bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an online emotional intelligence training program
Authors: Durham Michelle R. Persich , Smith Ryan , Cloonan Sara , Hildebrand Lindsey L. , Woods-Lubert Rebecca , Skalamera Jeff , Berryhill Sarah M. , Weihs Karen L. , Lane Richard D. , Allen John J. B. , Dailey Natalie S. , Alkozei Anna , Vanuk John R. , Killgore William D. S. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionEmotional intelligence (EI) is associated with a range of positive health, wellbeing, and behavioral outcomes. The present article describes the development and validation of an online training program for increasing EI abilities in adults. The training program was based on theoretical models of emotional functioning and empirical literature on successful approaches for training socioemotional skills and resilience.MethodsAfter an initial design, programming, and refinement process, the completed online program was tested for efficacy in a sample of 326 participants (72% female) from the general population. Participants were randomly assigned to complete either the EI training program (n = 168) or a matched placebo control training program (n = 158). Each program involved 10-12 hours of engaging online content and was completed during either a 1-week (n = 175) or 3-week (n = 151) period.ResultsParticipants who completed the EI training program showed increased scores from pre- to post-training on standard self-report (i.e., trait) measures of EI (relative to placebo), indicating self-perceived improvements in recognizing emotions, understanding emotions, and managing the emotions of others. Moreover, those in the EI training also showed increased scores in standard performance-based (i.e., ability) EI measures, demonstrating an increased ability to strategically use and manage emotions relative to placebo. Improvements to performance measures also remained significantly higher than baseline when measured six months after completing the training. The training was also well-received and described as helpful and engaging.DiscussionFollowing a rigorous iterative development process, we created a comprehensive and empirically based online training program that is well-received and engaging. The program reliably improves both trait and ability EI outcomes and gains are sustained up to six months post-training. This program could provide an easy and scalable method for building emotional intelligence in a variety of settings.
Associations between rapid auditory processing of speech sounds and specific verbal communication skills in autism
Authors: Demopoulos Carly , Skiba Sara A. , Kopald Brandon E. , Bangera Nitin , Paulson Kim , Lewine Jeffrey David 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe ability to rapidly process speech sounds is integral not only for processing other’s speech, but also for auditory processing of one’s own speech, which allows for maintenance of speech accuracy. Deficits in rapid auditory processing have been demonstrated in autistic individuals, particularly those with language impairment. We examined rapid auditory processing for speech sounds in relation to performance on a battery of verbal communication measures to determine which aspects of verbal communication were associated with cortical auditory processing in a sample of individuals with autism.MethodsParticipants were 57 children and adolescents (40 male and 17 female) ages 5–18 who were diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Rapid auditory processing of speech sounds was measured via a magnetoencephalographic (MEG) index of the quality of the auditory evoked response to the second of two differing speech sounds (“Ga” / “Da”) presented in rapid succession. Verbal communication abilities were assessed on standardized clinical measures of overall expressive and receptive language, vocabulary, articulation, and phonological processing. Associations between cortical measures of left- and right-hemisphere rapid auditory processing and verbal communication measures were examined.ResultsRapid auditory processing of speech sounds was significantly associated with speech articulation bilaterally (r = 0.463, p = 0.001 for left hemisphere and r = 0.328, p = 0.020 for right hemisphere). In addition, rapid auditory processing in the left hemisphere was significantly associated with overall expressive language abilities (r = 0.354, p = 0.013); expressive (r = 0.384, p = 0.005) vocabulary; and phonological memory (r = 0.325, p = 0.024). Phonological memory was found to mediate the relationship between rapid cortical processing and receptive language.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that impaired rapid auditory processing for speech sounds is associated with dysfunction in verbal communication in ASD. The data also indicate that intact rapid auditory processing may be necessary for even basic communication skills that support speech production, such as phonological memory and articulatory control.
Optimized electroacupuncture treatment for female stress urinary incontinence: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Lumin , Chen Bingli , Si Xiaohui , Hou Wenguang , Fan Qian , Li Xu , Li Juanjuan , Ming Shuren , Yin Ping , Chen Yuelai 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that can severely affect women’s life quality. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been proved to be an optional treatment for SUI, but the tolerance of EA becomes a factor affecting efficiency, which should not be ignored and needs to be solved urgently. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the use of alternating acupoints combination can solve this problem or not and provide an optimization of EA treatment for female SUI.MethodsThis multi-center randomized controlled trial will enroll 360 patients with SUI. They will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups—sacral acupoints group (sacral group), abdominal acupoints group (abdominal group), or alternating acupoints group (alternating group)—at a 1:1:1 ratio. The patients will receive 18 sessions of EA treatment and will be followed up for 48 weeks after the treatment. The primary outcome measure of the study is the change of urine leakage at week 6. The secondary outcomes include the incontinence episode frequency (IEF), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), severity of SUI, patient self-evaluation of therapeutic effects, weekly usage of urine pads, ultrasonography of pelvic floor, specialty therapies for SUI, evaluation of discomfort during EA treatment, patient acceptability evaluation and adverse events related to intervention.DiscussionThis trial is specifically designed to offer an optimized EA treatment for female SUI, aiming to enhance their quality of life.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ID:NCT05635669.
Education counteracts the genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease without an interaction effect
Authors: Li Xuping , Zhang Yushi , Zhang Chengcheng , Zheng Ying , Liu Ruilin , Xiao Shuiyuan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of disability and mortality in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the association of AD with education and genetic factors.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study using data from the UK Biobank. Genetic risk was assessed using a polygenic risk score for AD. The educational level was categorized as either low, intermediate, or high. AD was defined using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the independent and combined effects of genetic factors and educational levels on the risk of AD.ResultsWe included 318,535 participants in this study (age: 56.53 ± 8.09 years; male: 44.81%). Compared with a low genetic risk, a high genetic risk was associated with a significantly greater risk of AD (OR = 7.09, 95% CI: 6.09–8.26). A high educational level was associated with a 30% lower risk of AD compared with a low educational level (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60–0.81). Combining genetic risk and education categories, individuals with a low genetic risk and high educational level had a more than 90% (OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.05–0.16) lower risk of AD compared to those with a high genetic risk and low educational level. There was no significant interaction between genetic risk and educational level regarding AD risk (p for interaction = 0.359).ConclusionEducation counteracts the genetic risk of AD, without an interaction effect. Increasing education to reduce the incidence of AD is of same importance across individuals with different genetic risk.
Confidence in dementia care and care approach toward dementia among the nursing staff in long-term care facilities in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chen Haiwen , Song Jie , Zhang Nan , Li Na , Jiang Qianqian , Lu Xiaohan , Liu Lin , Liu Yue 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundConfidence and appropriate care approach toward dementia among nursing staff (nurses and care assistants) are crucial manifestations of competency to deal with the complexity of dementia care in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the confidence in dementia care and care approach among nursing staff in LTCFs in mainland China.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was utilized in LTCFs in Shandong Province, mainland China. A convenient sample included of 317 nursing staff drawn from 15 LTCFs. Survey questions included (a) demographics, (b) dementia knowledge, (c) dementia care confidence, and (d) approach to care for people with dementia. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Factors associated with confidence and care approach for people with dementia were examined using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsDementia care confidence was generally moderate. Factors affecting confidence to care for people with dementia included educational level, months of caring dementia patients, and dementia knowledge. Most nursing staff did not use a person-centered care approach which was significantly associated with their age, dementia-learning experience, and knowledge and confidence toward caring for people with dementia.ConclusionA positive correlation was identified between confidence to care for people with dementia and nursing staff care approach. Clinical recommendations are provided to further develop education strategies tailored for nursing staff to meet the growing demand for dementia care services.
Analysis of factors associated with abnormal thyroid function among medical staff in radiotherapy departments
Authors: Ren Ziwei , Ren Yanwei , Bai Xinghua , Shang Puyu , Li Guang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo understand abnormal thyroid function and its associated factors among medical staff in radiotherapy departments.MethodsData related to medical staff in radiotherapy departments who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed from September to December 2022 in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, including basic personal and lifestyle habits, work information, and scores on the Depression Self-Assessment Scale, Perception Stress Scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Scale. Data analysis was performed using the χ2 test and binary logistic regression.ResultsAmong 484 medical staff in the radiotherapy department, 147 (30.4%) had abnormal thyroid function. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, years of work, smoking, occupational exposure, smoking, late-night snacking habits, depression, and stress perception were factors associated with abnormal thyroid function among medical staff in radiotherapy departments; on the other hand, physical exercise was a protective factor.ConclusionThe positive rate of thyroid dysfunction among medical personnel in the radiology department is relatively high. It is necessary to strengthen health education and awareness among relevant practitioners and improve the coverage of occupational disease prevention and control education.
Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: a pilot study
Authors: Hong Ker-Yung , Ghafari Avin , Mei Yixue , Williams Jennifer S. , Attia Dina , Forsyth Jourdyn , Wang Kevin , Wyeld Trevor , Sun Chunxiang , Glogauer Michael , King Trevor J. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe periodontium is a highly vascularized area of the mouth, and periodontitis initiates negative functional and structural changes in the vasculature. However, mild oral inflammation, including levels experienced by many apparently healthy individuals, has an unclear impact on cardiovascular function. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of objectively measured whole mouth oral inflammatory load (OIL) on vascular function in apparently healthy individuals.MethodsIn this cross-sectional and correlational analysis, we recruited 28 young (18–30 years) and systemically healthy participants (16 male, 12 female). Using oral neutrophil counts, a validated measure for OIL, we collected participant's mouth rinse samples and quantified OIL. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness (pulse-wave velocity) and endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) were also measured.ResultsOnly oral neutrophil count significantly predicted flow-mediated dilation % (p = 0.04; R2 = 0.16, β = − 1.05) and those with OIL levels associated with &gt;2.5 × 105 neutrophil counts (n = 8) had a lower flow-mediated dilation % (6.0 ± 2.3%) than those with counts associated with gingival health with less than 2.5 × 105 neutrophil counts (10.0 ± 5.2%, p = 0.05). There were no significant predictors for arterial stiffness.ConclusionWe found that OIL was a predictor of reduced flow-mediated dilation. An impairment in flow-mediated dilation is an indicator of future possible risk of cardiovascular disease—one of the leading causes of death in North America. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the importance of oral health and that OIL may impact endothelial function.
Bedtime routines, development, and caregiver educational attainment in toddlerhood
Authors: Lam Joey Tsz Ying , Williamson Ariel A. , Salih Zainab , Heere Megan , Mindell Jodi A. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundImplementing a consistent bedtime routine is an empirically supported intervention to improve sleep in toddlers, but little is known about its association with social-emotional outcomes, and among children living in lower socioeconomic status (SES) contexts.ObjectiveThis study examined the longitudinal associations between bedtime routines, social-emotional development, and caregiver educational attainment in toddlers presenting to primary care.MethodCaregivers of 40 toddlers (Mage = 12.85 months, 57.5% female, 62.5% Black/African American) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic factors and child bedtime routine consistency at their 12-month well visit. At the 15- and 24-month well visits, data were collected on child bedtime routine consistency and social-emotional development, including the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) for social-emotional problems and competency and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (3rd edition; ASQ-3) to assess communication and personal-social skills.ResultsOverall, the majority of families engaged in a consistent bedtime routine (≥5 nights/week) at all time points (63% at 12 months, 75% at 15 months, and 86% at 24 months). Controlling for concurrent bedtime routine consistency, toddlers with a more consistent bedtime routine at 12 months exhibited less dysregulation at age 15 months. Toddlers without a consistent bedtime routine at 15 months exhibited more externalizing and internalizing problems and dysregulation at 24 months. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between bedtime routine consistency at 15 months and caregiver education for internalizing problems at 24 months, such that toddlers of caregivers with a high school education or less who lacked a consistent bedtime routine showed the most internalizing problems.ConclusionClinicians should consider recommending that families with toddlers incorporate a nightly bedtime routine not only to improve overall sleep health, but also to potentially optimize toddlers' positive social-emotional and behavioral trajectories, especially in families with lower educational attainment.
In vitro ruminal fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal transplantations verify the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers: potential to promote health in dairy cows
Authors: Hsieh Jui-Chun , Chuang Shih-Te , Hsu Yu-Ting , Ho Shang-Tse , Li Kuan-Yi , Chou Shih-Hsuan , Chen Ming-Ju 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThere are differences in the gut microbiome and metabolome when the host undergoes different physical or pathological conditions. However, the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers to potentially promote the health of dairy cows needs to be studied. Further, the development of next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle health promotion has not been demonstrated.ObjectiveIn the present study, we identified the microbiome and metabolome biomarkers associated with healthy cows.MethodsWe analyzed the relationships of the ruminal microorganism profile and metabolites between healthy and mastitis lactating dairy cows. The roles of bacterial biomarker were further verified by in vitro fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).ResultsTwo species, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, and six rumen metabolites were positively correlated with healthy cows by Spearman’s correlation analysis. Through in vitro ruminal fermentation, inoculating R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum showed the upregulation of the levels of putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal in the mastitis ruminal fluid, which confirmed the inter-relationships between these microbiota and metabolites associated with healthy cows. Further, we verified the role of R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum in promoting health by FMT. The administration of R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum reduced the death rate and recovered the bodyweight loss of germ-free mice caused by FMT mastitis feces.DiscussionWe provided evidence that the bacterial biomarkers alter downstream metabolites. This could indirectly indicate that the two bacterial biomarkers have the potential to be used as next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle, although it needs more evidence to support our hypothesis. Two species, R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum, with three metabolites, putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal, identified in the ruminal fluid, may point to a new health-promoting and disease-preventing approach for dairy cattle.
A survey of biosecurity practices of pig farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda
Authors: Ekakoro John E. , Nawatti Margaret , Singler David F. , Ochoa Krista , Kizza Robinah , Ndoboli Dickson , Ndumu Deo B. , Wampande Eddie M. , Havas Karyn A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn Uganda, pig production is an important source of livelihood for many people and contributes to food security. African swine fever (ASF) is a major constraint to pig production in Uganda, threatening the food supply and sustainable livelihoods. Prevention of ASF primarily relies on good biosecurity practices along the pig value chain. Previous studies showed that biosecurity along the pig value chain and on farms in Uganda is poor. However, the biosecurity practices of pig farmers in ASF affected areas of Uganda and their opinions on on-farm ASF morbidity and mortality were previously not comprehensively characterized. The objectives of this study were to document pig farmers’ experiences with ASF in their farms and to describe the pig biosecurity practices in districts of Uganda that were highly affected by ASF.MethodsA total of 99 farmers were interviewed in five districts. Data were collected by way of triangulation through farmer interviews, field observations during the farmer interviews, and a survey of key informants. However, farmer interviews were considered the primary source of data for this study. Farmers’ biosecurity practices were scored using a biosecurity scoring algorithm.ResultsForty-one out of 96 (42.7%) farmers reported having pigs with ASF in the past 12 months. The level of pig farming experience (p = 0.0083) and herd size (p &lt; 0.0001) were significantly associated with the reported occurrence of ASF. Overall, the biosecurity scores for the respondents were considered poor with 99% (98/99) scoring &lt;70% and just one farmer obtaining a fair score of 72.2%. District (p = 0.0481), type of husbandry system (p = 0.014), and type of pig breed raised (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with farmer’s biosecurity score.ConclusionContinued farmer education on ASF and the importance of good biosecurity practices is necessary. More in-depth scientific inquiry into the factors influencing the biosecurity practices among pig farmers in Uganda is necessary.
Intramolecular interaction of NEP regulated by CRM1 ensures the unidirectional transport of M1 for the nuclear export of influenza viral ribonucleoprotein
Authors: Hirohama Mikako , Yamashita Shun , Asaka Masamitsu N. , Kuroki Takahiro , Kawaguchi Atsushi 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe influenza virus genome consists of single-stranded RNAs and forms viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. After viral genome replication in the nucleus, the viral RNP interacts with viral protein M1. The M1-viral RNP complex is exported to the cytoplasm via the CRM1-dependent pathway using NS2/NEP as an export adaptor protein. NEP is a 14 kDa protein and diffusely localizes in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Upon binding to the NLS motif of M1, NEP inhibits the nuclear accumulation of M1 and promotes the nuclear export of M1-viral RNP complex. However, the detail mechanism by which NEP binds to M1 only in the nucleus remains unclear.MethodsTo visualize the interaction of NEP with M1 in the formation of vRNP export complexes, we performed in situ proximity ligation assays. The close proximity of N-terminal and C-terminal domains of NEP was tested by split Renilla luciferase complementation assays in which the N-terminal and C-terminal fragments of Renilla luciferase were fused to the N-terminus and C-terminus of NEP, respectively.Results and discussionWe found that the intramolecular interaction of NEP inhibits the interaction of NEP with M1. The intramolecular interaction of NEP was mediated through the interaction of the N-terminal NES motif with the M1-binding domain at the C-terminus. By adding leptomycin B, a potent inhibitor of CRM1, the interaction of NEP with M1 was impaired. These results suggest that CRM1 disrupts the intramolecular interaction of NEP by recognizing the NES motif at the N-terminus of NEP, thereby promoting the interaction of NEP with M1. We also found that NEP mutant deficient in the intramolecular interaction was co-localized with M1 at the plasma membrane and did not show nuclear localization with M1. Based on these results, we propose that the intramolecular interaction of NEP regulated by CRM1 ensures the unidirectional transport of M1.
Aves de Santa Bárbara: um ano de experiência de oficinas de birdwatching em parques urbanos
Authors: Janoto Matheus Ponce , Oliveira Luiz Eduardo Chimello de 
Published: August 2023

Este artigo descreve a concepção, implantação e um ano de execução de oficinas de birdwatching em quatro parques urbanos no município de Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, SP. A descrição foi embasada em dados qualitativos e quantitativos. O projeto Aves de Santa Bárbara realizou 15 oficinas monitoradas, entre setembro de 2020 e setembro de 2021, e recebeu 206 inscrições (média de 13,7/encontro). A idade dos participantes variou entre 7 e 66 anos, com diferentes graus de instrução e profissões. Em 33 horas de observação, foram registradas 102 espécies de aves. A análise das motivações e dos relatos dos participantes permitiram concluir que o projeto foi exitoso e mostrou-se uma ferramenta eficaz para Educação Ambiental, geração de dados científicos, lazer e turismo ecológico.