bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of fire in the plant communities of the eastern Edwards Plateau of Texas
Authors: Fowler Norma L. , Carden Rebecca E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The eastern Edwards Plateau supports a mosaic of woodlands, savannas, and shrubland in which native plant and animal species are often still dominant. Some woodlands are dominated by a mix of native woody species, including Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei), oak species (Quercus spp.), and other hardwoods. Other woodlands are nearly pure Ashe juniper; these are particularly susceptible to crown fires. The savannas were once, and still can be, maintained by surface fires.

Results
We hypothesize that frequent surface fires once kept some of the mixed woodlands more open and more diverse (a “lost community”) and that these fires would have reduced the abundance of Ashe juniper, which does not resprout from the base, and allowed oak regeneration, which is currently failing. The absence of fire, the current failure of oak regeneration, and high white-tailed deer densities together favor the “juniperization” of woodlands, that is, the conversion of mixed woodlands into nearly pure stands of Ashe juniper.
Surface fires in savannas can sometimes control woody encroachment and the non-native grass King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum), although the particular fire characteristics required are not yet clear. The current lack of fire in savannas favors their conversion to woodlands. Since under present conditions Ashe juniper is the primary encroacher, without fire or mechanical clearing these savannas are also on trajectories towards nearly pure stands of Ashe juniper.

Conclusions
Prescribed fire, sometimes paired with mechanical thinning, offers land managers in this region a tool for achieving many goals, including increasing native biodiversity and reducing wildfire danger. However, more study of the effects of fires of different intensities and frequencies in these woodlands, savannas, and shrublands is needed to better inform the use of prescribed fire in this region.
The prevalence of existential anxiety and its association with depression, general anxiety, and stress in Saudi university students
Authors: Alshehri Haneen , Alturkestani Razan , Hijan Bushra , Almalki Shahad , Alobaidi Rajwa , Almufti Salma , Baduwailan Abrar O. , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Alghamdi Waleed A. , Al Zaben Faten , Koenig Harold G. , Tayeb Haythum O. , Abdulghaffar Haifa K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Existential anxiety (EA) is an expression of loneliness. Although depression, anxiety, and stress have been extensively studied worldwide, research on EA in the sociocultural context of the Arab–Muslim society is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EA among undergraduate students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by examining the association between EA and depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results
This cross-sectional study of 811 undergraduate students at three large Saudi universities was conducted between June and July 2018. Data collection involved demographic information, EA testing (using a validated questionnaire modified for the Saudi Arabian context), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to test for depression, anxiety, and stress. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and 77.2% were female. The prevalence of EA was 71.1% in all students and was significantly correlated with depression (rp = 0.73, p < 0.001), general anxiety (rp = 0.47, p < 0.001), and stress (rp = 0.54, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
There was a high prevalence of EA among university students in Saudi Arabia, and EA was strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. This study emphasizes the importance of additional research on the underlying causes of EA among university students.
Identification of novel bacterial species in the blood of patients with neonatal sepsis
Authors: Wu Yi , Gong Weiming , Wang Zhenni , Luo Mengjie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The clinical diagnosis of neonatal sepsis remains difficult because of various challenges, such as culturing the bacteria and avoiding contamination. Therefore, this study aimed to identify bacterial pathogens in patients with clinically diagnosed neonatal sepsis by next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods
High-throughput NGS and traditional culture identification were performed by comparing samples from newborns with neonatal sepsis with healthy control infants. All blood samples were separately inoculated into anaerobic and aerobic bottles and incubated for 7 days at 37 °C, the positive specimens were then identified. Novel bacteria identified through high-throughput NGS were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR products were verified by Sanger sequencing. Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests were performed to assess the significance of differences in species abundance between groups. Subjects were clinically diagnosed and hospitalized at the Pediatrics Department of Shenzhen Seventh People’s Hospital and Pediatrics Department of the Longhua Branch of Shenzhen People’s Hospital. Experiments were performed at the Shenzhen Seventh People’s Hospital. The experimental group comprised 45 newborns clinically diagnosed with neonatal sepsis (age: 0–28 days; 28 males, 17 females). Fifteen normal newborns aged 0–28 days (7 males, 8 females) were included as the control group.

Results
High-throughput NGS showed a positivity rate of 44% (20/45) for bacteria in patients clinically diagnosed with neonatal sepsis, whereas traditional bacterial culture identification showed a positivity rate of 0% (0/45). The four main bacterial species identified were Anoxybacillus kestanbolensis, Geobacillus vulcani, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter guillouiae.

Conclusions
A. kestanbolensis, G. vulcani, K. oxytoca, and A. guillouiae, newly discovered bacteria in patients with neonatal sepsis, were identified with high-throughput NGS. Which may result from maternal intrauterine infection or birth-canal infection and have a high clinical-cure rate. Owing to a lack of methods to culture these bacteria, their role in neonatal sepsis remains unclear. A definite diagnosis cannot rely solely on bacterial culture identification for patients with a suspected diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and should involve other effective diagnostic techniques.
The condition of companies in relation to their growth on example of NYSE and NASDAQ
Authors: Gniadkowska-Szymańska Agata , Pluskota Anna , Bolek Monika 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article covers the topic of the relationship between the growth of companies and their financial condition when different business profiles are surveyed, such as high-tech, growth potential companies included in the NASDAQ Composite Index and traditional, matured companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as blue-chip stocks. The hypothesis that the relationship between the Altman Z-score and the growth of enterprises as measured by assets, equity, sales, and earnings per share is positive was tested with Granger and VAR models. The main difference was found to be related to the size of the companies size and dynamics of growth. It was also shown that between NASDAQ enterprises there was no relationship between their growth and Altman Z-score, whereas when the DJIA blue chips were taken into account, a positive relationship was identified. It can be concluded that high-tech enterprises grow in a less predictable way not related to their economic condition, but mature enterprises focused on the growth and their condition. The value added of the article is finding that high-tech companies with growth potential and blue chips are managed in a different way due to their strategies of development.
Firm level and country level determinants of earnings management in emerging economies: a systematic framework-based review
Authors: Gokhale Manasi , Pillai Deepa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe present paper reviews the extant literature on Earnings Management (EM) in emerging economies using the integrated ‘Antecedents Decisions Outcomes (ADO)–Theory, Context, and Methods (TCM)’ framework to identify the firm-level and country-level factors influencing EM practices in these economies. Considering the increasing share of emerging economies in global Foreign Direct Investment and their unique institutional settings and opaque reporting environment, this review seeks to identify the key perspectives of EM studies in these economies. This review analyses 96 articles from 50 journals published between the period 2003 and 2021. Concentrated ownership structures at the firm level, weak regulatory mechanisms for investor protection, low level of enforcement, and culture at the country level are identified as key determinants influencing EM practices in emerging economies. The review finds a dearth of studies integrating the agency, institutional, and organizational theories which will help in better understanding the phenomena of EM in emerging economies. The review also identifies a contextual gap in terms of the need for more multi-country studies within the emerging economies which will provide a better insight into the diverse formal and informal institutions that shape incentives for EM in these economies. Similarly, there is a need to adopt a qualitative and mixed methods approach to study this phenomenon which helps strengthen the theoretical framework for studying EM in emerging economies.
Comparison of gut transcriptome and bacterial composition of the yellow peach moth,
Conogethes punctiferalis
larvae associated with host plants adaptation
Authors: Gao Yuqing , Ji Mengqi , Li Shaohua , Wang Saige , Zhao Yanfen , Xu Yongyu , Chen Zhenzhen , Sun Jianghua , Kang Zhiwei , Liu Fanghua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The yellow peach moth,
Conogethes punctiferalis
, is one of the most destructive polyphagous pests to corn crops in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer corn region of China. However, little is known about the host plant adaptation mechanism of
C
.
punctiferalis
. In this study, we analyzed the performance of
C. punctiferalis
on two of its favorable host plants (corn and sorghum). Then, we used RNA-seq and 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the potential adaptation mechanism of
C. punctiferalis
on these two host plants. Results showed that
C. punctiferalis
gained more fresh weight on sorghum while its total lipid and triglyceride content was significantly lower than on corn. In total, 2155 genes weredifferentially expressed (DEGs) between corn and sorghum reared
C. punctiferalis
. Most of the DEGs were involved in nutritional biosynthesis and metabolism including amino acid biosynthesis, protein digestion and absorption, and glycolysis. Enzymatic analyses revealed that
C. punctiferalis
reared on corn had higher trypsin activity but lower P450 activity than that reared on sorghum. Meanwhile,
C. punctiferalis
reared on corn harbored more gut bacteria, while its diversity is lower than that reared on sorghum. The potential functional prediction of the gut bacteria revealed that nutritional metabolism functions were differently enriched between two host plants of
C. punctiferalis
. Taken together, these findings clarify the impact of host plants on the gene expression and gut bacteria in
C. punctiferalis
. They also suggest that the plasticity of gene expression and gut bacteria cooperatively contribute to insect host adaptation of insects.
“This is an illness. No one is supposed to be treated badly”: community-based stigma assessments in South Africa to inform tuberculosis stigma intervention design
Authors: Foster Isabel , Biewer Amanda , Vanqa Nosivuyile , Makanda Goodman , Tisile Phumeza , Hayward Sally E. , Wademan Dillon T. , Anthony Michaile G. , Mbuyamba Rachel , Galloway Michelle , Human Wieda , van der Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Friedland Jon S. , Medina-Marino Andrew , Schoeman Ingrid , Hoddinott Graeme , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Though tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma is a recognized barrier to care, interventions are lacking, and gaps remain in understanding the drivers and experiences of TB-related stigma. We undertook community-based mixed methods stigma assessments to inform stigma intervention design.

Methods
We adapted the Stop TB Partnership stigma assessment tool and trained three peer research associates (PRAs; two TB survivors, one community health worker) to conduct surveys with people with TB (PWTB, n = 93) and caregivers of children with TB (n = 24) at peri-urban and rural clinic sites in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, and Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province, South Africa. We descriptively analyzed responses for each stigma experience (anticipated, internal, and enacted), calculated stigma scores, and undertook generalized linear regression analysis. We conducted 25 in-depth interviews with PWTB (n = 21) and caregivers of children with TB (n = 4). Using inductive thematic analysis, we performed open coding to identify emergent themes, and selective coding to identify relevant quotes. Themes were organized using the Constraints, Actions, Risks, and Desires (CARD) framework.

Results
Surveys revealed almost all PWTB (89/93, 96%) experienced some form of anticipated, internal, and/or enacted stigma, which affected engagement throughout the care cascade. Participants in the rural setting (compared to peri-urban) reported higher anticipated, internal, and enacted stigma (β-coefficient 0.72, 0.71, 0.74). Interview participants described how stigma experiences, including HIV intersectional stigma, act individually and together as key constraints to impede care, leading to decisions not to disclose a TB diagnosis, isolation, and exclusion. Stigma resilience arose through the understanding that TB can affect anyone and should not diminish self-worth. Risks of stigma, driven by fears related to disease severity and infectiousness, led to care disengagement and impaired psychological well-being. Participants desired counselling, identifying a specific role for TB survivors as peer counselors, and community education.

Conclusions
Stigma is highly prevalent and negatively impacts TB care and the well-being of PWTB, warranting its assessment as a primary outcome rather than an intermediary contributor to poor outcomes. Multi-component, multi-level stigma interventions are needed, including counseling for PWTB and education for health workers and communities. Such interventions must incorporate contextual differences based on gender or setting, and use survivor-guided messaging to foster stigma resilience.
The impact of social participation on the health status of the older adult: An empirical study based on CGSS 2021 data
Authors: Zhang Zebo , Jin Lei , Liu Jiajun , Liao Dongling , Zhang Xiaolin 
Published: June 2024

Introduction
With the rapid pace of population aging, the health issues of the older adult have garnered widespread attention. Social participation plays a pivotal role in the health of the older adult. This study aims to explore the impact of social participation on the health status of the older adult.

Methods
Using a binary logistic regression model, this study analyzes the influence of social participation methods on the health status of older adult individuals in China based on cross-sectional data from the "China Comprehensive Social Survey" in 2021. The study sample comprises individuals aged 60 to 99 years.

Results
It was found that participation in physical activities [P<0.001, OR = 1.907], social and recreational activities [P<0.001, OR = 1.387], and online activities [P<0.001, OR = 1.808] were significantly positively correlated with the health status of the older adult.

Conclusions
The health of older adults is influenced by a combination of physical activities, social and recreational activities, and online activities. Good health is closely associated with high levels of physical activity. Engaging in physical exercise promotes physiological health, while participating in social and recreational activities has a significant impact on cognitive and depressive states. Additionally, involvement in online activities helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and enhances overall well-being.

Recommendations
1)Promote the development of physical activities for the older adult: Create an integrated environment for physical exercise. 2)Expand the social circle of the older adult: Construct diverse and structured communities to enhance well-being. 3)Develop online activities for the older adult: Facilitate their integration into the digital age. 4)Foster interdisciplinary collaboration for older adult health: Build partnerships across various domains to promote older adult health.
Impact of COVID-19 on mild vascular cognitive impairment in patients with atrial fibrillation: results of a three-year observational study
Authors: Vorob'eva O. V. , Shindryaeva N. N. , Fateeva V. V. 
Published: June 2024

The relationship between vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including vascular risk factors associated with a more severe course of COVID-19.Objective: to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the dynamics of cognitive status parameters in patients with AF over an observation period of 36 months.Material and methods. The observational study included 51 patients (19 men and 32 women; age ranged from 46 to 73 years, mean age 57.7 years) who met the inclusion criteria. All study participants were tested at baseline and after 36 months using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The study took place during COVID-19 pandemic, and 25.5% of patients had documented SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia. During the observation period, patients received stable background therapy to prevent modifiable vascular risk factors. Two groups were formed: group 1 (n=13) — COVID-19 “+”, group 2 (n=38) — COVID-19 “-”. Patients in group 1 were more likely to have stage IIIarterialhyper-tension (46.2% vs. 17.9% in group 2; p<0.05), had a history of ischemic stroke (38.5% vs. 5.3% in group 2; p<0.05), were not vaccinated with Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine (23.1% vs. 73.7% in group 2; p<0.05).Results. Patients with AF after SARS-CoV-2 virus infection experienced deterioration of VCI from 22.7±2.1 to 20.2±1.6 points according to MoCA (p<0.05) due to impairments in executive functions, attention, memory and speech. After 36 months of observation, the number of patients with a memory index score <7 points, which indicates a high risk of conversion of mild cognitive impairment to dementia, increased by 30.7% in group 1 and by 5.3% in group 2 (p<0.05).Conclusion. Patients with atrial fibrillation who had COVID-19 showed a more pronounced progression of cognitive impairment despite the constant use of stable background therapy aimed at correcting modifiable vascular risk factors.
Clinical and neurophysiological features of the augmentation phenomenon in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Gorbachev N. A. , Obukhova A. V. , Fedeneva L. A. , Poluektov M. G. 
Published: June 2024

Anxiety and depressive disorders are common in restless legs syndrome (RLS); in some cases, the disease is accompanied by cognitive impairment and a deterioration in quality of life. The most important treatment method for RLS is the use of dopaminergic medications. In some cases, the use of these drugs leads to a complication - the phenomenon of augmentation, which manifests itself in an increase in RLS symptoms as the dose of medication increases.Objective: to determine the clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of RLS patients with the augmentation phenomenon.Material and methods. 40 patients with RLS were examined: 20 with augmentation (main group, MG; 5 men and 15 women) and 20 without augmentation (comparison group, CG; 7 men and 13 women). The median age of the patients in the MG was 63.5 [56; 71] years, and 62.0 [43.5; 71.5] years in the CG. Clinical assessment was performed using the RLS Severity Rating Scale (RS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Trail Making Test (Part A), Trail Making Test (part B), phonemic and semantic speech activity tests. All patients underwent suggested immobilization test (SIT) to assess the urge to move on a 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) and periodic limb movements (PLM) while awake, as well as a polysomnographic examination.Results. Augmentation significantly more frequently resulted in an expansion of the area of distribution of the urge to move and other unpleasant sensations over the entire surface of the legs (p=0.01), painful discomfort in the legs (p=0.001), early onset of symptoms (04:00—18:00; p=0.04), shortening of the latency period for the onset of symptoms (p=0.001), twitching in the legs while awake (p=0.04), taking higher doses of dopaminergic medications (p=0.004). In augmentation, the MoCA score is lower (p=0.01), such patients use fewer words in the semantic speech activity test (p=0.049), have a higher score on the RS (p=0.001) and ISI (p=0.02), a greater number of PLMs while awake according to SIT (p=0.01) compared to CG. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of age, gender, ferritin level, total score on the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory, SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, Trail Making Test (Part A), Trail Making Test (part B), phonemic speech activity test, polysomnography indicators (including motor activity during sleep).Conclusion. From a clinical and neurophysiological point of view, the phenomenon of augmentation is not simply a manifestation of a more severe course of RLS but has features that reflect the pathogenesis of this disorder. During augmentation, patients tend to describe the sensations as painful and their involuntary motor activity increases. This reflects changes in the activity of the diencephalospinal tract due to excessive dopaminergic stimulation.
Diffusion tensor tomography with tractography in assessment of the pyramidal system in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis
Authors: Peshkin A. N. , Toniya G. T. , Stepanova E. A. , Lizhdvoi V. Yu. , Kotov S. V. 
Published: June 2024

Objective: to study the pyramidal tract in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (HAMS) during treatment switching from first-line MS therapy to second-line therapy due to suboptimal response.Material and methods. 24 patients with HAMS were analyzed. Depending on the severity of pyramidal functional system (PFS) impairment according to EDSS, patients were divided into 2 groups; group 1 — 17 patients with an EDSS score of 0—2.5 points, group 2 — 7 patients with an EDSS score of ≥3 points. All patients underwent MRI of the brain according to the standard protocol. The diffusion tensor images (DTI) were processed using the DTI FiberTrak software.Results. The volume of the pyramidal tract was decreased in patients in group 2 (p<0.001), asymmetry of the indicator was noted, in several patients a decrease in volume on the clinically intact side, which may indicate visually undetectable signs of damage of pyramidal tract. There was a clear tendency for a decrease in fractional anisotropy and a decrease in pyramidal tract length with increasing pyramidal deficit (p<0.001). Negative correlations were found between indicators of neurological deficit and pyramidal tract volume and length (Spearman's Rho=-0.5246; p<0.001) and a direct correlation between duration of MS and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and inversely — with fractional anisotropy (Pearson's R=-0.290; p=0.039).Conclusion. The observed decrease in pyramidal tract volume and length, increase in ADC, asymmetry of these indicators, correlations with the degree of pyramidal insufficiency, EDSS and duration of MS can obviously serve as additional criteria for evaluation of disease dynamics and efficacy of therapy.