bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate regulates the effect of land‐use change on the diversity of soil microbial functional groups and soil multifunctionality
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Cai Jinshan , Xu Jingwen , Liu Shengen , Wang Bing , Zhang Huiling , Yue Linyan , Wu Liji , Wu Ying , Chen Dima 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Although studies have explored how soil microbial diversity and soil multifunctionality respond to land‐use change at local scales, they have rarely been explored at larger scales and across different climatic and soil environmental conditions.

By sampling 40 paired sites of land‐use change from natural forests to agricultural lands (including croplands and orchards) along the middle and lower Yangtze River, combined with a global meta‐analysis, we investigated the effects of land‐use change and climate on the alpha and beta diversity of soil bacterial and fungal functional groups (FGs) and their associated soil multifunctionality at a regional scale.

Our results showed that land‐use change strongly changed the diversity of soil bacterial and fungal FGs and decreased multifunctionality, which was supported by our meta‐analysis at a global scale. Direct effects of land‐use change and climate and their interaction, together with changes in soil environmental variables, were the main determinants of the land‐use change‐induced changes in the diversity of soil bacterial or fungal FGs. The land‐use change‐induced decrease in multifunctionality was mainly associated with the direct effect of forest conversion, soil fertility and diversity of fungal FGs. Furthermore, climate also regulated the effects of land‐use change on multifunctionality by affecting soil fertility and fungal FGs diversity along the Yangtze River.

Synthesis and applications. Taken together, our findings highlight the important effects of land‐use change, climate and their interactions on microbial diversity and multifunctionality and suggest that effective land‐use management and climate change mitigation strategies should be adopted to protect biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Yangtze River Basin.
Volcanic ash in soil is a source of strontium in stream water in chert‐bedrock forests in Mount Amamaki, Japan
Authors: Koshikawa Masami Kanao , Watanabe Mirai , Sase Hiroyuki , Morohashi Masayuki , Takahashi Masaaki , Tanikawa Toko , Takahashi Masamichi , Takahashi Akiko , Murata Tomoyoshi , Takamatsu Takejiro , Miura Shingo , Shin Ki‐Cheol , Nakano Takanori 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcid deposition is widespread in Japan, but acidification of stream water is rare in forest ecosystems. Bedrock‐derived cations, including those released into the soil by weathering of bedrock minerals, generally act to neutralize acid deposition and flow out into streams. Volcanic ash, which is widespread in Japan, may also release cations and neutralize acids, but the contribution of volcanic‐ash‐derived cations is currently poorly explored. To assess the importance of volcanic ash as a source of base cations, we examined strontium in two catchments underlain by chert bedrock at Mount Amamaki, Japan. Additionally, we obtained comparative data from two sandstone‐bedrock catchments in the same area. We measured 87Sr/86Sr ratios in samples of stream water, bulk precipitation, riverbed rock, and soil from the catchments. We used the 87Sr/86Sr data to analyze the relative contributions of atmospheric deposition, bedrock, and volcanic ash in soil as sources of Sr in the stream waters. We estimated volcanic ash in soil to contribute between 46% and 78% of stream‐water Sr for one chert‐bedrock catchment, and between 0% and 52% for the other. We conclude that volcanic ash in soil is an important source of Sr in stream water. Thus, volcanic ash can act as a source of base cations and hence contribute to the acid‐neutralizing capacity of soil in forest ecosystems in Japan.
Power with Purpose? Further Reflections on Strengthening the Centre of Government
Authors: Flinders Matthew , Ayres Sarah , Boswell John , Cairney Paul , Durose Catherine , Elliott Ian C. , Martin Steve , Richardson Liz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOn 10 March 2024 the Commission on the Centre of Government published its final report: Power with Purpose. The aim of the commission had been to explore why Number Ten, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury do not always work as well as they should and to explore what could be done to improve the centre of government radically. Perennial concerns about the existence of a ‘hollow crown’ at the centre of British government were, the final report recommended, to be resolved through the implementation of a ‘radical’ reform agenda. This article interrogates the commission's proposals from a critical perspective and builds upon existing concerns as to the viability of further centralising power in Whitehall. It achieves this by reflecting on an understanding of why history, criticality, governance, evidence and relationships matter when seeking to cope with complexity or when designing genuinely ‘radical’ new governance capabilities. It is argued that a full appreciation of these factors is essential to any project to strengthen the core executive and offers a more balanced, relational and systemic approach to nurturing strategic capacity in government.
State‐Level Education Quality and Trajectories of Cognitive Function by Race and Educational Attainment
Authors: WALSEMANN KATRINA M. , JACKSON HEIDE , ABBRUZZI EMILY , AILSHIRE JENNIFER A. 
Published: July 2024

Policy Points
Education‐cognition research overlooks the role of education quality in shaping cognitive function at midlife and older ages, even though quality may be more responsive to federal and state investment in public schooling than attainment.
For older US adults who attended school during the early to mid‐20th century, the quality of US education improved considerably as federal and state investment increased.
Ensuring access to high‐quality primary and secondary education may protect against poor cognitive function at midlife and older ages, particularly among Black Americans and persons who complete less education. It may also play an important role in reducing health inequities.
ContextAlthough educational attainment is consistently associated with better cognitive function among older adults, we know little about how education quality is related to cognitive function. This is a key gap in the literature given that the quality of US education improved considerably during the early to mid‐20th century as state and federal investment increased. We posit that growing up in states with higher‐quality education systems may protect against poor cognitive function, particularly among Black adults and adults who completed fewer years of school.MethodsWe used prospective data on cognitive function from the Health and Retirement Study linked to historical data on state investment in public schools, restricting our sample to non‐Hispanic White and Black adults born between 1914 and 1959 (19,096 White adults and 4,625 Black adults). Using race‐stratified linear mixed models, we considered if state‐level education quality was associated with level and decline in cognitive function and if these patterns differed by years of schooling and race.FindingsResiding in states with higher‐resourced education systems during childhood was associated with better cognitive function, particularly among those who completed less than 12 years of schooling, regardless of race. For White adults, higher‐resourced state education systems were associated with higher scores of total cognitive function and episodic memory, but there were diminishing returns as resources increased to very high levels. For Black adults, the relationship between state education resources and cognitive function varied by age with positive associations in midlife and generally null or negative associations at the oldest ages.ConclusionsFederal and state investment in public schools may provide students with opportunities to develop important cognitive resources during schooling that translate into better cognitive function in later life, especially among marginalized populations.
A study comparing the cost‐effectiveness of conventional and drug‐eluting transarterial chemoembolisation (cTACE and DEB‐TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in an Australian public hospital
Authors: Clements Warren , Chenoweth Abigail , Phipps Benjamin , Mozo Lowella , Bolger Mark , Morphett Laura , Phan Tuan , Koukounaras Jim , Lukies Matthew W 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality and transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is an established technique to treat patients with intermediate‐stage HCC. The aim of this study was to generate accurate costing data on cTACE and DEB‐TACE in an Australian setting and assess whether one of the procedures offers favourable cost‐effectiveness.MethodsCosting study using data from all TACE procedures performed at a single centre between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were included from all direct and indirect costs including operative costs, wages, overheads, ward costs, transfusion, pathology, pharmacy and ward support. Cost‐effectiveness was assessed by dividing local costs by existing high‐quality data on quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).Results64 TACE treatments were performed on 44 patients. Mean age was 66.5 years and 91% were male. Overall median total cost per patient for the entire TACE treatment regime was AUD$7380 (range AUD$3719–$20,258). However, 39% of patients received more than one treatment, and the median cost per individual treatment was AUD$5270 (range AUD$3533–$15,818). The difference in median cost between cTACE (AUD$4978) and DEB‐TACE (AUD$9202) was significant, P < 0.001. In calculating cost‐effectiveness, each cTACE treatment cost AUD$2489 per QALY gained, while each DEB‐TACE cost AUD$3834 per QALY gained. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for DEB‐TACE over cTACE was AUD$10,560 per QALY gained.ConclusionBoth cTACE and DEB‐TACE are low‐cost treatments in Australia. However, DEB‐TACE offers a solution with an ICER of AUD$10,560 per QALY gained which is below the Australian government willingness to pay threshold and thus is a more cost‐effective treatment.
Harnessing cGAS–STING axis for therapeutic benefits in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chang Liu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS), a prominent intracellular DNA sensor in mammalian cells, controls the innate immune response and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)‐mediated synthesis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as type‐I interferon (IFN‐I). For decades, IFN‐I has been hypothesized to be essential in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystem autoimmunity characterized by immune complex (IC) deposition in small vessels. Recent findings revealed that the activation of the cGAS–STING pathway by self‐DNA would propagate the autoimmune responses via upregulating IFN‐I production in SLE. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive outlook of the role of the cGAS–STING pathway in SLE pathobiology, as well as, a better understanding of current therapeutic opportunities targeting this axis.
Microbiome heterogeneity in tissues of the coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora
Authors: Chuang Po‐Shun , Wang Tzu‐Haw , Lu Chih‐Ying , Tandon Kshitij , Shikina Shinya , Tang Sen‐Lin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCoral microbiomes differ in the mucus, soft tissue and skeleton of a coral colony, but whether variations exist in different tissues of a single polyp is unknown. In the stony coral, Fimbriaphyllia ancora, we identified 8,994 amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) in functionally differentiated polyp tissues, i.e., tentacles, body wall, mouth and pharynx, mesenterial filaments, and gonads (testes and ovaries), with a large proportion of ASVs specific to individual tissues. However, shared ASVs comprised the majority of microbiomes from all tissues in terms of relative abundance. No tissue‐specific ASVs were found, except in testes, for which there were only two samples. At the generic level, Endozoicomonas was significantly less abundant in the body wall, where calicoblastic cells reside. On the other hand, several bacterial taxa presented significantly higher abundances in the mouth. Interestingly, although without statistical confirmation, gonadal tissues showed lower ASV richness and relatively high abundances of Endozoicomonas (in ovaries) and Pseudomonas (in testes). These findings provide evidence for microbiome heterogeneity between tissues within coral polyps, suggesting a promising field for future studies of functional interactions between corals and their bacterial symbionts.
A case of relieving thymoma after conservative management of anti‐gamma‐aminobutyric acid receptor type A encephalitis
Authors: Li Yanmei , Xie Ning 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnti‐gamma‐aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAA) encephalitis is a relatively rare autoimmune encephalitis, and often associated with thymoma. Here, a 44‐year‐old female was diagnosed as having a thymoma with autoimmune encephalitis. At 4‐month follow‐up she was without recurrence of symptoms after treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and immunotherapy. This case report provides a reference for the identification of this type of paraneoplastic encephalitis and for a therapeutic schedule. It also highlights that conservative treatment may be effective for patients with a tumor and GABAA encephalitis.
Mitigating the deceptive effects of smooth surfaces: subtle surface modifications can eliminate maladaptive drinking attempts by bats
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nor Amira , Firtha Gergely , Szabadi Kriszta Lilla , Jones Gareth , Zsebők Sándor 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe amount of artificial smooth surfaces in the environment increases continuously with urbanization on a global scale. There is growing evidence that smooth surfaces such as windows, solar panels and other objects can serve as sensory traps for many animal species. Artificial smooth surfaces can function as acoustic mirrors, disrupting echolocation of bats and consequently causing maladaptive behaviours such as drinking from and colliding with these surfaces. Therefore, investigating opportunities to mitigate the effects of artificial smooth surfaces is important from a conservation viewpoint. Here, we conducted a field experiment with bats, an ensonification experiment in the laboratory, and a computer simulation, in order to study the effect of mechanical surface modification on the acoustic characteristics of smooth surfaces. In the field experiment, we presented a horizontal smooth plate alone or with strings (diameters between 0.25–2.5 mm) and the behaviour of bats around the plate was video recorded. Bats significantly decreased the frequency of drinking events with increasing diameter of the strings. We also found an indication that a crossed pattern of the strings on the plate may be more effective than a parallel arrangement. The results of the ensonification experiment and the mathematical modelling revealed that a subtle modification of the smooth surfaces with long, linear thin objects can effectively modify the acoustic characteristics of smooth surfaces in general and thereby potentially change the behaviour of bats. Further investigations from sensory, behavioural and ecological viewpoints are proposed to better understand the impact of smooth surfaces on bats and the mitigation solutions that are needed. This research underscores the significance of exploring innovative approaches to minimize the negative impacts of urbanization on wildlife, highlighting the potential of practical interventions to promote coexistence between anthropogenic environments and threatened species.
Alpha and beta‐diversity and community structure of dung beetle assemblages in an East African protected savannah
Authors: Lado Thomas Francis , Stephen Abusala Albano , Jibi Wani Felix , Moilinga Pasquale T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFew studies have examined how dung beetle species composition changes across several mammalian dung types. Species composition and abundance of dung beetles were studied in dung samples of seven African mammals along animal trails and using 14 baited‐pitfall traps in both the park and the buffer zone resulting in a combined data set of 113 samples. Both the number of species (18) and the number of individual dung beetles (600) encountered were low for an area close to the Equator. Few species (2) and herbivores (13) tunnellers (9) dominated the dung beetles community, feeding and guild structure respectively. Alpha diversity was moderate 2.06 (1 < H′ ≤ 3). Beta diversity ranged from low 0.8 (high similarity) to high (zero, no similarity). Dung beetle species composition varied with dung type with the degree of pairwise similarity between two dung types in 19 of the total (21) dung beetle communities comparisons showing low similarity (0.4) to no similarity (zero). The observed discrepancies may be attributed to dung size, composition and consistency as well as to the low number of dung of the different animal species sampled. Furthermore, further research is needed as rarefaction curves suggest that sampling was incomplete.
Prevalence of neurocognitive disorders 5 years after elective orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Atkins Kelly J. , Silbert Brendan , Scott David A. , Evered Lis A. 
Published: July 2024

SummaryBackgroundPeri‐operative neurocognitive disorders are one of the most common complications affecting older adults after anaesthesia and surgery. It is not clear how exposure to surgery and anaesthesia contributes to the prevalence of long‐term neurocognitive disorders. This study aimed to report the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders, and explore pre‐operative factors associated with neurocognitive disorders 5 years after elective orthopaedic surgery.MethodsA prospective, 5‐year longitudinal, cohort study was performed recruiting patients (aged ≥ 60 y) undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery and a contemporaneous non‐surgical control group. Neurocognitive disorder was evaluated and classified at baseline and 5‐year review incorporating: self‐ and informant‐reported cognition; functional participation; and performance on neuropsychological tests.ResultsRecruitment at 5‐year follow‐up included 195 patients and 21 control participants. In the patient cohort the prevalence of neurocognitive disorder was 38.1% (n = 75), with 61 (30.1%) meeting the criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder and 14 (7.1%) for major neurocognitive disorder. At 5‐year follow‐up, 121 (61.4%) patients were classified with a neurocognitive disorder, with 88 (44.7%) characterised with mild neurocognitive disorder and 33 (16.8%) with major neurocognitive disorder. Age (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.07 (1.02–1.13); p = 0.01) and baseline cognitive impairment (odds ratio (95%CI) 2.1 (1.06–4.15); p = 0.03) were significant predictors of neurocognitive disorder 5 years after surgery.ConclusionMore than half of older adult patients had some form of neurocognitive disorder 5 years after elective orthopaedic surgery. Surgery and anaesthesia may be associated with the trajectory of cognitive decline in at‐risk older adults, including those with pre‐operative cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening should be factored into pre‐operative assessments of older adults to inform subsequent care.
Resilient Commoning: The Reproduction of the Basque Commons in the Longue Durée
Authors: Olsen Jonah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, I offer an innovative approach to examining the reproduction of commoning in the longue durée. I adopt a broad, but fundamentally spatial, understanding of commoning and enclosure that recognises not only the material but also the political, socio‐cultural, and labour commons. This allows for the identification of both the diversity of commoning practices and institutions and how enclosure has shaped these new commons. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I integrate the concepts of “threshold spatiality” and the “commons circuit” to describe how commoning practices have been adapted to new spatialities following enclosure. The reproduction of commoning in various forms in the Basque Country illustrates what I call “resilient commoning” practices over centuries of political‐economic change. In doing so, I offer a narrative that moves beyond the debate over the Basque Country being historically egalitarian or stratified, instead focusing on the dialectical processes of commoning and enclosure.
Cardiovascular toxicities by calcineurin inhibitors: Cellular mechanisms behind clinical manifestations
Authors: Attachaipanich Tanawat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors (CNI), including cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC), are cornerstones of immunosuppressive therapy in solid organ transplant recipients. While extensively recognized for their capacity to induce nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, emerging reports suggest potential direct cardiovascular toxicities associated with CNI. Evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated direct cardiotoxic impact of CNI, manifesting itself as induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cardiac fibrosis. CNI enhances cellular apoptosis through CaSR via activation of the p38 MAPK pathway and deactivation of the ERK pathway, and enhancement of miR‐377 axis. Although CNI could attenuate cardiac hypertrophy in certain animal models, CNI concurrently impaired systolic function, enhanced cardiac fibrosis, and increased the risk of heart failure. Evidence from in vivo studies demonstrated that CNI prolong the duration of action potentials through a decrease in potassium current. CNI also exerted direct effects on endothelial cell injury, inducing apoptosis and enhancing oxidative stress. CNI may induce vascular inflammation through TLR4 via MyD88 and TRIF pathways. In addition, CNI affects vascular function by impairing endothelial‐dependent vasodilation and promoting vasoconstriction. Clinical studies in transplant patients also revealed an increased incidence of cardiac remodeling. However, the evidence is constrained by the limited number of participants and potential confounding factors. Several studies indicate differing cardiovascular toxicity profiles between CsA and TAC, and these could be potentially due to their different interactions with calcineurin subunits and calcineurin‐independent effects. Further studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms to improve cardiovascular outcomes for transplant patients with CNI.