bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Groundwater Carbon Mass Flux and the Myth of Atmospheric Weathering
Authors: Wood Warren W. , Sanford Ward E. , Cherry John A. , Wood Warren T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOur recent steady‐state mass‐balance modeling suggests that most global carbonic‐acid weathering of silicate rocks occurs in the vadose zone of aquifer systems not on the surface by atmospheric CO2. That is, the weathering solute flux is nearly equal to the total global continental riverine carbon flux, signifying little atmospheric weathering by carbonic acid. This finding challenges previous carbon models that utilize silicate weathering as a control of atmospheric CO2 levels. A robust analysis utilizing global estimates of groundwater carbon concentration generated by a geospatial machine learning algorithm was coupled with recharge flux in a geographic information system environment to yield a total global groundwater carbon flux of between 0.87 and 0.96 Pg C/year to the surface environment. On discharging to the surface, the carbon is speciated between 0.01 and 0.11 Pg C/year as CaCO3; 0.35 and 0.38 Pg C/year as CO2 gas; and 0.49 and 0.51 Pg C/year as dissolved HCO3−. This total weathering carbon flux was calculated for direct ocean discharge (0.030 Pg C/year); endorheic basins (0.046 Pg C/year); cold‐wet exorheic basins (0.058 Pg C/year); warm‐dry exorheic basins (0.072 Pg C/year); cold‐dry exorheic basins (0.115 Pg C/year); and warm‐wet exorheic basins (0.448 Pg C/year).
COVID‐19‐related lockdowns and changes in overweight and obesity, movement behaviours, diet quality, and health‐related quality of life among regional Australian primary school children: A repeat cross‐sectional study
Authors: Strugnell Claudia , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Becker Denise , Orellana Liliana , Jackson Michelle , Hillenaar Monique , Whelan Jillian , Brown Andrew D. , Brown Vicki , Bell Colin , Hayward Josh , Stephens Lena D. , Jensen Hayley , Gribben Izzy , Coller Lee , Tatlock Diana , Lehman Elizabeth , Allender Steven 
Published: December 2024

SummaryBackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the Australian state of Victoria (in particular, its capital, Melbourne) experienced some of the longest lockdowns in the world.ObjectiveThis repeated cross‐sectional study examined changes between March to June 2019 (pre‐pandemic) and April to August 2022 (6 to 11 months following pandemic‐related lockdowns) in overweight and obesity prevalence, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet quality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary school children in north‐east Victoria, Australia.MethodsHeight and weight were measured for Grade 2, 4, and 6 students in 2019 (3889 children) and 2022 (1816 children). Grade 4 and 6 students self‐reported on their movement behaviours, diet quality, and HRQoL.ResultsParticipation declined among schools (2019:56%, 2022:34%) and students (2019:87%, 2022:75%). Compared to children in 2019, children in 2022 had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity; were less likely to have met guidelines for moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time, and vegetable consumption; had higher intakes of takeaway food, energy‐dense nutrient‐poor snacks, and sugar‐sweetened beverages; and had lower HRQoL.ConclusionChildren's health‐related behaviours and outcomes seemed not to have returned to pre‐pandemic levels 6 to 11 months after the final lockdowns lifted for their communities. Continued monitoring and interventions targeting the drivers of childhood obesity are urgently needed.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on hospital presentations in adults with gastrointestinal infections at a tertiary centre in Australia
Authors: Gottlieb Max , Jakanovski Philip , Harding‐Forrester Sam , Mitchell Alexander , Liu Sue , Zhang Eva , Al‐Ani Aysha , Segal Jonathan , Christensen Britt 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in the enactment of substantial public health measures aimed at reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses. The impact of these measures on gastrointestinal (GI) infections remains unexplored.AimsTo determine whether there was a change in the number of patients presenting to The Royal Melbourne Hospital with GI infections during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the year prior.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single‐centre case–control study comparing the incidence and characteristics of hospitalisations with GI infections from March to August 2019 and across the same months in 2020, corresponding to periods immediately prior to and during the COVID pandemic.ResultsOf 430 presentations with GI infections across both time periods, there was a 51.9% decrease in hospitalisations with GI infections during the pandemic. Patients admitted during the pandemic were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (0.71% vs 3.4%, P < 0.04) and to be prescribed antibiotics (21.9% vs 36.1%, P < 0.01). Length of stay and mortality were unchanged. There was a decline in the number and proportion of patients with positive faecal cultures in 2020, primarily attributed to a significant reduction in Norovirus cases (28% vs 4%) (odds ratio (OR) = 0.093, P < 0.01). Conversely, the proportion of patients presenting with Clostridioides difficile was higher in 2020 (22% vs 44%) (OR = 2.4, P = 0.01).ConclusionThere was a substantial decrease in hospital admissions with GI infections, particularly Norovirus, during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Admissions because of Clostridioides increased. Stringent public health measures reducing interpersonal contact and increased antibiotic prescribing respectively may explain these changes, while an increased reluctance to seek medical care may also have contributed to the sharp overall decrease in hospitalisations.
The Patient's Role Development in the Process of Participating in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings: From Passive Attendees to Active Members or Dropouts
Authors: Berben Kevin , Walgrave Emily , Bergs Jochen , Van Hecke Ann , Dierckx Eva , Verhaeghe Sofie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMental health patients are increasingly invited to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings during their admission to inpatient mental health units. To participate effectively, patients must adopt a role that enables them to actively engage and take their place as contributing member of the team. This study aims to understand how mental health patients experience the development of their roles when participating in multidisciplinary team meetings and to identify which dynamics are meaningful to them. A qualitative interview approach, using principles of grounded theory, was employed. Twelve mental health patients in Belgium were recruited for semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. The conceptual framework which emerged reveals that mental health patients strive to assume a partnership role within the team. To effectively take on this role, they identify three key components as essential: being informed and prepared, being seen and heard and being able to understand. Based on their reflections on these components and the perceived value of their contributions and efforts, mental health patients decide whether to become and remain active members, revert to passive attendance or disengage entirely. These insights can encourage organisations to create an environment where mental health patients can grow into their role as partners in multidisciplinary team meetings. Such an environment would enable collaborative efforts between patients and the treatment team, recognising each patient as a unique individual capable of making their own choices. By focusing on what is personally meaningful to the patient and addressing their specific needs, this approach ensures that care is tailored to what is crucial for patients' recovery.
How Do People With Schizophrenia Manage Their Daily Life? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Braeckman Jolien , Wyckaert Mariotte , De Vriendt Patricia , Costa Ursula , Lemmens Gilbert , Van Hecke Ann , Satink Ton , Van de Velde Dominique 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDue to the rising number of long‐term mental health conditions, there has been a shift in therapeutic focus from curing these conditions, to living a meaningful life with them. Self‐management is described as the ability to live with the emotional, life role and medical consequences of long‐term conditions such as schizophrenia. However, the perspective of people with schizophrenia on self‐management in current literature is missing. A lack of understanding of strategies used by people with schizophrenia to self‐manage, could adversely affect the use of self‐management interventions. Therefore, this study aims to identify how people with schizophrenia manage their daily life. Semi‐structured interviews (n = 9) were conducted in a qualitative descriptive design. The study is reported by using the COREQ checklist. All participants, recruited through purposive sampling, have been stabilised after a schizophrenic episode and have been reintegrated into their community. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Self‐management for people with schizophrenia is an individualised process that revolves around performing day‐to‐day activities according to the participant's wishes. In addition, participants tried to prevent relapse by self‐managing daily life. Personal‐, social‐ and schizophrenia‐related factors were seen as barriers and/or facilitators in their self‐management. These barriers and/or facilitators were self‐managed using daily activities. Current self‐management interventions for this population often aim at improving medication adherence. Self‐management interventions facilitated by health care professionals should (i) focus more on supporting patients in finding their daily structure through meaningful activities and (ii) be mindful of the duality contained within self‐management of people with stabilised schizophrenia.
Waterlogging Effects on Root Morphology, Yield, and Stress Tolerance in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Grown on Semi‐Arid Vertisols
Authors: Senthamil E. , Halli Hanamant M. , Basavaraj P. S. , Angadi S. S. , Gangana Gowdra Vinay M. , Harisha C. B. , Boraiah K. M. , Sandeep Adavi B. , Salakinkoppa S. R. , Mohite Ganesh , Reddy K. Sammi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWaterlogging, a global environmental stress, jeopardises food security, causing an economic loss of US$ 74 billion. This could intensify by 14%–35% due to climate change, particularly affecting leguminous crops by altering root morphology and yields. Therefore, studies on the crops root systems and yield reduction to waterlogging stress are required to ensure global food security (sustainable development goals; SDG 2) and an adaptation strategy against climate threats (SDG 13). Hence, studies were conducted for 2 years (2022 and 2023) to understand the effect of varied durations of waterlogging (1–25 days) at three growth stages (15 DAE; Days After Emergence, 25 DAE and at 50% flowering) of cowpea. Results revealed that the highest reduction in root length density (17.97%), surface density (17.31%), weight density (17.63%) and volume density (19.60%) was observed at early growth stages of cowpea (15 DAE) over control. As a result, the maximum reduction in crop growth and grain yield (62.90%) with the lowest yield stability index (YSI ~0.62) and stress tolerance index (STI ~0.78) were recorded. Waterlogging for 17 to 25 days significantly reduced root morphological features and growth, resulting in highest reduction in grain yield (71.32%–81.64%), and the lowest YSI and STI. Notably, plants at early growth stages produced a greater number of lengthier aerial roots with increasing waterlogging durations after 7 days. Whereas, the interaction of 1 day waterlogging at 25 DAE reported minimal yield reduction (~0.36%) with greater YSI (~0.99) and STI (~1.52). Therefore, the sensitivity of cowpea roots to waterlogging explained the reduction in grain yield and stress tolerance. In conclusion, cowpea was found to be highly sensitive at early growth stages (15 DAE) after 3 days of waterlogging stress on vertisols of semi‐arid tropics.
The mechanical properties of irradiated concrete aggregates: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Fujimura Takayoshi , Hakozaki Yuji , Sakuragi Shunsuke , Nakajima Yuu , Murakami Kenta , Suzuki Kiyoteru , Maruyama Ippei , Ohkubo Takahiro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe concrete in nuclear power plant reactor buildings is exposed to neutron radiation, making it critical to evaluate and predict its deterioration under irradiation. The observed expansion of irradiated concrete is believed to be caused by the expansion of aggregate minerals, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanical properties and mechanical fracture phenomena of a range of silicate minerals that are popular as concrete aggregates. Ten silicate minerals are targeted: ‐quartz, orthoclase, microcline, albite, oligoclase, andesine, labradorite, augite, diopside, and forsterite. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus, maximum stress, and Poisson's ratio) of the minerals are determined through neutron irradiation and tensile simulations. The irradiation simulations reveal a decrease in mineral density, an expansion process involving amorphousization, and a change from anisotropic to isotropic mechanical properties. The isotropic Young's modulus and maximum stress significantly decrease with irradiation, and this effect is reproduced well in experimental results. The origin and process of mechanical fracturing are estimated by finding atoms with large displacements in tensile simulations, and the behavior of the stress–strain curve on the atomic scale is explained. In irradiated minerals, local stress relaxation occurs due to local atomic displacement, and large‐scale mechanical fractures are suppressed. The factors involved in the mechanical fracturing and local stress relaxation of Na‐feldspar are identified and discussed in terms of chemical bonding theory.
Application of Single‐Cell Genomics to Animal Models of Periodontitis and Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Hasuike Akira , Easter Quinn T. , Clark Daniel , Byrd Kevin M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsThis narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on integrating single‐cell genomics technologies with animal models of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.ReviewSingle‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) reveals cellular heterogeneity and specific cell roles in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, overcoming the limitations of bulk RNA sequencing. Under controlled conditions and genetic manipulation, animal models facilitate studying disease progression, gene functions and systemic disease links, aiding targeted therapy development. Knockout models have started to elucidate the impact of genetic mutations on periodontal disease and host responses. scRNAseq in animal models has been used to examine connections between periodontitis and systemic diseases, revealing altered immune environments and cellular interactions. Emerging studies are now applying these methods to animal models of peri‐implantitis. Integrating these datasets into single‐cell and spatially resolved atlases will enable future meta‐analyses, providing deeper insights into disease mechanisms considering factors such as sex, strain, and age.ConclusionsIntegrating scRNAseq with animal models advances the understanding of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis pathogenesis and precision therapies. The combined use of single‐cell and spatial genomics and scRNAseq will further enhance data insights significantly for drug discovery and preclinical testing, making these technologies pivotal in validating animal models and translating findings into clinical practice.
Rising mortality rates linked to type‐2 diabetes and obesity in the United States: An observational analysis from 1999 to 2022
Authors: Ahmed Mushood , Nofal Abdullah , Shafiq Aimen , Javaid Hira , Ahsan Areeba , Nadeem Zain Ali , Ahmed Raheel , Alam Mahboob , Mamas Mamas A. , Fudim Marat , Fonarow Gregg C. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are increasing in the United States. However, population‐level data for mortality trends due to T2D and obesity are limited. This study aims to assess these death trends among adults in the United States categorized by sex, race, and geographical location.MethodsWe queried the CDC‐WONDER database for multiple cause of death data of adults aged ≥25 years. The crude mortality rates (CMR), age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), annual percent change (APC), and the average APC (AAPC) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed.ResultsFrom 1999 to 2022, a total of 88,597 T2DM and obesity‐related deaths were recorded in the United States. The AAMR consistently increased from 1999 to 2017 (APC: 7.64; 95% CI: 1.91–9.96), followed by a marked rise from 2017 to 2022 (APC: 20.13; 95% CI: 12.88–38.57). The AAMR was approximately 3.58 times higher during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the period from 1999 to 2019. The AAMR for males was consistently greater than that for females. The highest AAMR was observed in non‐Hispanic (NH) Blacks or African Americans, followed by NH White, Hispanic or Latino, and other NH populations. Rural areas (AAMR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.83–1.89) exhibited a greater AAMR than urban regions 1.26 (95% CI: 1.25–1.27).ConclusionsOur results indicate a substantial increasing trend of T2D and obesity‐related deaths in the United States especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Nutrition Interventions in the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Scoping Review
Authors: De Araugo Samantha C. , Varney Jane E. , McGuinness Amelia J. , Naude Colette , Evans Subhadra , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Staudacher Heidi M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundPain, poor quality of life (QOL) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are commonly experienced by individuals with endometriosis. Although diet and nutrition supplements are frequently used to manage endometriosis‐related symptoms, there is limited understanding of the breadth and quality of research in this field. Our aim was to undertake a scoping review of diet and nutrition supplement intervention studies in people with endometriosis, diagnosed by ultrasound or surgery.MethodsMEDLINE Complete, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published in English from database inception to November 2024. Quality was assessed by two reviewers independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. In total, 5130 publications were screened and 13 were included.ResultsAmong these, five evaluated the effect of diet intervention, one evaluated the effect of a combined diet–supplement intervention and seven evaluated the effect of a nutrition supplement in endometriosis. Overall, there were seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 1 diet intervention, n = 6 nutrition supplement), two nonrandomised controlled studies (n = 1 diet intervention, n = 1 combined diet–supplement) and four uncontrolled studies (n = 3 diet intervention, n = 1 nutrition supplement). On the basis of evidence from the RCTs, the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet improved QOL and GI symptoms, whereas garlic supplements and combination trace element supplements may be beneficial for improving reduced pain symptoms related to endometriosis. The quality of most included studies was poor. Adherence to the interventions was only measured in five studies and only one diet study measured baseline diet.ConclusionsHigh‐quality RCTs of diet and nutrition supplement interventions are needed to progress the understanding of whether they should be integrated into the clinical management of endometriosis.
Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: Lipids across microglial states
Authors: Traetta Marianela E. , Vecchiarelli Haley A. , Tremblay Marie‐Ève 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe capacity of immune cells to alter their function based on their metabolism is the basis of the emerging field of immunometabolism. Microglia are the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system, and it is a current focus of the field to investigate how alterations in their metabolism impact these cells. Microglia have the ability to utilize lipids, such as fatty acids, as energy sources, but also alterations in lipids can impact microglial form and function. Recent studies highlighting different microglial states and transcriptional signatures have highlighted modifications in lipid processing as defining these states. This review highlights these recent studies and uses these altered pathways to discuss the current understanding of lipid biology in microglia. The studies highlighted here review how lipids may alter microglial phagocytic functioning or alter their pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory balance. These studies provide a foundation by which lipid supplementation or diet alterations could influence microglial states and function. Furthermore, targets modulating microglial lipid metabolism may provide new treatment avenues.image
Both Feed Restriction and Transition Period Suppressed Adipose Tissue MRNA Abundance of Genes Involved in Lipogenesis and Lipolysis in Fat‐Tailed Ewes
Authors: Mokhtari Sara , Zarrin Mousa , Samadian Farhad , Ahmadpour Amir 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study sought to investigate the consequences of the induced feed restriction during the transition period on the mRNA abundance of genes entangled in lipogenesis and lipolysis in the tail adipose of fat‐tailed sheep. Twenty fat‐tailed ewes were randomised into the control (Control; n = 10) and restriction (Restriction; n = 10) groups. Control animals were fed 100% of the balanced diet pre‐(Week −5 to parturition) and post‐partum (parturition to Week 5). Restriction ewes received equivalent 100%, 50%, 65%, 80%, and 100% of the balanced ration at Weeks −5, −4, −3, −2, and −1 relative to parturition, respectively. After parturition, the latter group received the equivalent of 100%, 50%, 65%, 80%, and 100% of the diet recommendation at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At the end of weeks −3 and 3, tail adipose were sampled under local anesthesia. Fatty acid synthase, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II, and acyl‐CoA synthase long‐chain family member‐1 mRNA abundances were measured using the TaqMan quantity real‐time PCR. A mixed model procedure of SAS software was used to evaluate the results. Feed restriction downregulated target genes' mRNA abundance during both pre‐ and post‐partum. Parturition suppressed the mRNA abundance of measured genes in both groups. Established on the outcomes, lipogenesis, and lipolysis of the adipose tissue would be influenced by metabolite and hormone instability during the transition period and feed restriction. The lessening of adipose tissue lipogenesis and lipolysis might be a hemostatic response to cope with the energy insufficiency for fetal growth and the onset of lactation and also prevent the induction of inflammation, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases during feed restriction or transition period.