bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient‐reported outcome measures in early psychosis: Evaluating the psychometric properties of the single‐item self‐reported health and self‐reported mental health measures in Chennai, India and Montreal, Canada
Authors: Nair Neha , Taksal Aarati , Mohan Greeshma , Rangaswamy Thara , Padmavati Ramachandran , Schmitz Norbert , Malla Ashok , Iyer Srividya N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimPatient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide valuable information and promote shared decision‐making but are infrequently used in psychosis. Self‐rated Health (SRH) and Self‐rated Mental Health (SRMH) are single‐item PROMs in which respondents rate their health and mental health from ‘poor’ to ‘excellent’. We examined the psychometric properties of the SRH and SRMH in early psychosis services in Chennai, India and Montreal, Canada.MethodsAssessments were completed in Tamil/English in Chennai and French/English in Montreal. Test–retest reliability included data from 59 patients in Chennai and Montreal. Criterion validity was examined against clinician‐rated measures of depression, anxiety, positive and negative symptoms, and a quality‐of‐life PROM for 261 patients in Chennai and Montreal.ResultsSRH and SRMH had good to excellent test–retest reliability (ICC >0.63) at both sites and in English and Tamil (but not French). Results for criterion validity were mixed. In Montreal, low SRH was associated with not being in positive symptom remission, and poorer functioning and quality of life. SRH was associated only with functioning in Chennai. No associations were found for SRMH in Montreal. In Chennai, low SRMH was associated with not being in positive symptom remission and poorer functioning.ConclusionsPatient‐reported outcome measures may perform differently across contexts as a potential function of variations in sociodemographics, illness characteristics/course, understandings of health/mental health, and so forth. More work is needed to understand if discrepancies between PROMs and CROMs indicate poor validity of PROMs or ‘valid’ differences between patient and clinician perceptions. Our work suggests that single‐item PROMs can be feasibly integrated into clinical settings.
From intercultural engagement to intercultural communicative competence: The case of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Sato Eriko , He Agnes W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs the objective of language teaching is shifting from producing so‐called “native‐like” speakers to fostering speakers competent in intercultural communication, it has become necessary to identify the kinds of learning resources that may be related to the learner's development of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) in today's context of globalization and technological innovation. Employing a mixed‐method approach with focus group interviews (n = 46) and a survey (n = 342), this study examines Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language learners' out‐of‐class intercultural experience and examines how interpersonal engagement and media usage are associated with the three dimensions of ICC: approach, analyze, and act. The study found that while both interpersonal interactions and media usage related to target language were positively associated with self‐reported gains in all three dimensions of ICC, media use consistently had a greater effect on ICC than interpersonal interactions. The implications of these findings for language educators are discussed.
Fog controls biological cycling of soil phosphorus in the Coastal Cordillera of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Amelung Wulf , Klumpp Erwin , Walk Janek , Mörchen Ramona , Böhm Christoph , Moradi Ghazal , May Simon Matthias , Tamburini Federica , Wang Ye , Bol Roland 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSoils in hyper‐arid climates, such as the Chilean Atacama Desert, show indications of past and present forms of life despite extreme water limitations. We hypothesize that fog plays a key role in sustaining life. In particular, we assume that fog water is incorporated into soil nutrient cycles, with the inland limit of fog penetration corresponding to the threshold for biological cycling of soil phosphorus (P). We collected topsoil samples (0–10 cm) from each of 54 subsites, including sites in direct adjacency (<10 cm) and in 1 m distance to plants, along an aridity gradient across the Coastal Cordillera. Satellite‐based fog detection revealed that Pacific fog penetrates up to 10 km inland, while inland sites at 10–23 km from the coast rely solely on sporadic rainfall for water supply. To assess biological P cycling we performed sequential P fractionation and determined oxygen isotope of HCl‐extractable inorganic . Total P (Pt) concentration exponentially increased from 336 mg kg−1 to a maximum of 1021 mg kg−1 in inland areas ≥10 km. With increasing distance from the coast, soil values declined exponentially from 16.6‰ to a constant 9.9‰ for locations ≥10 km inland. Biological cycling of HCl‐Pi near the coast reached a maximum of 76%–100%, which could only be explained by the fact that fog water predominately drives biological P cycling. In inland regions, with minimal rainfall (<5 mm) as single water source, only 24 ± 14% of HCl‐Pi was biologically cycled. We conclude that biological P cycling in the hyper‐arid Atacama Desert is not exclusively but mainly mediated by fog, which thus controls apatite dissolution rates and related occurrence and spread of microbial life in this extreme environment.
Low risk management intervention: Limited impact of remedial tillage on net ecosystem carbon balance at a commercial Miscanthus plantation
Authors: Rowe R. L. , Cooper H. M. , Hastings A. , Mabey A. , Keith A. M. , McNamara N. P. , Morrison R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPerennial bioenergy crops are a key tool in decarbonizing global energy systems, but to ensure the efficient use of land resources, it is essential that yields and crop longevity are maximized. Remedial shallow surface tillage is being explored in commercial Miscanthus plantations as an approach to reinvigorate older crops and to rectify poor establishment, improving yields. There are posited links, however, between tillage and losses in soil carbon (C) via increased ecosystem C fluxes to the atmosphere. As Miscanthus is utilized as an energy crop, changes in field C fluxes need to be assessed as part of the C balance of the crop. Here, for the first time, we quantify the C impacts of remedial tillage at a mature commercial Miscanthus plantation in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. Net ecosystem C production based on eddy covariance flux observations and exported yield totalled 12.16 Mg C ha−1 over the 4.6 year period after tillage, showing the site functioned as a net sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). There was no indication of negative tillage induced impacts on soil C stocks, with no difference 3 years post tillage in the surface (0–30 cm) or deep (0–70 cm) soil C stocks between the tilled Miscanthus field and an adjacent paired untilled Miscanthus field. Comparison to historic samples showed surface soil C stocks increased by 11.16 ± 3.91 Mg C ha−1 between pre (October 2011) and post tillage sampling (November 2016). Within the period of the study, however, the tillage did not result in the increased yields necessary to “pay back” the tillage induced yield loss. Rather the crop was effectively re‐established, with progressive yield increases over the study period, mirroring expectations of newly planted sites. The overall impacts of remedial tillage will depend therefore, on the longer‐term impacts on crop longevity and yields.
Geography, taxonomy, extinction risk and exposure of fully migratory birds to droughts and cyclones
Authors: Preston‐Allen Rhys G. G. , Häkkinen Henry , Cañellas‐Dols Laura , Ameca y Juarez Eric I. , Orme C. David L. , Pettorelli Nathalie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimAnthropogenic climate change is predicted to drive unprecedented increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, such as drought and cyclones. The impacts of these events on fully migratory species could be particularly severe and have cascading effects on the functioning of many ecosystems. We explore the relationships between geography, taxonomy, extinction risk and the exposure of fully migratory birds to drought and cyclones.LocationGlobal.Time Period1985–2014.Major Taxa Studied383 fully migratory bird species.MethodsWe assessed the exposure of fully migratory birds to cyclones and droughts, quantifying exposure by calculating the percentage of spatial overlap between a species' range and the extent of an extreme event within a given time series. We compared the level of cumulative exposure sustained by species among different taxonomic groups and within their breeding and wintering ranges; we also assessed whether species currently classed as ‘threatened’ are more cumulatively exposed than ‘non‐threatened’ species.ResultsWe identified fully migratory bird species highly exposed to extreme climatic events and global geographic hotspots of species exposure. 4% of species were found to be highly exposed to cyclones and droughts in both their wintering and breeding ranges. Wintering ranges were, on average, more cumulatively exposed to cyclones than breeding ranges; there was no discernible difference in drought exposure between ranges. Species currently classed as threatened were shown to experience higher exposure to droughts than non‐threatened ones in both ranges.Main ConclusionsThis exposure analysis provides the first step to a full global assessment of fully migratory bird species' vulnerability to extreme climatic events. Many species are at least as exposed to extreme events within their wintering ranges as in their breeding ranges, supporting calls for ‘full cycle’ assessment of migratory species' vulnerability to climate change. Our identification of hotspots of exposure may help to guide further monitoring, research and management.
An Iterative Method of Modeling Pump‐Treat‐Inject System with “Partial Treatment”
Authors: Zhang Jim , Zhang Yiding , Schwartz Franklin W. , Karimi Massoud 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPump‐and‐treat technologies are widely used in groundwater remediation and site cleanup. Such technologies involve pumping contaminated groundwater to the surface for treatment. Following treatment, the water is often reinjected back into the aquifer (referred to as pump‐treat‐inject or PTI) for potential reuse. The treatment system is often designed to remove dissolved‐phase contaminants in groundwater such that water meets applicable cleanup standards (herein referred to as “full treatment”). However, in some cases, the treatment system may not effectively reduce the dissolved‐phase concentrations (herein referred to as “partial treatment”) for some of the contaminants present in groundwater. Modeling PTI under partial treatment conditions is challenging because contaminant concentrations in injected water depend on the pumped water concentrations and the system treatment efficiency. Essentially, the injected water concentration (a transport model input) is unknown prior to transport simulation. This study presents a novel iterative approach to modeling PTI under partial treatment scenarios, where the injected water concentration is linked to the modeled pumped water concentration. The method was developed for a complicated three‐dimensional (3D) flow and transport modeling study conducted for a confidential remediation site where PTI with partial treatment was applied. However, due to the complexity of the 3D model and the confidential information of the site, a simple two‐dimensional (2D) numerical model is presented to demonstrate the iterative method. The 2D model test runs and the 3D model application in a remediation site showed that the iterative simulation results quickly converged to a viable final solution.
The effect of transurethral resection of the prostate on sexual life quality in patient spouses
Authors: Aydin Sayilan Aylin , Kulakac Nursen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery on quality of sexual life in patients' spouses. A pre/post‐operative test, quasi‐experimental design with no control group was employed. The research was conducted in the urology clinics of two hospitals in the west of Turkey between 30 June and 30 September 2022. It was completed with 172 patient spouses recruited using non‐probability sampling. The study data were collected using an individual information form and the Sexual Quality of Life‐Female questionnaire. The preoperative test applied prior to surgery was administered by the face‐to‐face interview method, while the postoperative test was completed by telephone interviews 8 weeks after the initial data collection. The mean age of the individuals undergoing TURP surgery in this study was 62.69 ± 7.98 years (min 40, max 77), and the mean age of the spouses was 57.91 ± 7.46 (min 39, max 73). Sexual Quality of Life‐Female scores after surgery were significantly higher than the pre‐surgical values (p < 0.001). A significant difference in sex life quality was determined in terms of age, education, employment status, presence of chronic disease, number of children, and ‘love marriages’ (p < 0.05). The sexual life quality of the spouses of patients exposed to TURP surgery increased significantly 8 weeks after the procedure. The quality of sex life was higher among individuals with higher education levels, working individuals, and those who ‘married for love’, but decreased in line with age and number of children.
Comparing pre‐war and forced Ukrainian migrants in Poland: Challenges for the labour market and prospects for integration
Authors: Kubiciel–Lodzińska Sabina , Golebiowska Kate , Pachocka Marta , Dąbrowska Anna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBefore full‐scale war broke out in 2022, over 1 million Ukrainians resided legally in Poland. Within weeks of Russia's aggression, around 1.5 million new Ukrainian forced migrants had arrived, many of whom remain in Poland. As of September 2023, 970,000 Ukrainian refugees were still in Poland, where they enjoyed temporary protection status. This paper analyses data from a 2022 survey of both forcibly displaced and pre‐war Ukrainian migrants with the aim of establishing what measures are needed to facilitate the economic integration of the former group. The two cohorts differ in terms of gender, age, family status, ways of seeking employment, employment situation and aspirations. Although 66 per cent of respondents had completed tertiary education, only 30 per cent of the forcibly displaced group had Polish‐language skills. The paper recommends strategies for the provision of language education along with solutions to enable the labour market participation of this group and otherwise support their integration.
Pyroptosis in glioma: Current management and future application
Authors: Guo Zeshang , Su Zhenjin , Wei Ying , Zhang Xingmei , Hong Xinyu 
Published: December 2023

SummaryGlioma, the predominant form of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, presents a significant challenge due to its high prevalence and low 5‐year survival rate. The efficacy of current treatment methods is limited by the presence of the blood–brain barrier, the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and other factors. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach, as it can overcome the blood–brain barrier. A tumor's immune privilege, which is induced by an immunosuppressive environment, constricts immunotherapy's clinical impact in glioma. Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism facilitated by gasdermins, plays a significant role in the management of glioma. Its ability to initiate and regulate tumor occurrence, progression, and metastasis is well‐established. However, it is crucial to note that uncontrolled or excessive cell death can result in tissue damage, acute inflammation, and cytokine release syndrome, thereby potentially promoting tumor advancement or recurrence. This paper aims to elucidate the molecular pathways involved in pyroptosis and subsequently discuss its induction in cancer therapy. In addition, the current treatment methods of glioma and the use of pyroptosis in these treatments are introduced. It is hoped to provide more ideas for the treatment of glioma.
The two faces of secondary contact on islands: Introgressive hybridization between endemics and reproductive interference between endemics and introduced species
Authors: Reatini Bryan , Vision Todd J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimHybridization is thought to have played an important role in shaping the evolutionary history of diverse island taxa. Here, we propose an ecological and evolutionary framework for understanding the causes and consequences of heterospecific mating on islands—with and without introgressive hybridization. We use this framework to support our main contention that cases of secondary contact among endemic species should commonly result in introgressive hybridization whereas cases of contact between endemic and introduced species should commonly result in reproductive interference (RIN)—resulting in two qualitatively different faces of secondary contact on islands.LocationCanary Islands, Galapagos, New Zealand, Caribbean and Hawaii.Taxa705 vertebrate, invertebrate and plant species spanning 167 genera and 99 families.MethodsUsing a quantitative analysis of empirical research on secondary contact on islands, we weigh evidence for the causes and consequences of secondary contact and heterospecific mating on islands. In particular, we compare cases of secondary contact between endemic species versus secondary contact between endemic and introduced species.ResultsWe find that the drivers of secondary contact and heterospecific mating on islands most frequently reported in the literature are disturbance, long‐distance (e.g. inter‐island) dispersal and compromised assortative mating. We find support for the hypothesis that extensive introgression is a more common outcome between endemic species while RIN is a more common outcome between endemic and introduced species.Main ConclusionsWe conclude that there are biological reasons to predict secondary contact and heterospecific mating to be common on islands for all taxa, but that the consequence of secondary contact is categorically different for contact between endemic species and contact between endemic and introduced species. We conclude that the former likely explains the apparent frequency of hybridization on islands, while the latter presents a cryptic and underappreciated conservation threat.
Factors shaping the abundance of two butterflies sharing resources and enemies across a biogeographic region
Authors: Colom P. , Traveset A. , Shaw M. R. , Stefanescu C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimIntraspecific variation in species relative abundance is shaped by a complex interplay of abiotic and biotic factors, making it both necessary and challenging to assess their combined relative importance in explaining variations across space and time. We used two congeneric butterfly species for which extensive count data and a deep understanding of their natural history is available to test three hypotheses explaining intraspecific variation in their abundance: (H1) seasonal dispersal behaviour driven by climate, (H2) resource availability and (H3) apparent competition mediated via shared parasitoids.TaxonGonepteryx rhamni (Brimstone) and G. cleopatra (Cleopatra).LocationNE Iberian Peninsula, where both species coexist, and a nearby archipelago (Balearic Islands), where only Cleopatra occurs.MethodsWe analysed spatial abundance variations for both species in the mainland and island–mainland differences in the abundance of Cleopatra. Abiotic and biotic factors, including temperature, host plant and overwintering habitat availability, larval parasitism and density dependence, were tested to explain the observed variations.ResultsH1 can explain variation in butterfly abundance between mainland regions since in warmer summers populations increased in cooler areas but decreased in warmer areas. H2 explains the variation within mainland climate regions with a strong positive relationship between resource availability and abundance but is unlikely to explain the island–mainland variation in the abundance of Cleopatra. H3 could neither explain biogeographical variation in abundance because although richer parasitoid communities were found on the mainland, larval mortality rates were similar or lower on the mainland than in the islands.Main ConclusionsClimate and resource availability jointly account for variation in butterfly abundance across the mainland, but neither these factors nor parasitism can explain island–mainland differences. Both coexisting butterfly species and their larval parasitoids may have undergone evolutionary processes, resulting in spatial segregation that promotes the coexistence of the two butterfly species on the mainland.
β‐Sitosterol suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis via FOXM1‐regulated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Chen Yuankun , Yang Yijun , Wang Nengyi , Liu Rui , Wu Qiuping , Pei Hua , Li Wenting 
Published: December 2023

Abstractβ‐Sitosterol is a natural compound with demonstrated anti‐cancer properties against various cancers. However, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of β‐sitosterol on HCC. In this study, we investigated the effects of β‐sitosterol on HCC tumour growth and metastasis using a xenograft mouse model and a range of molecular analyses, including bioinformatics, real‐time PCR, western blotting, lentivirus transfection, CCK8, scratch and transwell assays. The results found that β‐sitosterol significantly inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis identifies forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) as a potential target for β‐sitosterol in HCC treatment. FOXM1 is upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor prognosis in patients. β‐Sitosterol downregulates FOXM1 expression in vitro and in vivo. FOXM1 overexpression mitigates β‐sitosterol's inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. Additionally, β‐sitosterol suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 cells, while FOXM1 overexpression promotes EMT. Mechanistically, β‐sitosterol inhibits Wnt/β‐catenin signalling by downregulating FOXM1, regulating target gene transcription related to HepG2 cell proliferation and metastasis. β‐Sitosterol shows promising potential as a therapeutic candidate for inhibiting HCC growth and metastasis through FOXM1 downregulation and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling inhibition.