bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responses to water limitation are independent of light for saplings of a seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Sunny Ron , Guha Anirban , Jezeera Asmi , Mohan N Kavya , Mohanbabu Neha , Barua Deepak 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSeasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) experience large spatial and temporal variation in water and light availability. The effect of heterogeneity in these limiting resources on species water use, physiology, and growth is still not well understood. We used a shade‐house experiment to manipulate light and water availability and examine plant water uptake, leaf‐level physiology, and sapling growth in four co‐occurring SDTF species belonging to both evergreen and deciduous plant functional types. Water uptake varied dramatically among species with a fivefold difference in maximum whole‐plant transpiration (WPT). While species differed in how WPT, leaf physiology, and growth responded to shade, there were no differences among species, or between evergreen and deciduous functional types, in responses to limited water. Importantly, responses to shade were independent of water availability in all four species. Changes in WPT in response to limited light and water were largely congruent with changes in leaf physiology and growth. However, the magnitude of change in leaf physiology was largely driven by light, while changes in WPT and growth were driven by water availability. Thus, whole‐plant water uptake may be a better indicator of plant growth responses in these species. Overall, these results suggest that responses to light and water limitation may be independent of each other, allowing species in SDTFs to explore a wide range of combinations of light and water responses to adapt to heterogeneous light and water niches.
Leaf‐Litter Depth, Not Canopy Openness, Mediates the Occurrence of an Invasive Shrub From the Forest Edge to Interior
Authors: Lai Hao Ran , Chong Kwek Yan , Wong Melissa Qi Yun , Tan Hugh Tiang Wah , Yeo Darren Chong Jinn 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTContinental tropical forests with intact canopies and densely shaded understories are often perceived to be particularly resistant to biological invasions, yet canopy disturbances leave them vulnerable to gap colonization by invasive plants. The Neotropical shrub, Miconia crenata, is an example of a successful invader in intact continental tropical forests but is generally well known to be restricted to forest trails and edges. However, existing studies that quantify the decline in M. crenata from forest edge to interior rarely compare the relative importance of direct edge effects with indirect edge effects mediated by processes that vary with distance from forest edge. To address this gap, we aim here to identify the most relevant processes influencing M. crenata invasion in the secondary tropical forests of Singapore. Using a path model on field observations collected using an adaptive cluster sampling methodology, we found that the occurrence of M. crenata did not change directly with distance from forest edge. Instead, the decreased occurrence of M. crenata in forest interiors was indirectly mediated by thicker leaf litter, which is detrimental to the small seeds of M. crenata. While there was a direct positive relationship between canopy openness and M. crenata occurrence, canopy openness was not a mediator for relationships with distance to forest edge. These findings suggest that environmental filtering of germinants is an important determinant of the invasion success of M. crenata, and that litter retention could be an effective management against M. crenata even in smaller fragments where canopy gaps have extended far into the forest interior.
Talking About Religion? Differences in Religious Socialization Among Recently Arrived Refugees Between Quebec and Other Provinces in Canada
Authors: Ng Ka U. , Soehl Thomas 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHow does context shapes religious practices and religious expression of immigrants? Existing work has focussed on changes over the long term and across generations. We argue that context can shape religious practice shortly after arrival. Using a nationally representative survey of Syrian refugees with children who arrived between late 2015 and 2018, we examine how often parents talk to their children about religion, a central mechanism in religious socialization. We compare Quebec, which has become increasingly restrictive about public religious expression to other Canadian provinces, which are often upheld as exemplars of multicultural accommodation. Syrian refugees in Quebec, especially mothers, report significantly less frequent religious discussions with their children than those in other provinces, regardless of whether they are Christian or Muslim. This pattern is not explained by pre‐migration religiosity or settlement selection, suggesting that Quebec's distinct socio‐political environment shapes religious expression soon after arrival.
Modulating Anxiety‐Like Behaviors in Neuropathic Pain: Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortex Astrocytes Activation
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Zhong Qi , Liu Zhuang , Zhao Ziyue , Wang Jie , Zhang Zongze 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsThe comorbidity of anxiety‐like symptoms in neuropathic pain (NP) is a significant yet often overlooked health concern. Anxiety sufferers may have a lower tolerance for pain, but which is difficult to treat. Accumulating evidence suggests a strong link between astrocytes and the manifestation of NP with concurrent anxiety‐like behaviors. And the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has emerged as a key player in pain modulation and related emotional processing. However, the complex mechanisms that astrocytes in ACC influence anxiety behavior in mouse models of NP remain largely unexplored.MethodsUtilizing the traditional spared nerve injury (SNI) surgical model, we employed chemogenetic approaches, immunofluorescence, and western blot to investigate the functional significance and interactive dynamics between ACC astrocytes and excitatory neurons.ResultsOur results revealed that SNI surgery induces NP and delayed anxiety‐like behaviors, accompanied by increased astrocyte activity in the ACC. Chemogenetic manipulation demonstrated that inhibiting astrocytes alleviates anxiety symptoms, while activating them exacerbates anxiety‐like behaviors, affecting local excitatory neurons and synapse density. Direct manipulation of ACC excitatory neurons also significantly impacted anxiety‐like behaviors.ConclusionOur results highlight the pivotal role of ACC astrocytes in modulating anxiety‐like behavior, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for anxiety associated with NP by targeting astrocyte function.
Multi IRS‐Aided Low‐Carbon Power Management for Green Communication in 6G Smart Agriculture Using Deep Game Theory
Authors: Masood Fahad , Ahmad Jawad , Al Mazroa Alanoud , Alasbali Nada , Alazeb Abdulwahab , Alshehri Mohammed S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPower consumption management is vital in achieving sustainable and low‐carbon green communication goals in 6G smart agriculture. This research aims to provide a low‐power consumption measurement framework designed specifically for critical data handling in smart agriculture application networks. Deep Q‐learning combined with game theory is proposed to allow network entities such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRSs), and Base Stations (BS) to make intelligent decisions for optimal resource allocation and energy and power consumption. The learning capabilities of DQL with strategic reasoning of game theory, a hybrid framework, have been developed to realize an adaptive routing plan that emphasizes energy‐conscious communication protocols and underestimates the environment. It further enables the investigation of multi‐IRS performance through several key metrics assessments, such as reflected power consumption, energy efficiency, and Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (SNR) improvement.
Regeneration of Lumbriculus variegatus requires post‐amputation production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Beinart Freya R. , Gillen Kathy 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAnimals vary in their ability to replace body parts lost to injury, a phenomenon known as restorative regeneration. Uncovering conserved signaling steps required for regeneration may aid regenerative medicine. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for proper regeneration in species across a wide range of taxa, but it is unknown whether ROS are essential for annelid regeneration. As annelids are a widely used and excellent model for regeneration, we sought to determine whether ROS play a role in the regeneration of the highly regenerative annelid, Lumbriculus variegatus. Using a ROS‐sensitive fluorescent probe we observed ROS accumulation at the wound site within 15 min after amputation; this ROS burst lessened by 6 h post‐amputation. Chemical inhibition of this ROS burst delayed regeneration, an impairment that was partially rescued with exogenous ROS. Our results suggest that similar to other animals, annelid regeneration depends upon ROS signaling, implying a phylogenetically ancient requirement for ROS in regeneration.
Achievement of HbA1c and weight targets in adults with type 2 diabetes on once weekly injectable glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist therapy in UK primary care: A retrospective, real‐world study
Authors: Gulati Kunal , Wijndaele Katrien , Webb Joanne , von Arx Lill‐Brith , Seif Monica , Jennison Thomas , Geneidat Antonia , Wild Rosie , Wood Robert , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimsEvaluate glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight changes after 6 months of once‐weekly (QW) injectable glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) therapy in UK primary care.Materials and MethodsRetrospective, non‐interventional study, using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum primary care database, identified adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) newly initiating a QW injectable GLP‐1 RA between January 2020 and November 2021. Dual primary outcomes were proportion of patients with (1) HbA1c < 7% (<53 mmol/mol) and (2) weight loss categories (from 0% to 15+%) after 6 months of continuous GLP‐1 RA therapy.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 10 816 adults: mean ± standard deviation age 58.8 ± 11.4 years, baseline HbA1c 9.3% ± 1.7% (78.1 ± 18.6 mmol/mol) and body mass index 36.6 ± 7.2 kg/m2. Of 5236 patients with data, 32.8% achieved HbA1c < 7% after 6 months; this proportion was higher for time since T2D diagnosis <5 years (34.1%) versus longer disease duration: ≥5–<10 years (28.0%), ≥10–<15 years (18.7%) and ≥15 years (19.3%). Of 3963 patients with weight data, 22.0% did not lose weight; 34.0%, 27.0%, 11.4% and 5.6% achieved weight reductions of >0%–<5%, ≥5%–<10%, ≥10%–<15% and ≥15%, respectively. No major differences in weight loss were observed by diabetes duration.ConclusionsTwo thirds of T2D patients receiving QW injectable GLP‐1 RA for 6 months did not attain target HbA1c < 7%, and less than half and one‐quarter of patients achieved ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss, respectively. Results suggest an unmet need for better clinical management of T2D in UK primary care.
Exploitation of Eurosystem loopholes and their quantitative reconstruction
Authors: Svozil Karl 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis article identifies and analyses six key strategies used to exploit the Eurosystem's financial mechanisms, and attempts a quantitative reconstruction: inflating TARGET balances, leveraging collateral swaps followed by defaults, diluting self‐imposed regulatory rules, issuing money through Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA), acquisitions facilitated via the Agreement on Net Financial Assets (ANFA), and the perpetual (re)issuance of sovereign bonds as collateral. These practices stem from systemic vulnerabilities or deliberate opportunism within the Eurosystem. While it does not advocate for illicit activities, the article highlights significant weaknesses in the current structure and concludes that comprehensive reforms are urgently needed.
Stable Soil Biota Network Enhances Soil Multifunctionality in Agroecosystems
Authors: Long Xianwen , Li Jiangnan , Liao Xionghui , Wang Jiachen , Zhang Wei , Wang Kelin , Zhao Jie 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTUnraveling how agricultural management practices affect soil biota network complexity and stability and how these changes relate to soil processes and functions is critical for the development of sustainable agriculture. However, our understanding of these knowledge still remains unclear. Here, we explored the effects of soil management intensity on soil biota network complexity, stability, and soil multifunctionality, as well as the relationships among these factors. Four typical land use types representing a gradient of disturbance intensity were selected in calcareous and red soils in southwest China. The four land use types with increasing disturbance intensity included pasture, sugarcane farmland, rice paddy fields, and maize cropland. The network cohesion, the network topological features (e.g., average degree, average clustering coefficient, average path length, network diameter, graph density, and modularity), and the average variation degree were used to evaluate the strength of interactions between species, soil biota network complexity, and the network stability, respectively. The results showed that intensive soil management increased species competition and soil biota network complexity but decreased soil biota network stability. Soil microfauna (e.g., nematode, protozoa, and arthropoda) stabilized the entire soil biota network through top‐down control. Soil biota network stability rather than soil biota network complexity or soil biodiversity predicted the dynamics of soil multifunctionality. Specifically, stable soil communities, in both the entire soil biota network and selected soil organism groups (e.g., archaea, bacteria, fungi, arthropoda, nematode, protozoa, viridiplantae, and viruses), support high soil multifunctionality. In particular, soil microfauna stability had more contributions to soil multifunctionality than the stability of soil microbial communities. This result was further supported by network analysis, which showed that modules 1 and 4 had greater numbers of soil microfauna species and explained more variation of soil multifunctionality. Our study highlights that soil biota network stability should be considered a key factor in improving agricultural sustainability and crop productivity in the context of increasing global agricultural intensification.
Amplifying Women's Voices in Menopause Research: The Importance of Inclusive Perspectives
Authors: Cronin Camille , Donevant Sara , Hughes Kerri‐ann , Kaunonen Marja , Marcussen Jette , Wilson Rhonda 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMenopause, a significant life transition for half the global population, intersects biological, cultural and social dimensions. Despite its universal occurrence, menopause research has historically been dominated by biomedical perspectives, often neglecting women's voices and diverse experiences. This article highlights the importance of including women's perspectives in menopause research to ensure relevance, accuracy and equity. It explores cultural variations in menopause experiences, the impact of socioeconomic status and the often‐overlooked emotional and psychological dimensions. This article advocates for participatory approaches, emphasising that women's involvement enhances research design, implementation and policy development. Evidence‐based interventions that are tailored to the individual can better address the diverse needs of menopausal women. The discussion extends to addressing health disparities, calling for inclusive research and policies to ensure equitable access to care. Ultimately, empowering women through co‐designed research and inclusive policies can transform the menopause journey into an enriching life phase, promoting resilience and inclusivity across communities. This paradigm shift in menopause research and policy highlights the need for diversity, collaboration and evidence‐based approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life for all women.Patient or Public ContributionThis article has been informed by a menopause service user group who discuss their experiences of menopause. The group was formed because of initial qualitative research and now meet on a regular basis to co‐design and co‐produce activities that inform ongoing research for the menopause taskforce.
Efficacy of a topical live probiotic in improving skin health
Authors: Jain Rohit , Voss Abigail L. , Del Rosario Jessica , Hale John D. F. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionMicrococcus luteus is a commensal bacterial member of the human skin and is essential in keeping the balance among the various microbial flora of the skin. M. luteus strain Q24 or BLIS Q24™ was isolated from the skin of a healthy human adult and is known to produce a unique antimicrobial spectrum that is inhibitory towards pathogens associated with skin diseases. It has been developed as a probiotic with potential applications in improving overall skin health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the perceived changes in skin quality following topical application of a formulation containing skin commensal probiotic BLIS Q24™.MethodsA 28‐day study involving 96 participants with self‐reported normal skin with occasional blemishes or breakouts, topically applied a serum formulation containing BLIS Q24™ to the face. Participants quantitatively evaluated the probiotic serum effect on their skin at baseline Day 0 and then again on Day 10, 20 and 28 of the application. In addition, participants maintained a photo diary to record the perceived changes to their skin.ResultsA total of 96 participants completed this research. In comparison to the baseline (Day 0), within 10 days, a significant reduction in blackheads (48%), oiliness (48%), blemishes (57%), dry areas (23%), redness/rosacea (45%) and flaky and rough skin (38%) were reported. The probiotic serum was also effective in a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles (38%), whiteheads (41%), pimples (55%), age spots (29%), and acne (21%) by the end of 28 days of probiotic application. Overall, there's agreement that probiotic serum delivers or exceeds consumer expectations from the concept and performs just as well, or better, than their regular moisturizer.ConclusionAn approach of delivering a live probiotic packaged in an innovative formula to improve several skin conditions in otherwise healthy individuals was found to be successful. This study highlights that a serum formulation containing BLIS Q24™ has a positive impact on skin health. It is effective topically in reducing the appearance of skin blemishes, oiliness, wrinkles, redness, and dryness. BLIS Q24™ offers the potential for preventing skin health‐related issues and routine maintenance of skin microbiome for healthy skin.
Position statement on longitudinal cracks and fractures of teeth
Authors: Patel Shanon , Teng Peng‐Hui , Liao Wan‐Chuen , Davis Matthew Craig , Fidler Ales , Haupt Franziska , Fabiani Cristiano , Zapata Ronald Ordinola , Bose Rahul 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis position statement is a consensus view of an expert committee convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). The statement is based on current clinical and scientific evidence as well as the collective reflective practice of the committee. The aim is to provide clinicians with evidence‐based, authoritative information on the aetiology, clinical presentation, and management of cracks and fractures that typically manifest along the long axis of the crown and/or root.
‘I Don't Know How to Live Real Life Sober’—Identifying Needed Supports Through the Voices of Pregnant and Parenting People Seeking Recovery
Authors: Raynor Phyllis , Corbett Cynthia F. , West Delia , Guille Constance , Eichelberger Kacey , Litwin Alain , Prinz Ronald 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPregnant and parenting people (PPP) experience complex challenges when seeking recovery from substance use disorders (SUD). Using a community‐based participatory research approach, researchers partnered with PPP seeking recovery from SUD to explore supports needed in their communities. Findings are reported in adherence with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Thirty PPP were recruited from a residential drug recovery facility in the Southeastern United States. Participant interviews were conducted in‐person or virtually. PPP were asked to identify existing and needed parenting and recovery supports in their communities. Interviews were transcribed, verified for accuracy and coded using NVIVO software. Thematic analysis was framed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) eight dimensions of wellness, which reflect wellness standards across life domains. Participants identified internal and external challenges including feelings of guilt and shame, treatment access issues, lack of recovery support, grief and loss and inadequate instrumental support. Needed supports were broadly categorised as parenting resources, childcare resources, housing supports, recovery supports, occupational training and assistance and spirituality resources, and then evaluated and sorted based on appropriate fit within the SAMHSA's eight dimensions of wellness. Highest perceived needs fit within Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual and Environmental wellness dimensions, respectively. Healthcare providers promoting recovery for PPP should focus on support needs within SAMHSA's dimensions of wellness and develop strategies that address the full range of these critical wellness dimensions. Intellectual, emotional and tangible environmental supports including parenting and recovery skills training, accessible mental health care and residential housing with childcare availability are essential for long‐term recovery and positive parenting.
Contributing factors to the length of stay and discharge destination of home health care patients: 10‐year electronic health record analysis using the Donabedian model
Authors: Lee Hana , Kim Aeri , Lee Hyeyoun , Woo Kyungmi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimTo identify the factors affecting the length of stay (LOS) and discharge destination (DD) of home health care (HHC) patients in South Korea.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted using the electronic health records of 1769 patients from a hospital in South Korea. Data were collected from January 2013 to December 2022. We categorized the independent variables into patient context, structure, and process factors following a modification of Donabedian's model. Hierarchical and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsThe mean length of stay was 26.41 days. Patients were discharged to the following locations: 35.0% continued HHC, 21.0% died, 19% were discharged to their homes, 17.0% were admitted, and 8.0% were sent to other locations. Patients' sex, type of insurance coverage, and primary caregiver as well as the number of nurse visits, HHC admission route, and type of nursing service were predictors of their LOS. Operation history, a high Charlson comorbidity index, the type of insurance coverage, HHC admission route, and certain nursing care services were associated with admission and death as the DD.ConclusionsProcess variables (e.g., number of nurse visits, HHC admission route, type of nursing services) have a considerable influence on determining the LOS and DD of HHC patients. This result provides new insights into the use of HHC services and care transitions out of the hospital for patients living in their home, offering evidence to reduce unnecessary readmissions and ensure more effective and efficient HHC.