicidal, and antiradiation effects. In this study, an improvement of geldanamycin production by Streptomyces geldanamycininus FIM18-0592 was first performed by protoplasts combined with UV mutagenesis and ribosome engineering technology, respectively. The results showed that strains induced by UV mutagenesis of protoplasts were superior to protoplasts treated with erythromycin in terms of the positive variability, average relative titer, and maximum relative titer, with values of 51.95%, 99%, and 136%, respectively. A mutant strain that produced 3742 μg/mL geldanamycin was generated by protoplast UV mutagenesis, with a 36% higher yield than the initial strain. Multi-omic analysis revealed that the high-yielding geldanamycin in mutant strain 53 could upregulate GdmG and GdmX by 1.59 and 2.38 times in the ansamycin synthesis pathway, and downregulate pks12, pikAI, and pikAII by 0.25, 0.37, and 0.48 times in the fatty acid synthesis pathway, which was crucial for geldanamycin production. Our study provides a novel S. geldanamycininus geldanamycin production strategy and offers valuable insights for mutagenesis and breeding of other microorganisms.