bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Double‐Blind and Open Food Challenges for the Diagnosis of Food Allergy in Childhood: The ALDORADO Study
Authors: de Weger Wouter W. , Sprikkelman Aline. B. , Herpertz Catherina. E. M. , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Vonk Judith. M. , Koppelman Gerard. H. , Kamps Arvid. W. A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) is widely regarded as the “gold standard” to diagnose food allergy. Maximum efforts are made to reduce bias, yet DBPCFCs are costly, time‐, and resource‐intensive. Less demanding open food challenges are increasingly used in clinical practice. However, recommendations regarding the use of these challenges are based on low certainty of evidence, and no comparative studies have been performed using the most recent international food challenge guidelines. We hypothesised that the open food challenge is non‐inferior to DBPCFC in children suspected of allergy to cashew nuts, hazelnuts or peanuts.

Methods

A total of 63 children, aged 4 years and older, were included if referred for suspected IgE‐mediated allergy to cashew nut, hazelnut, or peanut. All study participants underwent DBPCFC first, followed by an open food challenge for the same food. Challenge outcomes were assessed by predefined criteria into positive, negative, or inconclusive.

Results

DBPCFC and open food challenge outcomes were the same for 36/41 (87.8%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of the open food challenge were 0.91 (95% CI 0.79, 1.03) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.63, 1.01), respectively, with an AUC value of 0.87. Eliciting and stop doses were not significantly different between both food challenges.

Conclusion

The Diagnostic accuracy of open food challenge is non‐inferior to that of DBPCFC. This finding implies less demanding open food challenges can be implemented for children from the age of 4 years suspected to be cashew nut, hazelnut, or peanut allergic. Further research is necessary to validate our findings and to investigate the diagnostic accuracy for other major food allergens.
Hemofiltration system for the post traumatic treatment of hyperkalemia in austere conditions
Authors: Haanstad Meredith , Seeley Leslie D. , Srinivas Tara , Chamot Matthew , Haanstad Trevor , Marotta Christopher , Sethu Palaniappan , Jayaraman Ambalavanan
Published: December 2024

Background

Hyperkalemia, the buildup of serum potassium to levels >6 mEq L−1, has been a recognized complication of combat injuries such as acute kidney injury since World War II. Currently, renal replacement therapy (RRT) serves as the standard of care for hyperkalemic patients who fail to respond to medical management. However, RRT is difficult to administer in combat settings, and the time between evacuation and RRT is critical in preventing post‐traumatic hyperkalemia. Therefore, the need for portable, easily operable hemofiltration technology is pressing to improve the survival of hyperkalemic patients in austere settings.

Methods

In this manuscript, we present extra‐corporeal direct contact and hemodialysis filtration systems for treating severe hyperkalemia and tested the efficacy, biocompatibility, and performance of a zeolite‐based renal RRT. We tested the uptake capacity of an adsorbent zeolite optimized for the selective binding and removal of potassium in various mediums, including dialysate, bovine serum, and whole bovine sodium heparinized blood.

Results and Conclusions

Our results show that we can restore physiological normokalemic levels within just 2 h of testing and maintain these levels for 6 h. Furthermore, calcium and sodium levels were maintained within normal physiological ranges, confirming the selectivity of our sorbent material for potassium binding.
Bioengineered vessels used for vascular repairs in trauma
Authors: Chang Donald D.
Published: December 2024

Clinical trials demonstrate favorable outcomes of bioengineered vessels as graft conduits for reparation of traumatic vascular injuries compared with benchmarked synthetic conduits.
Closed‐loop automated oxygen control in late preterm and term, ventilated infants: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kaltsogianni Ourania , Jenkinson Allan , Harris Christopher , Jeffreys Eleanor , Sikdar Oishi , Greenough Anne , Dassios Theodore
Published: December 2024

Aim

To compare the time spent above the target oxygen saturation range (SpO2 > 96%) and the duration of supplemental oxygen between ventilated infants receiving closed‐loop automated oxygen control (CLAC) or manual oxygen control in late preterm and term ventilated infants.

Methods

Infants were randomised to receive CLAC or manual oxygen control from recruitment and within 24 h of mechanical ventilation until successful extubation.

Results

Forty infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 37.4 (35.9–38.5) weeks were studied at a corrected postmenstrual age of 37.6 (36.0–38.7) weeks. In infants randomised to CLAC (n = 18) the time spent above the target oxygen saturation range was reduced by 20% (p < 0.001), and the time spent in the target range (92%–96%) was increased by 32% (p < 0.001) and the time spent in hyperoxia was reduced (p = 0.003). CLAC reduced the time spent in hypoxemia (SpO2 < 85%) (p = 0.017) and there were fewer manual adjustments to the inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the duration of supplemental oxygen (p = 0.271).

Conclusion

CLAC in ventilated infants born at or near term was associated with reduced time spent in hyperoxemia, more time spent in the target oxygen range, and fewer manual adjustments to the FiO2.
Corporate Financial Performance Following the Opening of China's High‐Speed Rail: A Firm‐Level Perspective on Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Xu Fei , Kang XingRui , Zhang Jiao , Qi LiWei , Xu Zhuo , Lv Yi
Published: December 2024

In the context of China's successful high‐speed railway (HSR) construction, this study examines the micro‐mechanisms of financial performance related to the opening of HSR from a firm‐level supply chain perspective. This study's findings are as follows: (1) Supply chain performance significantly increased by 14.71% on average after the HSR opening. (2) After the HSR opened, real earnings management (REM) significantly reduced, especially overproduction and abnormal cash flow manipulation. (3) HSR reduced REM by promoting supply chain performance. (4) With a reduction in REM, HSR improved stock pricing efficiency, which is reflected in the reduction of stock price synchronisation and crash risk. The conclusions continue to hold after controlling for other traditional urban transportation, major urban events and strategic corporate M&A arbitrage events.
Mechanism of risk perception diffusion in public health emergencies: Based on the dual perspectives of cross‐evolution and emotional difference
Authors: Zhang Yueqian , Li Xinchun , Liu Quanlong , Fa Ziwei , Qiu Zunxiang
Published: December 2024

The high‐level risk perception diffusion caused by public health emergencies seriously threatens public mental health and social stability. Much scholarly attention focused on the traditional epidemic models or simply combined content and social attributes, overlooking the differences in public individual characteristics. This paper proposes an S1S2EIposIneuInegR model of risk perception diffusion by innovatively subdividing susceptible people and infectious people. Then, taking the Xi'an epidemic as an example (N = 105,417), this paper employs the sentiment analysis model of Word2Vec and Bi‐LSTM to calculate the emotional value of microblog text to quantify public risk perception. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to explore the effects of cross‐evolution and emotional difference on risk perception diffusion under different scenarios. Findings reveal that a larger initial density of infectious people accelerates diffusion, with negative emotions playing a dominant role. In addition, the higher the risk perception level and the lower the heterogeneity, the greater the maximum impact and the final scale of diffusion. When the public health emergency deteriorates, the cross‐evolution tends to shift to a high‐risk perception. Otherwise, it tends to tilt to a low‐risk perception. These findings provide critical insights for developing precise risk perception guidance strategies and enhancing public health governance capabilities.
Daily health and well‐being in adulthood and old age: The role of adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Potter Sophie , Bridger Emma , Drewelies Johanna
Published: December 2024

How susceptible our daily affect is to fluctuations in physical health indicates how well we adapt to everyday health challenges. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to have a lasting impact on everyday emotion regulation and adaptation across the lifespan, but less is known about whether and how such adversity is linked to the susceptibility of affect to everyday health challenges. This study therefore tested whether ACEs were associated with daily reports of positive and negative affect and examined weather they moderated emotional reactions to daily physical symptoms in adulthood and old age. We used data from the National Study of Daily Experiences 2 (NSDE‐2) in which middle‐aged and older adults (N = 2,022; Mage = 56 years; range: 33–84) reported symptoms and affect on eight consecutive evenings. Multi‐level models indicated that cumulative ACEs as well as two individual childhood adversities (i.e. physical and sexual abuse by a parent) were independently associated with exacerbated increases in negative affect on days with more symptoms. Findings add to literature on the role of early adversity for the maintenance of everyday well‐being and highlight the potential importance of such experiences for coping and adaption in the face of daily health challenges across adulthood and old age.
Assessing the evolution of carbon emissions of large companies: An index‐based approach
Authors: Valayden Ananda , Chabaud Didier
Published: December 2024

According to the Carbon Disclosure Project, the world's largest 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. However, seven years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, these companies' efforts remain insufficient as they have not significantly altered the dangerous trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions. Current methods used to quantify company‐level emissions offer limited insights, often providing overall scores or evaluating CSR's impact on performance. To address this, we developed a refined methodology focusing on the carbon footprint within the environmental dimension. Our methodology, which is extendable to other companies and regions like the London Stock Exchange or S&P 500, assesses the evolution of CAC 40 companies' carbon footprints relative to their revenues. Comparing their progress to sector peers between 2016 and 2020 allows us to track performance, benchmark against industry standards, and identify areas for improvement. Based on their carbon emissions, we categorized companies as leaders, laggards, or non‐reporters, enabling actionable recommendations. Our findings indicate decreased direct emissions but a concerning trend of increasing indirect emissions, suggesting outsourced carbon footprints within the value chain. This raises suspicions of greenwashing practices, warranting further investigation.
A network analysis to explore illness perceptions in Black adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wen Meng‐Jung , Zou Tongtong , Bolt Daniel M. , Shiyanbola Olayinka O.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study explores the structure of beliefs about type 2 diabetes among Black adults and informs potential targets to reframe negative beliefs and enhance diabetes self‐management.

Research Design and Methods

We applied network analysis to investigate the interrelated structure and clusters of beliefs about diabetes and identify specific items that could serve as behavioural targets. We obtained self‐reported survey data from 170 Black adults with type 2 diabetes. Regularised partial correlation networks and a Gaussian graphical model were used to explore and visualise the interrelationship among 21 items of a culturally adapted Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised.

Results

Overwhelming negative emotions representing the current and long‐term effects of diabetes were central to the illness perceptions network among Black adults, with feeling depressed having the highest node strength of centrality indices in the network. Four beliefs had a bridging effect with the central cluster: diabetes taking away the ability to enjoy food, diabetes keeping me away from the job I want, being poor contributed to my having diabetes, and I receive encouragement from friends and family.

Conclusions

In addition to highlighting the overwhelming feeling of diabetes, the illness perception network further differentiated the role of racial identity and social determinants of health as discrete, though both are related sociocultural influence constructs. To enhance self‐management for Black adults with type 2 diabetes, this network informs promising intervention targets focused on culturally tailored education related to emotional regulation, internalised stigma and healthy food adaptation, and leveraging support to address social determinants of health.
Identity categories and the dilemma of calling police about family violence
Authors: Tennent Emma , Weatherall Ann
Published: December 2024

The under‐reporting of family violence is a global problem. Multiple barriers to help‐seeking have been identified, including some associated with social identities like race, age and gender. This discursive psychology study examines identity and help‐seeking in social interaction. We analysed 200 calls classified by police call‐takers as family harm using conversation analysis and membership categorization analysis. We found that callers oriented to a locally generated identity category ‘the one who called police’ as problematic. Callers sought anonymity or proposed cover stories to avoid being identified by others. Anonymity raised practical problems for recording callers' names and cover stories raised questions about the legitimacy of alternative accounts for police contact. We found callers' concerns with being identified create a dilemma produced through competing moral judgements tied to coexisting institutional and relational identity categories. Participants display understandings that calling the police may be the right thing to do as a help‐seeker, but the wrong thing to do as a friend or family member. Our findings reveal how a locally generated identity category was observable as a force shaping help‐seeking in real‐time high‐stakes encounters.
Climate futures: Scientists' discourses on collapse versus transformation
Authors: Finnerty Samuel , Piazza Jared , Levine Mark
Published: December 2024

The climate and ecological crisis poses an unprecedented challenge, with scientists playing a critical role in how society understands and responds. This study examined how 27 environmentally concerned scientists from 11 countries construct the future in the context of climate change, applying a critical discursive psychology analysis. The degree to which the future is constructed as predetermined or transformable impacts both the urgency and scope of proposed actions. Along a temporal spectrum from fixed and inevitable to contingent and transformable, scientists drew upon shared discourses of social and ecological collapse. The degree of fixity or openness in scientists' talk about the future shaped the range of arguments available, demonstrating varying levels of argumentative flexibility when framing solutions to climate change. At the fixed end, the future was presented as beyond human intervention, echoing doomist discourse. By contrast, more open framings presented collapse not as inevitable but as transformable through human agency. Here, collapse discourses were presented as warnings, motivating arguments that drew upon a wide array of strategies from collective action to technological innovation. These constructions of the future highlight scientists' role in shaping societal discourse and framing what actions are seen as viable or necessary to address the climate crisis.
Long‐term stability of tropical forest metacommunities in Puerto Rico: Native and non‐native species
Authors: Presley Steven J. , Rojas‐Sandoval Julissa , Willig Michael R.
Published: December 2024

Anthropogenic disturbances alter trajectories of ecological succession, introduce spatiotemporal variability in the composition of communities, and potentially create communities that differ substantially from those prior to disturbance. Invasive species are introduced or spread by human activities, with considerable effect on native ecosystems throughout the world. We evaluate the temporal stability of woody plant metacommunity structures and the mechanisms that give rise to them in a tropical disturbance‐mediated environment. We used data collected over 20 years to (1) evaluate elements of metacommunity structure, (2) identify the gradients along which metacommunities are structured, and (3) quantify the relative contributions of environmental and spatial factors on variation in species composition. Analyses were conducted separately for combinations of life zone (areas defined by edaphic features and climate) and species origin (native versus non‐native). Native species exhibited compartmentalized structures (i.e., groups of species with similar distributions that are replaced by other such groups along a gradient), whereas non‐natives exhibited random structures. Metacommunities based on all species were consistently compartmentalized, except in dry forest, which exhibited random structure. Compartmentalized structures occurred along gradients defined by life zone and soil type, whereas no environmental factors were consistently associated with random structures. Metacommunity structure was stable through time despite a complex disturbance regime. Dry forests, which have experienced the most extensive and intensive history of anthropogenic disturbances of any life zone on Puerto Rico are characterized by degraded and fragmented landscapes, with species that do not respond to a common environmental gradient.
Beyond the physical: The interplay of experienced weight stigma, internalised weight bias and depression in lipoedema
Authors: Clarke Chantelle , Kirby James N. , Best Talitha
Published: December 2024

This study explored experienced weight stigma, internalised weight bias and depressive symptom severity in lipoedema, a chronic health condition that primarily affects women and involves painful and disproportionate adipose tissue. This study utilised an international cross‐sectional online survey involving N = 1070 women over 18 years old (Mage = 48.9 years old) with self‐reported diagnosed or suspected lipoedema. Participants completed measures of demographic and health characteristics, experienced weight stigma, internalised weight bias and depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9). Chi‐square analysis showed experienced weight stigma differed between those with stage 1 (n = 57), stage 2 (n = 311), Stage 3 (n = 664) and stage unknown (n = 38) lipoedema. Hierarchical linear regression determined the effects of weight stigma on depression and the mediating role of internalised weight bias. Experienced weight stigma (p < .001) and internalised weight bias (p < .001) were related to depressive symptoms beyond age and symptoms of lipoedema (BMI, lipoedema symptom severity and mobility). Internalised weight bias partially mediated the effect of experienced weight stigma on depression. Psychological attributes of experienced weight stigma and internalised weight bias uniquely contribute to depressive symptoms in lipoedema. Increased awareness of the psychological effects of weight stigma and the role of internalised weight bias in women's experience of lipoedema on depression is needed.
Interindividual variability in CYP3A‐mediated venetoclax metabolism in vitro and in vivo in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Lee Jonghwa , Beers Jessica L. , Cheng Isabel , Truong Vivian , Brown Zachary , Muluneh Benyam , Coombs Catherine C. , Jackson Klarissa D.
Published: December 2024

Venetoclax is a first‐in‐class orally administered B‐cell lymphoma‐2 inhibitor used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Venetoclax is primarily metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 to its major metabolite M27, via M5, and M2, M3, and M4 via oxidation. Although venetoclax is a breakthrough in CLL treatment, managing drug safety and toxicity remains a clinical challenge. The objectives of this study were to investigate how individual CYP3A activity and protein expression affect hepatic venetoclax metabolism in vitro and examine whether plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (4β‐HC)/cholesterol ratio can predict venetoclax metabolism in vitro and in vivo. In human liver microsomes (n = 20) and primary human hepatocytes (n = 15), venetoclax metabolite formation varied widely between donors and significantly correlated with CYP3A activity (midazolam 1′‐hydroxylation) and CYP3A4 protein expression. Venetoclax metabolite formation positively correlated with 4β‐HC/cholesterol ratio in plasma samples from the matched non‐infant donors (n = 14, ages 3–63 years). In an observational pilot study of real‐world patients with CLL (n = 12, ages 56–84 years) treated with venetoclax, the plasma M3/venetoclax metabolic ratio negatively correlated with plasma 4β‐HC/cholesterol ratio and positively correlated with patient age. Plasma 4β‐HC/cholesterol ratio negatively correlated with patient age. Differences between the in vitro data, which showed a positive association between venetoclax metabolism, hepatic CYP3A markers, and plasma 4β‐HC/cholesterol ratio, and the in vivo findings in patients with CLL could be due to age or other factors regulating plasma 4β‐HC/cholesterol and/or venetoclax disposition. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate age‐related changes in venetoclax metabolism and plasma 4β‐HC/cholesterol ratio.
Dealing With the Complexity of Effective Population Size in Conservation Practice
Authors: Fedorca Ancuta , Mergeay Joachim , Akinyele Adejoke O. , Albayrak Tamer , Biebach Iris , Brambilla Alice , Burger Pamela A. , Buzan Elena , Curik Ino , Gargiulo Roberta , Godoy José A. , González‐Martínez Santiago C. , Grossen Christine , Heuertz Myriam , Hoban Sean , Howard‐McCombe Jo , Kachamakova Maria , Klinga Peter , Köppä Viktoria , Neugebauer Elenora , Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Pearman Peter B. , Pérez‐Sorribes Laia , Rinkevich Baruch , Russo Isa‐Rita M. , Theraroz Adélaïde , Thomas Nia E. , Westergren Marjana , Winter Sven , Laikre Linda , Kopatz Alexander
Published: December 2024

Effective population size (Ne) is one of the most important parameters in evolutionary biology, as it is linked to the long‐term survival capability of species. Therefore, Ne greatly interests conservation geneticists, but it is also very relevant to policymakers, managers, and conservation practitioners. Molecular methods to estimate Ne rely on various assumptions, including no immigration, panmixia, random sampling, absence of spatial genetic structure, and/or mutation‐drift equilibrium. Species are, however, often characterized by fragmented populations under changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure. Therefore, the estimation methods' assumptions are seldom addressed and rarely met, possibly leading to biased and inaccurate Ne estimates. To address the challenges associated with estimating Ne for conservation purposes, the COST Action 18134, Genomic Biodiversity Knowledge for Resilient Ecosystems (G‐BiKE), organized an international workshop that met in August 2022 in Brașov, Romania. The overarching goal was to operationalize the current knowledge of Ne estimation methods for conservation practitioners and decision‐makers. We set out to identify datasets to evaluate the sensitivity of Ne estimation methods to violations of underlying assumptions and to develop data analysis strategies that addressed pressing issues in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Referring to a comprehensive body of scientific work on Ne, this meeting report is not intended to be exhaustive but rather to present approaches, workshop findings, and a collection of papers that serve as fruits of those efforts. We aimed to provide insights and opportunities to help bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation practice.
CD4+ T Cells Occupy Perivascular and Perifollicular Niches in Healthy Human Skin
Authors: Macon Courtney E. , Yang Annie , Patel Dhara , North Jeffrey P. , Rosenblum Michael D. , Cohen Jarish N.
Published: December 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are specialised T lymphocytes that sit at the nexus of immune regulation and tissue repair. While it is appreciated that a substantial number of Tregs are present in healthy human skin, less is known about their microanatomic spatial localisation. Knowledge about the specialised niches that Tregs occupy may aid in rational drug development to treat dermatologic diseases. Thus, we performed multiplexed immunohistochemistry for CD4 and FOXP3 (the lineage‐defining transcription factor of Tregs) on healthy skin sections obtained from eight different cutaneous sites, and quantified Tregs and Tcon in distinct regions. We found that Tregs (CD4+ FOXP3+) comprised roughly 20% of CD4+ T cells in skin and that Tregs and T‐conventional cells (Tcon; CD4+ Foxp3−) are enriched in follicularly dense skin and show preferential accumulation in perivascular and perifollicular niches in the upper dermis. Additionally, male skin shows a significant increase in the numbers of Tregs and Tcon, while female skin shows a higher Tcon:Treg ratio. We also find that the frequency of skin Tregs declines over time. Overall, we conclude that the upper dermal perivascular region is a niche that supports the accumulation of CD4+ T cells in steady‐state human skin.
Targeted protein degradation of PDE4 shortforms by a novel proteolysis targeting chimera
Authors: Sin Yuan Yan , Giblin Aoife , Judina Aleksandra , Rujirachaivej Punchita , Corral Laura G. , Glennon Eliza , Tai Zhi Xian , Feng Tian , Torres Eduardo , Zorn Alina , Gorelik Julia , Kyurkchieva Elka , Yenchitsomanus Pa Thai , Swindlehurst Cathy , Chan Kyle , Stirling David , Baillie George S.
Published: December 2024

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) has a crucial role in many vital cellular processes and there has been much effort expended in the discovery of inhibitors against the enzyme superfamily that degrades this second messenger, namely phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The journey of competitive PDE inhibitors to the clinic has been hampered by side effects profiles that have resulted from a lack of selectivity for subfamilies and individual isoforms because of high conservation of catalytic site sequences and structures. Here we introduce a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) that can specifically target a small subset of isoforms from the PDE4 family to send the enzyme for degradation at the proteasome by recruiting a ubiquitin E3 ligase into proximity with the PDE. We constructed our PDE4 PROTAC (KTX207) using a previously characterized PDE4 inhibitor, and we show that evolution of the compound into a PROTAC improves selectivity, potency and enables a long‐lasting effect even after the compound is removed from cells after a short treatment duration. Functionally, KTX207 is more effective at increasing cAMP, is 100 times more anti‐inflammatory, and is significantly better at reducing the growth in cancer cell models than the PDE4 inhibitor alone. Our study highlights the advantages of targeted degradation versus active‐site occupancy for PDE4 inhibition and discusses the potential of this novel pharmacological approach to improve the safety profile of PDE4 inhibition in the future.
Connectivity Loss in Experimental Pond Networks Leads to Biodiversity Loss in Microbial Metacommunities
Authors: Szabó Beáta , Váczy‐Földi Máté , Vad Csaba F. , Pálffy Károly , Huỳnh Thu‐Hương , Dobosy Péter , Fierpasz Ádám , Márton Zsuzsanna , Felföldi Tamás , Horváth Zsófia
Published: December 2024

Habitat fragmentation is among the most important global threats to biodiversity; however, the direct effects of its components including connectivity loss are largely unknown and still mostly inferred based on indirect evidence. Our understanding of these drivers is especially limited in microbial communities. Here, by conducting a 4‐month outdoor experiment with artificial pond (mesocosm) metacommunities, we studied the effects of connectivity loss on planktonic microorganisms, primarily focusing on pro‐ and microeukaryotes. Connectivity loss was simulated by stopping the dispersal among local habitats after an initial period with dispersal. Keeping the habitat amount constant and the abiotic environment homogeneous allowed us to track the direct effects of the process of connectivity loss. We found that connectivity loss led to higher levels of extinction and a decrease in both local and regional diversity in microeukaryotes. In contrast, diversity patterns of prokaryotes remained largely unaffected, with some indications of extinction debt. Connectivity loss also led to lower evenness in microeukaryotes, likely through changes in biotic interactions with zooplankton grazers. Our results imply that connectivity loss can directly translate into species losses in communities and highlight the importance of conserving habitat networks with sufficient dispersal among local habitats.
The Breeding Bird Survey of the United Kingdom
Authors: Massimino Dario , Baillie Stephen R. , Balmer Dawn E. , Bashford Richard I. , Gregory Richard D. , Harris Sarah J. , Heywood James J. N. , Kelly Leah A. , Noble David G. , Pearce‐Higgins James W. , Raven Michael J. , Risely Kate , Woodcock Paul , Wotton Simon R. , Gillings Simon
Published: December 2024

Motivation

Information on species' population trends is essential to assess species' conservation status, make informed environmental decisions and ultimately reduce biodiversity loss. Robust population trends require a long‐term monitoring programme, often using citizen scientists, that ideally generates representative and unbiased data from the study area. Here we present the dataset of the Breeding Bird Survey, the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of common and widespread breeding birds in the United Kingdom, which achieves this through a randomised sampling scheme and defined field methodology. We also describe the modelling approach used to calculate the population trends, which are the main output of the survey.

Main Types of Variable Contained

The main published dataset contains 7,070,577 records detailing counts of 217 bird species in 7010 grid cells over 30 years. Data for 78 species that are currently regarded as too sensitive to be released at fine resolution are omitted. As an illustration of the main use of this dataset, we provide population change estimates for 119 bird species.

Spatial Location and Grain

Grid squares (1 × 1 km) are randomly selected using a stratified sampling scheme throughout the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Data in a grid square are collected along two 1‐km‐long transects which are subdivided into 200‐m‐long sections.

Time Period and Grain

Data have been collected every year since 1994, with two major disruptions in 2001 and 2020, when people's movements were nationally restricted. Grid squares are surveyed twice a year during the main breeding season (April to June). Here we present the data collected from 1994 to 2023.

Major Taxa Studied and Level of Measurement

Bird species.

Software Format

Data are supplied as comma‐separated text files.
The Phylogenetic Architecture of Recruitment Networks
Authors: Gleiser Gabriela , Alcántara Julio M. , Bascompte Jordi , Garrido José L. , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Paterno Gustavo B. , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Verdú Miguel
Published: December 2024

Aim

Plant recruitment involves both stochastic and deterministic processes. Recruits may establish independently or interact nonrandomly with canopy plants. We explore this deterministic aspect by testing whether recruitment patterns are influenced by the phylogenetic history of canopy and recruiting plants. Since the effect of canopy plants in recruitment can be positive (facilitation), negative (competition) or neutral, we also estimated the phylogenetic signal separately for each interaction type. Furthermore, we assessed whether environmental stress influenced the phylogenetic signal, under the expectation that more severe environmental conditions will lead to stronger phylogenetic signatures in network structure.

Location

Global.

Time Period

1998–2021.

Major Taxa Studied

Angiospermae.

Methods

We analysed recruitment interactions occurring in 133 plant communities included in the RecruitNet database, which encompasses a wide range of biomes and vegetation types. The phylogenetic signal in canopy–recruit interactions was quantified in different dimensions of the recruitment niche, represented by the level of interaction generalisation, and by the taxonomic and evolutionary composition of the group of canopy plants.

Results

We found significant phylogenetic signals in more networks than expected by chance. Canopies’ evolutionary history influenced facilitative and competitive but not neutral interactions. The phylogenetic signal in the recruitment niche strengthened in arid regions, suggesting that stressful habitats promote the occurrence of conserved recruitment interactions where closely related species recruit in association with closely related canopy species.

Main Conclusions

Despite the strong influence of stochastic processes on plant recruitment, evolutionary history plays a significant role in driving the recruitment process, especially in harsh environments. In particular, the historical effect becomes more important when canopy species have a significant impact on the performance of recruits, either through facilitation or competition. More generally, we show that the analysis of different dimensions of the ecological niche can reveal important insights on the functional roles of interacting species.
Butterfly Diversity Patterns Provide New Insights Into Biodiversity Conservation in China
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Yifan , Lu Liangzhi , Li Sheng , Wang Rongjiang
Published: December 2024

Aim

Globally, the knowledge of insect distributions is largely insufficient, and that hinders conservation actions against biodiversity loss. Focusing on butterfly diversity, we aimed to fill knowledge gaps and provide new insights into biodiversity conservation in China.

Location

China.

Time Period

Occurrence records from 1950 to 2023.

Major Taxa Studied

Butterflies, Lepidoptera.

Methods

We collected butterfly occurrence records from published literature, online databases and our butterfly specimens, and then used either species distribution models or expansion from actual occurrence sites to estimate species distribution ranges in China. We identified key environmental variables that are related to butterfly biodiversity patterns, and delineated priority conservation areas based on butterfly distributions.

Results

We report the first country‐wide inventory and mapping of China's 1920 butterfly species. The identified hotspots of species richness are distributed mainly in southwestern, southern and southeastern China. Among variables strongly correlated with species richness, the most important one is actual evapotranspiration. Conservation priority areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity 17% area target overlapped well with the hotspots, but only 29.8% of them are covered by existing nature reserves. When that protection target increases to 30%, the additional areas are located mainly in southern China, with its large cities and intensive agriculture.

Main Conclusions

We find that some protected butterfly species have a larger area of habitat than most species, implying that the list of protected butterflies in China should be revised. Urban and farmland landscapes may help sustain butterfly diversity and they should be considered in conservation planning.
Participatory Development of an International Information Brochure on the Multimodal Assessment of Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Hohl Melissa , Willacker Lina , Raiser Theresa Marie , Rosenfelder Martin Justinus , Kuehlmeyer Katja , Bassi Marta , Comanducci Angela , Valota Chiara , Sitt Jacobo Diego , Bender Andreas
Published: December 2024

Background

Disorders of consciousness (DoC) refers to a group of clinical conditions of altered consciousness. To improve their diagnosis and prognosis, multimodal assessment can be of great importance. Informal caregivers of people with DoC who are confronted with new technologies as such can benefit from interventions to expand their health literacy, i.e., the ability to use information to make health decisions for oneself and others.

Methods

We developed an information brochure on multimodal assessment for DoC in a participatory process, with decisions made by a steering group. The process was based on a methodological framework for the development of patient decision aids that built on the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS).

Results

On the background of a broad variety of needs, the priority was to focus on the explanation of multimodal testing and provide information about its uncertainty. Its development aimed at enhancing informal caregivers' understanding of implications of results from multimodal assessment and its relevance for prognosis. It should avoid the portrayal of information that could lead to the impression of false hope or suboptimal rehabilitation care. Informal caregivers rated its usability and acceptability highly, though they preferred less technical language.

Conclusion

The participatory process was crucial to the project. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of the brochure in fostering informal caregivers' health literacy.

Patient or Public Contribution

Informal caregivers of people with DoC were deliberately included in the steering group and they participated in a field test of the prototype brochure.
Recent advancements in biomarkers and molecular diagnostics in hormonal receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yihong , Liu Liu , Graff Stephanie L. , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2024

Molecular applications have limited use in breast cancer compared to other cancer types. In recent years, with an improving appreciation of the molecular genetics of breast cancer and innovative novel targeted and immune‐mediated therapeutics, opportunities have arisen for more biomarker analysis and molecular applications in the diagnosis and treatment of both locally advanced and metastatic breast cancers. In hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐negative breast cancers, a growing number of revolutionized personalized therapies are in clinical use or on trials, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, and PIK3CA inhibitors in metastatic disease. In this review, we focus on biomarkers associated with those new therapeutic targets and molecular applications for genetic alterations associated with drug resistance or interaction from a pathology perspective for selecting and optimizing breast cancer treatment.
Impact of prenatal exposure to delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on birth size and postnatal growth trajectories
Authors: Moore Brianna F. , Mueller Noel T. , Perng Wei , Sauder Katherine A. , Hébert Emily T. , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Wymore Erica M. , Boyle Kristen E. , Su Emily J , Shapiro Allison L. B. , Kinney Gregory , Sempio Cristina , Klawitter Jost , Christians Uwe , Dabelea Dana
Published: December 2024

Background

Prenatal exposure to cannabis (or more specifically, delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9‐THC]) has been consistently linked to low birthweight. Animal models further show that Δ9‐THC is associated with rapid postnatal growth. Whether this association is modified by breastfeeding is unknown.

Methods

In this exploratory study, we followed 128 mother–child pairs through 3 years. Urinary Δ9‐THC and cannabidiol (CBD) were measured mid‐gestation. Generalized linear models estimated the associations between Δ9‐THC and neonatal body composition. A mixed‐effects model estimated the association between Δ9‐THC and body mass index (BMI) z‐score trajectories. Interaction was assessed by a three‐way product term (Δ9‐THC × breastmilk months × age).

Results

Fifteen children (12%) had Δ9‐THC exposure; three had concomitant CBD exposure. Prenatal exposure to Δ9‐THC alone was associated with lower fat mass (−95 g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −174, −14) and neonatal adiposity (−2.1%; 95% CI: −4.2, −0.4) followed by rapid postnatal growth (0.42 increase in BMI z‐score per square root year; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.72). Breastfeeding modified this association (p = 0.04), such that growth was similar for those breastfed for 5 months whereas a shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with 1.1 higher BMI z‐score at 3 years (95% CI: 0.21, 2.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to Δ9‐THC may alter early‐life growth. Breastfeeding may stabilize rapid postnatal growth, but the impact of lactational exposure requires further investigation.
Effects of Applicants' Use of Generative AI in Personnel Selection: Towards a More Nuanced View?
Authors: Lievens Filip , Dunlop Patrick D.
Published: December 2024

Generative AI (GenAI) has made rapid inroads in assessment, as a growing number of applicants rely on it as a coach in unproctored assessments of various selection procedures. This had led to assertions that applicants' GenAI use undermines key assumptions of the predictive model underlying selection and is thus disruptive for organizations' current unproctored assessments, thereby invoking various strategies of organizations to deter and detect its use. In this provocation article, we present a more nuanced view. To this end, we start by reviewing the recent research related to the effects of applicants' use of GenAI in assessment and discuss the evidence of the potential of applicant GenAI use to disrupt assessment validity. Next, we draw on test coaching frameworks to discuss three scenarios of how applicants' use of GenAI might affect an assessment's mean scores and criterion‐related validity. These perspectives highlight that the use of GenAI might not only exert negative consequences but potentially have also positive consequences for both applicants and organizations. It is pivotal to distinguish among these scenarios because they lead to different strategies for organizations to deal with applicant use of GenAI.
Ownership of genomic data
Authors: Nielsen Jane , Johnston Carolyn
Published: December 2024

This article considers claims to ownership over genomic data and implications for data sharing and research. There are various arguments for vesting ownership in individuals, but little supporting authority. However, policies such as privacy law and informed consent provide alternative methods of protecting individuals. The conclusions highlight the importance of clear channels of communication with patients.
Statewide neurology inpatient whole body and brain 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography utilisation patterns demonstrate avenues for optimisation
Authors: Goh Rudy , Bellinge Jamie , Gim Haelynn , Howson Sarah , El‐Masri Shaddy , Triplett James , Vallat Wilson , Patel Sandy , Bacchi Stephen
Published: December 2024

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) can provide unique insights; however, access may be difficult. In this 2‐year statewide study of all neurology inpatient admissions, 27.9% (41/147) of PET (any field of view) demonstrated significant abnormalities. At sites without on‐site PET access, the proportion of patients receiving PET was lower (P < 0.01), and the time from admission to receiving PET was longer (P = 0.018), as compared to those with on‐site access. Investigation of strategies to improve access is warranted.
Stability of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Nasal Aspirate From Patients Infected With RSV
Authors: Yamamoto Atsuko , Hayasaki‐Kajiwara Yoko , Baba Takamichi , Okaga Saori , Kakui Mayumi , Shishido Takao
Published: December 2024

Background

Evaluation of infectious virus titer is a challenge for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) clinical trials because of the labile nature of RSV and rapid loss of infectivity without proper specimen handling. However, there has been no rigorous investigation into RSV stability in clinical specimens.

Methods

RSV stability was investigated by evaluating virus titers and defined as titer variation from baseline within three standard deviations of our titration assay. RSV stability in viral transport medium (VTM) at 4°C and the effect of freezing method on stability were evaluated using RSV‐A2 stock. RSV stability in nasal aspirates collected in VTM at 4°C was estimated by regression analysis of virus titers measured at several time points. Stability of these specimens stored at −80°C for 10–15 months after freezing by the method, which maintained RSV‐A2 stability, was also assessed.

Results

Three standard deviations were calculated from our titration assay as 0.97 log10 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/mL), and RSV stability was defined as variation of virus titer from baseline within 1.0 log10TCID50/mL. RSV‐A2 in VTM at 4°C was stable for at least 120 h. Freezing at −80°C negatively affected virus stability, whereas freezing in liquid nitrogen or a dry ice‐ethanol bath did not. RSV in nasal aspirates was stable for 2 days at 4°C and for 10–15 months at −80°C after snap freezing.

Conclusions

RSV in nasal aspirates in VTM was estimated to be stable for 2 days at 4°C and for approximately 1 year at −80°C.
La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites with long‐term cyclic ablation resistance
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Dou , Guo Lingxiang , Liu Bing , Wang Xiaoshuang , Fu Qiangang
Published: December 2024

The compactness of in situ protective film for carbon‐based composites during ablation is particularly important for improving their service life. Herein, La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites were designed by vacuum filtration combined with reactive melt infiltration to construct an in situ dense protective structure. Experimental results show that adding La element could improve the cyclic ablation performance of C/C‐ZrC composites significantly. As the La2O3 addition amount is 5.6 wt.%, the linear ablation rate of La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites is –2.62 µm/s and 0.18 µm/s after exposure to an oxyacetylene flame (4.2 MW/m2) for 40 s and 240 s, far superior to that of C/C‐ZrC composites (40 s, –6.2 µm/s). The excellent ablation resistance was attributed to the introduction of La element partially weakened Zr‐O bonds to induce more oxygen vacancies, which facilitated the sintering of ZrO2 and eventually promoted the compactness and tetragonal phase stability of the Zr‐La‐O layer.