bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traits for transport: Alien wetland plants gain an advantage during endozoochorous seed dispersal by waterfowl
Authors: Lovas‐Kiss Ádám , Navarro‐Ramos María J. , Vincze Orsolya , Löki Viktor , Urgyán Renáta , Pallér‐Kapusi Felícia , van Leeuwen Casper H. A. , Green Andy J. , Lukács Balázs András 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The expansion of alien plant species is of global concern, yet our understanding of their dispersal mechanisms is limited. Here we address the potential of alien plant seeds to disperse via ingestion, transport and egestion in waterfowl (endozoochory). Based on their general rapid expansions, we expected alien plant species to have several advantages for endozoochory compared to native plant species. We hypothesised that seeds of alien species would have higher passage rate, longer gut retention times, higher germinability after gut passage and shorter time‐to‐germination after egestion by waterfowl.

In order to test our hypotheses, we compared the endozoochorous dispersal ability of six pairs of congeneric alien and native wetland plant species in a feeding experiment with mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). We focused on differences in seed survival, gut retention time, germinability and time‐to‐germination. In the analyses we corrected for seed shape and volume as these seed traits are known to have important effects.

With gut passage, alien species had higher passage rates and germinated slower, whereas native species had shorter retention times and greater germinability. Controlling for seed traits did not alter these conclusions, but seed traits affected all aspects of the endozoochory process. This suggests that alien species may have particular traits correlated with a higher endozoochory potential. Among control seeds, alien seeds germinated faster and their germinability was higher than natives. Seed traits explained differences in germinability and time‐to‐germination in control seeds.

Seeds of alien plant species have traits that correlate with successful endozoochory. This may provide alien species with a competitive advantage over native plant species by ensuring higher endozoochory rates in new environments, potentially enabling their rapid expansions. Our study underlines the important role of seed traits in the endozoochory potential of alien and native plant species, notably through their influence on retention time and germination.
Litter and soil biodiversity jointly drive ecosystem functions
Authors: Liu Shengen , Plaza César , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Trivedi Chanda , Wang Juntao , Trivedi Pankaj , Zhou Guiyao , Piñeiro Juan , Martins Catarina S. C. , Singh Brajesh K. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe decomposition of litter and the supply of nutrients into and from the soil are two fundamental processes through which the above‐ and belowground world interact. Microbial biodiversity, and especially that of decomposers, plays a key role in these processes by helping litter decomposition. Yet the relative contribution of litter diversity and soil biodiversity in supporting multiple ecosystem services remains virtually unknown. Here we conducted a mesocosm experiment where leaf litter and soil biodiversity were manipulated to investigate their influence on plant productivity, litter decomposition, soil respiration, and enzymatic activity in the littersphere. We showed that both leaf litter diversity and soil microbial diversity (richness and community composition) independently contributed to explain multiple ecosystem functions. Fungal saprobes community composition was especially important for supporting ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), plant production, litter decomposition, and activity of soil phosphatase when compared with bacteria or other fungal functional groups and litter species richness. Moreover, leaf litter diversity and soil microbial diversity exerted previously undescribed and significantly interactive effects on EMF and multiple individual ecosystem functions, such as litter decomposition and plant production. Together, our work provides experimental evidence supporting the independent and interactive roles of litter and belowground soil biodiversity to maintain ecosystem functions and multiple services.
Patient research priority setting partnership in human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type I
Authors: Adonis Adine , Russell Anne‐Marie , Taylor Graham P. , Preston Melanie , Shields Alpheus , Strachan Sue , Young Sky , Diallo Haissata , Ashford Stephen , Cassidy Elizabeth 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionHuman T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is a chronic infection affecting 5–10 million people worldwide. Ten percent develop HTLV‐1‐associated diseases, and 3%–5% develop HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy (HAM)/tropical spastic paraparesis. Low health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is a significant concern for those with HTLV‐1, and little is known about how it impacts daily life or what patients need from healthcare services. To address this, we report on patient involvement workshops aimed at identifying research priorities for HTLV‐1 health service provision.MethodsParticipants recruited through HTLV‐1 clinics in England attended six 90‐min virtual workshops over 10 months, and two 60‐min consolidation workshops. Content developed iteratively from topic focussed group discussions. All workshops were video‐recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Using consensus voting rounds, participants individually ranked their top six and then collectively their top three research priorities from the themes inferred from the analysis. A final feedback session explored the experiences of participating in the workshops.FindingsTwenty‐seven people with HTLV‐1 engaged with the workshops with up to 22 participants attending each meeting. The majority were diagnosed with HAM (n = 22). The top three research priorities were identified as understanding disease progression, psychosocial wellbeing, and information and knowledge. Participants valued being asked to set research priorities that directly addressed their needs and enjoyed the workshops. They stressed the importance of patient advocates for promoting research that positively impacts everyday life.ConclusionThis is the first of this type of research engagement with people with HTLV‐1 in the United Kingdom. Participants identified several avenues of investigation that could lead to improvements in healthcare services and HRQoL. Participants believed the workshops signified the start of a conversation to progress person‐centred and meaningful research in HTLV‐1.Patient or Public ContributionPeople living with HTLV‐1 were involved in the iterative design, conduct, analysis, writing and dissemination of this project through the patient involvement workshops. As a result of this engagement, a patient led advisory group has been set up to assist with the dissemination of the findings.
A future agenda for research on climate change and human mobility
Authors: Oakes Robert , Van der Geest Kees , Schraven Benjamin , Adaawen Stephen , Ayeb‐Karlsson Sonja , de Sherbinin Alexander , Etzold Benjamin , Groth Juliane , Hermanns Kathleen , Lakeman Silvana , Nawrotzki Raphael , Rademacher‐Schulz Christina , Romankiewic Clemens , Serraglio Diogo , Sterly Harald , Thalheimer Lisa , Wiederkehr Charlotte , Williams David 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn the past 15 years, research activities focusing on the interlinkages between climate change and human mobility have intensified. At the same time, an increasing number of actors and processes have sought to address human mobility in the context of climate change from a policy perspective. Hitherto, research has been limited in terms of geographical preferences as well as conceptual and methodological focus areas. This paper argues that to address the evolving policy space, future research on climate change in the context of human mobility needs to become more differentiated, integrated and generalized. This includes concerted efforts to better integrate researchers from the global South, improved cross‐linkages between different datasets, approaches and disciplines, more longitudinal and comparative studies and development of innovative qualitative and quantitative methods.
Custodians of contemporary pluralism? Acas' evolving role in addressing conflict during a time of economic and regulatory flux
Authors: Hann Deborah , Latreille Paul , Nash David , Saundry Richard 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper charts the development of Acas over the last two decades as it responds to the changing context of British employment relations. While dispute resolution services have evolved to focus on individual disputes, Acas has remained true to its pluralist roots through its training and advisory services that continue to promote ‘good employment relations’.
Influenza‐associated respiratory illness among five cohorts of pregnant women and their young infants (0–6 months), Bangladesh, 2013–2017
Authors: Akhtar Zubair , Ghosh Probir , Bhuiyan Mejbah , Sturm‐Ramirez Katharine , Rahman Mohammed , Howlader Md. , Dawood Fatimah , Chowdhury Fahmida , Iuliano Danielle 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women with their infants are considered at higher risk for influenza‐associated complications, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccination during pregnancy to protect them, including their infants (0–6 months). There are limited data on the influenza burden among pregnant women and their infants (0–6 months), and there are no routine influenza vaccinations in Bangladesh.MethodsFive annual cohorts (2013–2017) of pregnant women were enrolled from the eight sub‐districts of Bangladesh before the influenza season (May–September); they were contacted weekly to identify new onset of influenza‐like illness (ILI) (subjective or measured fever and cough) and acute respiratory illness (ARI) (at least two of these symptoms: cough, rhinorrhea, or difficulty in breathing) among their infants from birth to 6 months of age. We collected nasopharyngeal swabs from ILI and ARI cases, tested by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) for influenza virus (including types and subtypes) and estimated influenza incidence (95% CI)/10000 pregnant women‐months or infant‐months, respectively.ResultsWe enrolled 9020 pregnant women, followed for 26,709 pregnancy‐months, and detected 1241 ILI episodes. We also followed 8963 infants for 51,518 infant‐months and identified 5116 ARI episodes. Influenza positivity was 23% for ILI and 3% for ARI cases. The overall incidence (2013–2017) of influenza among pregnant women was 158.5/10000 pregnant women‐months (95% CI: 141.4–177.6) and that among infants was 21.9/10000 infant‐months (95% CI: 18.2–26.5).ConclusionsAlthough the data was collected more than 5 years ago, as the only baseline data, our findings illustrate evidence of influenza burden among pregnant women and infants (0–6 months), which may support preventive policy decisions in Bangladesh.
Identifying infection in chronic wounds in a community setting: A systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Edwards George , Carter Adam , Wallis Chloe , Hayward Gail , Moore Abigail 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of different methods currently available to identify infection in chronic wounds applicable to adult patients in a community setting.DesignSystematic review of diagnostic test accuracy studies.Review MethodsTwo authors independently completed screening, data extraction and quality and bias assessments (QUADAS2). Eligible studies compared a method (index test) for detecting infection (diagnosis of interest) with microscopy and culture of either deep tissue biopsy or wound swab (reference test) in adult patients with wounds of >4 weeks duration (participants). The results were synthesized narratively.Data SourcesWe systematically searched CINAHL, Embase and Medline from 2011 to April 2022.ResultsFour studies were included, all recruiting from secondary care wound clinics. Two studies assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Moleculight i:X, a bacterial fluorescence imaging device against deep tissue biopsy culture. One study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the elevation of various enzymes detected in wound fluid against wound swab microscopy of culture. One study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of bacterial protease activity against wound swab microscopy and culture. Sensitivities of these methods ranged from 50 to 75% and specificities from 47 to 100%.ConclusionOnly a small number of studies were included in this systematic review due to our strict inclusion criteria. We have not identified any methods for diagnosing infection in chronic wounds with either a sufficient quality of evidence to recommend their use in community settings at present. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate appropriate diagnostics for this purpose.ImpactThis study highlights the paucity of research into wound diagnostics in a community setting and should prompt further research in this area. Accurate diagnostic tests have the potential to improve community‐based wound care by optimizing antibiotic use and potentially improving healing time.Reporting MethodPRISMA‐DTA checklist.Patient or Public ContributionThe PPI group for the NIHR Community Healthcare MIC were supportive of this topic of work.
How is complexity measured and detected among community dwelling older people aged 65 years and over? A scoping review
Authors: Boak Jennifer , Rasekaba Tshepo , Baxter Pamela , Blackberry Irene 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimTo identify and explore tools that measured and detected complexity of care among community dwelling people aged 65 years and older.Data SourcesDatabases were searched for articles published up to 23 September 2022 including CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE, Cochrane database for trials and grey literature.MethodsA scoping review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible articles included those with participants aged over 65 years, living in the community and studies that included care complexity detection or assessment and how this related to care delivered. Covidence was used to screen titles, abstracts and full‐text articles.ResultsEighteen full texts were reviewed; four studies were included in the final review. All selected studies included people aged over 65 years living in the community. A high level of reliability for the items included in the interventions was found. The selected studies included tools for assessing older person's needs with nurses involved in the assessment.ConclusionThe review identified four tools for measuring complexity in community dwelling older people. Two tools have the capacity to objectively measure complexity due to the holistic nature of items included and appear easy to use to support clinical judgement decisions.ImpactThe review places a spotlight on the concept of complexity and highlights the lack of definition of care complexity. The synthesized result highlights the need to explore detection of care complexity of older people further and consider ways of supporting clinical judgement and decision making of community nurses. The use of a validated tool may enhance clinical judgement regarding care complexity and may lead to a more consistent and timely approach to care.Patient or Public ContributionDuring the development phase, the study was presented to a consumer group from the researcher's workplace.Prospero RegistrationCRD42022299336.
Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (Wire TRUST) technique: A novel method to grasp a lead with inaccessible ends as a supportive femoral approach for transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Kasai Yuhei , Haraguchi Takuya , Morita Junji , Kitai Takayuki , Okada Takuya , Tamura Takashi , Munakata Yumetsugu , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Kasai Jungo , Fujita Tsutomu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionTransvenous lead extraction (TLE) is a crucial procedure for managing cardiac implantable electronic devices. The use of a combined superior and femoral approach has been found to enhance the success rate of TLE. This report introduces a novel technique, named “Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice” (Wire TRUST), for effectively grasping a lead without a free end during TLE.MethodThe Wire TRUST technique was applied in a case involving a 49‐year‐old male patient requiring TLE due to electrical artifact on the right ventricular (RV) lead, replacement of the RV lead, and pacemaker generator exchange. The Wire TRUST technique involved the insertion of a 4‐Fr pigtail catheter and a 6‐Fr snare catheter through the 14‐Fr sheath inserted from the right common femoral vein. The 4‐Fr pigtail catheter was hooked to the RV lead under multidirectional fluoroscopic guidance in the right atrium. The 0.014‐in. guidewire was advanced through the pigtail catheter, crossing the RV lead until reaching the inferior vena cava. Subsequently, the distal end of the 0.014‐in. guidewire was captured using a snare and pulled, facilitating externalization of the guidewire. After externalization, both ends of the 0.014‐in. guidewire were passed through the snare outside the body and reinserted into the 14‐Fr sheath. By simultaneously advancing and closing the snare while applying tension to the 0.014‐in. guidewire, a secure grip on the lead without free ends was achieved.ResultsThe Wire TRUST technique enabled successful lead extraction and replacement without any complications. The technique facilitated the co‐axial alignment of the powered sheath with the RV lead, ensuring safe and efficient extraction.ConclusionThe Wire TRUST technique presents a novel and effective approach for grasping leads with inaccessible ends during TLE.
Response of protists to nitrogen addition, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi manipulation, and mesofauna reduction in a tropical montane rainforest in southern Ecuador
Authors: Schulz Garvin , Camenzind Tessa , Sánchez‐Galindo Laura M. , Schneider Dominik , Scheu Stefan , Krashevska Valentyna 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe tropical Andes are a species‐rich and nitrogen‐limited system, susceptible to increased nitrogen (N) inputs from the atmosphere. However, our understanding of the impacts of increased N input on belowground systems, in particular on protists and their role in nutrient cycling, remains limited. We explored how increased N affects protists in tropical montane rainforests in Ecuador using high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) of environmental DNA from two litter layers. In addition, we manipulated the amount of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and mesofauna, both playing a significant role in N cycling and interacting in complex ways with protist communities. We found that N strongly affected protist community composition in both layers, while mesofauna reduction had a stronger effect on the lower layer. Changes in concentration of the AMF marker lipid had little effect on protists. In both layers, the addition of N increased phagotrophs and animal parasites and decreased plant parasites, while mixotrophs decreased in the upper layer but increased in the lower layer. In the upper layer with higher AMF concentration, mixotrophs decreased, while in the lower layer, photoautotrophs increased and plant parasites decreased. With reduced mesofauna, phagotrophs increased and animal parasites decreased in both layers, while plant parasites increased only in the upper layer. The findings indicate that to understand the intricate response of protist communities to environmental changes, it is critical to thoroughly analyze these communities across litter and soil layers, and to include HTS.
Application of combined essential oils and bacteriocins encapsulated in gelatin for bio‐preservation of meatballs
Authors: Sarmast Elham , Foudjing Gildas Gaëlle Domguia , Salmieri Stephane , Lacroix Monique 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, gelatin‐based encapsulation of different bioactive compounds including essential oils (EOs) and bacteriocins, produced by lactic acid bacteria was established to evaluate the microbial, physiochemical, and sensory qualities of meatballs. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration followed by checkboard method showed citrus extract, Mediterranean formulation,Cinnamonand thyme EOs had inhibitory concentrations between 20 and 5000 ppm and synergistic effect against common contaminant and pathogenic bacteria in meat. The bacteriocins produced byLactobacillus curvatusandPediococcus acidilacticishowed antimicrobial activity between 10,000 and 80,000 ppm againstLeuconostoc mesenteroides,Carnobacterium divergens,Lactobacillus curvatus,Listeria inocua,Listeria monocytogenes, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Encapsulation of the bioactive compounds in gelatin kept the bioactive content to greater extent. The encapsulated bioactive compounds were effective to inhibit the microbial growth, retard the lipid oxidation and color changes, and preserve the sensorial attributes of meatballs. It can be concluded that gelatin‐based encapsulation of Cinnamon EOs and bacteriocins is effective to extend the shelf‐life of meatballs.
Heralding a new era of oxytocinergic research: New tools, new problems?
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAccording to classic neuroendocrinology, hypothalamic oxytocin cells can be categorized into parvo‐ and magnocellular neurons. However, research in the last decade provided ample evidence that this black‐and‐white model of oxytocin neurons is most likely oversimplified. Novel genetic, functional and morphological studies indicate that oxytocin neurons might be organized in functional modules and suggest the existence of five or more distinct oxytocinergic subpopulations. However, many of these novel, automated high‐throughput techniques might be inherently biased and interpretation of acquired data needs to be approached with caution to enable drawing sound and reliable conclusions. In addition, the recent finding that astrocytes in various brain regions express functional oxytocin receptors represents a paradigm shift and challenges the view that oxytocin primarily acts as a direct peptidergic neurotransmitter. This review highlights the latest technical advances in oxytocinergic research, puts recent studies on the oxytocin system into context and formulates various provocative ideas based on novel findings that challenges various prevailing hypotheses and dogmas about oxytocinergic modulation.
Topical 5% minoxidil versus combined erbium YAG laser and topical 5% minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Zavare Zahra , Iraji Fariba 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men, and several treatment options have been proposed for it. Fractional ablative erbium YAG laser can promote hair growth through trans‐epidermal drug delivery and the thermal stimulation of hair follicles; this study therefore aims to evaluate minoxidil alone and in combination with fractional ablative erbium YAG laser in male patients with AGA.MethodsThis study was performed on 30 male patients with moderate to severe AGA. Patients were equally randomized into two groups, and the intervention group was treated with 1 mL of topical 5% minoxidil twice daily and six sessions of 2940‐nm ablative fractional erbium YAG laser, and the control group received topical 5% minoxidil alone. The assessment entailed photography, dermoscopy, and patient satisfaction based on a 7‐point grading scale.ResultsBoth groups showed statistically significant improvements in terms of patient satisfaction, photography, and dermoscopy scores. The group receiving a combination of laser and minoxidil treatment obtained a higher dermoscopy score than the patients receiving minoxidil alone (p‐value = 0.016). Nonetheless, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of the photography score (p‐value = 0.13).ConclusionLaser treatment can stimulate the hair follicles and also enhance the dermal delivery of minoxidil, which was found to be associated with slightly better outcomes in this study.