bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the herbal medicine, Ephedra sinica stapf, on gut microbiota and body weight in a diet-induced obesity model
Authors: Song Eun-Ji , Shin Na Rae , Jeon Songhee , Nam Young-Do , Kim Hojun 
Published: November 2022

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive body fat and has become a global public health problem. Evidence suggests that obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disorders are closely related to gut microbiota. Bupropion (BP), an antidepressant medicine, and Ephedra sinica Stapf [Ephedraceae; Ephedrae Herba], a herbal medicine, are sympathetic stimulants and have weight loss effects. However, to our best knowledge, no studies have simultaneously assessed the effects of drugs and herbal medicines on obesity and gut microbiota. This study aimed to determine the effects of BP and ES on weight loss and re-modulation of host gut microbiota. To test this hypothesis, we fed C57BL/6J mice with a high-fat diet supplemented with bupropion (BP; 30 mg/kg/day) and Ephedra sinica Stapf extract (ES; 150 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for eight weeks. Further, we evaluated the effects of BP and ES on body weight and fat accumulation. In addition, we evaluated the effects of BP and ES on gut microbiota using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our results showed that weight loss was confirmed in both BP and ES; however, it was more pronounced in ES. ES changed the overall composition of the gut microbiota by restoring the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, an indicator of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Nine amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the gut microbiome were significantly recovered by BP and ES treatment, of which eight ASVs correlated with body weight and fat accumulation. Additionally, three ASVs were significantly recovered by ES treatment alone. In conclusion, the anti-obesity effects of BP and ES, especially fat accumulation, are related to the regulation of gut microbiota. Moreover, ES had a greater influence on the gut microbiota than BP.
Intrapericardial cardiosphere-derived cells hinder epicardial dense scar expansion and promote electrical homogeneity in a porcine post-infarction model
Authors: Carta-Bergaz Alejandro , Ríos-Muñoz Gonzalo R. , Crisóstomo Verónica , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M. , Ledesma-Carbayo María J. , Bermejo-Thomas Javier , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Arenal-Maíz Ángel 
Published: November 2022

The arrhythmic substrate of ventricular tachycardias in many structural heart diseases is located in the epicardium, often resulting in poor outcomes with currently available therapies. Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) have been shown to modify myocardial scarring. A total of 19 Large White pigs were infarcted by occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery for 150 min. Baseline cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement sequences was obtained 4 weeks post-infarction and pigs were randomized to a treatment group (intrapericardial administration of 300,000 allogeneic CDCs/kg), (n = 10) and to a control group (n = 9). A second CMR and high-density endocardial electroanatomical mapping were performed at 16 weeks post-infarction. After the electrophysiological study, pigs were sacrificed and epicardial optical mapping and histological studies of the heterogeneous tissue of the endocardial and epicardial scars were performed. In comparison with control conditions, intrapericardial CDCs reduced the growth of epicardial dense scar and epicardial electrical heterogeneity. The relative differences in conduction velocity and action potential duration between healthy myocardium and heterogeneous tissue were significantly smaller in the CDC-treated group than in the control group. The lower electrical heterogeneity coincides with heterogeneous tissue with less fibrosis, better cardiomyocyte viability, and a greater quantity and better polarity of connexin 43. At the endocardial level, no differences were detected between groups. Intrapericardial CDCs produce anatomical and functional changes in the epicardial arrhythmic substrate, which could have an anti-arrhythmic effect.
Cotton straw biochar and compound Bacillus biofertilizer reduce Cd stress on cotton root growth by regulating root exudates and antioxidant enzymes system
Authors: Zhu Yongqi , Lv Xin , Li Tiansheng , Zhong Mingtao , Song Jianghui , Wang Haijiang , Cui Jing 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionCotton straw biochar (biochar) and compound Bacillus biofertilizer (biofertilizer) have attracted wide attentions in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in recent years. However, few studies have explored the metabolomics of lateral roots of Cd-stressed cotton to determine the mechanism of biochar and biofertilizer alleviating Cd stress.MethodsIn this pot experiment, biochar and biofertilizer were applied to the soils with different Cd contamination levels (1, 2, and 4 mg kg-1). Then, the responses of cotton root morphology, vitality, Cd content, and antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed, and the mechanism of biochar and biofertilizer alleviating Cd stress was determined by metabolomic analysis.ResultsThe results showed that exogenous Cd addition decreased the SOD and POD activities in cotton taproot and lateral root. Besides, with the increase of soil Cd content, the maximum Cd content in taproot (0.0250 mg kg-1) and lateral root (0.0288 mg kg-1) increased by 89.11% and 33.95%, respectively compared with those in the control (p&lt; 0.05). After the application of biochar and biofertilizer, the SOD and POD activities in cotton taproot and lateral root increased. The Cd content of cotton taproot in biochar and biofertilizer treatments decreased by 16.36% and 19.73%, respectively, and that of lateral root decreased by 13.99% and 16.68%, respectively. The metabolomic analysis results showed that the application of biochar and biofertilizer could improve the resistance of cotton root to Cd stress through regulating the pathways of ABC transporters and phenylalanine metabolism.DiscussionTherefore, the application of biochar and biofertilizer could improve cotton resistance to Cd stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, regulating root metabolites (phenols and amino acids), and reducing Cd content, thus promoting cotton root growth.
Barriers and enablers to accessing support services offered by staff wellbeing hubs: A qualitative study
Authors: Keyworth Chris , Alzahrani Adnan , Pointon Lucy , Hinsby Kerry , Wainwright Nigel , Moores Lucie , Bates Jenny , Johnson Judith 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundInternational efforts have been made to develop appropriate interventions to support the mental health needs of healthcare professionals in response to COVID-19. However, fewer staff have accessed these than expected, despite experiencing elevated levels of mental distress since the onset of the pandemic. Consequently, we aimed to examine the barriers and enablers for healthcare professionals in accessing interventions offered by a Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.MethodsTwenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare, social care and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector staff. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour key themes were identified: (1) Environment and Atmosphere in the Workplace; (2) The Impacts of COVID-19; (3) Confidentiality; and (4) Awareness and Communication of Resources. Organisational environments were perceived as an important enabler of accessing the hub services for mental health and wellbeing support. This included the importance of recognising and responding to the ongoing pressures of COVID-19- specific challenges. Ensuring and communicating aspects of confidentiality, and ensuring clear and consistent communication of the benefits of the Hub may encourage help-seeking for mental health challenges among healthcare professionals.DiscussionOur findings highlight important considerations to increase uptake and engagement with services to support the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals and associated staff and volunteers. Organisations aiming to increase employee uptake of these services should regularly circulate consistent and clear emails about what these services offer, provide training and information for managers so they can support staff to access these services and ensure access is confidential.
The first session is the one that counts: An exploratory study of therapeutic alliance
Authors: del Río Olvera Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-Mora Álvaro , Senín-Calderón Cristina , Rodríguez-Testal Juan F. 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThe controversy about whether psychotherapy outcome is the consequence of the techniques themselves, common factors or both is still current. The importance of common factors has been demonstrated, although it is also known that they alone are insufficient. At the present time, the contextual model grants heavy weight to the therapeutic alliance in the first sessions and seems to predict positive final results. Furthermore, monitoring sessions has demonstrated that this alliance improves.ObjectivesTo analyze the relationship between the therapeutic alliance and patient’s perceived improvement during the first five sessions of therapy, and find out whether the therapeutic alliance is maintained or unstable within that timeframe.MethodsThirty-four patients at a university psychological care service who had had at least five therapy sessions participated. Of these, 70.46% were women (Mage = 24.24,SD = 6.73). The patients filled out the Outcome Rating Scale and Session Rating Scale the week before each session. Data were analyzed by the Dual STATIS method.ResultsThe compromise matrix explained 77.36% of the variability. The position of the vectors and the distribution of the position of the patients on the graph show that as their perception increased, therapeutic alliance remained stable. Moreover, the position of the vectors shows that the therapeutic alliance was forged in the first session and remained stable during the following sessions.ConclusionThis exploratory study demonstrated the importance of the first session in establishing the therapeutic alliance, and for it to remain stable, regardless of whether the rest of the therapeutic process has variations or changes. Novel use of the STATIS method for analyzing measurements in the first five sessions, showed that beginning the therapeutic intervention with a strong alliance, produced the favorable, lasting effects necessary for development of the intervention.
The relationship between personality profile and self-care among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dadras Zahra , Molaei Behnam , Aghamohammadi Masoumeh 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundAs a chronic disease, diabetes needs special self-care behaviors until the end of life. Personality traits are considered to be effective psychological factors in controlling diabetes and self-care in patients with diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between personality profile and self-care among people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn this descriptive-correlational study conducted in 2021, 160 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to the diabetes clinic of Imam Khomeini Educational and Medical Center in Ardabil were selected by convenience sampling method. The data collection tools included the Diabetes Self-Care Activities questionnaire (SDSCA) and the short form of the Millon Multi-Axis Clinical Test (MCMI-3), which were completed through interviews with patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics (mean, SD, and frequency) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression).ResultsBased on the results, apart from the obsessive personality disorder, which had a positive relationship with self-care behaviors, a significant negative correlation was observed between schizoid, avoidant, depressed, dependent, antisocial, self-harming, borderline, and paranoid personality disorders with self-care behaviors (p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThe results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between personality profile and self-care status of patients with type 2 diabetes. In other words, a person’s personality profile can predict self-care behaviors. Accordingly, personality traits can be considered as one of the influencing factors on self-care in the educational programs of diabetic patients. Holding educational classes to empower patients using psychological interventions and teaching effective solutions can be an effective step toward increasing the level of mental-physical health and self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Fertility decision of Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic and home quarantine: A cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Afshari Poorandokht , Abedi Parvin , Beheshtinasab Maryam 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundFertility decision is defined as the mutual decision of partners toward having children, which may be equally controlled by the two partners or dominantly powered by the female partner. This study aimed to evaluate fertility decision of women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 women (300 pregnant and 300 non-pregnant) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A demographic questionnaire and the Attitudes toward Fertility and Childbearing Scale were used to collect the data. Independent t-test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for analyzing data.ResultsThe mean ± SD age of participants with negative and positive attitude toward fertility was 28.96 ± 5.88 and 28.39 ± 6.2, respectively. Almost half of the studied women postponed their pregnancy to after the pandemic. The total score of fertility decision in women with positive attitudes toward fertility was 95.43 ± 18.51 compared to 46.73 ± 17.2 in women with negative attitudes toward fertility (p &lt; 0.0001). None-employed women had 0.595 times the odds of having a positive attitude toward fertility (95% CI: 0.423–0.836). Women who were not pregnant had 1.5 times the odds of having a positive attitude toward childbearing (95% CI: 1.067–2.112). In addition, women who were not hospitalized during the pandemic had 0.520 times the odds of having a positive attitude toward fertility (95% CI: 0.342–0.790).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that half of the women postponed their pregnancy to after the pandemic. Also, employed women, women who were not pregnant, and women who were not hospitalized during pandemic were more likely to have positive attitudes toward fertility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers should devise some strategies to clarify the benefits and harms of pregnancy during crises such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Emerging trends in epigenetic and childhood trauma: Bibliometrics and visual analysis
Authors: Nie Yuting , Wen Lulu , Song Juexian , Wang Ningqun , Huang Liyuan , Gao Li , Qu Miao 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThe epigenetic study of childhood trauma has become a valuable field. However, the evolution and emerging trends in epigenetics and childhood trauma have not been studied by bibliometric methods.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate status of epigenetic studies in childhood trauma and reveal the research trends based on bibliometrics.MethodsA total of 1,151 publications related to childhood trauma and epigenetics published between 2000 and 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace (5.8. R 3) was used to implement bibliometric analysis and visualization.ResultsSince 2010, the number of related publications has expanded quickly. The United States and McGill University are the most influential countries and research institutes, respectively. Elisabeth Binder is a leading researcher in childhood trauma and epigenetic-related research. Biological Psychiatry is probably the most popular journal. In addition, comprehensive keyword analysis revealed that “glucocorticoid receptor,” “brain development,” “epigenetic regulation,” “depression,” “posttraumatic stress disorder,” “maternal care,” “histone acetylation,” “telomere length,” “microRNA,” and “anxiety” reflect the latest research trends in the field. A comprehensive reference analysis demonstrated NR3C1 gene methylation, FKBP5 DNA methylation, BDNF DNA methylation, and KITLG methylation have been hot spots in epigenetic studies in the field of childhood trauma in recent years. Notably, the relationship between childhood adversity and NR3C1 gene methylation levels remains unresolved and requires well-designed studies with control for more confounding factors.ConclusionAs the best of our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis of the association between childhood trauma and epigenetics. Our analysis of the literature suggests that childhood trauma may induce depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder through epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression and brain development. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is the key points of epigenetic research. The current researches focus on NR3C1 gene methylation, FKBP5 DNA methylation, BDNF DNA methylation, and KITLG methylation. These results provide a guiding perspective for the study of epigenetic effects of childhood trauma, and help researchers choose future research directions based on current keywords.
Development and evaluation of a psychological adjustment communication system for adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome at a high risk of depression: A mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Tan Huiwen , Gao Li , Guo Yunmei , Liu Ying , Ding Rui , Yan Xin , Wang Xueting , Wang Yousha , Wang Lianhong 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDepression is a serious psychological disorder that causes substantial psychological and physical suffering in adolescents, contributes to over 50% of suicide attempts, and affects the health status and psychosocial functioning of 25% of the adult population. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents is 5.6∼11.04%, and the prevalence of depression in adolescents with PCOS is as high as 50–60%. Depression seriously affects the rehabilitation and quality of life of adolescents with PCOS. In this study, we present a protocol for a mixed-method study to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological adjustment communication system for reducing the prevalence of depression among adolescents with PCOS who are at a high risk of depression in China. This study utilizes social support theory to develop a mobile phone-based intervention for adolescents with PCOS at a high risk of depression.MethodsThis sequential exploratory mixed-method study consists of four consecutive phases. In the first phase, we will review the literature to understand the disease experience and needs of adolescents with PCOS to construct an initial psychological adjustment communication system. In the second phase, researchers will interview patients and their parents using purposeful sampling methods and semi-structured interviews to appropriately modify the psychological adjustment communication system. In the third phase, the Delphi method will be used to improve the psychological adjustment communication system. The fourth phase will employ a quantitative approach using a before-and-after design to measure the effectiveness of the system.DiscussionThe results of this study will indicate the effectiveness of the psychological adjustment communication system in adolescents with PCOS who are at a high risk of depression.Registration numberChiCTR2100050123.
Anticoagulation in older people with atrial fibrillation moving to care homes: a data linkage study
Authors: Ritchie Leona A , Harrison Stephanie L , Penson Peter E , Akbari Ashley , Torabi Fatemeh , Hollinghurst Joe , Harris Daniel , Oke Oluwakayode B , Akpan Asangaedem , Halcox Julian P , Rodgers Sarah E , Lip Gregory YH , Lane Deirdre A 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundTreatment decisions about oral anticoagulants (OACs) for atrial fibrillation (AF) are complex in older care home residents.AimTo explore factors associated with OAC prescription.Design and settingRetrospective cohort study set in care homes in Wales, UK, listed in the Care Inspectorate Wales Registry 2017/18.MethodAnalysis of anonymised individual-level electronic health and administrative data was carried out on people aged ≥65 years entering a care home between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2018, provisioned from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2018, 14 493 people with AF aged ≥65 years became new residents in care homes in Wales and 7057 (48.7%) were prescribed OACs (32.7% in 2003 compared with 72.7% in 2018) within 6 months before care home entry. Increasing age and prescription of antiplatelet therapy were associated with lower odds of OAC prescription (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.96 per 1-year age increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95 to 0.96 and aOR 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.98, respectively). Conversely, prior venous thromboembolism (aOR 4.06, 95% CI = 3.17 to 5.20), advancing frailty (mild: aOR 4.61, 95% CI = 3.95 to 5.38; moderate: aOR 6.69, 95% CI = 5.74 to 7.80; and severe: aOR 8.42, 95% CI = 7.16 to 9.90), and year of care home entry from 2011 onwards (aOR 1.91, 95% CI = 1.76 to 2.06) were associated with higher odds of an OAC prescription.ConclusionThere has been an increase in OAC prescribing in older people newly admitted to care homes with AF. This study provides an insight into the factors influencing OAC prescribing in this population.
Effect of sawing damage on flexibility of crystalline silicon wafers for thin flexible silicon solar cells
Authors: Hara Yutaka , Ide Koki , Nishihara Tappei , Yokogawa Ryo , Nakamura Kyotaro , Ohshita Yoshio , Kawatsu Tomoyuki , Nagai Toshiki , Aoki Yuma , Kobayashi Hayato , Yamada Noboru , Miyashita Yukio , Ogura Atsushi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The cost of solar cell production can be reduced by wafer thinning. A thinner wafer provides flexibility, and crystalline silicon solar cells are promising as flexible solar cells due to their flexibility. However, as wafers become thinner, production yield decreases due to wafer breakage caused by sawing damage; thus, to further reduce wafer thickness, it is necessary to suppress sawing damage. We investigated the flexibility of wafers under various slice conditions by conducting biaxial bending tests and clarified the dominant factor causing sawing damage to further reduce the wafer thickness for crystalline silicon solar cells. The results of damage observation by scanning electron microscopy and evaluation of the crystal structure by Raman spectroscopy confirm that the damage structure changes significantly depending on wire specifications. The results from the biaxial bending tests indicate that the three-dimensional flexibility of a wafer is determined by wire specifications.