bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal analyses in longitudinal observational studies in oral health: A scoping review
Authors: Dao An T. M. , Do Loc G. , Stormon Nicole , Dhanapriyanka Manori , Ha Diep H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveCausal analysis including causal inference and causal mediation is pivotal to inform effective interventions. In modern epidemilogy, causal analysis involves four key steps: formulating causal questions, employing directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), conducting data management and selecting statistical strategies. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to assess how longitudinal observational studies (LOSs) in dental field have integrated these four steps to contribute leverage evidence that inform oral public health interventions.MethodsLOSs focusing on determinants of dental caries published from 2012 to 2024 were systematically retrieved from five major databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute‐scoping review guidance and the Covidence application were employed to identify eligible LOSs for being reviewed.ResultsOut of the 85 eligible LOSs, none formulated causal hypothesis by applying ‘what if’ question or investigated mediation across three levels of the determinants of oral health. A minority (18 studies, ~21.2%) employed DAGs to visualise relationships among study variables, while only one third (33 studies, ~39%) clearly defined confounders. The majority (64 studies, ~75%) incorporated a time‐varying feature of their data, yet only a few (11 studies) fully leveraged this advanced aspect. Among these studies that fully utilised time‐varying data, more than half encountered challenges in employing robust statistics to address confounders arising from such data dynamics.ConclusionsDental LOSs have, to date, mostly focused on investigating associations over causality, often neglecting the four‐step causal analysis and not fully utilising time‐varying data. Researchers necessitate to shift their focus to causal inference and prioritise building capacity in causal analysis with a consistent four‐step approach to advance the field. Studies exploring mechanisms linking determinants of dental caries across levels and leveraging time‐varying data are strongly encouraged.
The need for a socioecological harm reduction approach to reduce illegal wildlife trade
Authors: Hübschle Annette , Margulies Jared 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe burgeoning illegal trade in succulents in southern Africa presents a critical conservation and social development challenge. Drawing parallels with the trajectory of the response to rhinoceros poaching, we considered the consequences of conservation law enforcement measures, particularly the militarization of antipoaching efforts. The response to rhinoceros poaching not only resulted in so‐called green militarization, but also led to extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, and the disproportionate targeting of low‐level poachers. The nature of wildlife trade prohibition is complex and often contested, and many actors operating in illegal wildlife trades dispute the label of illegal for socioeconomic, cultural, historical, or political reasons. This contestation is crucial when considering Indigenous cultural and medicinal values of succulents, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities questioning the criminalization of traditional plant harvesting practices. As the illegal trade in succulents continues to grow, it is imperative for conservationists to consider a nuanced approach. We call for a socioecological harm reduction approach that emphasizes community engagement, sustainable use, and codesigned interventions. Such an approach could help balance the scales of ecological conservation and human dignity in the face of growing wildlife trade challenges.
Financial speculation meets cultural heritage in China's wildlife markets
Authors: Zhu Annah Lake , Zhu George 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEnvironmental regulations restricting the use of a natural resource or species often have unintended consequences. One example is prohibitions on the international trade in culturally important endangered wildlife. Trade restrictions may artificially increase scarcity and, consequently, value. In China, international trade restrictions may trigger bouts of speculative investment that have the opposite effect of the restrictions’ intent. We examined how China's speculative economy and cultural history have together led to unintended consequences when regulating wildlife trade. In China, wildlife markets occupy a legal gray area that can make regulations ineffectual or even counterproductive. In extreme cases, prohibiting trade can provoke market booms. Further unintended consequences include potential cultural backlash. In China and across the Global South, international trade restrictions are sometimes considered a continuation of a longstanding history of Western intervention and thus may not be enforced as strongly or may generate resentment. This pushback has contributed to rising calls to decolonialize conservation and may lead to growing alliances between China and other Global South countries when negotiating international wildlife trade restrictions in the future.
Navigating ethical challenges in online wildlife trade research
Authors: Morcatty Thais Q. , Su Shan , Siriwat Penthai , Andersson Astrid Alex , Atoussi Sadek , Feddema Kim , Henriques Sergio , Janssen Jordi , Karve Anushri , Pytka Jennifer , Thompson Ruth M. , Nijman Vincent , Wright Joss , Roberts David L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe surge in internet accessibility has transformed wildlife trade by facilitating the acquisition of wildlife through online platforms. This scenario presents unique ethical challenges for researchers, as traditional ethical frameworks for in‐person research cannot be readily applied to the online realm. Currently, there is a lack of clearly defined guidelines for appropriate ethical procedures when conducting online wildlife trade (OWT) research. In response to this, we consulted the scientific literature on ethical considerations in online research and examined existing guidelines established by professional societies and ethical boards. Based on these documents, we present a set of recommendations that can inform the development of ethically responsible OWT research. Key ethical challenges in designing and executing OWT research include the violation of privacy rights, defining subjects and illegality, and the risk of misinterpretation or posing risks to participants when sharing data. Potential solutions include considering participants’ expectations of privacy, defining when participants are authors versus subjects, understanding the legal and cultural context, minimizing data collection, ensuring anonymization, and removing metadata. Best practices also involve being culturally sensitive when analyzing and reporting findings. Adhering to these guidelines can help mitigate potential pitfalls and provides valuable insights to editors, researchers, and ethical review boards, enabling them to conduct scientifically rigorous and ethically responsible OWT research to advance this growing field.
Trade and socioeconomic importance of an invasive giant snail in the endemic‐rich island of São Tomé, Central Africa
Authors: Panisi Martina , Pereira Ana R. , Neto Bruzinay C. , de Sousa Paulo J. , Oquiongo Gabriel , Palmeirim Jorge M. , de Lima Ricardo F. , Nuno Ana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractManaging invasive species is crucial to mitigate their negative impacts on ecosystems, yet conflicts may arise when their social benefits are disregarded. Human pressure on the endemic‐rich forests of São Tomé has been high since the island was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and numerous species have been introduced. These include the invasive West African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata), which was introduced in the mid‐20th century, is now widespread on the island, and is a potential threat to native flora and fauna. We assessed the frequency of consumption of this species and its socioeconomic importance to people across the island with household questionnaires, focus group discussions, and semistructured interviews. We explored the prevalence and potential drivers of use (e.g., wealth, household composition, and diversity of occupations) and characterized the commodity chain to identify demographic groups linked to the snail trade. We interviewed 672 people (1 person per household), conducted 6 focus groups, and interviewed 80 key actors belonging to 5 subcategories. The snail was the most widely consumed bushmeat and an important source of income, particularly for women and unemployed youth. Insecure and scarce livelihood alternatives, mostly in rural areas, were reported as drivers for trade involvement. Snail harvesting was more frequent in poorer households with low occupational diversity. Selling tended to occur in households that were well‐established in the community and had a higher proportion of children. Both were stimulated by the proximity of communities to the native forest. Buying snails was common in all demographic groups, but it was linked to wealth and occupational diversity. Interventions to manage the impact of this introduced species on the valuable ecosystems of the island should involve multiple sectors of society to ensure societal support. This requires robust consideration of the welfare of vulnerable demographic groups that benefit from the species.
Global invasion and biosecurity risk from the online trade in ornamental crayfish
Authors: Olden Julian D. , Carvalho Francisco A. C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTrade in undomesticated ornamental animals has rapidly expanded beyond brick‐and‐mortar retail stores to now include growing numbers of internet marketplaces. The growing volume, diversity, and origins of invasive non‐native species in trade challenge already weak national biosecurity policies. Despite widespread focus on vertebrates, many knowledge gaps exist regarding the online global trade of ornamental invertebrates. We conducted the first global assessment of the online trade in and associated invasion risk of freshwater crayfishes, which are increasingly popular aquarium animals. We systematically examined e‐commerce marketplaces in multiple languages, scrapping information that included species identity, price, quantity, and shipping designation from each crayfish listing. Next, we combined geographic pathways of shipping associated with online trade (introduction risk) and environmental suitability modeling (establishment risk) to estimate global risk of non‐native crayfish invasion risk. We identified hundreds of online marketplaces and thousands of sale listings in 33 countries (5 continents) involving 60 species and representing a selling value of ∼US$1.5 million. Invasion risk of non‐native crayfish in trade was widespread, with geographic hotspots coinciding with both elevated opportunities for introduction (greater shipping offerings) and establishment. Precise characterization of the online species trade is fundamental to support new and reformed biosecurity policies, build industry partnerships, and design educational campaigns to prevent species invasions through trade. We found that the taxonomy, geography, and economics of the global online ornamental crayfish trade are vast and require greater attention.
Time‐in‐range derived from self‐measured blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes advancing to iGlarLixi: A participant‐level pooled analysis of three phase 3 LixiLan randomized controlled trials
Authors: Haluzík Martin , Al‐Sofiani Mohammed E. , Cheng Alice Y. Y. , Lauand Felipe , Melas‐Melt Lydie , Rosenstock Julio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy of a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using derived time‐in‐range (dTIR).MethodsParticipant‐level data from LixiLan‐L, LixiLan‐O and LixiLan‐G were pooled and dTIR (70‐180 mg/dL), derived time‐above‐range (> 180 mg/dL) and derived time‐below‐range (dTBR; < 70 mg/dL) were calculated from participant seven‐point self‐monitored blood glucose profiles.ResultsThis pooled analysis included data from 2420 participants receiving iGlarLixi (n = 1093), iGlar (n = 836), Lixi (n = 234) or a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) (n = 257). Numerically greater improvements in least square (LS) means dTIR were seen from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) with iGlarLixi (25.7%) versus iGlar (15.8%), Lixi (11.7%) or GLP‐1 RA (16.2%). At EOT, the mean (standard deviation) dTBR was 0.71% ± 3.4%, 0.61% ± 3.2%, 0.08% ± 1.0% and 0.0% ± 0.0% for iGlarLixi, iGlar, Lixi and GLP‐1 RA, respectively. In a subgroup analysis, participants aged younger than 65 years (n = 1690) and 65 years or older (n = 713) showed numerically greater improvements in LS means dTIR from baseline to EOT with iGlarLixi versus iGlar, Lixi or GLP‐1 RA.ConclusionsiGlarLixi achieved improvements in dTIR, with low dTBR values, providing further evidence to inform clinical outcomes with the use of iGlarLixi.
Semaglutide use in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes from real‐world utilization data: An analysis of the All of US Program
Authors: Mayer Craig S. , Fontelo Paul 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo analyse data from the All of Us Research Program to evaluate the real‐world application and long‐term effectiveness of semaglutide in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity patients in a large population.Materials and MethodsWe identified patients prescribed semaglutide and analysed differences in route of administration and the time on semaglutide. For individuals diagnosed with obesity, we measured changes in body mass index (BMI) and weight from baseline, while measured changes in HbA1c for those patients with type 2 diabetes. We also examined the occurrence of newly diagnosed common adverse events from taking semaglutide.ResultsFor 3739 semaglutide patients, those on injectable semaglutide (3364 patients) averaged 301.54 days on the medication, with 20.36% having no end date, while those on oral semaglutide (435 patients) averaged 172.48 days, with 24.60% having no end date. We found average decreases of 1.54 kg/m2 in BMI, 4.65 kg in weight and 0.75% in HbA1c for semaglutide users. The decreases were larger in participants taking injectable formulation, probably because of higher starting values. Over time, improvements in these outcomes diminished, but the values remained significantly lower than baseline levels. Approximately only 1.0% of patients reported newly diagnosed common adverse events.ConclusionsConsistent with clinical trial findings, this real‐world data analysis showed that semaglutide was well tolerated and that, for a large population, it effectively reduced BMI, body weight and HbA1c, albeit to smaller magnitudes than observed in clinical trials. These findings provide valuable insights into real‐world experience and the long‐term effectiveness of semaglutide.
Glyburide use is associated with a greater likelihood of mortality or rehospitalization after acute coronary syndrome compared to gliclazide use in adults with type 2 diabetes: A cohort study
Authors: Long Wentong , Light Peter E. , Simpson Scot H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo examine the likelihood of mortality or rehospitalization following acute coronary syndrome with glyburide versus gliclazide use in adults with type 2 diabetes undergoing cardiac catheterization.Research Design and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used clinical data linked with administrative health data from Alberta, Canada between April 2008 and March 2021. Three methods were used to define exposure to glyburide and gliclazide in the year before catheterization. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the likelihood of a composite outcome of 1‐year mortality or rehospitalization with use of glyburide versus use of gliclazide.ResultsA total of 11 140 individuals with type 2 diabetes had a cardiac catheterization for acute coronary syndrome. Their mean age was 66 years and 31% were female. In the year before catheterization, 5% used glyburide and 19% used gliclazide. Any glyburide or gliclazide exposure in the year before catheterization was associated with a similar likelihood of all‐cause mortality or rehospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.41; p = 0.20). However, current glyburide exposure (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06–1.79; p = 0.018) and long exposure to glyburide (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.83; p = 0.030) were associated with a higher likelihood of the composite outcome compared to current and long exposure to gliclazide, respectively.ConclusionsCurrent and long exposure to glyburide was associated with a greater likelihood of mortality or rehospitalization following cardiac catheterization for acute coronary syndrome, when compared to similar gliclazide exposure definitions. This study adds further evidence of the need to avoid using glyburide if a sulphonylurea is required for type 2 diabetes management.
Spatial and Ontogenetic Patterns in the Trophic Ecology of Two Predatory Fishes in a Large River
Authors: Valentine Shaley A. , Whitledge Gregory W. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTFishes use a variety of physical and biological resources that shift ontogenetically, seasonally and spatially. Quantifying what resources such as prey are required for persistence can improve understanding of ecological needs of fishes and riverine macrosystem functioning. Bowfin (Amia ocellicauda) and largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) cohabitate in their native range and potentially compete with one another. Yet, there have been no direct comparisons of their diets across spatial gradients to assess whether they partition resources or shift in prey use. We used multiple univariate and multivariate analyses to compare diet composition, diet overlap, feeding strategy, prey importance and diet partitioning between largemouth bass and bowfin across three reaches of the Upper Mississippi River. Largemouth bass ontogenetically shifted their diet from aquatic invertebrates to fishes and a more diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrates. Bowfin and adult largemouth bass were top predators which consumed mostly crayfish and fish and overlapped in their diets. Despite overlapping diets, predators partitioned resources by consuming different lengths and abundances of prey, and largemouth bass had greater trophic plasticity. Within a predator group, few differences in diets existed spatially, underscoring the relative homogeneity in resource use potentially from similarities in the river's physical structure. Combined, prey use likely differed sufficiently to reduce potential competition between largemouth bass and bowfin, allowing long‐term coexistence in this system. Our results also highlighted the importance of crayfishes to riverine food webs and underscored the use of multiple prey and habitat types that sustain these predators.
Starting the pill during adolescence: Age of onset and duration of use influence morphology of the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Brouillard Alexandra , Davignon Lisa‐Marie , Vachon‐Presseau Étienne , Roy Mathieu , Marin Marie‐France 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFrom adolescence, women become more likely to experience fear dysregulation. Oral contraceptives (OCs) can modulate the brain regions involved in fear processes. OCs are generally used for years and often initiated during adolescence, a sensitive period where certain brain regions involved in the fear circuitry are still undergoing important reorganization. It remains unknown whether OC use during adolescence may induce long‐lasting changes in the fear circuitry. This study aimed to examine whether age of onset moderated the relationship between duration of use and fear‐related brain structures. We collected structural MRI data in 98 healthy adult women (61 current users, 37 past users) and extracted grey matter volumes (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) of key regions of the fear circuitry. Non‐linear multiple regressions revealed interaction effects between age of onset and quadratic duration of use on GMV of the right hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Among women who initiated OCs earlier in adolescence, a short duration of use was associated with smaller hippocampal GMV and thicker vmPFC compared to a longer duration of use. For both GMV and CT of the right vmPFC, women with an early OC onset had more grey matter at a short duration of use than those with a later onset. Our results suggest that OC use earlier in adolescence may induce lasting effects on structural correlates of fear learning and its regulation. These findings support further investigation into the timing of OC use to better comprehend how OCs could disrupt normal brain development processes.
Temperature controls the relation between soil organic carbon and microbial carbon use efficiency
Authors: Luo Zhaoyang , Ren Jianning , Manzoni Stefano , Fatichi Simone 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicrobial carbon use efficiency (CUE) is an important variable mediating microbial effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) since it summarizes how much carbon is used for microbial growth or is respired. Yet, the role of CUE in regulating SOC storage remains debated, with evidence for both positive and negative SOC‐CUE relations. Here, we use a combination of measured data around the world and numerical simulations to explore SOC‐CUE relations accounting for temperature (T) effects on CUE. Results reveal that the sign of the CUE‐T relation controls the direction of the SOC‐CUE relations. A negative CUE‐T relation leads to a positive SOC‐CUE relation and vice versa, highlighting that CUE‐T patterns significantly affect how organic carbon is used by microbes and hence SOC‐CUE relations. Numerical results also confirm the observed negative SOC‐T relation, regardless of the CUE‐T patterns, implying that temperature plays a more dominant role than CUE in controlling SOC storage. The SOC‐CUE relation is usually negative when temperature effects are isolated, even though it can become positive when nonlinear microbial turnover is considered. These results indicate a dominant role of CUE‐T patterns in controlling the SOC‐CUE relation. Our findings help to better understand SOC and microbial responses to a warming climate.