bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyritic stromatolites from the Paleoarchean Dresser Formation, Pilbara Craton: Resolving biogenicity and hydrothermally influenced ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Baumgartner Raphael J. , Van Kranendonk Martin J. , Caruso Stefano , Campbell Kathleen A. , Dobson Michaela J. , Teece Bronwyn L. , Verrall Michael , Homann Martin , Lalonde Stefan , Visscher Pieter T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the paleobiological significance of pyritic stromatolites from the 3.48 billion‐year‐old Dresser Formation, Pilbara Craton. By combining paleoenvironmental analyses with observations from well‐preserved stromatolites in newly obtained drill cores, the research reveals stratiform and columnar to domal pyritic structures with wavy to wrinkly laminations and crest thickening, hosted within facies variably influenced by syn‐depositional hydrothermal activity. The columnar and domal stromatolites occur in strata with clearly distinguishable primary depositional textures. Mineralogical variability and fine‐scale interference textures between the microbialites and the enclosing sediment highlight interplays between microbial and depositional processes. The stromatolites consist of organomineralization – nanoporous pyrite and microspherulitic barite – hosting significant thermally mature organic matter (OM). This includes filamentous organic microstructures encased within nanoporous pyrite, resembling the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of microbes. These findings imply biogenicity and support the activity of microbial life in a volcano‐sedimentary environment with hydrothermal activity and evaporative cycles. Coupled changes in stromatolite morphology and host facies suggest growth in diverse niches, from dynamic, hydrothermally influenced shallow‐water environments to restricted brine pools strongly enriched in from seawater and hydrothermal activity. These observations, along with S stable isotope data indicating influence by S metabolisms, and accumulations of biologically significant metals and metalloids (Ni and As) within the microbialites, help constrain microbial processes. Columnar to domal stromatolites in dynamic, hydrothermally influenced shallow water deposits likely formed by microbial communities dominated by phototrophs. Stratiform pyritic structures within barite‐rich strata may reflect the prevalence of chemotrophs near hydrothermal venting, where hydrothermal activity and microbial processes influenced barite precipitation. Rapid pyrite precipitation, a putative taphonomic process for preserving microbial remnants, is attributed to microbial sulfate reduction and reduced S sourced from hydrothermal activity. In conclusion, this research underscores the biogenicity of the Dresser stromatolites and advances our understanding of microbial ecosystems in Earth's early history.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi attenuate negative impact of drought on soil functions
Authors: Tang Bo , Man Jing , Lehmann Anika , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough positive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on plant performance under drought have been well documented, how AM fungi regulate soil functions and multifunctionality requires further investigation. In this study, we first performed a meta‐analysis to test the potential role of AM fungi in maintaining soil functions under drought. Then, we conducted a greenhouse experiment, using a pair of hyphal ingrowth cores to spatially separate the growth of AM fungal hyphae and plant roots, to further investigate the effects of AM fungi on soil multifunctionality and its resistance against drought. Our meta‐analysis showed that AM fungi promote multiple soil functions, including soil aggregation, microbial biomass and activities of soil enzymes related to nutrient cycling. The greenhouse experiment further demonstrated that AM fungi attenuate the negative impact of drought on these soil functions and thus multifunctionality, therefore, increasing their resistance against drought. Moreover, this buffering effect of AM fungi persists across different frequencies of water supply and plant species. These findings highlight the unique role of AM fungi in maintaining multiple soil functions by mitigating the negative impact of drought. Our study highlights the importance of AM fungi as a nature‐based solution to sustaining multiple soil functions in a world where drought events are intensifying.
Subduction of the Paleo Pacific Plate at the southeast edge of the South China Block during the Early to Middle Jurassic: Sedimentary records from Fujian Province
Authors: Leng Long , Xu Zhongjie , Cui Kunning , Gao Shiyao , Sun Ningchen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDuring the Mesozoic, the tectonic evolution of the southeastern margin of the South China Block was mainly influenced by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. The sedimentary basins along the southeastern margin of the South China Block have preserved the sedimentary record of this process. In this paper, the sedimentary rocks of the Lishan Formation and Zhangping Formation in the Zhangping area of the southeastern margin of the South China Block are studied in terms of sedimentology, petrography, lithogeochemistry, U–Pb chronology of detrital zircon, and zircon trace elements. The study shows that the detrital zircon U–Pb age of the Lishan Formation is 2965–202 Ma, with two major age groups: 253–220 Ma and 1925–1799 Ma; the detrital zircon U–Pb age of the Zhangping Formation is 2587–190 Ma, with two major age groups: 246–234 Ma and 1929–1861 Ma; the ancient sediments in the samples are affected by recycle, and the Early Jurassic source area in the study area is an acidic magma zone, while the Middle Jurassic source area is located in a moderately acidic magma zone and recycle body; the Early Jurassic Lishan Formation and Middle Jurassic Zhangping Formation are mainly derived from the Wuyi Massif. In the upper section of the Lishan Formation, the secondary age groups of ca.448 and ca.773 Ma occur, and the detrital zircons in this section are mainly from the Jiangnan orogenic belt. The ongoing subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate led to the formation of diverse back‐arc basins within the region; during the Early Jurassic, it was a back‐arc compressional basin, transitioning into a back‐arc extensional basin during the Middle Jurassic.
Prehospital emergency care family satisfaction scale for care provided by emergency medical technicians: Scale development and validation
Authors: Haruna Junpei , Uemura Shuji , Hayasaka Nobuyasu , Taguchi Yukiko , Muranaka Saori , Niiyama Sachi , Inamura Hirotoshi , Sawamoto Keigo , Mizuno Hirotoshi , Himuro Nobuaki , Narimatsu Eichi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRationaleTo date, family satisfaction with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) has only been reported through narrative statements in subjective evaluations. Although a quantitative assessment of healthcare professional satisfaction is desirable, no specific measures have been devised to assess family satisfaction with the healthcare and care provided by EMTs.Aims and ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and validate an EMT care family satisfaction scale to measure patient satisfaction with prehospital emergency care.MethodsThe study population comprised 216 family members (N = 216) of patients who used ambulances between November 2020 and May 2021 in a single region in Japan. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants who provided informed consent. An exploratory factor analysis of construct validity was performed to validate the Family Satisfaction Scale. The Cronbach's alpha was used to validate the internal consistency reliability of the scale.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis results revealed a four‐factor structure: 'explanation and communication,' ‘physical treatment,’ ‘psychological support,’ and ‘environment in the ambulance.’ The Cronbach's range (0.80–0.93) for the total score for each of these four factors and the overall total score confirmed favorable internal reliability of this study.ConclusionsThe family satisfaction scale developed in this study was constructed and validated to highlight the role of EMTs and needs of the families in the prehospital care settings. Moreover, this scale can be applied in the evaluation and consideration of interventions to improve family satisfaction with EMTs.
PE6c greatly enhances prime editing in transgenic rice plants
Authors: Cao Zhenghong , Sun Wei , Qiao Dexin , Wang Junya , Li Siyun , Liu Xiaohan , Xin Cuiping , Lu Yu , Gul Syeda Leeda , Wang Xue‐Chen , Chen Qi‐Jun 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTPrime editing is a versatile CRISPR/Cas‐based precise genome‐editing technique for crop breeding. Four new types of prime editors (PEs) named PE6a–d were recently generated using evolved and engineered reverse transcriptase (RT) variants from three different sources. In this study, we tested the editing efficiencies of four PE6 variants and two additional PE6 constructs with double‐RT modules in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) plants. PE6c, with an evolved and engineered RT variant from the yeast Tf1 retrotransposon, yielded the highest prime‐editing efficiency. The average fold change in the editing efficiency of PE6c compared with PEmax exceeded 3.5 across 18 agronomically important target sites from 15 genes. We also demonstrated the feasibility of using two RT modules to improve prime‐editing efficiency. Our results suggest that PE6c or its derivatives would be an excellent choice for prime editing in monocot plants. In addition, our findings have laid a foundation for prime‐editing‐based breeding of rice varieties with enhanced agronomically important traits.
Implementation of an external female urinary catheter strategy on prevention of skin breakdown in acute care: A quality improvement study
Authors: Baxter Carla M. , Matthews Carol L. , Zamarripa Cecilia , Johnston Jessica R. , Lane Robin , Chung Ashley , Palladino Katie , Kip Paula L. , Zapf Rachel L. , Wagester Suzanne , Snyder Graham M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAim(s)To evaluate the incidence of skin‐related complications attributable to incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) using an external female urinary catheter device strategy for urinary incontinent (UI) patients in acute care.DesignMulticenter quality improvement study.MethodsRandomized allocation of two commercially available external female urinary catheter devices was used in hospitalized UI female patients. Daily nursing skin assessments were documented in the electronic health record before, during and after external catheter device application. Methods and results were reported following SQUIRE guidelines.ResultsThree hundred and eighty‐one patients from 57 inpatient care units were included in the analysis. Both catheter devices were associated with an overall low risk (5 %) of new or worsening skin breakdown.ConclusionThe overall benefit of external catheters is most persuasive for skin integrity, rather than infection prevention.ImpactSignificant negative outcomes are associated with UI patients. External female urinary catheters are a non‐invasive alternative strategy to reduce exposure of regional skin to urine contamination and IAD‐related skin complications. Use of external female urinary catheters in hospitalized UI female patients offers low risk (5%) of new or worsening overall skin breakdown.Patient ContributionHospitalized UI female patients were screened for external catheter device eligibility by the bedside nurse. The quality improvement review committee waved consent because the intervention was considered standard care.
Early identification of pressure injuries in people with dark skin tones: Qualitative perspectives from community‐based patients and their carers
Authors: Oozageer Gunowa Neesha , Oti Kwame Adomako , Jackson Debra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo examine the personal experiences and perceptions of people with dark skin tones and their carers, in relation to pressure injury.DesignQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.MethodsTwenty‐two interviews with people with dark skin tone and/or their family carers, who were known to and visited by community nurses for pressure area management or who had been identified as being at high risk for developing a pressure injury were carried out.ResultsThematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that skin discolouration towards a darker hue than usual was the commonest symptom identified by participants as a sign of altered skin integrity and potential pressure damage. Four main overarching themes were revealed through comprehensive analysis of the transcripts: (1) indicators of pressure injury; (2) experienced symptoms of pressure damage; (3) trust in healthcare workers; and (4) improving care for populations with dark skin tones.ConclusionThe findings from this study clearly present how early‐stage pressure damage is identified among people with dark skin tones.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThese findings have the potential to reduce health inequality by influencing and informing clinical policies and strategies in practice. Findings could also lead to the development of patient‐informed educational strategies for nurses and health workers which will enable the early identification of pressure ulcers among people with dark skin tones. Further research is needed to better understand health disparities in relation to preventable patient safety harm.ImpactThe findings demonstrate the importance of engaging with and listening to the stories and experiences of people living with pressure damage to help in the early recognition of pressure injuries.Reporting MethodThe Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines for qualitative research were followed.Patient or Public ContributionA project steering group reviewed information sheets for participants and checked the interview questions were relevant and suitable.
Effect of carbonation and thickening on voluntary swallow in healthy humans
Authors: Iwamori Hajime , Magara Jin , Onuki Wakana , Ita Reiko , Sasa Anna , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundLiquid modification is a widely established strategy of treatment for patients with dysphagia. The modification of liquid particularly by thickening or carbonation is a common approach to promote safe swallowing.ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate how carbonated and/or thickened water modulates swallowing behaviours during swallowing in healthy young individuals.MethodsThirty‐one healthy volunteers (9 men, 22 women; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 25.7 ± 6.2 years) were instructed to swallow 20 mL of water, carbonated water and carbonated juice with and without added thickening agent. Electromyograms (EMGs) of the suprahyoid (S‐hyo) muscles were recorded to evaluate swallowing behaviours. Obtained S‐hyo EMG bursts was analysed using the following outcome parameters: onset latency, the time between swallowing que to onset of EMG burst; rising time and falling time, defined as the time between onset and peak, and between peak and offset, respectively; duration, defined as the time between onset and offset of EMG burst; and area integral value under the waveform.ResultsEffects of thickening demonstrated the extended onset latency, EMG burst duration including falling time and the larger area of EMG in thickened liquid compared to thin liquid, but there was not much difference between thin and thickened carbonated liquids. Carbonation significantly decreased the duration including falling time for thickened but not for thin liquids.ConclusionPatients with dysphagia can benefit from use of carbonated or thickened water while the effects on swallowing physiology may differ between carbonation and thickening.
Association between orthodontic treatment and upper airway changes in children assessed with cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT): A systematic review
Authors: Abdalla Yousef , Sonnesen Liselotte 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSome orthodontic devices used in children share similar design principles to appliances used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea in adults. As well as treating malocclusion, orthodontic appliances used in children may therefore also have effects on the upper airway.ObjectiveA review of the literature to assess the effects of orthodontic treatment on the upper airway dimensions in children assessed on CBCT.Materials and MethodsFollowing registration of the protocol (PROSPERO CRD42023439056), a systematic electronic search of published studies was performed using several databases (PubMed; Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct) in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age under 18 years, orthodontic treatment with any appliance, a control group who received no treatment or a non‐active alternative treatment and airway measurement using CBCT. RoB‐2 and ROBINS‐I tools were used to assess risk of bias and quality of the evidence.ResultsIn total, 341 studies were identified following the initial search. Title and abstract screening resulted in 45 studies for further full‐text analysis. On completion of the screening process, a total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Study interventions included functional appliances (10 studies), rapid maxillary expansion (RME) (9 studies), reverse‐pull headgear (1 study) and 4 premolar dental extractions (3 studies). The included studies had moderate to high risk of bias, and the quality of evidence was low.ConclusionThe scientific evidence shows that functional appliances are associated with significant improvements in both upper airway volume and constriction when used in children however, the effects on the nasal cavity are limited. RME was associated with a significant increase in nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal dimensions, but not the upper pharyngeal airway. Neither reverse‐pull headgear nor dental extractions were associated with any change in airway dimensions; however, the evidence is limited. Functional appliances may reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children.
The effects of fuel subsidies on regional income distribution through smuggling
Authors: Joshaghani Hosein , Morovati Mohammad , Moshiri Saeed , Rafizadeh Nima 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFuel subsidies, intended to improve consumer affordability, can result in economic distortions through altered relative prices and negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, these subsidies can lead to unintended consequences, such as fuel smuggling, especially to neighboring countries where significant price differences exist. While previous research has extensively explored the economic dimensions of fuel subsidies, the potential interplay between fuel smuggling and its impact on regional income distribution remains understudied. This study investigates the effects of fuel smuggling, stemming from Iran's long history of significant fuel subsidies, on income distribution across all 30 provinces of the country. We employ a model to specify the demand for fuel smuggling, using fuel prices in neighboring countries and the distance to the nearest border as sources of identification. Subsequently, we estimate the monthly smuggling profit across regions and assess this profit's influence on regional income distribution. Our empirical analysis draws on monthly data on gasoline and diesel sales from 160 fuel distribution districts in Iran, spanning the period from 2005 to 2014. Our findings demonstrate specific cases of smuggling activities that account for an average of 25% of total fuel consumption and generate substantial income in economically disadvantaged border provinces. We discuss the socioeconomic implications of fuel subsidies, with a focus on smuggling activities.
High‐throughput sequencing‐based detection and characterization of sugarcane viruses in Ethiopia
Authors: Abide Mereme , Kidanemariam Dawit , Kebede Misrak , Knierim Dennis , Margaria Paolo , Menzel Wulf , Abraham Adane 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA virus discovery investigation using high‐throughput sequencing in sugarcane samples from Ethiopia revealed the presence of sugarcane mild mosaic virus (SCMMV, genus Ampelovirus) and sugarcane umbra‐like virus (SULV, genus Umbravirus). The genome sequences of two isolates of SCMMV and one SULV were determined. The sequences of the two SCMMV isolates were 13,005 nucleotides in length and showed ~73.5% nucleotide identity along the genome and ~90.2, 96.8, and 90.4% amino acid sequence identity among each other in the RdRp, CP, and HSP70h, respectively. Isolate SCMMV ET2 showed a close relationship to group A isolates from Colombia, the USA, and the Philippines, with amino acid sequence identity of the predicted virus proteins in the range of 94–98.9%. Conversely, SCMMV ET1 shared a closer relationship with group B isolates from Colombia, Ivory Coast, and Argentina, exhibiting a 93–99% amino acid sequence identity. The complete genome sequence of SULV, comprising 3041 nucleotides, exhibited the highest identity with its counterpart from South Africa (MN868593). These findings contribute to expanding our understanding of the viral diversity within the sugarcane crop in Ethiopia.
The convex relationship between plant cover and biomass: Implications for assessing species and community properties
Authors: Pan Xiaobin , Ferris Nathan D. , Applová Markéta , Gresse Johanne , Iamba Kari Sogera , Khum Warbota , Švancárová Tereza , Ayesh Piyar Wipulasena A. Y. , Hrcek Jan , Lepš Jan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractQuestionsCover and biomass serve as common measures of species abundance in plant ecology. However, the underlying relationship between these two measures and its implications remain poorly understood. This makes results based on cover and biomass difficult to compare.LocationsWet meadow, southeast of České Budějovice, Czech Republic (48°57′ N, 14°36′ E).MethodWe developed theoretical expectations for systematic differences in characterizing vegetation using cover and biomass for species and community characteristics, including species diversity, temporal dynamics, and responses to experimental manipulations. We then tested these expectations using cover and biomass data from an experimental study of fertilization and dominant removal spanning 14 years (2001–2014).ResultsConsistent with our expectations, on average, species biomass corresponded to the power of species cover, with a power coefficient slightly below 3/2. Community diversity indices calculated using cover and biomass were tightly correlated but were higher for cover. Temporal variabilities based on cover and biomass for individual species were also correlated, but higher for biomass than cover. Though strongly correlated, cover data show much stronger asynchrony, suggesting higher importance of compensatory dynamics. However, using the sum of individual species' cover values as a measure of total community abundance or productivity is problematic. Such a measure is nearly independent of total biomass and leads to contradictory results when used to characterize temporal variability. Species‐ and community‐level responses to treatments were congruent between the measures.ConclusionsOur study provides theoretical background for a convex relationship between plant cover and biomass. The data analysis confirms the relationship and its consequences for describing species‐ and community‐level properties. Most characteristics are well correlated between cover and biomass, but with one metric systematically shifted higher in many cases. Total abundance is the most sensitive measure and is well characterized by sum of biomass, but not by sum of cover. Understanding these systematic differences allows meaningful comparison of studies based on biomass and cover.