bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why hibernate? Tests of four hypotheses to explain intraspecific variation in hibernation phenology
Authors: Allison Austin Z. T. , Conway Courtney J. , Morris Alice E.
Published: March 2023

Hibernation is a remarkable behaviour deployed by a diverse array of endotherms within many clades that greatly reduces metabolic need, but also has somatic costs. Hibernation in modern endotherms is often assumed to be an adaptation allowing animals to avoid extreme thermal conditions or food shortages in seasonal environments. However, many animals hibernate when foraging conditions are energetically profitable, suggesting other causal factors influence hibernation behaviour.

Understanding the selection pressures responsible for intraspecific variation in the timing and duration of hibernation can help elucidate the relative evolutionary influences of the ultimate ecological causes of hibernation. We tested four previously proposed mechanistic hypotheses to explain intraspecific variation in hibernation phenology in the federally threatened northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus): (1) thermal tolerance, (2) food limitation, (3) predation avoidance and (4) sexual selection.

The predation avoidance and sexual selection hypotheses received the most support, although we also found some support for the thermal tolerance and food limitation hypotheses. Heavy squirrels increased hibernation duration regardless of environmental conditions, as predicted solely by the predation avoidance hypothesis. Reproductive males emerged from hibernation earlier in spring than other sex–age classes, a pattern predicted by the sexual selection hypothesis. Temperature and food availability explained a much smaller amount of the variation in hibernation behaviour, only partially supporting predictions of the thermal tolerance and food limitation hypotheses.

Our results indicate that animals navigate life‐history trade‐offs between energetic allocation to survival and reproduction via state‐dependent optimization of hibernation phenology. Consequently, any future environmental changes that influence body condition will have implications for population ecology and life‐history evolution of hibernating animals due to stark differences in daily survival probability between hibernation and the active season.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Breeding sovereignty: the production of race, nature, and capital in Venezuela
Authors: Kappeler Aaron
Published: March 2023

This article explores the efforts of the Venezuelan government to improve food security and rural livelihoods with an experimental cattle‐breeding project. It investigates the activities of a state enterprise in the western plains and how the selective‐breeding practices of veterinary experts intersect with the logic of capital and biopolitics. Contributing to debates on the interaction between society and environment, the analysis suggests that ‘endogenous development’, or the reduction of poverty through internal markets, draws on systems of knowledge that treat the biology of animals as a field of intervention for the resolution of social contradictions. To reduce reliance on petroleum rent and food imports, Venezuelan experts have sought to create a new breed of cattle suited to the nation's diverse ecologies. But the knowledge systems which guide this project are embedded with a host of cultural and economic assumptions that subvert the successful application of this biotechnology. Ultimately, this article seeks to increase knowledge of the techno‐politics of resource states at the start of the twenty‐first century and the ways in which cultures of expertise impact food sovereignty.
Disciplined appetites: Reimagining food and nutrition programs for people living with HIV and AIDS
Authors: Joy Phillip , Hammond Chad , Hammond Brianna , Clarke Abigail , Mannette Jessica , Hamilton‐Hinch Barbara‐Ann , Grant Shannan
Published: March 2023

Aims

Medical nutrition therapy is recommended for people living with HIV/AIDS to improve health and wellness; however, there is a lack of food and nutrition programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia, Canada. The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs, values, and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS in relation to food and nutrition programs.

Methods

A critical social theory lens with two disciplinary contexts: critical health geography and critical dietetics guided this research. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 people living with HIV/AIDS and analysed for themes.

Results

The three main themes were identified: (1) intersections of social determinants of health, wellness, and food security; (2) discursive shaping of food and nutrition in relation to HIV; and (3) the dynamic nature of HIV care.

Conclusions

Participants offered recommendations on how food and nutrition programs might be reimagined to be more accessible, inclusive, and effective for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Random forest models to estimate bankfull and low flow channel widths and depths across the conterminous United States
Authors: Doyle Jessie M. , Hill Ryan A. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Ebersole Joseph L.
Published: March 2023

Channel dimensions (width and depth) at varying flows influence a host of instream ecological processes, as well as habitat and biotic features; they are a major consideration in stream habitat restoration and instream flow assessments. Models of widths and depths are often used to assess climate change vulnerability, develop endangered species recovery plans, and model water quality. However, development and application of such models require specific skillsets and resources. To facilitate acquisition of such estimates, we created a dataset of modeled channel dimensions for perennial stream segments across the conterminous United States. We used random forest models to predict wetted width, thalweg depth, bankfull width, and bankfull depth from several thousand field measurements of the National Rivers and Streams Assessment. Observed channel widths varied from <5 to >2000 m and depths varied from <2 to >125 m. Metrics of watershed area, runoff, slope, land use, and more were used as model predictors. The models had high pseudo R2 values (0.70–0.91) and median absolute errors within ±6% to ±21% of the interquartile range of measured values across 10 stream orders. Predicted channel dimensions can be joined to 1.1 million stream segments of the 1:100 K resolution National Hydrography Dataset Plus (version 2.1). These predictions, combined with a rapidly growing body of nationally available data, will further enhance our ability to study and protect aquatic resources.
Use of observed hydroclimatic trends to constrain projections of snowmelt season runoff in the Rio Grande headwaters
Authors: Bjarke Nels R. , Gutzler David S.
Published: March 2023

A method is developed for choosing 21st Century streamflow projections among widely varying results from a large ensemble of climate model‐driven simulations. We quantify observed trends in climate–streamflow relationships in the Rio Grande headwaters, which has experienced warming temperature and declining snowpack since the mid‐20th Century. Prominent trends in the snowmelt runoff season are used to assess corresponding statistics in downscaled global climate model projections. We define “Observationally Consistent (OC)” simulations as those that reproduce historical changes to linear statistics of diminished snowpack–streamflow coupling in the headwaters and an associated increase in the contribution of spring season (post‐peak snowpack) precipitation to streamflow. Only a modest fraction of the ensemble of simulations meets these consistency metrics. The subset of OC simulations projects significant decreases in headwaters flow, whereas the simulations that poorly replicate historical trends exhibit a much wider range of projected changes. These results bolster confidence in model‐based projections of declining runoff in the Rio Grande headwaters in the snowmelt runoff season and offer an example of a methodology for evaluating model‐based projections in basins with similar hydroclimates that have experienced pronounced climate changes in the recent historical record.
Spatial metabolomics reveal divergent cardenolide processing in the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and the common crow butterfly (Euploea core)
Authors: Dreisbach Domenic , Bhandari Dhaka R. , Betz Anja , Tenbusch Linda , Vilcinskas Andreas , Spengler Bernhard , Petschenka Georg
Published: March 2023

Although being famous for sequestering milkweed cardenolides, the mechanism of sequestration and where cardenolides are localized in caterpillars of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus, Lepidoptera: Danaini) is still unknown. While monarchs tolerate cardenolides by a resistant Na+/K+‐ATPase, it is unclear how closely related species such as the nonsequestering common crow butterfly (Euploea core, Lepidoptera: Danaini) cope with these toxins. Using novel atmospheric‐pressure scanning microprobe matrix‐assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging, we compared the distribution of cardenolides in caterpillars of D. plexippus and E. core. Specifically, we tested at which physiological scale quantitative differences between both species are mediated and how cardenolides distribute across body tissues. Whereas D. plexippus sequestered most cardenolides from milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), no cardenolides were found in the tissues of E. core. Remarkably, quantitative differences already manifest in the gut lumen: while monarchs retain and accumulate cardenolides above plant concentrations, the toxins are degraded in the gut lumen of crows. We visualized cardenolide transport over the monarch midgut epithelium and identified integument cells as the final site of storage where defences might be perceived by predators. Our study provides molecular insight into cardenolide sequestration and highlights the great potential of mass spectrometry imaging for understanding the kinetics of multiple compounds including endogenous metabolites, plant toxins, or insecticides in insects.
Our Common Agenda and its implementation: An introduction
Authors: Wouters Jan , Latorre María C.
Published: March 2023

This paper provides an introduction to this Special Issue on the United Nations report Our Common Agenda. The report, for which the Secretary‐General consulted widely, contains around 90 proposals and recommendations, propagating solutions at the national, regional and global levels and across four broad areas: (i) renewed solidarity between peoples and future generations in order to strengthen social cohesion, (ii) a new social contract anchored in human rights; (iii) better management of critical global commons; and (iv) global public goods that deliver equitably and sustainably for all. With some exceptions, the Our Common Agenda report has been very well received both internationally and by UN Member States. The members of the Una Europa Global Governance Research Group wrote a number of brief articles commenting on diverse salient aspects of the Our Common Agenda OCA report and its implementation, and how these touch on a variety of issues of global governance, which are being presented in this Special Issue. This introduction provides an overview of the topics that are covered and their main findings.
Contribution of subnational authorities to multilateralism from the EU perspective—Implementation of the SDGs
Authors: Dulak Michał
Published: March 2023

The report of UN Secretary General titled Our Common Agenda argues that growing tensions between states and accumulation of global problems is a wake‐up call for international society. The choice now is either to follow the beaten track of dealing with global issues and risk a perpetual crisis or to undertake the effort to achieve a more solidary international system. One of the main protagonists of the new UN blueprint for securing multilateralism are cities and local and regional governments. The aim of the article is to examine how the EU, as a complex system of multilevel governance, supports sub‐national actors in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and whether this support is sufficient. I will also concentrate on Voluntary Local Reviews, which are a new extra‐state tools of foreign activities of subnational actors and try to explain why the intra‐EU channel needs to adapt to this challenge. The results show that the EU institutions facilitated subnational actors in monitoring the SDGs by providing methodological assistance. However, local and regional governments face structural problems that may hinder the process of localizing SDGs. Therefore, they need specific capacity‐building competencies. This is a challenge for the EU in the future.
Guidelines for the prediction of species interactions through binary classification
Authors: Poisot Timothée
Published: March 2023

The prediction of species interactions is gaining momentum as a way to circumvent limitations in data volume. Yet, ecological networks are challenging to predict because they are typically small and sparse. Dealing with extreme class imbalance is a challenge for most binary classifiers, and there are currently no guidelines as to how predictive models can be trained for this specific problem.

Using simple mathematical arguments and numerical experiments in which a variety of classifiers (for supervised learning) are trained on simulated networks, we develop a series of guidelines related to the choice of measures to use for model selection, and the ways to assemble the training dataset.

Neither classifier accuracy nor the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) are informative measures for the performance of interaction prediction. The area under the precision‐recall curve (PR‐AUC) is a fairer assessment of performance. In some cases, even standard measures can lead to selecting a more biased classifier because the effect of connectance is strong. The amount of correction to apply to the training dataset depends on network connectance, on the measure to be optimized, and only weakly on the classifier.

These results reveal that training machines to predict networks is a challenging task, and that in virtually all cases, the composition of the training set needs to be fine‐tuned before performing the actual training. We discuss these consequences in the context of the low volume of data.
How to measure response diversity
Authors: Ross Samuel R. P.‐J. , Petchey Owen L. , Sasaki Takehiro , Armitage David W.
Published: March 2023

The insurance effect of biodiversity—that diversity stabilises aggregate ecosystem properties—is mechanistically underlain by inter‐ and intraspecific trait variation in organismal responses to the environment. This variation, termed response diversity, is therefore a potentially critical determinant of ecological stability. However, response diversity has yet to be widely quantified, possibly due to difficulties in its measurement. Even when it has been measured, approaches have varied.

Here, we review methods for measuring response diversity and from them distil a methodological framework for quantifying response diversity from experimental and/or observational data, which can be practically applied in laboratory and field settings across a range of taxa.

Previous empirical studies on response diversity most commonly invoke response traits as proxies aimed at capturing species' ecological responses to the environment. Our approach, which is based on environment‐dependent ecological responses to any biotic or abiotic environmental variable, is conceptually simple and robust to any form of environmental response, including nonlinear responses. Given its derivation from empirical data on species' ecological responses, this approach should more directly reflect response diversity than the trait‐based approach dominant in the literature.

By capturing even subtle inter‐ or intraspecific variation in environmental responses, and environment dependencies in response diversity, we hope this framework will motivate tests of the diversity–stability relationship from a new perspective, and provide an approach for mapping, monitoring and conserving this critical dimension of biodiversity.
Fetal alcohol exposure impairs learning and memory functions and elevates levels of various biochemical markers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain of 12‐month‐old rats
Authors: Chaudhary Shaista , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: March 2023

Background

Alcohol drinking during pregnancy often adversely affects brain development among offspring, inducing persistent central nervous system dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) promotes the biochemical characteristics of Alzheimer's disease in offspring.

Methods

We used a first‐ and second‐trimester human equivalent rat model of FAE that involves feeding a liquid diet containing 6.7% v/v ethanol from gestational days 7 through 21 in Fischer‐344 rats. Control rats were fed an isocaloric liquid diet or rat chow ad libitum. Pups were weaned on postnatal day 21 and housed by sex. They were used for behavioral and biochemical studies at about 12 months of age. Only one male or one female offspring from a litter was included in each experimental group.

Results

Fetal alcohol‐exposed offspring had poorer learning and memory functions than controls. The experimental animals, both male and female, also had elevated levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, hyperphosphorylated‐tau protein, β‐amyloid (Aβ) and Aβ1‐42 proteins, β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and Unc‐5 netrin receptor C (UNC5C) proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 12 months of age.

Conclusions

These findings show that FAE increases the expression of some of the biochemical and behavioral phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease.
Combining MYD88 L265P mutation detection and clonality determination on CSF cellular and cell‐free DNA improves diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Bravetti Clotilde , Degaud Michaël , Armand Marine , Sourdeau Elise , Mokhtari Karima , Maloum Karim , Osman Jennifer , Verrier Patricia , Houillier Caroline , Roos‐Weil Damien , Soussain Carole , Choquet Sylvain , Hoang‐Xuan Khe , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Denis Jérôme Alexandre , Davi Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is challenging, and although brain biopsy remains the gold standard, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) constitutes a less invasive source of lymphomatous biomarkers. In a retrospective cohort of 54 PCNSL cases tested at diagnosis or relapse, we evaluated the contribution of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene clonality and MYD88 L265P detection on both CSF cell pellets and supernatants, in comparison with cytology, flow cytometry, interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐6 quantification. Clonality assessment included a new assay to detect partial IGH‐DJ rearrangements. Clonal IGH rearrangements and/or MYD88 L265P mutation were detected in 27 (50%) cell pellets and 24 (44%) supernatant cell‐free (cf) DNA. Combining analyses on both compartments, 36 (66%) cases had at least one detectable molecular marker, present only in cfDNA for 9 (16%) of them. While cytology and flow cytometry were positive in only 7 (13.0%) and 9 (17.3%) cases respectively, high IL‐10 levels were observed in 36 (66.7%) cases. Overall, taking into account molecular and cytokine results, 46/54 (85%) cases had at least one lymphomatous biomarker detectable in the CSF. These results show that this combination of biomarkers evaluated on both cell pellet and supernatant CSF fractions improves significantly the biological diagnosis of PCNSL.
The sleeping voices: Evaluating parenting ‘self‐help’ books, narratives of rule, routine and ritual
Authors: Scherer Lexie , Norman Amanda
Published: March 2023

Putting children to bed is an everyday practice but is under‐studied in childhood research. Findings from this study of eight popular self‐help parenting books for 2‐to‐5‐year‐olds show that the books rarely, if ever, consider that children have voice/s, or social competence. Where the child does appear, it was to be silenced. Centrally, the authors push failure and responsibility onto parents. We found advice crystallised around either attachment‐led approaches, emphasising emotional availability, or behaviourist approaches. The discourses of sleep the books harness are professionalised external lenses. We explore the conflicting and sometimes contradictory ways they position children and families.
Spontaneous changes in brain network centrality in patients with pathological myopia: A voxel‐wise degree centrality analysis
Authors: Shi Wen‐Qing , Wei Hong , Kang Min , Zhang Li‐Juan , Xu San‐Hua , Ying Ping , Ling Qian , Pan Yi‐Cong , Huang Hui , Zou Jie , Shao Yi
Published: March 2023

Background

Myopia has become a worldwide problem that endangers public health and adds a serious socioeconomic burden. Current research has focused on the pathogenesis and manifestations of pathological myopia (PM). However, few studies have been conducted on the spontaneous activity of the patient's brain.

Purpose

To study the potential brain network activity in patients with PM by the degree centrality (DC) method.

Materials and Methods

This experiment included 15 PM patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs). Every participant experienced a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) scan. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to distinguish between PM patients and HCs. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between mean DC values and clinical performance in different brain regions.

Results

It showed that patients with PM had lower DC values in the right fusiform gyrus (FR) and right cingulate (CAR). The ROC curve was used to indicate the accuracy of the correlation. It showed that in PM group, left best corrected visual acuity (BCVA‐L) and right best corrected visual acuity (BCVA‐R) were negatively correlated with the DC value of FR.

Conclusion

The occurrence of PM is mainly related to the abnormal activity of the fusiform and cingulum. DC value might be used as a biological marker of abnormal brain activity in PM patients.
Functional recovery continues beyond 3 months post‐basilar artery thrombectomy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gunasekera Lakshini , Mitchell Peter , Dowling Richard J. , Bush Steven , Yan Bernard
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Untreated basilar artery occlusion (BAO) carries 70% mortality. Guidelines recommend thrombectomy with or without thrombolysis.

Aim

We compared Modified Rankin Scores (mRS) at 3 and 12 months post thrombectomy to determine benefit of long‐term follow up.

Methods

Retrospective, single centre analysis of BAO thrombectomies between 2015 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic BAO on CT angiography, absent early ischemic changes, premorbid independence and intervention within 24 h. All received stroke ward care. Results were analysed with simple statistics and binary logistic regression as appropriate.

Results

Of 82 patients: most were male (61%, 50/82) with median age 68 years (IQR 17 years) and median NIHSS 14 (IQR 15). Median door‐to‐puncture time was 42 min (IQR 72 min). Total deaths were 34.1% (28/82) at 3 months, and 37.8% (31/82) at 12 months. Of 51 patients alive at 12 months: 41% (21/51) had improved mRS, 16% (8/51) had worse mRS and 43% (22/51) had unchanged mRS, compared to 3 months. Improvements to mRS were: one point in 57.1% (14/21), two points in 28.9% (6/21) and three points in 4.8% (1/21). Nursing home admission was avoided in 11.8% (6/51) who improved from mRS4. Increased age was associated with decreased likelihood of reaching the primary outcome OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.99 (p value = 0.03).

Conclusion

Over a quarter of patients improved beyond 3 months. Future studies should adopt long‐term follow up as primary outcome.
Altered functional connectivity of the default mode and frontal control networks in patients with insomnia
Authors: Zheng Hui , Zhou Qin , Yang Junjie , Lu Qian , Qiu Huaide , He Chuan , Yan Hailang
Published: March 2023

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between spontaneous regional activity and brain functional connectivity, which maybe can distinguish insomnia while being responsive to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment effects in insomnia patients.

Methods

Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 38 chronic insomnia patients and 36 healthy volunteers, we compared the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) between the two groups. Of all the patients with insomnia, 20 received rTMS for 4 weeks, while 18 patients received a 4‐week pseudo‐stimulation intervention. Seed‐based resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis was conducted from regions with significantly different ALFF values, and the association between RSFC value and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was determined.

Results

Our results revealed that insomnia patients presented a significantly higher ALFF value in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), whereas a significantly lower ALFF value was observed in the superior parietal lobule (SPL). Moreover, significantly reduced RSFC was detected from both PCC to prefrontal cortex connections, as well as from left SPL to frontal pole connections. In addition, RSFC from frontal pole to left SPL negatively predicted sleep quality (PSQI) and treatment response in patients' group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that disrupted frontoparietal network connectivity may be a biomarker for insomnia in middle‐aged adults, reinforcing the potential of rTMS targeting the frontal lobes. Monitoring pretreatment RSFC could offer greater insight into how rTMS treatments are responded to by insomniacs.
Can ecological forecasting lead to convergence on sustainable lighting policies?
Authors: Burt Carolyn S. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Fox Andrew S. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C. , Leon‐Corwin Maggie , Khalighifar Ali , Trankina Grace E. , Silva Carol L. , Horton Kyle G.
Published: March 2023

The overuse and expansion of artificial light at night (ALAN) has emerged from complex social, economic, and political factors, making it a societal problem that negatively impacts wildlife and people. We propose that a convergence research approach combining ecological forecasting with community engagement and public policy is needed to address this diverse societal problem. To begin this convergence research approach, we hosted a workshop to strengthen connections among key biodiversity‐oriented ALAN stakeholders and to better understand how stakeholder groups function across the United States through facilitated discussions. We have prioritized the input of stakeholders early in our research design by including them in the formulation of a national survey on public perceptions surrounding ALAN and received their input on existing ecological forecasting tools to improve those research products for their future use.
Pyogenic liver abscesses in liver transplant recipients versus non‐transplant population. Outcome and risk factors of patient survival
Authors: Jiménez‐Romero Carlos , Marcacuzco Alberto , Caso Óscar , Lechuga Isabel , Manrique Alejandro , García‐Sesma Álvaro , Calvo Jorge , Aguado José María , López‐Medrano Francisco , Juan Rafael San , Justo Iago
Published: March 2023

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a life‐threatening infection in both liver transplant (LT) and non‐LT patients. Several risk factors, such as benign and malignant hepatopancreatobiliary diseases and colorectal tumors have been associated with PLA in the non‐LT population, and hepatic artery stricture/thrombosis, biliary stricture, and hepaticojejunostomy in the LT patients. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients with PLA in LT and non‐LT patients and to determine the risk factors associated with patient survival. From January 2000 to November 2020, a total of 296 adult patients were diagnosed of PLA in our institution, of whom 26 patients had previously undergone liver transplantation (LTA group), whereas 263 patients corresponded to the non‐LTA population. Seven patients with PLA who had undergone previous kidney transplantation were excluded from this retrospective study. Twenty‐six patients out of 1503 LT developed PLA (incidence of 1.7%). Median age was significantly higher in non‐LTA patients (p = .001). No significant differences were observed in therapy. PLA recurrence was significantly higher in LTA than in non‐LTA (34.6% vs. 14.8%; p = .008). In‐hospital mortality was greater in the LT group than in the non‐LT group (19.2% vs. 9.1% p = .10) and was identified in multivariable analysis as a risk factor for mortality (p = .027). Mortality rate during follow‐up did not show significant differences between the groups: 34.6% in LTA patients versus 26.2% in non‐LTA patients (p = .10). The most common causes of mortality during follow‐up were malignancies, Covid‐19 infection, and neurologic disease. 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year actuarial patient survival rates were 87.0%, 64.1%, and 50.4%, respectively, in patients of LTA group, and 84.5%, 66.5%, and 51.0%, respectively, in patients with liver abscesses in non‐LTA population (p = .53). In conclusion, LT was a risk factor for in hospital mortality, but not during long‐term follow‐up.
Soil arthropod communities associated with Berberis thunbergii invasion in a temperate deciduous forest harbour more detritivores
Authors: Utz Ryan M. , Hart Ian S. , Rice Quentin
Published: March 2023

Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a widely established invasive shrub in temperate forests of the northeastern United States with the potential to alter soil arthropod communities through changes to soil nutrient cycling and acidity.

We compared soil arthropod taxa and functional feeding groups between invaded and nearby control areas in a paired observational survey.

Community ordination analysis suggested minimal differences between barberry and control samples. In contrast, pairwise differences revealed elevated densities of multiple taxa in barberry‐invaded soils.

Among taxa that were able to be defined by functional feeding group and were collected at higher densities under barberry, all were detritivores. For example, barberry‐invaded soils harboured an average of 40% more Isopoda and more than twice as many Diplopoda per unit dry compared with control samples. Differences we observed between barberry and control samples despite the limited study spatiotemporal scope demonstrate the potential for invasions to restructure soil arthropod communities.

Observed patterns potentially reflects elevated leaf litter decomposition rates associated with the invasion and results also highlight the need to integrate site‐specific environmental attributes when assessing the impact of invading plants on soil ecosystems.
SORD‐related peripheral neuropathy in a French and Swiss cohort: Clinical features, genetic analyses, and sorbitol dosages
Authors: Pons Nicolas , Fernández‐Eulate Gorka , Pegat Antoine , Théaudin Marie , Guieu Régis , Ripellino Paolo , Devedjian Manon , Mace Patrick , Masingue Marion , Léonard‐Louis Sarah , Petiot Philipe , Roche Pauline , Bernard Emilien , Bouhour Françoise , Good Jean‐Marc , Verschueren Annie , Grapperon Aude‐Marie , Salort Emmanuelle , Grosset Anaïs , Chanson Jean‐Baptiste , Nadaj‐Pakleza Aleksandra , Bédat‐Millet Anne‐Laure , Choumert Ariane , Barnier Anne , Hamdi Ghassen , Lesca Gaëtan , Prieur Fabienne , Bruneel Arnaud , Latour Philippe , Stojkovic Tanya , Attarian Shahram , Bonello‐Palot Nathalie
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

Biallelic variants in SORD have been reported as one of the main recessive causes for hereditary peripheral neuropathies such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) and distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) resulting in lower limb (LL) weakness and muscular atrophy. In this study, phenotype and genotype landscapes of SORD‐related peripheral neuropathies were described in a French and Swiss cohort. Serum sorbitol dosages were used to classify SORD variants.

Methods

Patients followed at neuromuscular reference centres in France and Switzerland were ascertained. Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing were performed to sequence SORD, and mass spectrometry was used to measure patients' serum sorbitol.

Results

Thirty patients had SORD peripheral neuropathy associating LL weakness with muscular atrophy, foot deformities (87%), and sometimes proximal LL weakness (20%) or distal upper limb weakness (50%). Eighteen had dHMN, nine had CMT2, and three had intermediate CMT. Most of them had a mild or moderate disease severity. Sixteen carried a homozygous c.757delG (p.Ala253Glnfs*27) variant, and 11 carried compound heterozygous variants, among which four variants were not yet reported: c.403C > G, c.379G > A, c.68_100 + 1dup, and c.850dup. Two unrelated patients with different origins carried a homozygous c.458C > A variant, and one patient carried a new homozygous c.786 + 5G > A variant. Mean serum sorbitol levels were 17.01 mg/L ± 8.9 SD for patients carrying SORD variants.

Conclusions

This SORD‐inherited peripheral neuropathy cohort of 30 patients showed homogeneous clinical presentation and systematically elevated sorbitol levels (22‐fold) compared to controls, with both diagnostic and potential therapeutic implications.
Neural mechanisms of language development in infancy
Authors: Huberty Scott , O’Reilly Christian , Carter Leno Virginia , Steiman Mandy , Webb Sara , Elsabbagh Mayada ,   The BASIS Team
Published: March 2023

Understanding the neural processes underpinning individual differences in early language development is of increasing interest, as it is known to vary in typical development and to be quite heterogeneous in neurodevelopmental conditions. However, few studies to date have tested whether early brain measures are indicative of the developmental trajectory of language, as opposed to language outcomes at specific ages. We combined recordings from two longitudinal studies, including typically developing infants without a family history of autism, and infants with increased likelihood of developing autism (infant‐siblings) (N = 191). Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded at 6 months, and behavioral assessments at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of age. Using a growth curve model, we tested whether absolute EEG spectral power at 6 months was associated with concurrent language abilities, and developmental change in language between 6 and 36 months. We found evidence of an association between 6‐month alpha‐band power and concurrent, but not developmental change in, expressive language ability in both infant‐siblings and control infants. The observed association between 6‐month alpha‐band power and 6‐month expressive language was not moderated by group status, suggesting some continuity in neural mechanisms.
Research Review: Viewing self‐harm images on the internet and social media platforms: systematic review of the impact and associated psychological mechanisms
Authors: Susi Karima , Glover‐Ford Francesca , Stewart Anne , Knowles Bevis Rebecca , Hawton Keith
Published: March 2023

Background

Viewing self‐harm and suicide‐related images online can precede these behaviours. We reviewed studies of potential impacts and mechanisms associated with viewing self‐harm‐related images on the internet and social media.

Method

CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HMIC, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to 22 January 2022. Inclusion criteria were English language, peer‐reviewed, empirical studies with data related to impacts of viewing self‐harm images or videos on the internet or social media. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools. A narrative synthesis approach was used.

Results

Of the 15 identified studies, all found harmful effects of viewing self‐harm‐related images online. These included escalation of self‐harm, reinforcement of engagement behaviours (e.g. commenting and sharing images), encouragement of social comparison (comparing own self‐harm with others), development of a self‐harm identity, social connection perpetuating or escalating self‐harm, and emotional, cognitive, and physiological impacts triggering self‐harm urges and acts. Nine studies found protective effects, including self‐harm mitigation or reduction, promotion of self‐harm recovery, encouraging social connection and help‐giving, and emotional, cognitive and physiological impacts mitigating or reducing self‐harm urges and acts. Causality of impact was not determined in any study. Most of the studies did not explicitly evaluate or discuss potential mechanisms.

Conclusions

Viewing self‐harm images online may have both harmful and protective effects, but harmful effects predominated in the studies. Clinically, it is important to assess individual's access to images relating to self‐harm and suicide, and the associated impacts, alongside pre‐existing vulnerabilities and contextual factors. Higher quality longitudinal research with less reliance on retrospective self‐report is needed, as well as studies that test potential mechanisms. We have developed a conceptual model of the impact of viewing self‐harm images online to inform future research.
A 7 day inpatient diabetes education program improves quality of life and glycemic control 12 months after discharge
Authors: Kurita Mika , Satoh Hiroaki , Kaga Hideyoshi , Kadowaki Satoshi , Someya Yuki , Tosaka Yuka , Nishida Yuya , Ikeda Fuki , Tamura Yoshifumi , Watada Hirotaka
Published: March 2023

Aims

For long‐term management of diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus require a high level of treatment adherence, which is associated with treatment satisfaction and their quality of life (QOL). To achieve it, patient education about diabetes self‐management is essential. We routinely conduct a 7 day inpatient diabetes education program and administer the diabetes treatment‐related (DTR)‐QOL questionnaire to all participants, both before admission and at discharge. Here, we investigated whether our program improves QOL and post‐discharge glycemic control.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study utilized data from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in our program between July 2017 and March 2020 and who had been treated in our outpatient department for more than 1 year. We evaluated the relationship between at admission and at discharge diabetes treatment‐related quality of life scores and glycemic control after discharge.

Results

Data from 140 patients were analyzed in this study, which showed a significant improvement in the total, ‘Anxiety and dissatisfaction with treatment’, and ‘Satisfaction‐with‐treatment’ scores. A significant improvement was evident in HbA1c at 12 months after discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that HbA1c after 12 months was independently associated with gender, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c at admission.

Conclusions

Our program effectively improves quality of life and post‐discharge glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is particularly effective in patients of the male gender, with a shorter duration of diabetes mellitus and higher HbA1c at admission.
2022 European guideline for the management of balanoposthitis
Authors: Edwards Sarah K. , Bunker Christopher B. , van der Snoek Eric M. , van der Meijden Willem I.
Published: March 2023

Background

This guideline is an update to the 2014 edition of the European guideline for the management of balanoposthitis. Balanoposthitis describes inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce and is caused by a range of disparate conditions including infection, dermatoses and premalignancy.

Objective

The main objectives of this guideline are to aid recognition of the symptoms and signs and complications of penile skin conditions and to offer recommendations on the diagnostic tests and treatment for a selected group of these conditions.

Methods

The previous guideline was updated following a literature review and priority was given to randomized controlled trial and systematic review evidence.

Results

The updated guideline includes amended management for infective balanitis to provide clear guidance for Group A streptococcal infections, management of on going Lichen sclerosus (to include circumcision and supportive management to reduce the recurrence of genital herpes and warts), additional regimens for Zoonoid change, use of calcineurin inhibitors in management and risk of premalignancy and change of nomenclaturefrom Premalignant conditions to Penile Intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN).

Conclusion

Balanoposthitis has a widerange of causes high quality evidence specific to the management of penile disease is not available for all the conditions described.
Trends and correlates of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine and/or gabapentinoid use among Ontario nursing home residents
Authors: Hogan David B. , Campitelli Michael A. , Bronskill Susan E. , Iaboni Andrea , Barry Heather E. , Hughes Carmel M. , Gill Sudeep S. , Maxwell Colleen J.
Published: March 2023

Background

A concern with long‐term opioid use is the increased risk arising when opioids are used concurrently with drugs that can potentiate their associated adverse effects. The drugs most often encountered are benzodiazepines (BZDs) and gabapentinoids. Our study objectives were to examine trends in the concurrent use of opioids and BZDs, or gabapentinoids, in a Canadian nursing home population over an 11‐year period, and current resident‐level correlates of this concurrent use.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, repeated cross‐sectional study among Ontario nursing home residents (>65 years) dispensed opioids between April 2009 and February 2020. For the last study year, we examined cross‐sectional associations between resident characteristics and concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids. Linked data on nursing home residents from clinical and health administrative databases was used. The yearly proportions of residents who were dispensed an opioid concurrently with a BZD or gabapentinoid were plotted with percent change derived from log‐binomial regression models. Separate modified Poisson regression models estimated resident‐level correlates of concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids.

Results

Over the study period, among residents dispensed an opioid there was a 53.2% relative decrease (30.7% to 14.4%) in concurrent BZD and a 505.4% relative increase (4.4% to 26.6%) in concurrent gabapentinoid use. In adjusted models, increasing age and worsening cognition were inversely associated with the concurrent use of both classes, but most other significantly related covariates were unique to each drug class (e.g., sex and anxiety disorders for BZD, pain severity and presence of pain‐related conditions for gabapentinoids).

Conclusions

Co‐administration of BZDs or gabapentinoids in Ontario nursing home residents dispensed opioids remains common, but the pattern of co‐use has changed over time. Observed covariates of concurrent use in 2019/20 suggest distinct but overlapping resident populations requiring consideration of the relative risks versus benefits of this co‐use and monitoring for potential harm.
Fine particulate matter exposure and pediatric mental health outcomes: An integrative review
Authors: Trombley Janna
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Climate change is expected to worsen air pollution globally, which contributes to a multitude of negative health outcomes in humans.

Aim

The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the relationship between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Methods

This review utilized Whittemore and Knafl's methodology for conducting an integrative review. After a thorough search of the literature, 17 articles were selected for this review and evaluated utilizing the Johns Hopkins Evidence Based Practice Appraisal Tool.

Results

Of the 17 articles, all were quantitative observational study designs. The studies were then synthesized into four outcome themes. These themes included emergent and general psychiatric outcomes, neurodevelopmental disorders, stress and anxiety, and depression.

Discussion

The strongest evidence supports a possible correlation between PM2.5 exposure and adolescent mental health outcomes, although there were some studies that contradicted these associations. While research on this topic is in its early stages, more needs to be conducted to determine causality with any of the associations presented to improve generalizability of the findings.

Implications for Practice

Nurses must be aware of and part of the solution to address climate change and resulting air pollution, as it is a potentially significant threat to children's mental health in the 21st century.
Using data‐driven phenotyping to investigate the impact of sex on 3D human facial surface morphology
Authors: Matthews Harold S. , Mahdi Soha , Penington Anthony J. , Marazita Mary L. , Shaffer John R. , Walsh Susan , Shriver Mark D. , Claes Peter , Weinberg Seth M.
Published: March 2023

The effects of sex on human facial morphology have been widely documented. Because sexual dimorphism is relevant to a variety of scientific and applied disciplines, it is imperative to have a complete and accurate account of how and where male and female faces differ. We apply a comprehensive facial phenotyping strategy to a large set of existing 3D facial surface images. We investigate facial sexual dimorphism in terms of size, shape, and shape variance. We also assess the ability to correctly assign sex based on shape, both for the whole face and for subregions. We applied a predefined data‐driven segmentation to partition the 3D facial surfaces of 2446 adults into 63 hierarchically linked regions, ranging from global (whole face) to highly localized subparts. Each facial region was then analyzed with spatially dense geometric morphometrics. To describe the major modes of shape variation, principal components analysis was applied to the Procrustes aligned 3D points comprising each of the 63 facial regions. Both nonparametric and permutation‐based statistics were then used to quantify the facial size and shape differences and visualizations were generated. Males were significantly larger than females for all 63 facial regions. Statistically significant sex differences in shape were also seen in all regions and the effects tended to be more pronounced for the upper lip and forehead, with more subtle changes emerging as the facial regions became more granular. Males also showed greater levels of shape variance, with the largest effect observed for the central forehead. Classification accuracy was highest for the full face (97%), while most facial regions showed an accuracy of 75% or greater. In summary, sex differences in both size and shape were present across every part of the face. By breaking the face into subparts, some shape differences emerged that were not apparent when analyzing the face as a whole. The increase in facial shape variance suggests possible evolutionary origins and may offer insights for understanding congenital facial malformations. Our classification results indicate that a high degree of accuracy is possible with only parts of the face, which may have implications for biometrics applications.