bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Alzheimer's disease pharmacotherapy: efficacy of glucocorticoid modulation with dazucorilant (CORT113176) in preclinical mouse models
Authors: Canet Geoffrey , Zussy Charleine , Vitalis Mathieu , Morin Françoise , Chevallier Nathalie , Hunt Hazel , Claeysen Sylvie , Blaquière Marine , Marchi Nicola , Planel Emmanuel , Meijer Onno C. , Desrumaux Catherine , Givalois Laurent
Published: February 2025

Background and Purpose

Exposure to chronic stress and high levels of glucocorticoid hormones in adulthood has been associated with cognitive deficits and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dazucorilant has recently emerged as a selective glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) modulator, exhibiting efficacy in counteracting amyloid‐β toxicity in an acute model of AD. We aim to assess the therapeutic potential of dazucorilant in reversing amyloid and tau pathologies through the inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor pathological activity, and providing additional evidence for its consideration in AD treatment.

Experimental Approach

The efficacy of dazucorilant was evaluated in two transgenic mouse models of amyloid pathology. The slowly progressing J20 and the aggressively pathological 5xFAD mice. Behavioural analysis was conducted to evaluate welfare, cognitive performances and anxiety levels. The activity of the glucocorticoid receptor system, neuroinflammation, amyloid burden and tau phosphorylation were examined in hippocampi.

Key Results

In both AD models, chronic treatment with dazucorilant improved working and long‐term spatial memories along with the inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor‐dependent pathogenic processes and the normalization of plasma glucocorticoid levels. Dazucorilant treatment also resulted in a reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid production and aggregation. Additionally, dazucorilant seemed to mediate a specific re‐localization of activated glial cells onto amyloid plaques in J20 mice, suggesting a restoration of physiological neuroinflammatory processes.

Conclusion and Implications

Dazucorilant exhibited sustained disease‐modifying effects in two AD models. Given that this compound has demonstrated safety and tolerability in human subjects, our results provide pre‐clinical support for conducting clinical trials to evaluate its potential in AD.
Standing Herbivory Is Not Affected by Tree Sex or Conspecific Density in a Dioecious Understory Tropical Tree Species
Authors: Genth Leah , Metz Margaret R. , Valencia Renato , Queenborough Simon A.
Published: February 2025

Leaves are critical to plant photosynthesis and the loss of leaf area can have negative consequences for an individual's performance and fitness. Variation in plant defenses plays a large role in protecting their leaves from attack by insect herbivores. However, trade‐offs in allocation among growth, reproduction, and defense may limit the availability of resources for any one aspect of a plant's life‐history strategy, which would lead to greater herbivory in those plants that allocate more resources to growth or reproduction than to defense. Patterns of sex‐biased herbivory in dioecious plants are well documented yet are known to vary in the direction (female or male) of their bias. A greater concentration of conspecifics may also increase herbivore attack through negative density dependence. In order to test the hypothesis that sex‐biased herbivory varies as a function of conspecific density, we measured standing herbivory on 2350 leaves on 302 trees of the dioecious understory tree Iryanthera hostmannii (Myristicaceae) situated in a large forest dynamics plot in a lowland tropical rain forest in Ecuador. We found no difference in standing herbivory between the 169 male and 133 female trees, nor for focal trees surrounded by higher densities of conspecifics. The slow‐growing, shade‐tolerant growth patterns of I. hostmannii may contribute to suppressed differential expression of secondary sex characters in leaf defenses, leading to similar levels of herbivory between males and females. Considering the factors that most strongly affect herbivory in dioecious species is important in understanding the evolution of sex‐related traits more broadly.
Reasoning to Justify Eating Animals Varies With Age
Authors: McGuire Luke , Bagus Tina , Carter Alexander G. , Fry Emma , Faber Nadira S.
Published: February 2025

The present study examined the justifications used by children, adolescents, and adults to justify eating animals. Children (n = 100, Mage = 9.82, SD = 0.77, female n = 49) as compared to adolescents (n = 76, Mage = 14.0, SD = 1.62, female n = 36) and adults (n = 113, Mage = 44.1, SD = 14.4, female n = 54) were more ambivalent or opposed to eating animals, and they showed a distinct reasoning pattern. Children relied less on arguments about meat eating being natural or with to humane slaughter practices. These findings align with recent theoretical perspectives that reasoning may be used to counter cognitive dissonance arising from knowledge of food production systems.
Trajectories of the Late Positive Potential Across Childhood and Adolescence: A 9‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Calentino Alison E. , Hager Nathan M. , Adams Elise M. , Szenczy Aline K. , Dickey Lindsay , Kujawa Autumn , Hajcak Greg , Nelson Brady D. , Klein Daniel N.
Published: February 2025

The late positive potential (LPP), an event‐related potential reflecting affective processing, may exhibit developmental shifts in magnitude and scalp location. In the present longitudinal study, 501 youth (47.3% female; 89.4% White; 12.0% Hispanic) completed the emotion interrupt task to elicit the LPP to neutral, positive, and negative images at approximately 9, 12, 15, and 18 years old (data collected 2010–2022). Multilevel growth models indicated an initial decrease in the occipital LPP and an increase in the parietal and central LPP during late childhood, with rates of change leveling off across adolescence. Trial condition (i.e., valence) significantly impacted trajectories only when the LPP was measured over occipital sites. Results provide novel evidence of stability and change in the LPP across development.
Improving Online and E‐Learning Education Through Train‐the‐Trainer Model: A Case Study of European Innovation Project ECOLHE
Authors: Rathod Paresh , Kämppi Pasi
Published: February 2025

The quality of online and e‐learning is crucial for ensuring that students in European higher education have access to high‐quality education and are prepared for the future workforce. The Train‐the‐Trainer (TTT) model and implementation approach can play a crucial role in improving the quality of online and e‐learning by providing educators with the skills and knowledge they need to design, deliver and evaluate practical online and e‐learning courses. This paper is part of the EU innovation project Empower Competencies for Onlife Learning in Higher Education (ECOLHE) and utilised a mixed‐methods case study. The project has designed, developed and implemented a TTT approach and executed a TTT programme for online learning as pedagogical development practices. The pilot study, conducted as part of the ECOLHE project, evaluated the impact of the TTT and presented the findings. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of TTT in improving educators' competencies and the overall quality of online education for students' development. The paper argues that these findings can be developed into best practices for the TTT programme. The TTT approach can potentially create a larger pool of highly skilled educators across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and increase the education offering capacity. This can lead to significant improvements in online and e‐learning experiences, ultimately empowering students for success. The paper emphasises the importance of ongoing professional development for educators in online learning practices. The TTT approach empowers educators to create online learning environments that facilitate student development and progress by fostering these competencies within a real‐world context. The ECOLHE project focused on online learning only, in future, similar studies exploring TTT programmes in other educational formats could yield valuable insights for educators and policy makers across the board. The wider implementation of ‘Train‐the‐Trainer’ approach can improve online education and digital transformation across the EHEA.
The Relationship Between Teachers' Planning and Content Delivery Using the Five‐Stage Lesson Plan Structure: An Analysis of Age, Gender, Experience and Academic Qualifications in Kenya
Authors: Saoke Victor Okoth , Ndwiga Zachary N. , Githaiga Pauline W. , Gitonga Ciriaka Muriithi , Kubai Kaberia Isaac , Nzomo Christine Mueni , Mulonzi Brian Munyao , Ngicho Dickens Okach
Published: February 2025

Effective instruction is vital for quality education in Kenya, with learners' success mainly dependent on structured methods like the five‐stage lesson plan (5‐SLP). Nonetheless, the effectiveness of instruction may differ depending on the demographic and professional attributes of the teachers. Although the value of planning for content delivery is well acknowledged, there is limited information on how teachers' characteristics (age, gender, experience and academic qualification) influence their planning and content delivery. Thus, this study examined the relationship between teachers' planning and content delivery through the 5SLP, focusing on their characteristics. A sample of 226 CRE teachers was analysed using an observation checklist and a semi‐structured questionnaire. The impact of gender, age, experience and academic qualification on teachers' planning and content delivery was investigated in the study using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and tests of between‐subjects effects. Results indicated that age significantly affects both planning and content delivery (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p = 0.000), while gender, experience and educational qualifications did not show a substantial impact. Nevertheless, significant combined effects were observed between age and gender (p = 0.010), gender and experience (p = 0.045), age and experience (p = 0.004) and age and academic qualification (p = 0.016). Furthermore, tests of between‐subjects effects indicated significant interactions among age, academic qualifications and experience (p = 0.039, p = 0.016, p = 0.004) affecting content delivery. The study findings recommended a policy on the need for customised training programmes that consider these complex interactions to enhance instructional effectiveness. Generally, the study contributes to understanding how demographics influence educational practices, offering valuable insights for improving teacher preparation and professional development.
Factors Influencing Academic Staff Satisfaction and Retention in Higher Education: A Literature Review
Authors: Mather Marcel Fladimar , Bam Nokwanda Edith
Published: February 2025

This review of the literature aims to synthesise and analyse previous studies to provide important information on factors that affect academic staff retention and staff satisfaction in higher education institutions (HEI). The review included 21 studies published between 2014 and 2024, conducted in 13 different countries. Thematic analysis of the 21 included papers revealed four major themes, each with three sub‐themes. These themes highlight the relevance of development programmes within HEIs to meet individual needs, stimulate professional progress, and improve overall academic performance. Furthermore, the review emphasises the importance of creating a supportive work environment, encouraging work‐life balance, and providing equitable salary and recognition to academic personnel. Addressing these characteristics can help HEIs increase staff satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and ultimately contribute to the institution's performance and reputation.
Serious Game‐Based Learning: Its Impact on Happiness, Motivation, Self‐Compassion, and Vocabulary Development in EFL Learners
Authors: Liu Xianlin , Alotaibi Khalid Abdullah , Hashemifardnia Arash
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the integration of digital technologies into language learning has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. However, there remains a gap in understanding the broader affective and cognitive benefits of serious game‐based learning (SGBL) in this field. The present study addressed this gap by examining the impact of SGBL on EFL learners' happiness, motivation, self‐compassion (SC), and vocabulary development. A quasi‐experimental design was employed with two groups comprising a total of 425 intermediate‐level participants (both male and female). The participants were selected through stratified random sampling technique and divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG engaged in SGBL, while the CG received traditional instruction. Over a period of 12 weeks, pretest and posttest measured the participants' levels of happiness, motivation, SC, and vocabulary acquisition. Results indicated that the EG significantly outperformed the CG in all measured domains, suggesting that SGBL is an effective approach for enhancing both affective and linguistic outcomes in EFL contexts. The findings contribute to the growing body of research on the integration of digital games in EFL education and highlight their potential for fostering holistic learner development.
Evolution in the prescription and cost of non‐intravenous rescue benzodiazepines for the treatment of seizure emergencies
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Khan Taha Fathima , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Torres Alcy , Rinat Jonas , Douglass Laurie
Published: February 2025

Objective

The proportion of patients with epilepsy who have a non‐intravenous rescue benzodiazepine (non‐IV‐rBZD) available for seizure emergencies is unknown. This study aims to describe prescription patterns from 2006 to 2022, factors associated with prescription, and the impact of recently introduced intranasal benzodiazepines on prescription and cost.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the MarketScan Database, a claims database of privately insured patients in the United States.

Results

Among 213 384 patients (53% female, median (p25‐p75) age: 33 (17–50) years) with epilepsy taking long‐term anti‐seizure medications with follow‐up of 2.62 (1.54–4.73) years, only 30 371 patients (14.2%) had at least one non‐IV‐rBZD prescription. The proportion of patients with at least one non‐IV‐rBZD prescription was higher among: (1) younger patients (61.4% in the 0–5 year age group, 44.2% in the 6–12 year age group, 23.9% in the 13–21 year age group, 4.8% in the 22–35 year age group, 1.8% in the 36–50 year age group, 1.3% in the 51–60 year age group, and 1.0% in the older than 60 years age group); (2) patients with refractory epilepsy (24.3% vs 10.9% in non‐refractory epilepsy); and (3) patients with more emergency department visits or hospital admissions for epilepsy (7.1% among patients with 0, 19.2% among patients with 1–3, and 31.1% among patients with more than 3). Multivariate analysis confirmed young age, refractory epilepsy, and emergency department visits or hospitalizations for epilepsy as strong independent predictors of having at least one non‐IV‐rBZD prescription. Prescriptions for intranasal midazolam and intranasal diazepam have increased rapidly; they had moderately increased the overall proportion of patients with a non‐IV‐rBZD prescription, whereas the inflation‐adjusted cost of non‐IV‐rBZDs has markedly increased.

Significance

The vast majority of patients with epilepsy have not filled a prescription for non‐IV‐rBZDs. Seizure emergency readiness can be markedly improved, especially among adults. The cost of non‐IV‐rBZDs has increased with intranasal rescue medications.
Comprehending the interaction between urban function and morphology at traffic analysis zones scale: The case study from Hangzhou
Authors: Shen Wencang , Hu Qiyu , Zhang Zhengfeng , Niu Lu
Published: February 2025

Urbanisation is transitioning from disorderly sprawl to compact intensification, accompanied by functional differentiation and morphological changes spatially. This study addresses the relationship between urban functions and morphologies at the block scale in Hangzhou. Leveraging geo‐big data, we adopt a points of interest (POI) weighting method to map four essential urban functions—residential, commercial, public service, and industrial—at the traffic analysis zones (TAZ) scale. Additionally, we estimate morphological indices using building footprint data and building volume data. Our investigation reveals intriguing patterns: residential, commercial, and public service functions exhibit a central concentration trend diminishing towards the periphery, whereas industrial functions demonstrate a multi‐hotspot distribution. Morphological indices like patch density and mean volume diminishing towards the periphery, while mean patch size and patch shape index, presenting a pronounced peripheral and multi‐hotspot distribution trend. Significantly, nuanced associations between urban functions and morphologies were elucidated. Residential zones tend to display dense and small patches, while commercial areas showcase larger patches, volumes, and complex shapes. Furthermore, construction intensity‐based heterogeneity analysis unveils dynamics in the relationship between functions and morphologies, particularly pronounced in high‐density areas. These findings underscore the importance of integrating morphological considerations into urban planning, offering a fresh perspective for functional zoning planning.
Silencing long non‐coding RNA linc00689 suppresses the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting miR‐129‐5p/NUSAP1
Authors: Zhang Ling , Song Jingtao , Xu Xin , Sun Donghong , Huang Huiting , Chen Yang , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2025

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play a critical role in the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Recently, long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 689 (linc00689) has been shown to be involved in glioma. However, the precise role of linc00689 in osteosarcoma is unknown. In this study, our data demonstrated that silencing linc00689 by siRNA markedly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MG63 and SAOS‐2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that linc00689 could bind to miR‐129‐5p. Moreover, NUSAP1 was a target of miR‐129‐5p and positively regulated by linc00689. Further, NUSAP1 overexpression enhanced MG63 cell behaviour and abolished the inhibitory effects of linc00689 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of MG63 cells. In conclusion, linc00689 exerts an oncogenic role in the progression of osteosarcoma, which works via the miR‐129‐5p/NUSAP1 axis.
Performance Assessment of F2:3 Testcrosses of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Physiological Traits Vis‐a‐Vis Grain Yield Under Heat Stress and Drought Conditions
Authors: Basavarajeshwari H. , Kuchanur P. H. , Zaidi P. H. , Vinayan M. T. , Patil Ayyanagouda , Patil R. P. , Nidagundi J. M. , Arunkumar B.
Published: February 2025

Heat and drought stresses negatively affect maize grain yields. Identification and deployment of high‐yielding and stress‐tolerant maize hybrids adapted to stress‐prone agro‐ecologies is important for improving smallholding farmers' food security and livelihoods. The adaptation level among maize genotypes under heat and drought stresses is strongly affected by morphological and physiological aspects. The physiological traits, Normalised Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values, and morphological trait, leaf rolling, can be used as important secondary traits for the identification of the stress‐tolerant genotypes, in addition to grain yield. In this view, the present study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Bheemarayangudi, and the Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur, under heat stress (Summer‐2020 & 2021) and drought (Rabi‐2021‐22) conditions. NDVI values ranged from 0.23–0.44 in bi‐parental population 1 (BIP1) and 0.25–0.57 in bi‐parental population 2 (BIP2) under drought conditions. The range of SPAD values was less under drought conditions, as 9.2–22.3 in BIP1 and 10.6–24.8 in BIP2, compared to heat stress, as it ranged from 12.0–24.7 in BIP1 to 14.1–31.4 in BIP2. It may be due to a decrease in mean chlorophyll content values under drought stress conditions. The entry ZH201138 showed delayed leaf rolling and recorded a lower leaf rolling score of 2, registering a higher grain yield of 1.81 t ha−1 under drought stress condition. SPAD values registered a significant positive correlation with yield under heat stress (r = 0.77 and 0.68) and under drought stress condition (r = 0.49 and 0.83). NDVI showed a significant positive correlation with the grain yield (r = 0.63 and 0.63) under drought stress condition. Leaf rolling was negatively correlated with the grain yield. Therefore, it was concluded that NDVI and SPAD could be used as secondary traits to identify genotypes tolerant to both heat and drought stress, while the entries that showed delayed leaf rolling could be considered tolerant to drought stress.
miR‐92a aggravates metabolic syndrome via KLF2/miR‐483 axis
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Ma Chaofeng , Wang Longzhi , Xia Yuhang , Li Jun , Yang Wei , Pang Juan , Ding Hui , Wang Haifeng , Bai Liang , Shang Fenqing , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2025

Objective

To exam the role of miR‐92a/KLF2/miR‐483 in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

In this study, the serum of healthy controls and patients with metabolic syndrome were collected to detect the circulating level of miR‐92a and miR‐483. In vitro cultured HUVECs, overexpression or suppression of miR‐92a, miR‐483 or KLF2 to determine the relationship among miR‐92a, KLF2 and miR‐483. Ang II, ox‐LDL, or high glucose treatment were used to mimic the metabolic syndrome. HUVECs or HepG2 cells were treated with Telmisartan, Atorvastatin, or metformin, the miR‐483 and its target gene expression was detected. In animal experiment, ob/ob mice were chose to confirm the changes of miR‐92a, KLF2, and miR‐483.

Results

Compared with the healthy controls, the level of miR‐92a was significantly increased, while miR‐483 level was remarkably decreased in the patients with metabolic syndrome. In vitro cultured HUVECS, overexpression of miR‐92a significantly reduced the expression of miR‐483, but overexpression of miR‐483 had no effect on miR‐92a. Overexpression of KLF2 could downregulate miR‐483 level, while inhibition of KLF2 had the opposite effect. When HUVECs and HepG2 were stimulated with Ang II, ox‐LDL and high glucose, the expression of miR‐483 was significantly decreased and its target genes was increased. Anti‐miR‐92a could reverse the effect. Furthermore, Telmisartan, Atorvastatin, and Metformin significantly increased miR‐483 expression and decreased its target gene expression, which could be reversed by miR‐92a mimic. The level of miR‐92a was significantly increased in HepG2 cells, which were treated with exosomes derived from endothelial cells with miR‐92a overexpression. ob/ob mice showed the similar effects.

Conclusions

Endothelial dysfunction and fatty liver are critically involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. MicroRNAs can mediate the cellular communication between vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and distal cell. Serum miR‐92a level was higher in metabolic syndrome patients than controls. KLF2 is the target gene of miR‐92a, which can increase the production of miR‐483, miR‐483 acts on its target genes CTGF, ET‐1, and β‐catenin to protect cell function. EC miR‐92a is secreted out of cells into the blood, circulates through the blood to the liver, and continues to exert its biological effects after being absorbed by hepatocytes. LNA‐miR‐92a administration reversed endothelial cell damage and fatty liver caused by metabolic syndrome by affecting the KLF2/miR‐483 pathway.
The OptiBreech Trial Feasibility Study: A Qualitative Inventory of the Roles and Responsibilities of Breech Specialist Midwives
Authors: Davies Siân M. , Hodder Alice , Walker Shawn , Bale Natasha , Vincent Honor , Dasgupta Tisha , Birch Alexandra , Piper Keelie , Silverio Sergio A.
Published: February 2025

Background

The safety of vaginal breech birth is associated with the skill and experience of professionals in attendance, but minimal training opportunities exist. OptiBreech collaborative care is an evidence‐based care bundle, based on previous research. This care pathway is designed to improve access to care and the safety of vaginal breech births, when they occur, through dedicated breech clinics and intrapartum support. This improved process also enhances professional training. Care coordination is accomplished in most cases by a key breech specialist midwife on the team. The goal of this qualitative inventory was to describe the roles and tasks undertaken by specialist midwives in the OptiBreech care implementation feasibility study.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with OptiBreech team members (17 midwives and 4 obstetricians; N = 21), via video conferencing software. Template analysis was used to code, analyze, and interpret data relating to the roles of the midwives delivering breech services. Tasks identified through initial coding were organized into 5 key themes in a template, following reflective discussion at weekly staff meetings and stakeholder events. This template was then applied to all interviews to structure the analysis.

Results

Breech specialist midwives functioned as change agents. In each setting, they fulfilled similar roles to support their teams, whether this role was formally recognized or not. We report an inventory of tasks performed by breech specialist midwives, organized into 5 themes: care coordination and planning, service development, clinical care delivery, education and training, and research.

Discussion

Breech specialist midwives perform a consistent set of roles and responsibilities to co‐ordinate care throughout the OptiBreech pathway. The inventory has been formally incorporated into the OptiBreech collaborative care logic model. This detailed description can be used by employers and professional organizations who wish to formalize similar roles to meet consistent standards and improve care.
Does a Small Country Have Meaningful Regional Personality Differences? The Case of Estonia
Authors: Xu Ling , Götz Friedrich M. , Ebert Tobias , Silm Siiri , Vainik Uku , Johnson Wendy , Mõttus René
Published: February 2025

Background

Regional differences in the Big Five personality domains have been observed in several countries at different geographical granularities, often correlating with regional political, economic, social, and health (PESH) indicators.

Objective

We examined the extent of regional personality differences in Estonia and whether these differences were meaningfully correlated with PESH indicators.

Methods

Using data from the Estonian Biobank (N = 72,268; 7% of the adult population, providing unprecedented representativeness), we tested regional personality differences and their relations with PESH indicators with and without spatial smoothing.

Results

We found that regional Big Five scores varied by 1.19 (extraversion) to 2.78 (openness) T‐score units across counties (N = 15) and by 2.80 (extraversion) to 4.74 (openness) units across municipalities (n = 74). Also, the correlations with the PESH indicators at the county and municipality levels persisted even after controlling for gender, age, and spatial dependency, and were moderately consistent with our predictions (r = 0.23 to 0.30) and between the county and municipality levels (r = 0.41).

Conclusions

Estonian residents tended to be similar in personality traits regardless of their location, replicating results from other countries. Yet, small regional personality domain differences could represent valid and possibly consequential psychological variation.
Dreaming in patients with epilepsy: a cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Charpentier‐Hélary Maïlis , de la Chapelle Aurélien , Linard Maxime , André‐Obadia Nathalie , Boulogne Sébastien , Catenoix Hélène , Jung Julien , Rheims Sylvain , Schiller Katharina , Frauscher Birgit , Ruby Perrine , Peter‐Derex Laure
Published: February 2025

Epilepsy impacts cognition during wakefulness. As epileptic activity is present and even augmented during sleep, epilepsy could also influence sleep‐related cognitive processes. However, whether epilepsy modulates sleep‐related experiences like dreaming remains poorly known. Here, we prospectively investigated the characteristics and determinants of dreaming in patients with epilepsy. Consecutive adult patients with epilepsy and no major cognitive deficit were recruited in an epilepsy outpatient clinic. They completed a questionnaire about their dreams, sleep and epilepsy over the past year. Medical data on epilepsy characteristics were gathered from the medical file. A generalised linear model was used to explore the determinants of dream recall frequency (DRF). We included 300 patients, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 40.4 (13.4) years and 51.3% female; 28.6% had more than one seizure/month, and 34.7% already had seizures during sleep. Patients recalled dreams on an average of 1.6 (1.5) days/week and 11% had one or more nightmare/week. Younger age, higher number of nocturnal awakenings, and lower seizures frequency predicted a higher DRF. In patients with focal epilepsy (65.3%), the localisation of the epileptic focus in the parieto‐occipital area was negatively associated with DRF. Regarding dream content, 34.0% of patients reported having already dreamt about epilepsy. Dreams of seizures were associated with sleep‐related seizures (p = 0.034) and dreams of epilepsy were associated with nightmare frequency (p = 0.004). Our results show that patients with epilepsy share several determinants of DRF (age, awakenings, role of the parieto‐occipital area) with healthy subjects. In addition, epilepsy‐related factors (seizure frequency, focus localisation) also impact DRF. Investigating dreams in patients with epilepsy can provide information on their epilepsy and their sleep.
Interaction Between Plants Through Litter Input in Mangrove Succession in the Red River Delta
Authors: Dhaou Dounia , Dao Van Tan , Greff Stéphane , Sundaravaradarajan Deepalakshmi , Khong Thu Hien , Gros Raphaël , Baldy Virginie , Fernandez Catherine , Bousquet‐Mélou Anne
Published: February 2025

Aims

Dominant or pioneer species litter decomposition was found to be involved in the recruitment of following species during succession in terrestrial plant communities, while knowledge remains scarce in wetland forests such as mangroves. Our study evaluated the influence of pioneer species leaf litter decomposition on (i) the settlement success of species following them or not in the natural succession and (ii) on soil characteristics.

Location

Red River Delta, Vietnam.

Methods

We set up an in situ experiment in mesocosms that followed the survival and growth of three species (Kandelia obovata, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Rhizophora stylosa) planted in soils of Avicennia marina or Sonneratia caseolaris, with or without leaf litter addition for 203 days. Soil nutrient contents were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment, and their metabolic fingerprints were compared using an untargeted metabolomic approach to highlight potential allelochemicals when a phytotoxic effect was observed.

Results

Seedling response to litter addition was species‐specific, which can be linked to their successional status. K. obovata was most affected by litter addition, showing better growth with both litter types. Meanwhile, A. marina litter substantially decreased survival rates by 50% for K. obovata and 33% for R. stylosa, suggesting a strategy to delay its replacement by these species through the release of phytotoxic decomposition by‐products. Metabolic fingerprints of A. marina soils planted with K. obovata showed no shift in global chemical composition, but 12 features were found significantly more abundant in the presence of litter. Putative annotations revealed sulfur‐containing metabolites, which are probable products of organic matter sulfurization, a frequently occurring process in mangrove sediments. These unusual compounds may act as allelochemicals and should be further assessed.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that allelopathic processes through litter decomposition may be at play in mangrove community assembly and could be a tool for restoration purposes.
Temporal Changes in Tasmanian Devil Genetic Diversity at Sites With and Without Supplementation
Authors: Schraven Andrea L. , McLennan Elspeth A. , Farquharson Katherine A. , Lee Andrew V. , Belov Katherine , Fox Samantha , Grueber Catherine E. , Hogg Carolyn J.
Published: February 2025

Management interventions for threatened species are well documented with genetic data now playing a pivotal role in informing their outcomes. However, in situ actions like supplementations (releasing individuals into an existing population) are often restricted to a singular site. Considerable research and management effort have been dedicated to conserving the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), offering a unique opportunity to investigate the temporal genetic consequences of supplementation at multiple sites, in comparison to outcomes observed in the absence of management interventions. Using 1,778 genome‐wide SNPs across 1,546 individuals, we compared four wild‐supplemented sites to four monitoring‐only sites (not supplemented; control sites) over 9 years (2014–2022). At the study completion, genetic differentiation among supplemented sites had significantly decreased compared to among not‐supplemented sites. We found statistically significant variation in genetic change over time between sites using linear mixed‐effects modelling with random slopes. Investigating this among‐site variation showed that three of the supplemented sites conformed to predictions that supplementations would have a positive impact on the genetic diversity of devils at these sites. We predicted no change over time at our fourth site due to the observed relatively high gene flow, however, this site did not align with predictions, instead showing decreased genetic diversity and increased relatedness. Amongst not supplemented sites, there was no consistent pattern of temporal genetic change, suggesting devil sites across Tasmania are highly heterogeneous, likely reflecting variation in site connectivity and genetic drift. Our study demonstrates that long‐term concurrent monitoring of multiple sites, including controls, is necessary to contextualise the influence of management interventions on natural species fluctuations.
Naturalism, from a transcendental point of view
Authors: Pihlström Sami
Published: February 2025

This essay develops a version of non‐reductive (“soft,” liberal, non‐scientistic) naturalism based on an integration of pragmatism and transcendental philosophy. In critical dialogue with philosophers such as Quine, Strawson, and McDowell, this version of naturalism, understood as an open research program, is argued to be more compelling than other (non‐transcendental) variants of non‐reductive naturalism. It is suggested that any naturalist must examine how we are able to view ourselves as elements of the natural world; accordingly, the question concerning the contingency of the transcendental “us” is raised. The related issue of realism underlying debates on naturalism is also discussed. This paper thus contributes to the current naturalism debates by distinguishing between transcendental and non‐transcendental non‐reductive naturalisms and by emphasizing the entanglement of the issues of naturalism and realism.
The largest known population of Eden's whale aggregates in the Beibu Gulf, southern China
Authors: Chen Bingyao , Lu Fangting , Zhang Xuelei , Wu Caiwen , Lü Liangang , Jefferson Thomas A.
Published: February 2025

Basic information on the distribution, survival, and abundance of Eden's whale (Balaenoptera edeni edeni) is lacking. During April 2018 to April 2024, we monitored Eden's whales in the Beibu Gulf, southern China. Using characteristics of the dorsal fin left and right side, 83 and 88 whales were identified, respectively (mean 3.5 times). The POPAN and Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) open models in MARK resulted in low apparent survival of .824 and .817 for left dorsal fin data set, .816 and .822 for right dorsal fin data set and lower capture probability of .522 and .427 for left, .468 and .461 for right. The POPAN model estimated 82–123 identifiable whales and 100–160 whales adjusted by mark ratio, indicating the largest reported population worldwide. The mean annual population size ranged from 26 to 58, with a yearly increasing–decreasing fluctuation. The low survival, capture probability, and annual population size, and increasing discovery curve indicate that the population dynamics are complex, possibly reflecting wider movement beyond the study area. We speculate that some individuals were residents in the Beibu Gulf, while most whales were transients that migrate yearly between the Beibu Gulf and the East China Sea, South China Sea, or/and Southeast Asia.
Most “flight” baleen whale species are acoustically cryptic to killer whales, unlike “fight” species
Authors: Branch Trevor A.
Published: February 2025

Killer whales regularly attack and kill baleen whales, especially their calves. In response, slow‐moving maneuverable “fight” species defend their calves in winter aggregations in predictable shallow coastal locations; while fast‐swimming “flight” species flee on contact and typically disperse in winter across deep open waters. Male singing also differs between fight and flight groups, with fight species producing more intricate songs to win group competitions, while flight species produce loud, monotonous songs to attract distant females. Fight species rely more on group defense and have less need to hide acoustically, but loud‐singing flight species might draw in predatory killer whales. Since killer whales cannot detect sounds <100 Hz and can detect only loud tones below 1500 Hz, singing at low frequencies would result in acoustic crypsis. A review of baleen whale calling frequencies and source levels reveals that although all species are capable of acoustic crypsis, most fight populations produce calls >1500 Hz (24 of 27, 89%), unlike flight populations (12 of 49, 24%). Furthermore, flight species with higher frequency calls produced lower source level calls, greatly reducing detection distances. Thus, flight species may call at low frequencies not only for long‐distance communication but also to avoid detection by killer whales.
Ecological speciation with gene flow followed initial large‐scale geographic speciation in the enigmatic afroalpine giant senecios (Dendrosenecio)
Authors: Gorospe Juan Manuel , Záveská Eliška , Chala Desalegn , Gizaw Abel , Tusiime Felly Mugizi , Gustafsson A. Lovisa S. , Piálek Lubomír , Kolář Filip , Brochmann Christian , Schmickl Roswitha
Published: February 2025

Mountains have highly heterogeneous environments that generate ample opportunities for lineage differentiation through ecological adaptation, geographic isolation and secondary contact. The geographic and ecological isolation of the afroalpine vegetation fragments on the East African mountain tops makes them an excellent system to study speciation. The initial diversification within the afroalpine endemic genus Dendrosenecio was shown to occur via allopatric divergence among four isolated mountain groups, but the potential role of ecological speciation within these groups and the role of gene flow in speciation remained uncertain.

Here we extend the sampling of Dendrosenecio and use phylogenomics to assess the importance of gene flow in the diversification of the genus. Then, population genomics, demographic modelling and habitat differentiation analyses are used to study ecological speciation in two sister species occurring on Mount Kenya.

We found that two sympatric sister species on Mt Kenya occupy distinct microhabitats, and our analyses support that they originated in situ via ecological speciation with gene flow. In addition, we obtained signals of admixture history between mountain groups.

Taken together, these results suggest that geographic isolation shaped main lineages, while ecologically mediated speciation occurred within a single mountain.
Global peatland greenhouse gas dynamics: state of the art, processes, and perspectives
Authors: Mander Ülo , Öpik Maarja , Espenberg Mikk
Published: February 2025

Natural peatlands regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes through a permanently high groundwater table, causing carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation but methane (CH4) emissions due to anaerobic conditions. By contrast, drained and disturbed peatlands are hotspots for CO2 and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, while CH4 release is low but high from drainage ditches. Generally, in low‐latitude (tropical and subtropical) peatlands, emissions of all GHGs are higher than in high‐latitude (temperate, boreal, and Arctic) peatlands. Their inherent dependence on the water regime makes peatlands highly vulnerable to both direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts, including climate change‐induced drying, which is creating anthro‐natural ecosystems. This paper presents state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on peatland GHG fluxes and their key regulating processes, highlighting approaches to study spatio‐temporal dynamics, integrated methods, direct and indirect human impacts, and peatlands' perspectives.
The cost‐efficiency of vitamin A supplementation services in Kenya: An assessment of a Malezi Bora event in Kenya
Authors: Kieran Caitlin , Doledec David , Klemm Rolf , Waithera Esther Njeri , Vosti Stephen A.
Published: February 2025

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) remains a cornerstone of global child survival programs. As available funding declines, countries are seeking alternative delivery platforms. We examine a VAS‐deworming delivery event in 2019 in Kenya, called Malezi Bora (MB), that employed four delivery platforms: health clinics, Early Childhood Development centers, community distribution points, and home visits. VAS coverage data were collected via household surveys in four subcounties, three of which received financial and technical assistance, and one of which received technical assistance only. Data on costs were collected using structured and semi‐structured questionnaires. Only one subcounty achieved the targeted VAS coverage rate (80%) across most age subgroups; the subcounty not receiving financial assistance covered just 37% of children 6–59 months of age. Two other funded subcounties had higher coverage rates but failed to achieve 80% coverage for any age subgroup. Most children in the funded subcounties received VAS in their homes. Most children in the unfunded subcounty received VAS at a health facility. Being aware of MB was the most important factor associated with receiving VAS. Cost per child reached, including opportunity costs, varied across subcounties from $1.81 to $11.13 USD. Salaries were the main cost drivers.
Hinge trust*
Authors: Coliva Annalisa
Published: February 2025

Trust is central to epistemology, particularly in accounts of testimony, where it describes the relationship between a hearer and a speaker (or trustor and trustee), enabling the acquisition of information. The speaker's trustworthiness—marked by sincerity and knowledge—is essential for testimony to transmit knowledge or justified belief. However, trust's nature and role remain conceptually elusive, as the current debate highlights. This paper addresses the foundational question of what trust entails, rather than the conditions under which one is trustworthy. Specifically, we examine Wittgenstein's On Certainty to propose a characterization of trust in its most fundamental form, termed “hinge trust.” Hinge trust is a stance preceding the ability to form justified beliefs, directed not only at people but also at perceptual faculties, objects, and the environment. It underpins our epistemic practices, particularly in acquiring epistemic hinges essential for reasoning and inquiry.

Building on this, we advocate a “trust‐first” framework, analogous to the “knowledge‐first” approach in epistemology. Trust is conceptualized as a primitive stance, distinct from “reliance +” a reactive attitude, or goodwill or commitment. These elements, while significant, are not constitutive of trust. Additionally, we explore the interplay between trust and distrust, arguing that trust is both conceptually and axiologically prior to distrust. Finally, we address the role of trust in testimony and hinge epistemology, demonstrating its foundational significance.
An Eco‐Social Policy Mix for 1.5°C Lifestyles: A Multi‐Country Policy Delphi Analysis
Authors: Laksevics Karlis , Brizga Janis , Mamut Pia , Kreinin Halliki , Fuchs Doris , Belousa Inga
Published: February 2025

Bridging the gap between welfare and climate policies is essential for simultaneously pursuing increased well‐being and reduced carbon emissions. This study uses a policy Delphi approach, involving experts and stakeholders from five European countries: Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Spain, and Sweden, to assess the perceived desirability and feasibility of six eco‐social policies for enabling 1.5°C lifestyles. The results show that eco‐social policies are challenged by current growth and work paradigms, which transcend welfare‐regime‐related, ideological, social, and institutional rationales. Of the selected policies, stakeholders found low‐efficiency housing retrofits the most desirable, but income caps the least desirable. Worktime reduction, job guarantees, and income ceilings raise deep concerns over work, motivation, and consumption. However, universal basic services, free public transport, and public renovation raise concerns about service efficiency, innovation incentives, and welfare entitlement. Stakeholders agreed that eco‐social policies are desirable and feasible, but only when combined in a way that balances social and environmental impacts. They believe it might be easier to address challenges in understanding and implementing these policies if they were part of a broader, coordinated approach at a supranational level, rather than isolated, single‐issue policies targeting specific sectors.
Review of interaction of bullets and fragments with skin-bone-muscle parenchyma
Authors: Pandey Punit , Joshi Yugal , Ganpule Shailesh
Published: February 2025

Penetrating projectile injuries from bullets and fragments remain a leading cause of casualties in modern warfare. Understanding the mechanical interaction of these projectiles with biological tissues is crucial for designing and optimizing both modern ammunition and protective systems. Towards this end, we review the mechanics of the interaction of the projectiles with various biological tissues. The review focuses on the relationship between projectile characteristics (velocity, shape, design), specific tissue, and the resulting injury. The aim is to understand the relationship between these factors and the energy or energy density required to inflict specific tissue-specific injuries. The review highlights the distinct failure mechanisms for each tissue for bullets and fragments. Skin failure is manifested by a combination of crushing, shearing, and elastic hole enlargement. Bone fracture predominantly shows conical cavity formation and associated radial and concentric cracks. Muscle and brain failures involve shearing and temporary cavity formation. Eye, due to its delicate nature, is highly susceptible to penetration by small projectiles with minimal compression. The data suggests significant variations in the energy density needed for perforation depending on the tissue type and projectile characteristics. For example, skin perforation requires a lower energy density (0.1-0.2 J/mm2) compared to bone (0.05-3.2 J/mm2). Further, the traditional 80 J energy criteria of a projectile for defining the lethality threshold might be overly conservative, especially for smaller projectiles. This review also highlights the importance of considering energy density as casualty criteria.