bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising sclerophylly in the Amazon over the last four decades
Authors: Barbosa Milton , Maia Renata , Menor Imma Oliveras , Marimon-Junior Ben Hur , Marimon Beatriz Schwantes , Fernandes Geraldo , Malhi Yadvinder , Gutiérrez Jesús Aguirre 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The Amazon Forest, essential for global biodiversity and climate regulation, is increasingly threatened by deforestation, fire, and climate change, pushing it toward a critical tipping point. This may lead to a shift from dense forests to open, fire-prone landscapes, jeopardising its original biodiversity and key ecological functions. Using historical satellite spectral data and community-weighted tree trait data from 130 vegetation plots, we quantify changes in leaf sclerophylly - leaf toughness, a drought-adaptive trait - across the Amazon. We show that vegetation with higher sclerophylly exhibits more stable spectral reflectance over time. Over the last four decades, this stability has increased by 10%, suggesting a rise in sclerophylly linked to climatic stress. If current trends continue, in 40 years, the Amazon may approach sclerophylly levels seen in transitional zones with the Cerrado savanna biome, potentially altering carbon and water cycles with profound implications for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. However, significant regional variation in this trend underscores the role of local factors, including human activities, in influencing forest resilience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate both climate-induced and anthropogenic pressures, ensuring the forest’s future resilience.
Impact of defect dynamics on the formation of quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: CHAKRABORTY BISWANATH , Joshi Pragya , Singla Sakal , Morales Gabriel , Sharma Dushali , Makineni Surendra , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Sarkar Suman , Dreyer Cyrus 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Isolated point defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising candidates for single-photon emitters (SPEs) for quantum technologies. Despite extensive experimental and theoretical studies in recent years, determining unambiguously the microscopic nature of such emitters and how they form in hBN has been challenging. In this work, we combine optical and electron spectroscopy to reveal how nanoscale carbon migration leads to SPEs in hBN. We find that focused electron-beam irradiation of hBN introduces tightly confined carbon clusters at the irradiation epicenter. Subsequent thermal annealing drives the migration of carbon from such an epicenter, leading to the systematic formation of SPEs a few microns away. First-principles calculations reveal that this carbon migration can
be described as a combined process of substitutional carbon and boron vacancy hopping across atomic sites. Our findings provide new insights on the formation process of quantum emitters in hBN, opening new possibilities for their creation and control.
“It was up to me to be curious”: Perceptions and Experiences of Students with Intellectual Disability on Genetics and Health Education
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Hansen Jennifer , Danker Joanne , Jackaman Karen-Maia , Loblinzk Julie , Sarfaraz Skie , Scully Jackie Leach , Boyle Jackie , Terrill Bronwyn , Palmer Elizabeth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

People with intellectual disability want to learn more about their health and genetics. They want to be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make informed health and genetic healthcare choices. Little is known about what high school students with intellectual disability learn about health, genetics or genetic healthcare. To address this gap, we conducted an inclusive qualitative research study in Australia. Fourteen Australian current and recently graduated students with intellectual disability participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive content analysis revealed four key themes: (i) Science, health and genetics education, (ii) Health rights, (iii) Education rights, (iv) Recommendations for improving genetic and health literacy. Students with intellectual disability reported they were not taught about genetics and health, making healthcare choices, and/or making life decisions at school. They felt this disadvantages and disempowers them in becoming informed healthcare consumers. They recommended that teachers should be supported with resources to deliver inclusive, person-centred and respectful lessons that inform decision-making about genetics, health and healthcare choices. Future research should focus on how best to upskill teachers to support students with intellectual disability for their future health choices in a respectful, supportive, student-centred and strengths-based way. This will help prepare young people with intellectual disability to navigate the healthcare system and be empowered partners in their own healthcare. The growth of such skills has been suggested as critical in inequities in healthcare access for people with intellectual disability, as well as improving healthcare experiences and outcomes.
Let’s Think Aloud on Teacherpreneurship: A Phenomenological Study through the Lens of EFL Teachers
Authors: Barjesteh Hamed , Rad Neda Fatehi , Isaee Hossein 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Teacherpreneurs are a combination of educators and entrepreneurs who balance their teaching roles with the opportunity, resources, and motivation to develop and implement innovative educational practices and policies that benefit students and fellow teachers (Berry, 2010). Research indicates that teachers who exhibit entrepreneurial behavior often prioritize their professional development. However, the perceptions of English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers regarding teacherpreneurship have not been thoroughly explored in the context of the Middle East. This study seeks to investigate the perceptions of ELT teachers in four countries (i.e., Dubai, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq) about teacherpreneurship, examining its advantages and challenges. The study identifies common themes and attitudes among participants using a phenomenological design. Through purposive sampling and ethical considerations, 40 ELT teachers with experience in teacherpreneurship were selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Duo and WhatsApp, with open-ended questions in English. The results revealed that participants viewed teacherpreneurship as a means for fostering innovation, advancing professionally, generating income, improving digital literacy, reducing burnout, and creating platforms for publishing academic work. Furthermore, participants identified several advantages and challenges associated with ELT teacherpreneurship. The findings have implications for many stakeholders, including ELT teacherpreneurs, their followers, and researchers across the Middle Eastern context.
Whole Transcriptome Sequencing and ceRNA Regulatory Network in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: YAN Qi , XU Li-juan , MA Jing , WANG Jing , WANG Xian-ming , MA Li 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a serious complication of diabetes, its molecular causes are still unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to further investigate the pathogenesis of diabetes through whole transcriptome sequencing. Methods: Based on the whole transcriptome sequencing data, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the DPN and the control groups were identified, and functions and pathways in which DEGs were enriched were analyzed. Thereafter, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built, and the top 20 hub genes were screened via STRING algorithm. Moreover, enrichment analysis for the top 20 hub genes was subsequently performed. Finally, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was created. Results: There were 597 DEGs between the DPN group and control groups. The top 20 hub genes were Fos, Tnf, Jun, Cd3e, CD79a, Cd27, Cd79b, Ptprc, Cd22, Cd40lg, Cd19, Cr2, Sell, Il6, Pdlim3, Actn2, Myom2, Tnni2, Ldb3, and Myh7. According to the enrichment analysis, DEGs and hub genes were enriched into ‘B cell receptor signaling pathway’, ‘TNF signaling pathway’, ‘T cell receptor signaling pathway’,‘Th17 cell differentiation’,‘IL-17 signaling pathway’,‘primary immunodeficiency’, and ‘toll-like receptor signaling pathway’. The ceRNA network finally contained 9 mRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and 23 lncRNAs. Conclusion: The findings of this study could provide novel insights into the roles of DEGs in the pathogenesis of DPN.
Socio-Economic Circumstances of Children with Disabilities in Zimbabwe in the face of COVID-19 pandemic in Rujeko High Density, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mwapaura Kudzai , Chikoko Witness , Tome Ropafadzo Ashley 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The article discusses the socioeconomic challenges encountered by children with disabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rujeko High-Density suburb, Masvingo Province. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, punctuated by a case study research designs to have a deeper understanding of the realities of children with disabilities. Utilising a social model conceptual framework, children with disabilities live secluded lives due to exclusion and discrimination. The study was motivated by a lack of attention towards challenges encountered by children with disabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings suggest that some of the challenges included; lack of access to online learning, transportation challenges and limited mobility at schools. Removing these barriers should not be a charitable act but rather a mandate to ensure their well-being. The children with disabilities were also employing different copying strategies which include, debrief from friend, begging for learning material and making attempts to benefit from public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Hyper diversity, species richness, and community structure in ESS and non-ESS communities
Authors: Honasoge Kailas Shankar , Vincent Tania L. , McNickle Gordon G. , Staňková Kateřina , Brown Joel S. , Apaloo Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In mathematical models of eco-evolutionary dynamics with a quantitative trait, two species with different strategies can coexist only if they are separated by a valley or peak of the adaptive landscape. A community is ecologically and evolutionarily stable if each species’ trait sits on global, equal fitness peaks, forming a saturatedESS community. However, the adaptive landscape may allow communities with fewer (undersaturated) or more (hypersaturated) species than the ESS. Non-ESS communities at ecological equilibrium exhibit invasion windows of strategies that can successfully invade. Hypersaturated communities can arise through mutual invasibility where each non-ESS species’ strategy lies in another’s invasion window. Hypersaturation in ESS communities with >1 species remains poorly understood.
We use the G-function approach to model niche coevolution and Darwinian dynamics in a Lotka-Volterra competition model. We confirm that up to 2 (or 3) species can coexist in a hypersaturated community with a single-species ESS if the strategy is scalar-valued (or bivariate). We conjecture that at most n*(s+1) species can form a hypersaturated community, where n is the number of ESS species at the strategy’s dimension. For a scalar-valued 2-species ESS, four species coexist by “straddling” the would-be ESS traits. In a 5-species ESS, 7 or 8, but not 10, species can coexist in the hypersaturated community. In a bivariate model with a single-species ESS, an infinite number of 3-species hypersaturated communities can exist.
We offer conjectures and discuss their relevance to ecosystems that may be non-ESS due to invasive species, climate change, and human-altered landscapes.
Bioactivity, biochemical mechanisms, and olfactory effects of the essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum and its major compound eugenol on Sitophilus zeamais L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pimenta Thiago Alves , Silva Aleska Batista da , Farias Lílian Renata Alves , Cruz Glaucilane Santos , Teixeira Valéria Wanderley , Teixeira Álvaro Aguiar Coelho , Silva Naely de Lima , Trindade Roseane Cristina Predes 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

With the significant losses Sitophilus zeamais (Linnaeus, 1763) causes to corn from fields to storage and the harmful effects of excessive chemical insecticide use, this study aimed to assess the toxicity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil and its main component, eugenol. It also looked into how they impact S. zeamais biochemical profile over time. The study analyzed chromatographic data for the oil and various parameters for the insects, including mortality rates, repellence, deterrence, adult emergence, and biochemical changes (proteins, lipids, sugars, and glycogen levels). Results showed that S. aromaticum essential oil had a significant lethal effect on S. zeamais, with an LC95 of 35.21 µL/L and an LC50 of 13.7 µL/L, while eugenol's LC95 was 12.74 µL/L and its LC50 was 7.33 µL/L in contact toxicity tests. Both the oil and eugenol demonstrated repellent and fumigant effects, disrupting the insect's biology. In terms of nutritional impact, the substances affected the insects differently. The essential oil initially increased nutrient levels but then reduced them after 48 hours, while eugenol initially increased levels but eventually led to a decrease. In conclusion, both the essential oil and eugenol showed adverse effects on S. zeamais, altering crucial survival parameters. However, eugenol yielded more significant results and is readily available commercially, making it a promising candidate for developing new insecticidal products.
Trends and Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension at Global, Regional, and National Levels from 1990 to 2021: Findings from the 2021 Global B urden of Disease Study
Authors: Tang Meng , Liu Xingxing , Hao Xiaoyu , Liu Zhiming , Li Zuwei , Luo Hanbin , Zou Guohui Zou 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic vascular disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which can ultimately result in right ventricular failure. This condition imposes a substantial economic burden and significant health challenges on both healthcare systems and patients. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of PAH, evaluating factors such as gender, age, region, country, and sociodemographic variables, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021.
Methods: This study leverages the most recent data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to evaluate the global, regional, and national burden and trends of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The analysis is based on age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), employing decomposition analysis, health inequality analysis, and frontier analysis. Additionally, the study investigates period and cohort effects from 1990 to 2021 using age-period-cohort (APC) modeling and projects the futuredisease burden of PAH through Bayesian APC (BAPC) modeling.
Results: In 2021, the prevalence and mortality rates of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were notably higher compared to previous years, whereas disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized death rates (ASDR) exhibited a declining trend. The disease burden was generally greater among females and the elderly population compared to males and other age groups. Low Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions consistently bore a disproportionately higher burden of mortality and DALYs. Decomposition analyses revealed that population growth and aging were significant contributors to the overall PAH disease burden. Age-period-cohort effects indicated that the risk of disease was broadly positively correlated with age. Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) modeling projections suggest that the global burden of PAH is expected to decrease by 2035.
Conclusions: Global, national, and regional progress in reducing the disease burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) during the study period was relatively limited, particularly among women and older age groups. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for PAH remain insufficient in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the proactive development of health policies tailored to the disease burden of PAH and aligned with the economic development levels of different countries and regions represents a crucial approach to tackling this significant public health challenge.
Investigation of Lysinibacillus macroides, Kurthia huakuii and Enterococcus faecium as potential probiotics from freshwater snail gut microbiota
Authors: Shaker Reham Alaa Eldin , Hashem Rasha A. , Hassan Mariam , Ibrahim Amina M. , Ragab Yasser M. , Khattab Rania Abdelmonem 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

For various kinds of mammals and insects, including humans, the composition and roles of intestinal microbial populations have been clarified; however, less is understood concerning the gut microbiota of mollusks. Lanistes carinatus (L. carinatus), Cleopatra, and Helisoma duryi (H. duryi) and explore their gut microbiota. Lysinibacillus macroides (L. macroides), Kurthia huakuii (K. huakuii) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) were isolated from L. carinatus, Cleopatra and H. duryi, respectively. L. macroides, K. huakuii and E. faecium demonstrated no hemolytic and DNase activity. Furthermore, the three potential probiotic bacteria showed antimicrobial efficacy towards Staphylococcus (Staph.) aureus, Escherichia (E.) coli, Salmonella (S.) typhi and Pseudomonas (Ps.) aeruginosa. The cell free supernatant (CFS) derived from the three potential probiotics demonstrated non-significant cytotoxicity against Caco2 cells in all tested dilutions. In addition, the bacterial isolates displayed significant tolerance to a wide range of pH values and bile salt concentrations (0.3% and 0.7% w/v). The three bacterial isolates-maintained sensitivity to all tested antibiotics except for L. macroides and K. huakuii who exhibited resistance against tetracycline while K. huakuii was resistant to gentamycin. L. carinatus, Cleopatra and H. duryi gut microbiota were explored to investigate their microbial population structure where it was dominated with two main phyla with no significant difference Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The purposes of the investigation were to establish the probiotic potential of L. macroides, K. huakuii and E. faecium bacterial isolates obtained from the gut microbiota of freshwater snails and their ability as a promising probiotics promoting health benefits in humans or animals.
ICO Learning assisted characterization of Transient Chaos in PT-symmetric Liénard system
Authors: Deka J. P. , Govindarajan A. , Sarma A. K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the implications of the unsupervised learning technique known as Input-Correlations (ICO) learning in the temporal dynamics of two linearly coupled PT-symmetric Liénard oscillators. We find that on increasing the amplitude of the external periodic drive, the system exhibits period-doubling cascade to chaos. In the period-4 regime, we observe the emergence of transient chaos which has been further validated by the maximal Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) and the Hilbert Transform. In the transiently chaotic regime, we deploy ICO learning from which we identify that when there is emergence of transiently chaotic dynamics, the synaptic weight associated with the loss oscillator exhibits stationary temporal evolution. This signifies that in the periodic regime, there is no overlap between the filtered signals obtained from the time-series of the coupled PT-symmetric oscillators. In addition, the temporal evolution of the weight associated with the stimulus mimics the behaviour of the Hilbert transform of the time-series.
Risk factors for open gingival embrasures after clear aligners treatment: A retrospective study
Authors: Cui Wenjie , Liu Yibai , Zhao Yang , Lei Lang , Li Houxuan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
To explore the incidence and risk factors of open gingival embrasures (OGEs) in the front region of adult none-extraction cases with clear aligner treatment (CAT).
Methods
Eighty-two adult patients with non-extraction and CAT were included in this retrospective study. A total of 820 tooth sites were assessed for OGEs in intraoral photographs. These sites were categorized into nonoccurrence group and occurrence group. The parameters – including crown shape, root angulation, distance between cementoenamel junction, and distance from interproximal contact point (ICP) to alveolar bone crest (ABC) – were compared between occurrence group and nonoccurrence group using independent t-test and were further analyzed based on the severity. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significant risk factors of OGEs.
Results
The overall incidence of OGEs was 13.4% in the maxilla and 30.7% in the mandible. The highest incidence was found between the mandibular central incisors, standing at 39.02%. Age, mandibular crowding, distance between adjacent maxillary teeth at the cementoenamel junction and distance from ICP to ABC in the maxilla and mandible have significant correlation with the occurrence of OGEs (P<0.05). The tooth shape as well as the distance from ICP to ABC were correlated with the severity of OGEs between mandibular central incisors (P<0.05).
Conclusions
OGE is a common complication after CAT, adversely affecting the smiling esthetics. Clinicians should be well aware of risk factors, such as age, degree of dental crowding, and the distance from the ICP to ABC.
Impact of the anesthetic technique: desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol on the performance of the LMA Protector TM in anesthetized adult patients. A comparative study of non-inferiority
Authors: Zaballos Matilde , Portas Maite , Pizarro Ana-Gloria , Reyes Almudena , Varela Olalla , Hortal Javier 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: The laryngeal mask (LM) Protector™ (LMP) is a second-generation supraglottic airway device associated with high oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP). Anesthetic technique is one factor influencing OLP.
Objective: To evaluate the OLP of the LMP using desflurane, comparing it for non-inferiority to sevoflurane and propofol, and to assess the relationship between respiratory adverse events and anesthetic agent.
Methods: This prospective, observational cohort study included 180 ASA physical status I-III adult patients (aged 18-75 years) undergoing outpatient surgery requiring an LMA. All patients received midazolam (1 mg IV), remifentanil (0.25 µg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹), and propofol (2.5-3 mg kg⁻¹) before LMP insertion without neuromuscular blockade. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol. OLP and respiratory complications were recorded.
Results: Demographic parameters were similar across groups, except for a lower percentage of women in the sevoflurane group and similar rates of advanced airway use. OLP [median (range), cm H₂O] was 28 (22-34) for desflurane, 26 (22-32) for sevoflurane, and 28 (25-34) for propofol (p = 0.62). Initial and maintenance ventilation characteristics were comparable across groups, as was the incidence of respiratory complications (coughing, laryngospasm, desaturation), which were generally mild.
Conclusion: The LMP provides effective airway management with high OLP, irrespective of the anesthetic agent (desflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol) used. No significant differences in OLP or respiratory complications were observed among the anesthetic groups.