bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foliar endophyte diversity in Eastern Asian-Eastern North American disjunct tree species – influences of host identity, environment, phylogeny, and geographic isolation
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Shi Wei , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Xiang Qiu-Yun (Jenny) 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe well-known eastern Asian (EA) and eastern North American (ENA) floristic disjunction provides a unique system for biogeographic and evolutionary studies. Despite considerable interest in the disjunction, few studies have investigated the patterns and their underlying drivers of allopatric divergence in sister species or lineages isolated in the two areas. Endophyte diversity and assembly in disjunct sister taxa, as an ecological trait, may have played an important role in the processes of allopatric evolution, but no studies have examined endophytes in these lineages. Here we compared foliar endophytic fungi and bacteria-archaea (FEF and FEB) in 17 EA-ENA disjunct species or clade pairs from genera representing conifers and 10 orders of five major groups of angiosperms and 23 species of Cornus from EA and North America. MethodsMetagenomic sequencing of fungal ITS and bacterial-archaeal 16S rDNA was used to capture the foliar endophytic communities. Alpha and beta diversity of fungi and bacteria were compared at multiple scales and dimensions to gain insights into the relative roles of historical geographic isolation, host identity, phylogeny, and environment from samples at different sites in shaping endophytic diversity patterns. ResultsWe found that beta diversity of endophytes varied greatly among plant individuals within species and between species among genera at the same sampling site, and among three sampling sites, but little variation between region-of-origin of all plant species (EA vs ENA) and between EA-ENA disjunct counterparts within genera. Various numbers of indicator fungal species differing in abundance were identified for each plant genus and Cornus species. An overall significant correlation between endophyte community dissimilarity and phylogenetic distance of plants was detected among the disjunct genera but not among species of Cornus. However, significant correlations between beta diversities at different taxonomic scales of endophytes and phylogenetic distances of Cornus species were observed. DiscussionOur results suggest important roles of host identity and environment (sampling sites), and a likely minor role of phylogenetic divergence and historical biogeographic isolation in shaping the pattern of foliar endophyte diversity and assembly in the EA-ENA disjunct genera and Cornus. The results lead to a hypothesis that the sister taxa in EA and ENA likely differ in FEF and FEB when growing in native habitats due to differences in local environments, which may potentially drive allopatric divergence of the functional features of species.
Sorghum bicolor INDETERMINATE1 is a conserved primary regulator of flowering
Authors: De Riseis Samuel , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Harmon Frank G. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionA fundamental developmental switch for plants is transition from vegetative to floral growth, which integrates external and internal signals. INDETERMINATE1 (Id1) family proteins are zinc finger transcription factors that activate flowering in grasses regardless of photoperiod. Mutations in maize Id1 and rice Id1 (RID1) cause very late flowering. RID1 promotes expression of the flowering activator genes Early Heading Date1 (Ehd1) and Heading date 1 (Hd1), a rice homolog of CONSTANS (CO).Methods and resultsMapping of two recessive late flowering mutants from a pedigreed sorghum EMS mutant library identified two distinct mutations in the Sorghum bicolor Id1 (SbId1) homolog, mutant alleles named sbid1-1 and sbid1-2. The weaker sbid1-1 allele caused a 35 day delay in reaching boot stage in the field, but its effect was limited to 6 days under greenhouse conditions. The strong sbid1-2 allele delayed boot stage by more than 60 days in the field and under greenhouse conditions. When sbid1-1 and sbid1-2 were combined, the delayed flowering phenotype remained and resembled that of sbid1-2, confirming late flowering was due to loss of SbId1 function. Evaluation of major flowering time regulatory gene expression in sbid1-2 showed that SbId1 is needed for expression of floral activators, like SbCO and SbCN8, and repressors, like SbPRR37 and SbGhd7.DiscussionThese results demonstrate a conserved role for SbId1 in promotion of flowering in sorghum, where it appears to be critical to allow expression of most major flowering regulatory genes.
Increased fruit intake is associated with reduced risk of depression: evidence from cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Yan Zhaoqi , Xu Yifeng , Li Keke , Liu Liangji 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe association between dietary patterns and depression has gained significant attention, but the relationship between fruit intake and depression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of fruit intake in the risk of depression using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, and further explore the causal relationship between them.Materials and methodsCross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2005–2018 NHANES data. Specialized weighted complex survey design analysis software was used for multivariate logistic analysis. Additionally, genetic variants for fruit intake and depression, as well as its related neuroticism traits, from the GWAS were used as instrumental variables in MR analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the primary analysis method to evaluate the causal relationship between them. MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis were conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsIn NHANES, compared to the lowest quartile (Q1, &lt;0.12 cup], the highest quartile (Q4, &gt;1.49 cups) of fruit intake showed a significant reduction in the risk of depression after adjusting for relevant covariates. Model 3, after rigorous adjustment for multiple covariates, demonstrated improved predictive performance in both Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Decision curve analysis (DCA). In Model 3, the proportion of reduced depression risk associated with fruit intake reached 31% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.95). This association remained significant in the MR analysis (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.96; p = 5.09E-04). Fruit intake was also associated with a decreased risk of neuroticism traits related to depression, including feeling lonely (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74–0.90; p = 2.91E-05), feeling miserable (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.72–0.87; p = 2.35E-06), feeling fed-up (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.68–0.83; p = 2.78E-08), irritable mood (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99; p = 0.03), and neuroticism (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76–0.96; p = 9.94E-03). The causal relationship between feeling lonely and fruit intake was bidirectional.ConclusionIncreased fruit intake has a causal effect in reducing the risk of depression and is beneficial for related psychological well-being.
Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in firefighters at fire training facilities and in employees at respiratory protection and hose workshops
Authors: Koslitz Stephan , Heinrich Birgit , Käfferlein Heiko U. , Koch Holger M. , Pelzl Tim , Pitzke Katrin , Köster Daniel , Weiß Tobias , Harth Volker , Brüning Thomas , Behrens Thomas , Taeger Dirk 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic to humans and are formed by incomplete combustion. PAHs are always present during firefighting operations, and fire department members can be exposed to them in the workplace.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in 36 urine samples from nine firefighters, collected before and after fire training sessions, and 32 urine samples from eight employees at respiratory protection and hose workshops. To assess breakthrough PAH exposure through personal protective equipment and potential dermal uptake, some of the workshop employees wore cotton garments under their regular workwear. Cotton samples were then examined for the presence of 17 semi-volatile and low-volatility PAHs.ResultsAfter firefighting exercises, we observed approximately a fivefold increase in mean 1-OHP concentrations in samples from firefighters, from 0.24 μg/L to 1.17 μg/L (maximum: 5.31 μg/L). In contrast, 1-OHP levels in workshop employees were found to be low, with the majority of urine samples yielding concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ: 0.05 μg/L, maximum: 0.11 μg/L). Similarly, low PAH levels were found on the workshop employees' cotton undergarments, with maximum concentrations of 250 and 205 ng/g for pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene, respectively.DiscussionIn conclusion, significant increases in 1-OHP in urine were observed in firefighters after training sessions, whereas work-related exposure remained low among workshop employees.
The impact of routines on emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and on parental anxiety during COVID-19
Authors: Lees Vera , Hay Rosie , Bould Helen , Kwong Alex S. F. , Major-Smith Daniel , Kounali Daphne , Pearson Rebecca M. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe Covid-19 pandemic and related public health measures, including lockdowns and school closures, have impacted on mental health of children.Aims and hypothesisWe hypothesised that there would be an association between maintaining a routine during lockdown and both lower emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and lower parental anxiety. Routine was taken as keeping to the same basic activities such as mealtimes and bedtimes. We also hypothesised that children of ‘keyworker’ parents would have fewer emotional and behavioural symptoms due to having maintained more normal routines. The key reason was that children of keyworkers still attended school or nursery and parents would have been getting up and coming home at the same times as pre-Covid. Keyworker status was defined as those whose work was essential to Covid-19 response, including work in health and social care and other key sectors.MethodsWe used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) to explore associations between maintaining a routine, and emotional and behavioural difficulties in children, using linear regression models. All eligible ALSPAC-G2 participants were sent the survey and the responders are representative of the eligible G2 population. We included measures of parental anxiety. We separately explored associations with having a keyworker parent. We used the Carey Infant Temperament Questionnaire and the Revised Rutter Parent Scale for Preschool Children to establish levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties. The measures were chosen to match previous waves in multi-generations in ALSPAC where they had been shown to be predictive of later mental health in children. The scales measure emotional and behavioural problems.ResultsTwo hundred eighty-nine parents completed questionnaires about their 411 children. Keeping a routine was associated with emotional and behavioural difficulty scores 5.0 points lower (95% CI −10.0 to −0.1), p = 0.045 than not keeping a routine. Parents who reported keeping a routine had anxiety scores 4.3 points lower (95% CI −7.5 to −1.1), p = 0.009 than those who did not. Children of keyworkers tended to have lower emotional and behavioural difficulty scores [−3.1 (95%CI −6.26 to 0.08), p = 0.056] than children of non-keyworkers. All models were adjusted for relevant potential confounders.ConclusionMaintaining a routine may be beneficial for both child emotional wellbeing and parental anxiety, although it is also possible that lower parental anxiety levels made maintaining a routine easier. Being the child of a keyworker parent during lockdown may have been protective for child emotional wellbeing.
Effect of Microwave and Conventional Heat Treatment on Total Phenolic Compounds, HPLC Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Activity of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne Stem
Authors: Alkaltham Mohammed Saeed , Hayat Khizar , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Ahmed Mohammed Asif , Hassan Amro B. 
Published: December 2023

Leptadenia pyrotechnica is considered a wild herb used to enhance the palatability of food, particularly in the Gulf region. The effect of microwave (5, 8, and 10 min at 900 W) and hot-air heating (60, 120, and 180 min at 100 °C) on the phenolic compounds and antioxidants of L. pyrotechnica stems was investigated. The results showed that microwave heating gave high values of the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant properties, while the control sample was inferior in all these attributes. Moreover, microwave heating, particularly for 8 min, produced the highest TPC, TFC, and DPPH values (significant at p < 0.05) and reduced power in the L. pyrotechnica stem. However, prolonging the heating time caused adverse effects on the bioactive potential of the samples. The HPLC analysis indicates that both processes caused a significant increment in the phenolic compounds of the sample. Tannic acid, vanillin, and acetyl salicylic acid were found to be higher in the microwaved-treated samples than in those heated with hot air. The tannic acid was found to be high after microwave heating for 8 min at 116.06 mg/100 g, while the higher value of acetylsalicylic acid 119.08 mg/100 g was observed after microwave heating for 5 min. The partial least regression (PLS) validation model revealed that microwave heating, particularly at an 8 min application time, offered better results, and owing to its short processing time, which might be adopted for heating the L. pyrotechnica stems in the food industry, and it can be useful for preparing functional foods.
The Spectrum of Low-pT J/ψ in Heavy-Ion Collisions in a Statistical Two-Body Fractal Model
Authors: Ding Huiqiang , Cheng Luan , Dai Tingting , Wang Enke , Zhang Wei-Ning 
Published: December 2023

We establish a statistical two-body fractal (STF) model to study the spectrum of J/ψ. J/ψ serves as a reliable probe in heavy-ion collisions. The distribution of J/ψ in hadron gas is influenced by flow, quantum and strong interaction effects. Previous models have predominantly focused on one or two of these effects while neglecting the others, resulting in the inclusion of unconsidered effects in the fitted parameters. Here, we study the issue from a new point of view by analyzing the fact that all three effects induce a self-similarity structure, involving a J/ψ-π two-meson state and a J/ψ, π two-quark state, respectively. We introduce modification factor qTBS and q2 into the probability and entropy of charmonium. qTBS denotes the modification of self-similarity on J/ψ, q2 denotes that of self-similarity and strong interaction between c and c¯ on quarks. By solving the probability and entropy equations, we derive the values of qTBS and q2 at various collision energies and centralities. Substituting the value of qTBS into distribution function, we successfully obtain the transverse momentum spectrum of low-pT J/ψ, which demonstrates good agreement with experimental data. The STF model can be employed to investigate other mesons and resonance states.
Radial Basis Functions Approximation Method for Time-Fractional FitzHugh–Nagumo Equation
Authors: Alam Mehboob , Haq Sirajul , Ali Ihteram , Ebadi M. J. , Salahshour Soheil 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a numerical approach employing radial basis functions has been applied to solve time-fractional FitzHugh–Nagumo equation. Spatial approximation is achieved by combining radial basis functions with the collocation method, while temporal discretization is accomplished using a finite difference scheme. To evaluate the effectiveness of this method, we first conduct an eigenvalue stability analysis and then validate the results with numerical examples, varying the shape parameter c of the radial basis functions. Notably, this method offers the advantage of being mesh-free, which reduces computational overhead and eliminates the need for complex mesh generation processes. To assess the method’s performance, we subject it to examples. The simulated results demonstrate a high level of agreement with exact solutions and previous research. The accuracy and efficiency of this method are evaluated using discrete error norms, including L2, L∞, and Lrms.
Mobile application for sensory deprivation of neurodiverse children during dental treatment
Authors: Dontsova А. S. , Gulenko O. V. 
Published: December 2023

Relevance. Dental care for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) requires modification of the conventional treatment setting, which includes many sensory stimuli that influence the behaviour of these children. However, it is not possible to eliminate all dental treatment stimuli from clinical practice. The development of a new method for digital priming of neurodiverse patients was facilitated by the need to mitigate unavoidable dental treatment stimuli to achieve sensory deprivation, expressed as reduced anxiety and improved cooperation.The study aimed to investigate the level of cooperation and anxiety in children with ASD before and during dental treatment using a developed mobile application.Material and Methods. Forty-three children aged 7 and 12 years old with con-firmed ASD of varying severity participated in the study. The cooperation and anxiety level in children with ASD were assessed according to the Larry L. Venham clinical anxiety rating scale before and during treatment using the mobile application.Results. During dental treatment, the children with mild/moderate autism showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in their anxiety level and improvement of the cooperativeness profile, which indicates a positive effect of the developed mobile application on the level of anxiety and cooperation.Conclusion. Further research is necessary to evaluate similar information and communication technology types as a part of significant approaches to sensory deprivation, behaviour improvement, and dental treatment outcomes in vulnerable children.
Implementing the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in seven English Primary Care Networks: a qualitative study
Authors: Bramwell Donna , Hammond Jonathan , Warwick-Giles Lynsey , Bailey Simon , Checkland Kath 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provides funding to Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in England to recruit additional staff into specified roles. The intention was to support general practice by recruiting an extra 26 000 staff by 2024, increasing access and easing workload pressures.AimTo explore the establishment of the ARRS as part of PCNs’ development to understand their role in supporting general practice.Design and settingA longitudinal, qualitative case study involving seven geographically dispersed PCNs across England.MethodData were collected from July 2020 to March 2022, including 91 semi-structured interviews and 87 h of meeting observations. Transcripts were analysed using the framework approach.ResultsImplementation of the ARRS was variable across the study sites, but most shared similar experiences and concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the introduction of the new roles, and significant variability was found in modes of employment. Cross-cutting issues included: the need for additional space to accommodate new staff; the inflexibility of aspects of the scheme, including reinvestment of unspent funds; and the need for support and oversight of employed staff. Perceived benefits of the ARRS include improved patient care and the potential to save GP time.ConclusionThe findings suggest the ARRS has potential to fulfil its objective of supporting and improving access to general practice. However, attention to operational requirements including appropriate funding, estates, and management of staff is important if this is to be realised, as is clarity for the scheme post-contract end in 2024.
Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Baillie Emma J , Merlo Gregory , Biezen Ruby , Peprah Boaitey Kwame , Magin Parker J , van Driel Mieke L , Hall Lisa 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship.AimTo explore the experiences and perceptions of GP trainees’ and supervisors’ use of telehealth, and how it influences their management of acute infections.Design & settingAustralian GP registrars (trainees) and supervisors were recruited via email through their training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted between July and August 2022.MethodInterviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.ResultsWe identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity during telehealth consultations. 2. Attempts to improve diagnostic acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. The management of clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring patients for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions during telehealth were informed by less information than were in-person consults, with varying impact. 5. Participants believed that other GPs improperly prescribed antibiotics during telehealth. 6. Supervisors believed that registrars hadn’t developed the knowledge or skills to determine when conditions could be managed appropriately via telehealth.ConclusionTelehealth has potential for reducing transmission of acute infections and increasing access to healthcare. However, the implications of GPs, especially less experienced GPs, making diagnoses with less certainty, and consequently compromising antimicrobial stewardship, are a concern. Patient self-assessment tools may improve outcomes of telehealth consultations for acute infections.
Analysis of Interior Elements on the Atmosphere of Interior Space in Cikondang Traditional House
Authors: Muzaki Mutiara Silmi , Isfiaty Tiara 
Published: December 2023

This research aims to analyze the application of interior elements as an aspect of shaping the atmosphere or atmosphere of the interior space in the Cikondang traditional house so that it can be a reference for contemporary concept houses to get the same atmosphere or atmosphere of space. Cikondang traditional house is located in Cikondang traditional village, Lamajang Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, West Java. The Cikondang traditional house is made by following the rules of the applicable customs, as well as determining the interior elements. One example is that the building materials of the house use natural materials that grow in the prohibited forest and can only be used after passing a series of rituals. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis with data acquisition through observation and literature study. This research describes the application of interior elements such as lines, shapes, patterns, colors, textures (materials) and lighting which are factors that form the atmosphere of the space in the house. The results of this study are the application of interior elements such as lines, shapes, patterns, colors, textures (materials) and lighting in the space creating a spatial atmosphere that gives the impression of simplicity, safety, comfort, nature, and warmth resulting from the application of interior elements to interior elements namely floors, walls, and ceilings in Cikondang traditional houses.
Keywords: Interior Elements, Room Atmosphere, Cikondang Traditional House