bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil organic matter priming: The pH effects
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPriming of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by microorganisms is a key phenomenon of global carbon (C) cycling. Soil pH is a main factor defining priming effects (PEs) because it (i) controls microbial community composition and activities, including enzyme activities, (ii) defines SOM stabilization and destabilization mechanisms, and (iii) regulates intensities of many biogeochemical processes. In this critical review, we focus on prerequisites and mechanisms of PE depending on pH and assess the global change consequences for PE. The highest PEs were common in soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5, whereas low molecular weight organic compounds triggered PE mainly in slightly acidic soils. Positive PEs up to 20 times of SOM decomposition before C input were common at pH around 6.5. Negative PEs were common at soil pH below 4.5 or above 7 reflecting a suboptimal environment for microorganisms and specific SOM stabilization mechanisms at low and high pH. Short‐term soil acidification (in rhizosphere, after fertilizer application) affects PE by: mineral‐SOM complexation, SOM oxidation by iron reduction, enzymatic depolymerization, and pH‐dependent changes in nutrient availability. Biological processes of microbial metabolism shift over the short‐term, whereas long‐term microbial community adaptations to slow acidification are common. The nitrogen fertilization induced soil acidification and land use intensification strongly decrease pH and thus boost the PE. Concluding, soil pH is one of the strongest but up to now disregarded factors of PE, defining SOM decomposition through short‐term metabolic adaptation of microbial groups and long‐term shift of microbial communities.
Aridity threshold for alpine soil nitrogen isotope signature and ecosystem nitrogen cycling
Authors: Mao Jinhua , Pan Junxiao , Song Lei , Zhang Ruiyang , Wang Jinsong , Tian Dashuan , Wang Quancheng , Liao Jiaqiang , Peng Jinlong , Niu Shuli 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDetermination of tipping points in nitrogen (N) isotope (δ15N) natural abundance, especially soil δ15N, with increasing aridity, is critical for estimating N‐cycling dynamics and N limitation in terrestrial ecosystems. However, whether there are linear or nonlinear responses of soil δ15N to increases in aridity and if these responses correspond well with soil N cycling remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated soil δ15N and soil N‐cycling characteristics in both topsoil and subsoil layers along a drought gradient across a 3000‐km transect of drylands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. We found that the effect of increasing aridity on soil δ15N values shifted from negative to positive with thresholds at aridity index (AI) = 0.27 and 0.29 for the topsoil and subsoil, respectively, although soil N pools and N transformation rates linearly decreased with increasing aridity in both soil layers. Furthermore, we identified markedly different correlations between soil δ15N and soil N‐cycling traits above and below the AI thresholds (0.27 and 0.29 for topsoil and subsoil, respectively). Specifically, in wetter regions, soil δ15N positively correlated with most soil N‐cycling traits, suggesting that high soil δ15N may result from the “openness” of soil N cycling. Conversely, in drier regions, soil δ15N showed insignificant relationships with soil N‐cycling traits and correlated well with factors, such as soil‐available phosphorus and foliage δ15N, demonstrating that pathways other than typical soil N cycling may dominate soil δ15N under drier conditions. Overall, these results highlight that different ecosystem N‐cycling processes may drive soil δ15N along the aridity gradient, broadening our understanding of N cycling as indicated by soil δ15N under changing drought regimes. The aridity threshold of soil δ15N should be considered in terrestrial N‐cycling models when incorporating 15N isotope signals to predict N cycling and availability under climatic dryness.
Timing determines zooplankton community responses to multiple stressors
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Arnott Shelley E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHuman activities and climate change cause abiotic factors to fluctuate through time, sometimes passing thresholds for organismal reproduction and survival. Multiple stressors can independently or interactively impact organisms; however, few studies have examined how they interact when they overlap spatially but occur asynchronously. Fluctuations in salinity have been found in freshwater habitats worldwide. Meanwhile, heatwaves have become more frequent and extreme. High salinity pulses and heatwaves are often decoupled in time but can still collectively impact freshwater zooplankton. The time intervals between them, during which population growth and community recovery could happen, can influence combined effects, but no one has examined these effects. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to examine how different recovery times (0‐, 3‐, 6‐week) between salt treatment and heatwave exposure influence their combined effects. We hypothesized that antagonistic effects would appear when having short recovery time, because previous study found that similar species were affected by the two stressors, but effects would become additive with longer recovery time since fully recovered communities would respond to heatwave similar to undisturbed communities. Our findings showed that, when combined, the two‐stressor joint impacts changed from antagonistic to additive with increased recovery time between stressors. Surprisingly, full compositional recovery was not achieved despite a recovery period that was long enough for population growth, suggesting legacy effects from earlier treatment. The recovery was mainly driven by small organisms, such as rotifers and small cladocerans. As a result, communities recovering from previous salt exposure responded differently to heatwaves than undisturbed communities, leading to similar zooplankton communities regardless of the recovery time between stressors. Our research bolsters the understanding and management of multiple‐stressor issues by revealing that prior exposure to one stressor has long‐lasting impacts on community recovery that can lead to unexpected joint effects of multiple stressors.
Street‐level bureaucracy and democratic backsliding. Evidence from Poland
Authors: Piotrowska Barbara Maria 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStreet‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) are central to the implementation of government policies, which becomes crucial in the context of democratic backsliding. Their willingness to carry out policies developed by “unprincipled” principals influences the final impact of backsliding on citizens. Research on civil servants and anecdotal evidence indicate that SLBs may engage in various dissent activities when they disagree with politicians and their policies. However, the scale of this behavior depends on how many of them perceive the government as “unprincipled.” Hence, to understand the potential for dissent activities in the face of democratic backsliding, we need to examine SLBs' support for the ruling government. This paper focuses on Poland, an important case of democratic backsliding, analyzing the approval of the opposition parties and the protests in the wake of democracy‐undermining reforms among the SLBs. By analyzing Polish Center for Public Opinion Research survey data, it concludes that SLBs' support for the opposition was not overwhelming, rendering significant scale of dissent activities at the street level unlikely.
Risk factors for the long‐term persistent genitourinary toxicity after stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer: A single‐center, retrospective study of 306 patients
Authors: Tanabe Kenji , Kobayashi Shuichiro , Tamiya Takashi , Konishi Tsuzumi , Hinoto Ryoichi , Tsukamoto Nobuhiro , Kashiyama Shiho , Eriguchi Takahisa , Noro Akira 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo identify risk factors for the long‐term persistent genitourinary toxicity (GUT) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsA total of 306 patients who underwent SBRT at our institution between March 2017 and April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. SBRT was performed at 35 Gy in five fractions over 5 or 10 days. Factors related to the long‐term persistence of acute GUT after SBRT were analyzed.ResultsDuring the median follow‐up period of 39.1 months, 203 (66%) patients experienced any grade of acute GUT, which remained in 78 (26%) patients 6 months after SBRT. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥75 years was consistently a significant independent risk factor for any grade of acute GUT 6, 12, and 24 months after SBRT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, p = 0.010; HR 2.84, p = 0001; and HR 3.05, p = 0.009, respectively). Older age was not a significant risk factor for the development of grade ≥2 acute GUT. The duration of acute GUT was significantly longer in the older group than in the nonolder group (median duration = 234 vs. 61 days, p < 0.001), and the incidence of persistent GUT was significantly more frequent in the older group beyond 6 months after SBRT.ConclusionsOlder age is a significant independent risk factor for the long‐term persistent GUT after SBRT for localized PCa.
Demystifying normal‐anion‐gap metabolic acidosis: pathophysiology, aetiology, evaluation and diagnosis
Authors: Bhandari Ritesh , Ekladious Adel , Javaid Muhammad M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNormal‐anion‐gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA) is a common but often under‐recognised and poorly understood condition, especially by less‐experienced clinicians. In adults, NAGMA might be an initial clue to a more significant underlying pathology, such as autoimmune diseases, hypergammaglobulinemia or drug toxicities. However, identifying the aetiology can be challenging due to the diverse processes involved in the development of acidosis. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of NAGMA can help treating physicians suspect and evaluate the condition early and reach the correct diagnosis. This article provides an overview of renal acid–base regulation, discusses the pathophysiological processes involved in developing NAGMA and provides a framework for evaluation to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Australian rheumatologists' perception of autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Penglase Ross , Girgis Laila , Englert Helen , Ma David , Moore John 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAutologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, treatment‐related toxicity remains a key issue.AimsTo investigate the perceptions of rheumatologists on the use of AHSCT for SSc.MethodsAustralian rheumatologists were asked for their opinion on the role of AHSCT, the indications for treatment and the barriers to the use of AHSCT for SSc. A secondary analysis assessed what factors influenced the perception of AHSCT.ResultsA total of 77.8% rheumatologists agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that AHSCT is an accepted treatment for SSc. While 65.1% agreed or strongly agreed that treatment‐associated mortality was a significant barrier to referral for AHSCT, only 15.2% agreed or strongly agreed that this risk was unacceptable. Progressive lung or skin disease, or lack of response to other therapies, were considered the main referral criteria. A total of 92.0% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that reduction of treatment toxicity would increase their likelihood to refer patients for AHSCT. Rheumatologists who were aware of the correct evidence base were more likely to consider AHSCT an acceptable treatment for SSc (4.21 ± 0.7 vs 3.64 ± 0.9, P = 0.007). Rheumatologists desire improved patient selection criteria and access to treatment.ConclusionIn this national survey of rheumatologists, AHSCT is considered an accepted therapy. However, concern about toxicity remains a potential barrier to patient referral. Access, studies to refine patient selection and development of AHSCT protocols that improve safety were identified as key areas of need.
High SARS‐CoV‐2 Exposure in Rural Southern Mozambique After Four Waves of COVID‐19: Community‐Based Seroepidemiological Surveys
Authors: de Jesus Áuria , Ernesto Rita , Massinga Arsénia J. , Nhacolo Felizarda , Munguambe Khátia , Timana Alcido , Nhacolo Arsénio , Messa Augusto , Massora Sérgio , Escola Valdemiro , Enosse Sónia , Gunjamo Rufino , Funzamo Carlos , Mwenda Jason M. , Okeibunor Joseph , Garcia‐Basteiro Alberto , Guinovart Caterina , Mayor Alfredo , Mandomando Inácio 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundMozambique was one of many African countries with limited testing capacity for SARS‐CoV‐2. Serosurveys, an alternative to estimate the real exposure to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics, have been scarce in Mozambique. Herein, we aimed to estimate the age‐specific seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the general population of the Manhiça District, at four time points, for evaluating dynamics of exposure and the impact of vaccination.MethodsWe conducted four community‐based seroepidemiological surveys separated by 3 months between May 2021 and June 2022 to assess the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. An age‐stratified (0–19, 20–39, 40–59, and ≥ 60 years) sample of 4810 individuals was randomly selected from demographic surveillance database, and their blood samples were analyzed using WANTAI SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG + IgM ELISA. Nasopharyngeal swabs from a subsample of 2209 participants were also assessed for active infection by RT‐qPCR.ResultsSARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence increased from 27.6% in the first survey (May 2021) to 63.6%, 91.2%, and 91.1% in the second (October 2021), third (January 2022), and fourth (May 2022) surveys, respectively. Seroprevalence in individuals < 18 years, who were not eligible for vaccination, increased from 23.1% in the first survey to 87.1% in the fourth. The prevalence of active infection was below 10.1% in all surveys.ConclusionsA high seroprevalence to SARS‐CoV‐2 was observed in the study population, including individuals not eligible for vaccination at that time, particularly after circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant. These data are important to inform decision making on the vaccination strategies in the context of pandemic slowdown in Mozambique.
Metabolic reprogramming‐driven homologous recombination and TCA cycle dysregulation contribute to poor prognoses in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Zhanyu , He Dongming , Huang Liuliu , Deng Kun , Jiang Wei , Qin Junqi , Zheng Zhiwen , Zheng Tiaozhan , Li Shikang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIncreasing evidence has shown that homologous recombination (HR) and metabolic reprogramming are essential for cellular homeostasis. These two processes are independent as well as closely intertwined. Nevertheless, they have rarely been reported in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We analysed the genomic, immune microenvironment and metabolic microenvironment features under different HR activity states. Using cell cycle, EDU and cell invasion assays, we determined the impacts of si‐SHFM1 on the LUAD cell cycle, proliferation and invasion. The levels of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α‐KGDH) were determined by ELISA in the NC and si‐SHFM1 groups of A549 cells. Finally, cell samples were used to extract metabolites for HPIC‐MS/MS to analyse central carbon metabolism. We found that high HR activity was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD, and HR was an independent prognostic factor for TCGA‐LUAD patients. Moreover, LUAD samples with a high HR activity presented low immune infiltration levels, a high degree of genomic instability, a good response status to immune checkpoint blockade therapy and a high degree of drug sensitivity. The si‐SHFM1 group presented a significantly higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase, lower levels of DNA replication, and significantly lower levels of cell migration and both TCA enzymes. Our current results indicated that there is a strong correlation between HR and the TCA cycle in LUAD. The TCA cycle can promote SHFM1‐mediated HR in LUAD, raising their activities, which can finally result in a poor prognosis and impair immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Evaluation of shear bond strength based on substructure materials and ceramic veneering techniques
Authors: Song Han‐Sol , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra , Ko Kyung‐Ho 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeBilayered restorations have both the strength of the substructure material and the esthetics of the veneer material; however, they should have appropriate bonding between the two materials. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) according to the substructure material and veneering technique used in bilayered restorations.Materials and MethodsThe experimental group was divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) based on the substructure materials (cobalt‐chromium [Co‐Cr] alloy and 3 mol% yttrium‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal [3Y‐TZP]) and veneering techniques (pressing and layering). Veneering was performed with disk shape (diameter: 5 mm, height: 2 mm) on a substructure using each veneering technique. Shear stress was applied to the interface of the substructure and the veneering ceramic using a universal testing machine. The shear bond strength, according to the substructure and veneering technique, was analyzed using a two‐way analysis of variance with a post‐hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. The failure mode was observed, and the surface was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy.ResultsThe shSBS of the Co‐Cr alloy and 3Y‐TZP substructure was not different (p > 0.05); however, the pressing technique showed a higher SBS than the layering technique (p < 0.05). The SBS did not differ depending on the veneering technique in the Co‐Cr alloys (p > 0.05), whereas the SBS in the pressing technique was higher than that in the layering technique for 3Y‐TZP (p < 0.05). In the layering technique, the Co‐Cr alloy showed a higher SBS than 3Y‐TZP (p < 0.05). In the failure mode, mixed failure occurred most frequently in all groups. Extensive elemental interdiffusion was observed through the opaque layer in the Co‐Cr alloy, regardless of the veneering technique. In 3Y‐TZP, a wider range of elemental interdiffusion was observed in the pressing technique than in the layering technique.ConclusionsIn bilayered restorations with a 3Y‐TZP substructure, the pressing technique yielded higher bonding strength than layering. Using the layering technique, 3Y‐TZP showed a lower SBS than the Co‐Cr alloy. In bilayered restorations using 3Y‐TZP as a substructure, the veneering technique and thermal compatibility of the materials must be considered.
Getting the most out of remote care: Co‐developing a Toolkit to improve the delivery of remote kidney care appointments for underserved groups
Authors: Tum Patricia , Awan Fez , Baharani Jyoti , Coyne Emma , Dreyer Gavin , Ewart Catriona , Kalebe‐Nyamomgo Chipiliro , Mitra Udita , Wilkie Martin , Thomas Nicola 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTelephone and video appointments are still common post‐pandemic, with an estimated 25%–50% of kidney appointments in the United Kingdom still conducted remotely. This is important as remote consultations may exacerbate pre‐existing inequalities in those from underserved groups. Those from underserved groups are often not represented in health research and include those with learning disability, mental health needs, hearing/sight problems, young/older people, those from ethnic minority groups.ObjectivesThe aim was to develop a Toolkit to improve the quality of remote kidney care appointments for people from different underserved groups.DesignA parallel mixed methods approach with semistructured interviews/focus groups and survey. We also conducted workshops to develop and validate the Toolkit.ParticipantsSeventy‐five renal staff members completed the survey and 21 patients participated in the interviews and focus groups. Patients (n = 11) and staff (n = 10) took part in the Toolkit development workshop, and patients (n = 13) took part in the Toolkit validation workshop.ResultsFour themes from interviews/focus groups suggested areas in which remote appointments could be improved. Themes were quality of appointment, patient empowerment, patient–practitioner relationship and unique needs for underserved groups. Staff reported difficulty building rapport, confidentiality issues, confidence about diagnosis/advice given, technical difficulties and shared decision making.ConclusionThis study is the first to explore experiences of remote appointments among both staff and those from underserved groups living with kidney disease in the United Kingdom. While remote appointments can be beneficial, our findings indicate that remote consultations need optimisation to meet the needs of patients. The project findings informed the development of a Toolkit which will be widely promoted and accessible in the United Kingdom during 2024.
Experience from transport teams on interhospital transfer of patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: A qualitative study
Authors: Yu Anqi , Wang Yi , Zhang Meng , Deng Juan , Guo Chunling , Xiong Jie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a life‐saving treatment for patients requiring advanced cardiopulmonary support. Several ECMO centres offer interhospital transport (ECMO IHT) services that involve establishing ECMO teams to initiate ECMO at referring hospitals and then transfer patients to ECMO centres. ECMO IHT is often high risk and complex. Understanding the experience of transport team members is crucial to ensure patient safety and promote quality improvement.AimTo explore the experiences of transport teams performing ECMO IHT.Study DesignA descriptive qualitative methodology was adopted.ResultsThirteen health care professionals who have performed ECMO IHT at a general hospital in China agreed to be interviewed and enrolled in this study. Two investigators conducted face‐to‐face individual interviews in September–November 2022. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes and nine sub‐themes were developed: (1) practicing with good organizational management (conducting training programs, cultivating the spirit of good teamwork and developing a standardized transport procedure), (2) dedicated to ensuring patient safety (adequate preparation and regular checking to reduce risk, accurate evaluation to avoid futility and maintaining communication to increase safety) and (3) having confidence despite being uneasy (feeling stressed is common, facing insecurity in transport settings and gaining confidence through practice).ConclusionsHealth care professionals must adequately prepare and assess ECMO IHT to ensure patient safety. Supportive measures should be taken to ensure team members' health and improve patient safety. Good communication and teamwork could improve this challenging task. Further research is required for training programs and establishing standardized transport procedures.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study presents multi‐professional perspectives on the experience of performing ECMO IHT to help management identify what needs to be further developed. With the increasing number of ECMO IHT, promoting its standardization is warranted.