bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton and zooplankton succession during the dry–refilling cycle: A case study in large, fluctuating soda lakes
Authors: Afonina Ekaterina Yu. , Tashlykova Natalya A.
Published: March 2023

Aquatic ecosystems in arid regions are important habitats for aquatic wildlife and also support species biodiversity. Soda lakes in endorheic drainage basins, so‐called amplifier lakes, are sentinels of climate change and are of scientific significance.

Here we present the results of a long‐term study (20 years) of the Torey lakes, Transbaikalia, Russia, including the period from the maximum capacity of the Torey lakes through to aridification, and then to the initial phase of refilling. Our aim was to determine the response of planktonic communities in the lakes to environmental change over this period.

We conducted our studies during various parts of the hydrological cycle, including three phases for Lake Zun‐Torey (high [1999, 2003], intermediate [2007, 2011] and low [2014, 2016] water levels) and two phases for Lake Barun‐Torey (high level [1999, 2003] and the initial refilling phase [2014, 2016, 2018, 2020]). Lake Barun‐Torey dried up completely in summer 2009, and since 2013 has been undergoing initial refilling. Lake Zun‐Torey dried up in the autumn of 2017.

Temporal variation in planktonic communities differs for each lake. We identified four stages of changes in the planktonic associations during the aridification of Lake Zun‐Torey (the phytoplankton experienced a decrease in abundance and biomass, and was dominated by green algae and diatoms; the zooplankton underwent a decrease in species diversity and an increase in total abundance and biomass, which were caused by an increase in the abundance of some crustacean species) and three stages of changes as the lake level fell and during the initial refilling of Lake Barun‐Torey (the plankton communities increased in species richness and abundance in the transient pools).

These results show the complexity of long‐term community dynamics in arid‐zone soda lakes. They have revealed how phytoplankton and zooplankton community diversity and structure can vary with changing environmental conditions and may pass between distinct states related to the stages of the hydroperiod.
Biogeochemical transformations after the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis and conditions for the first rise of atmospheric oxygen
Authors: Watanabe Yasuto , Tajika Eiichi , Ozaki Kazumi
Published: March 2023

The advent of oxygenic photosynthesis represents the most prominent biological innovation in the evolutionary history of the Earth. The exact timing of the evolution of oxygenic photoautotrophic bacteria remains elusive, yet these bacteria profoundly altered the redox state of the ocean–atmosphere–biosphere system, ultimately causing the first major rise in atmospheric oxygen (O2)—the so‐called Great Oxidation Event (GOE)—during the Paleoproterozoic (~2.5–2.2 Ga). However, it remains unclear how the coupled atmosphere–marine biosphere system behaved after the emergence of oxygenic photoautotrophs (OP), affected global biogeochemical cycles, and led to the GOE. Here, we employ a coupled atmospheric photochemistry and marine microbial ecosystem model to comprehensively explore the intimate links between the atmosphere and marine biosphere driven by the expansion of OP, and the biogeochemical conditions of the GOE. When the primary productivity of OP sufficiently increases in the ocean, OP suppresses the activity of the anaerobic microbial ecosystem by reducing the availability of electron donors (H2 and CO) in the biosphere and causes climate cooling by reducing the level of atmospheric methane (CH4). This can be attributed to the supply of OH radicals from biogenic O2, which is a primary sink of biogenic CH4 and electron donors in the atmosphere. Our typical result also demonstrates that the GOE is triggered when the net primary production of OP exceeds >~5% of the present oceanic value. A globally frozen snowball Earth event could be triggered if the atmospheric CO2 level was sufficiently small (<~40 present atmospheric level; PAL) because the concentration of CH4 in the atmosphere would decrease faster than the climate mitigation by the carbonate–silicate geochemical cycle. These results support a prolonged anoxic atmosphere after the emergence of OP during the Archean and the occurrence of the GOE and snowball Earth event during the Paleoproterozoic.
Permeability of coastal biogeographic barriers to marine larval dispersal on the east and west coasts of North America
Authors: Krumhansl Kira , Gentleman Wendy , Lee Katherine , Ramey‐Balci Patricia , Goodwin Jace , Wang Zeliang , Lowen Ben , Lyons Devin , Therriault Thomas W. , DiBacco Claudio
Published: March 2023

Aim

We assess the role of contemporary oceanography and species traits in shaping observed patterns of biogeography over broad spatial scales.

Location

Our study domain covers the east and west coasts of North America, from 30° to 73° N on the east coast and 33° to 73° N on the west coast.

Time period

Hydrodynamic models use climatological fields from 1990 to 2015 on the east coast, and 1993 to 2018 on the west coast.

Major taxa studied

Model simulations represent larval dispersal for generalized benthic invertebrate species distributed in the subtidal zone from 10 to 100 m depth, with planktonic larval durations ranging from 21–60 days.

Methods

We conducted a literature review to identify major biogeographic barriers along the east and west coasts of North America, and then assessed the permeability of these barriers to larval dispersal using Lagrangian particle tracking. We ran a series of simulations in which we varied the suitable habitat distribution, planktonic larval duration, and spawning seasonality of simulated larvae (i.e., particles) to assess the effects of species traits on biogeography.

Results

Our results showed a strong alignment of observed biogeographic barriers with larval dispersal patterns, with high variation in barrier permeability depending on the traits of the species considered. The location of suitable habitat and the season during which particle release occurred were the biological traits that drove much of the variation in barrier permeability among simulations on both coasts.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate an important role of contemporary oceanographic and geographic features in determining the biogeography of species whose primary dispersal is during larval stages, suggesting that climate change is likely to alter patterns of species biogeography. Our results also demonstrate that species traits play a strong role in determining the location and strength of biogeographic barriers.
Laser Ablation (U‐Th‐Sm)/He Dating of Zircons: Analytical Age Bias and its Consequence for Studying Detrital Zircon Populations
Authors: Léger Julien , Pik Raphaël , Tibari Bouchaïb , Ternois Sébastien , Ford Mary , Peiffert Chantal , Mercadier Julien
Published: March 2023

The in situ (U‐Th‐Sm)/He and U/Pb laser‐ablation double‐dating procedure is a valuable method that can provide a large dataset relatively efficiently in contrast with conventional bulk helium thermochronometry. In this study, we evaluate the potential age error associated with the double ablation procedure and report the in situ (U‐Th‐Sm)/He double‐ablation dating of 249 zircons from the Fish Canyon Tuff locality. With LA‐ICP‐MS pseudo‐depth profiling and 3D numerical modelling, we show that the concentric double‐ablation procedure in minerals with U‐Th‐Sm zoning can generate a significant (U‐Th‐Sm)/He age error (positive or negative), resulting in over‐scattering and/or an offset of the mean age. Pseudo‐depth profiling is insufficient to predict the individual age error, partly because of the superimposed ablations. To evaluate the consequence of this inherent bias, we confront a synthetic age distribution to the error expected for U‐Th‐Sm zoned zircons analysed with double‐ablation (U‐Th‐Sm)/He thermochronometry. As expected, a strong age bias causes the spreading of peak ages, downgrading the original signal. Yet, the throughput of the ablation‐based method can allow intra‐ and inter‐sample peak age identification and comparison, and the coupling of (U‐Th‐Sm)/He and U/Pb ages extends our ability to deconvolute a multimodal age spectrum.
Building innovative capacity in regional entrepreneurship and innovation (eco)systems: Startups versus incumbent firms
Authors: Fu Wenying , Qian Haifeng
Published: March 2023

This article studies how three sets of regional factors—knowledge, agglomeration, and openness—impact and interact differently with startups and incumbent firms in their innovative capacity building. Based on a large dataset of Chinese high‐tech firms, regression analysis shows that the speed of growing startup innovative capacity relies positively on regional knowledge stock and localization economies. In addition to regional knowledge stock, incumbent innovative capacity building benefits from urbanization economies and regional openness. Favorable regional factors, including the presence of universities and the clustering of knowledge‐intensive peers, also enable startups (but not incumbents) to leverage internal knowledge assets into their innovative capacity. The results suggest that it is not only the access to the external knowledge environment but also proactive endeavors to cross‐fertilize between internal and external knowledge that underlie the eco‐systemic nature of startup innovative capacity building.
Impact of professor‐directors on Chinese firms' environmental performance
Authors: Chen Liqiang , Fan Hong , Song Xiaofei
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the impact of academic professor‐directors on Chinese firms' environmental performance. We find that the presence of board directors who are also professors has a positive impact on firms' environmental protection performance, and the result is robust after controlling for the potential endogeneity of professor‐directors. This is consistent with the notion that professor board directors are perceived to take more social responsibility and are more likely to advocate for sustainability. However, this positive impact is mitigated significantly by the presence of professor board directors with administrative titles. Moreover, the above results are mainly driven by non‐state‐owned enterprises, firms with less powerful CEOs, firms with better analyst coverage, and firms with less financial distress. Our study highlights the importance of academic directors for firms' environmental performance.
ACURATE: A guide for reporting sham controls in trials using acupuncture
Authors: Lee Ye‐Seul , Kim Song‐Yi , Lee Hyangsook , Chae Younbyoung , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: March 2023

Objective

To promote better reporting quality regarding sham acupuncture in clinical trials for a precise appraisal of the adequacy of the sham acupuncture procedure.

Methods

A three‐stage online Delphi survey was conducted to a group of experts. Items with higher than 80% consensus from the initial checklist were selected as the final candidates. Further discussion among the working group was convened to preclude potential redundancy among the items.

Results

A total of 23 experts out of 35 (66%) responded to the Delphi process. The final checklist consists of 23 items in six categories: type of sham acupuncture, details of sham acupuncture manipulation, location of sham acupuncture, treatment regimen, practitioner, and protocol and settings.

Conclusion

This paper presents the Acupuncture Controls gUideline for Reporting humAn Trials and Experiments (ACURATE) checklist, an extension of The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) and to be used along with STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) when sham acupuncture needles are used in the study. This checklist focuses on a clear depiction of sham needling procedures to enhance replicability and enable a precise appraisal. We encourage researchers to use ACURATE in trials and reviews involving sham acupuncture to assist reporting sham acupuncture procedures and the related components.
The influence of smoking on the effectiveness of at‐home bleaching: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Rohenkohl , de Carli João Paulo , Della Bona Alvaro , Collares Kauê Faria , Pecho Oscar Emilio , Meireles Sônia Saeger , Júnior João Renato Dieterich , Benetti Paula
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of smoking on tooth whitening and color change after at‐home bleaching.

Materials and Methods

This prospective clinical study evaluated two groups of participants: NS—non‐smokers (n = 24) and S—smokers (n = 16). All subjects were treated with at‐home bleaching using 22% carbamide peroxide (CP) for 1 h/day for 14 days. Color coordinates (L*—luminosity, a*—red‐green axis and b*—yellow‐blue axis) were obtained before bleaching (D0—baseline), 1 day (D1), 15 days (D15), and 1 month (D30) after bleaching. The whiteness index (WID) and CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) were calculated for S and NS. Color changes between S and NS subjects for specific teeth (CI—Central Incisors, LI—Lateral Incisors, and C—Canines) were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test (α = 0.05).

Results

There was no significant difference in WID between S and NS subjects at baseline. NS participants showed higher WID than S at D1, D15, and D30 (p < 0.05). NS showed higher ΔWID for CI and C between D0 and the other evaluation times (D1, D15, and D30) compared to S. Smokers showed higher darkening of CI than NS in ΔWID D30–D1 (p < 0.05). Color changes showed similar overall behavior for ΔWID. For all evaluation times, ΔWID and ΔE00 values were below the corresponding acceptability thresholds.

Conclusion

At‐home bleaching was effective on smokers and nonsmokers. Smoking negatively affected color stability after bleaching. ΔE00 and ΔWID were acceptable for both groups.

Clinical Significance

Although smoking negatively affected color stability after bleaching, the observed changes were clinically acceptable.
Elastic–plastic constitutive model of the milled mixture of sugarcane based on phase transition state
Authors: Ding Jiang , Yin Yanqing , Yang Tao , Wen Jieming , Mao Hanling , Huang Zhen , Duan Qingshan
Published: March 2023

Extracting juice from sugarcane is a complex and nonlinear process. It is very important to comprehend mechanical properties and constitutive model of the milled mixture of sugarcane for understanding sugarcane crushing process. In this paper, mechanical properties of the milled mixture were investigated by uniaxial compression tests, repeated loading tests and direct shear tests. The elastic–plastic constitutive model was established by using isotropic elastic materials and Modified Cam‐Clay model based on phase transition state. Both Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of the milled mixture were proportional to the loading stress; the compression index and swelling index are 2.23 and 0.10, respectively; and the cohesive force and friction angle are 25.25 kPa and 21.63°, respectively. At last, the proposed constitutive model was verified by uniaxial compression tests. This paper can provide a theoretical basis for the study of mechanism and simulation of sugarcane crushing processes, and is of guidance for the improvement of sugar production process and equipment.

Practical applications

In this article, the prepared cane and bagasse are collectively called the milled mixture of sugarcane, which includes solid fiber, juice, and air. The interaction of three components of milled mixture can lead to difficulties in extracting juice, an increase in processing energy consumption and other undesirable conditions. In this paper, the mechanical properties and constitutive model of milled mixture of sugarcane are studied. This research can provide a new method for the simulation of sugarcane milling process, and has enlightening significance for the optimization of crushing equipment and technological parameters to improve juice extraction efficiency.
Consumer acceptance of sweet wines andpiquettesobtained by the adaptation of Ancient Wine‐making Techniques
Authors: Harutyunyan Mkrtich , Viana Renato , Granja‐Soares Joana , Asryan Arman , Marques José Carlos , Malfeito‐Ferreira Manuel
Published: March 2023

This study aims to assess the consumers’ acceptance/preference of wines produced according to Ancient Wine‐making Techniques. The wines were made from the Muscat of Alexandria variety (Vitis viniferaL.), comprising three basic styles: (i) youngpassito‐style; (ii)passitowine incubated at 45°C for 4 months; and (iii)piquette‐style beverages obtained from the pomace of the withered grapes. The produced wines were rated on a 9‐point hedonic scale for liking; whereas familiarity, consumption intention, and willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) were assessed by respondents on a 5‐point Likert scale. The results showed that heating was essential to obtain liking scores and WTP equal to those given to a commercial Madeira fortified wine. Overall, the wines with higher residual sugar were preferred over the drier ones. The least preferred wines were thepiquettes, those where salt was added during grape rehydration. Overall, this study demonstrates that it is possible to recreate ancient wines with acceptance compared to that of commercial counterparts, especially when subjected to a heating process.

Practical Applications

This study revealed that the “AWT” process described in Roman agricultural treatises may be easily adapted by the industry to produce wines with sensory features compared to present commercial wines. Moreover, the results of the study showed that consumers can be segmented according to their preferences. While some individuals showed consumption intention directed to all wines, others were morediscerning(“discriminating consumers”) in their preferences. Thus, the marketing of these products should anticipate possible rejection by some consumers and demand an appropriate explanation of their cultural and historical meaning.
Accuracy of declared nutrient content on labels of commercial complementary food products in Cambodia, Indonesia and Senegal
Authors: Champeny Mary , Yuen‐Esco Katelyn , Juniza Eva , Sy Ndeye Y. , Kane Rosenette , Badham Jane , Mulder Anzélle , Pries Alissa M.
Published: March 2023

Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) have the potential to fill nutritional gaps in the diets of older infants and young children. This study evaluated the accuracy of nutrient declarations on labels of 43 commonly available CPCF in three peri‐urban/urban locations: Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia (n = 11); Bandung, Indonesia (n = 11) and Guédiawaye and Dakar departments, Senegal (n = 21). Label values (LV) from product nutrient declarations were compared to analytical values (AV) derived from laboratory nutrient analysis for macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and total fat), nutrients of public health concern (saturated fat, total sugar and sodium), and micronutrients of interest (calcium, iron and zinc). European Union guidance for nutrition label accuracy was used to set tolerance ranges for each nutrient LV relative to AV. LV were missing for one or more nutrients in 88.4% (n = 38) of the CPCF products and no CPCF met EU tolerance thresholds for all nine nutrients assessed. Over half of products with LV for key micronutrients (55.6%, n = 10/18) and macronutrients (54.8%, n = 23/42) met tolerances for LV accuracy. Eighty‐five percent (n = 11/13) of products with LV for nutrients of public health concern were determined to be accurate. Nutrient content claims for iron appeared on 19 (44.2%) of the 43 products. Of the products which made an iron content claim, 26.3% had inaccurate LV with the majority of these containing less iron than declared. Regulatory action is needed to ensure that CPCF labelling communicates complete and accurate nutrient content information that enables caregivers to make informed decisions for feeding older infants and young children.
Impact of a Homestead Food Production program on poultry rearing and egg consumption: A cluster‐randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh
Authors: Lambrecht Nathalie J. , Waid Jillian L. , Wendt Amanda S. , Sobhan Shafinaz , Kader Abdul , Gabrysch Sabine
Published: March 2023

Women and children in Bangladesh face high levels of micronutrient deficiencies from inadequate diets. We evaluated the impact of a Homestead Food Production (HFP) intervention on poultry production, as a pathway outcome, and women's and children's egg consumption, as secondary outcomes, as part of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition cluster‐randomized trial in Sylhet division, Bangladesh. The 3‐year intervention (2015−2018) promoted home gardening, poultry rearing, and nutrition counseling. We randomly allocated 96 clusters to intervention (48 clusters; 1337 women) or control (48 clusters; 1368 women). Children < 3 years old born to participants were enrolled during the trial. We analyzed poultry production indicators, measured annually, and any egg consumption (24‐h recall), measured every 2−6 months for women and their children. We conducted intention‐to‐treat analyses using mixed‐effects logistic regression models with repeat measures, with minimal adjustment to increase precision. Poultry ownership increased by 16% points (pp) and egg production by 13 pp in the final intervention year. The intervention doubled women's odds of egg consumption in the final year (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.68−3.18), with positive effects sustained 1‐year post‐intervention (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.16−2.15). Children's odds of egg consumption were increased in the final year (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.87−4.95). Poultry ownership was associated with women's egg consumption, accounting for 12% of the total intervention effect, but not with children's egg consumption. Our findings demonstrate that an HFP program can have longer‐term positive effects on poultry production and women's and children's diets.
Prevalence and associated factors of disorders of gut‐brain interaction in the United States: Comparison of two nationwide Internet surveys
Authors: Palsson Olafur S. , Sperber Ami D. , Bangdiwala Shrikant , Whitehead William E.
Published: March 2023

Background

No comprehensive assessment of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) in the United States (US) national population has been published in the past three decades. We aimed to provide an updated picture of DGBI in the United States and associated factors, using data from two national Internet surveys.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 1949 people surveyed in 2015, and 2023 people surveyed in 2017 as a part of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES). The surveys had nearly identical methodology and included the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire and questions on demographics, quality of life (QoL), emotional symptoms, and healthcare utilization.

Key Results

The prevalence of having any DGBI was 36.0% and 39.9% in the two surveys. Prevalence estimates for the 22 DGBI assessed were broadly comparable between the surveys, as their 95% confidence intervals overlapped for every disorder. Females had DGBI more commonly than males in both surveys (odds ratios 1.66 and 1.52), and people of age 65 and older had lower DGBI prevalence than younger age groups. Having DGBI was associated in both surveys with significant QoL impairment, elevated anxiety, depression and somatization symptoms, and increased doctor visits.

Conclusions and Inferences

Approximately 4 out of every 10 US adults have a DGBI; more commonly women and people under the age of 65. DGBI adversely affect QoL and emotional well‐being and increase healthcare needs. The similarity of findings between the two surveys supports the reliability of DGBI prevalence estimates obtained with the Internet survey method used globally in the RFGES.
A comparative study of disorders of gut–brain interaction in Western Europe and Asia based on the Rome foundation global epidemiology study
Authors: Hreinsson Johann P. , Wong Reuben K. M. , Tack Jan , Whorwell Peter , Benninga Marc A. , Andresen Viola , Bonaz Bruno , Choi Suck Chei , Corazziari Enrico S. , Santos Javier , Fukudo Shin , Kanazawa Motoyori , Fang Xuicai , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Sperber Ami D. , Palsson Olafur S. , Simrén Magnus
Published: March 2023

Objective

Many studies have been published on disorders of the gut–brain interaction (DGBI) in Asia and Western Europe, but no previous study has directly assessed the difference between the two regions. The aim was to compare the prevalence of DGBI in Asia and Western Europe.

Methods

We used data collected in a population‐based Internet survey, the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, from countries in Western Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore). We assessed DGBI diagnoses (Rome IV Adult Diagnostic Questionnaire), anxiety/depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐4, PHQ‐4), non‐GI somatic symptoms (PHQ‐12), and access to and personal costs of doctor visits.

Results

The study included 9487 subjects in Asia and 16,314 in Western Europe. Overall, 38.0% had at least one DGBI; younger age, female sex, and higher scores on PHQ4 and PHQ12 were all associated with DGBI. The prevalence of having at least one DGBI was higher in Western Europe than in Asia (39.1% vs 36.1%, OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.08–1.20]). This difference was also observed for DGBI by anatomical regions, most prominently esophageal DGBI (OR 1.67 [1.48–1.88]). After adjustment, the difference in DGBI prevalence diminished and psychological (PHQ‐4) and non‐GI somatic symptoms (PHQ‐12) had the greatest effect on the odds ratio estimates.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DGBI is generally higher in Western Europe compared to Asia. A considerable portion of the observed difference in prevalence rates seems to be explained by more severe psychological and non‐GI somatic symptoms in Western Europe.
The effect of the vertical gradients of photosynthetic parameters on the CO2 assimilation and transpiration of a Panamanian tropical forest
Authors: Lamour Julien , Davidson Kenneth J. , Ely Kim S. , Le Moguédec Gilles , Anderson Jeremiah A. , Li Qianyu , Calderón Osvaldo , Koven Charles D. , Wright S. Joseph , Walker Anthony P. , Serbin Shawn P. , Rogers Alistair
Published: March 2023

Terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) include the representation of vertical gradients in leaf traits associated with modeling photosynthesis, respiration, and stomatal conductance. However, model assumptions associated with these gradients have not been tested in complex tropical forest canopies.

We compared TBM representation of the vertical gradients of key leaf traits with measurements made in a tropical forest in Panama and then quantified the impact of the observed gradients on simulated canopy‐scale CO2 and water fluxes.

Comparison between observed and TBM trait gradients showed divergence that impacted canopy‐scale simulations of water vapor and CO2 exchange. Notably, the ratio between the dark respiration rate and the maximum carboxylation rate was lower near the ground than at the top‐of‐canopy, leaf‐level water‐use efficiency was markedly higher at the top‐of‐canopy, and the decrease in maximum carboxylation rate from the top‐of‐canopy to the ground was less than TBM assumptions.

The representation of the gradients of leaf traits in TBMs is typically derived from measurements made within‐individual plants, or, for some traits, assumed constant due to a lack of experimental data. Our work shows that these assumptions are not representative of the trait gradients observed in species‐rich, complex tropical forests.
Ecosystem‐dependent responses of soil carbon storage to phosphorus enrichment
Authors: Feng Jiguang , Song Yanjun , Zhu Biao
Published: March 2023

Phosphorus deposition can stimulate both plant carbon inputs and microbial carbon outputs. However, how P enrichment affects soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

We conducted a meta‐analysis of 642 SOC observations from 213 field P addition experiments world‐wide and explored the regulations of plant inputs, microbial outputs, plant characteristics, and environmental and experimental factors on SOC responses.

We found that, globally, P addition stimulated SOC by 4.0% (95% CI: 2.0–6.0%), but the stimulation only occurred in forest and cropland rather than in grassland. Across sites, the response of SOC correlated with that of plant aboveground rather than belowground biomass, suggesting that the change in plant inputs from aboveground was more important than that from belowground in regulating SOC changes due to P addition. Among multiple factors, plant N fixation status and mean annual temperature were the best predictors for SOC responses to P addition, with SOC stimulation being higher in ecosystems dominated by symbiotic nitrogen fixers and ecosystems in high‐temperature regions like tropical forests.

Our findings highlight the differential and ecosystem‐dependent responses of SOC to P enrichment and can contribute to accurate predictions of soil carbon dynamics in a P‐enriched world.
Immunometabolism at the crossroads of obesity and cancer—a Keystone Symposia report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Rathmell Jeffrey C. , Pearce Erika L. , Ho Ping‐Chih , Haigis Marcia C. , Mamedov Murad R. , Wu Meng‐Ju , Kaech Susan M. , Lynch Lydia , Febbraio Mark A. , Bapat Sagar P. , Hong Hanna S. , Zou Weiping , Belkaid Yasmine , Sullivan Zuri A. , Keller Andrea , Wculek Stefanie K. , Green Douglas R. , Postic Catherine , Amit Ido , Benitah Salvador Aznar , Jones Russell G. , Reina‐Campos Miguel , Torres Santiago Valle , Beyaz Semir , Brennan Donal , O'Neill Luke A. J. , Perry Rachel J. , Brenner Dirk
Published: March 2023

Immunometabolism considers the relationship between metabolism and immunity. Typically, researchers focus on either the metabolic pathways within immune cells that affect their function or the impact of immune cells on systemic metabolism. A more holistic approach that considers both these viewpoints is needed. On September 5–8, 2022, experts in the field of immunometabolism met for the Keystone symposium “Immunometabolism at the Crossroads of Obesity and Cancer” to present recent research across the field of immunometabolism, with the setting of obesity and cancer as an ideal example of the complex interplay between metabolism, immunity, and cancer. Speakers highlighted new insights on the metabolic links between tumor cells and immune cells, with a focus on leveraging unique metabolic vulnerabilities of different cell types in the tumor microenvironment as therapeutic targets and demonstrated the effects of diet, the microbiome, and obesity on immune system function and cancer pathogenesis and therapy. Finally, speakers presented new technologies to interrogate the immune system and uncover novel metabolic pathways important for immunity.
Causal association between asthma and periodontitis: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Jiao Ruofeng , Li Wei , Song Jukun , Chen Zhu
Published: March 2023

Background

A unified view of whether asthma and periodontitis interact and the direction of action is not found in previous studies. Therefore, in this article, we will elucidate bidirectional causality by two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We obtained summary‐level data for asthma and periodontitis from the massive GWAS databases of several publicly available. Meanwhile, it will ensure no confounders like smoking using the Phenoscanner website to have a search over each SNP. The F statistic value of each SNP is calculated as more significant than 10. This MR analysis mainly used five MR methods: MR‐Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode. As a result, we performed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests.

Results

We have found supporting evidence to verify the hypothesis that asthma may be a protective factor for periodontitis (IVW OR = 0.34; 95% CI = [0.132,0.87]; p = 0.025). The consistent impact direction is shown when additional asthma GWAS dataset are used (MR‐Egger OR = 0.118; 95%CI = [0.016,0.883]; p = 0.04). There is no evidence of a causal effect of periodontitis at the risk of asthma in the reverse analysis (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our analysis found that people with asthma may have a lower risk of periodontitis than those without. This MR analysis could have significant implications for the clinical process and future research.
Efficacy and safety of salvianolate and enoxaparin in the prevention of perioperative deep venous thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Wu Meng‐lin , Wang Xin‐ru , Zhang Wen‐da , Zhang Jing‐min , Lu Yao‐yao , Chai Yu‐na , Qin Chong‐zhen
Published: March 2023

Objective

In this study, the efficacy and safety of salvianolate were compared with enoxaparin in the prevention of perioperative deep vein thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

From October 2017 to September 2019, 563 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery were collected. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 119 patients were divided into two groups: enoxaparin group (n = 65) and salvianolate group (n = 54). Comparisons were made regarding the outcomes: prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin time (TT), D‐dimer level (D‐D), platelet count (PLT), hematokrit (HCT), and incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Results

The main outcomes showed no significance between enoxaparin group and salvianolate group (p > .05). The incidence of DVT in salvianolate group was 1.85%, significantly lower than that in enoxaparin group (12.3%) (p < .05). No serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups during treatment.

Conclusion

Compared with enoxaparin, salvianolate has an advantage in the prevention of perioperative thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery with a lower incidence of DVT.
Awareness that cocaine can contain fentanyl among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City, 2018–2022
Authors: Palamar Joseph J.
Published: March 2023

People who attend nightclubs and dance festivals—particularly those that feature electronic dance music (EDM), are at high risk for use of cocaine and other party drugs. Given that cocaine is now sometimes adulterated with fentanyl, this study examines trends in people's knowledge about such risk of adulteration to inform prevention and harm reduction efforts. Adults were surveyed entering randomly selected EDM events (including dance festivals) in New York City in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (n = 2107). They were asked whether they agree that some dealers sell cocaine containing fentanyl, and trends in agreement were estimated. Prevalence of agreement that cocaine can be adulterated increased from 42.1% (95% CI: 36.8–47.6) in 2018 to 65.6% (95% CI: 54.1–75.4) in 2022—a 55.8% increase (p < .001). Between 2018 and 2022, particular increases occurred among those not reporting past‐year cocaine use (by 61.6%, p < .001), among White individuals (by 68.1%, p < .001), those with some college (by 68.5%, p = .021), and those age ≥26 (by 83.8%, p = .001). Awareness that cocaine can contain fentanyl is increasing in this high‐risk population. Continued education is needed for high‐risk populations regarding both opioid overdose response and test strips that can test drugs for the presence of fentanyl.
Comparative transcriptomic and metabolite profiling reveals genotype‐specific responses to Fe starvation in chickpea
Authors: Singh Gourav , Ambreen Heena , Jain Priyanka , Chakraborty Anirban , Singh Baljinder , Manivannan Abinaya , Bhatia Sabhyata
Published: March 2023

Iron deficiency is a major nutritional stress that severely impacts crop productivity worldwide. However, molecular intricacies and subsequent physiological and metabolic changes in response to Fe starvation, especially in leguminous crops like chickpea, remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic reprogramming in two chickpea genotypes (H6013 and L4958) with contrasting seed iron concentrations upon Fe deficiency. Our findings revealed that iron starvation affected growth and physiological parameters of both chickpea genotypes. Comparative transcriptome analysis led to the identification of differentially expressed genes between the genotypes related to strategy I uptake, metal ions transporters, reactive oxygen species‐associated genes, transcription factors, and protein kinases that could mitigate Fe deficiency. Our gene correlation network discovered several putative candidate genes like CIPK25, CKX3, WRKY50, NAC29, MYB4, and PAP18, which could facilitate the investigation of the molecular rationale underlying Fe tolerance in chickpea. Furthermore, the metabolite analysis also illustrated the differential accumulation of organic acids, amino acids and other metabolites associated with Fe mobilization in chickpea genotypes. Overall, our study demonstrated the comparative transcriptional dynamics upon Fe starvation. The outcomes of the current endeavor will enable the development of Fe deficiency tolerant chickpea cultivars.
Communication‐related experiences of individuals in the early phase of semantic dementia and their families: an interview study
Authors: Shiba Tamami , Yamakawa Miyae , Endo Yoshimi , Komori Kenjiro , Umezaki Kaori , Takeya Yasushi , Shigenobu Kazue , Tanimukai Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Background

Semantic dementia (SD), a subtype of frontotemporal dementia, manifests as verbal symptoms, including social and behavioural deficits, associated with focal atrophy of the frontotemporal lobes. This study aimed to clarify the experiences of individuals with early‐onset SD receiving speech and language rehabilitation (hereafter referred to as ‘rehabilitation’), with the intent of making it routine, as well as the experiences of their families.

Methods

Individual interviews were conducted with nine families with members who had adopted rehabilitation. Verbatim transcripts were used as data, and analyzed inductively according to the content analysis process.

Results

The family members realised the changes in the personality and behaviour of the individual with SD early, to the extent that they thought the individual with SD was different from before and were distressed by the loss of verbal communication. Nevertheless, the family members found a way to communicate by maintaining residual functions through rehabilitation and utilising their unique relationship with the individual with SD.

Conclusions

It is important to carefully explain the characteristics of the disease and the long‐term significance of rehabilitation to individuals with SD and their families in the early stages of the disease.
Change in gait speed and adverse outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Nolan Claire M. , Schofield Susie J. , Maddocks Matthew , Patel Suhani , Barker Ruth E. , Walsh Jessica A. , Polgar Oliver , George Peter M. , Molyneaux Philip L. , Maher Toby M. , Cullinan Paul , Man William D.‐C.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objective

Gait speed is associated with survival in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The extent to which four‐metre gait speed (4MGS) decline predicts adverse outcome in IPF remains unclear. We aimed to examine longitudinal 4MGS change and identify a cut‐point associated with adverse outcome.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, we recruited 132 individuals newly diagnosed with IPF and measured 4MGS change over 6 months. Death/first hospitalization at 6 months were composite outcome events. Complete data (paired 4MGS plus index event) were available in 85 participants; missing 4MGS data were addressed using multiple imputation. Receiver‐Operating Curve plots identified a 4MGS change cut‐point. Cox proportional‐hazard regression assessed the relationship between 4MGS change and time to event.

Results

4MGS declined over 6 months (mean [95% CI] change: −0.05 [−0.09 to −0.01] m/s; p = 0.02). A decline of 0.07 m/s or more in 4MGS over 6 months had better discrimination for the index event than change in 6‐minute walk distance, forced vital capacity, Composite Physiologic Index or Gender Age Physiology index. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a significant difference in time to event between 4MGS groups (substantial decline: >−0.07 m/s versus minor decline/improvers: ≤−0.07 m/s; p = 0.007). Those with substantial decline had an increased risk of hospitalization/death (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI] 4.61 [1.23–15.83]). Similar results were observed in multiple imputation analysis.

Conclusion

In newly diagnosed IPF, a substantial 4MGS decline over 6 months is associated with shorter time to hospitalization/death at 6 months. 4MGS change has potential as a surrogate endpoint for interventions aimed at modifying hospitalization/death.
Spherotech‐EDTA combined serum treatment reduces background more effectively as compared to One Lambda Adsorb Out™ and LIFECODES Serum Cleaner in Luminex‐based solid‐phase immunoassays for HLA antibody detection
Authors: Misra Maneesh Kumar , Weidner Jerome G. , Upchurch Rebecca L. , Mankey Arianne M. , Fernandez‐Viña Marcelo A. , Marino Susana G.
Published: March 2023

Spherotech (SPT) microparticles capture non‐specific binding materials present in test serum, and EDTA removes the so called” prozone effect”. This study presents a novel approach of combined SPT‐EDTA serum treatment prior to Luminex HLA antibody testing to remove high background, and prozone effect in a single step process, and compared the efficacy of SPT‐EDTA serum pre‐treatment with AdsorbOut (ADS) and Serum Cleaner (SC) to reduce background in solid phase immunoassays (SPI). A total of 21 serum samples with a history of elevated negative control (NC) values ≥500, and 20 samples with normal NC values were included to assess the potential adverse effects. A problem of high background was noted in 25% of our samples in SPI. We observed 80% effectiveness in reducing NC values <500 with SPT‐EDTA serum pre‐treatment compared to 72%, and 67% for ADS and SC‐treated sera, respectively. Interestingly, we found a strong correlation in antibody‐binding levels between SPT versus ADS; and ADS versus SC‐treated sera for both phenotype and single antigen bead assays (p < 0.001). No adverse effect was noted on NC, positive control (PC) values, PC/NC ratios in the upfront use of SPT‐EDTA as compared to EDTA alone. Our data revealed that combined SPT‐EDTA treated sera is more effective than ADS, and SC in reducing high background in SPI. Taken together, SPT‐EDTA serum treatment prior to Luminex HLA Ab testing is cost‐effective, our laboratory saves nearly 30% of the annual total cost for Ab testing and improved test turnaround time by two business days.
Characterization of 40 novel HLA class I and class II alleles identified in umbilical cord blood units
Authors: Rajendran Sureka , Murugan Alagupandian , Nandakumar Yogesh , Chaturvedi Ankur , Phani Nagaraja M. , Padhiar Chirayu , Goditala Pardhasaradhi , Gambhir Prakash Sadashiv
Published: March 2023

Forty novel HLA class I and class II alleles were identified in umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples and categorized based on various types of mutations: non‐synonymous, synonymous, frameshift, and premature termination codon. This study described 14 novel HLA‐A alleles, 9 novel HLA‐B alleles, 4 novel HLA‐C alleles, 3 novel HLA‐DRB1 alleles and 10 novel HLA‐DQB1 alleles. Comparing the new allele sequence with the most homologous sequence, 60% of the novel alleles exhibited non‐synonymous substitution, 32.5% observed with synonymous substitution, 5% displayed premature stop codon, and 2.5% presented with frameshift mutation. The majority of the new alleles contained a single nucleotide variation when compared with the most similar sequence.
Constraining the diagenesis of the Puga cap carbonate from U–Pb in‐situ dating of seafloor crystal fans, southern Amazonian craton, Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho Davi F. , Nogueira Afonso C. R. , Macambira Moacir J. B. , Lana Cristiano C. , dos Santos Renan F. , Guélard Julia , Sansjofre Pierre
Published: March 2023

Cap carbonates overlying Marinoan (635 Ma) glacial deposits worldwide record extreme paleoceanographic changes that may have triggered the rise of macroscopic life. However, the lack of geochronological constraints on these successions hinders reconciling climate and environmental change. Their upper part is marked by anomalous aragonite precipitation associated with large transgression and oxygenation of the post‐glacial ocean. Neomorphism of these deposits to low‐Mg calcite often includes centimetre‐scale seafloor crystal fans. We used in‐situ U–Pb dating and C and Sr isotopic analyses in the Puga cap carbonate to estimate the nature and timing of the neomorphism process. An age of 623 ± 3 [9] Ma (δ13C ~ −6‰ and 87Sr/87Sr ~ 0.7071–0.7075) for a blocky calcite cement is consistent with solution‐reprecipitation within the fans during final filling and diagenetic stabilization of the cap carbonate fabric. This result improves previous cap carbonate direct dating, providing a rare Lower Ediacaran chronostratigraphic reference.
STN7 is not essential for developmental acclimation of Arabidopsis to light intensity
Authors: Flannery Sarah E. , Pastorelli Federica , Emrich‐Mills Thomas Z. , Casson Stuart A. , Hunter C. Neil , Dickman Mark J. , Jackson Philip J. , Johnson Matthew P.
Published: March 2023

Plants respond to changing light intensity in the short term through regulation of light harvesting, electron transfer, and metabolism to mitigate redox stress. A sustained shift in light intensity leads to a long‐term acclimation response (LTR). This involves adjustment in the stoichiometry of photosynthetic complexes through de novo synthesis and degradation of specific proteins associated with the thylakoid membrane. The light‐harvesting complex II (LHCII) serine/threonine kinase STN7 plays a key role in short‐term light harvesting regulation and was also suggested to be crucial to the LTR. Arabidopsis plants lacking STN7 (stn7) shifted to low light experience higher photosystem II (PSII) redox pressure than the wild type or those lacking the cognate phosphatase TAP38 (tap38), while the reverse is true at high light, where tap38 suffers more. In principle, the LTR should allow optimisation of the stoichiometry of photosynthetic complexes to mitigate these effects. We used quantitative label‐free proteomics to assess how the relative abundance of photosynthetic proteins varied with growth light intensity in wild‐type, stn7, and tap38 plants. All plants were able to adjust photosystem I, LHCII, cytochrome b6f, and ATP synthase abundance with changing white light intensity, demonstrating neither STN7 nor TAP38 is crucial to the LTR per se. However, stn7 plants grown for several weeks at low light (LL) or moderate light (ML) still showed high PSII redox pressure and correspondingly lower PSII efficiency, CO2 assimilation, and leaf area compared to wild‐type and tap38 plants, hence the LTR is unable to fully ameliorate these symptoms. In contrast, under high light growth conditions the mutants and wild type behaved similarly. These data are consistent with the paramount role of STN7‐dependent LHCII phosphorylation in tuning PSII redox state for optimal growth in LL and ML conditions.