bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungi beyond limits: The agricultural promise of extremophiles
Authors: Zenteno‐Alegría Claribel Orquídea , Yarzábal Rodríguez Luis Andrés , Ciancas Jiménez Jimmy , Álvarez Gutiérrez Peggy Elizabeth , Gunde‐Cimerman Nina , Batista‐García Ramón Alberto
Published: March 2024

Global climate changes threaten food security, necessitating urgent measures to enhance agricultural productivity and expand it into areas less for agronomy. This challenge is crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Plant growth‐promoting microorganisms (PGPM), bacteria and fungi, emerge as a promising solution to mitigate the impact of climate extremes on agriculture. The concept of the plant holobiont, encompassing the plant host and its symbiotic microbiota, underscores the intricate relationships with a diverse microbial community. PGPM, residing in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere, play vital roles in nutrient solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol of pathogens. Novel ecological functions, including epigenetic modifications and suppression of virulence genes, extend our understanding of PGPM strategies. The diverse roles of PGPM as biofertilizers, biocontrollers, biomodulators, and more contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience. Despite fungi's remarkable plant growth‐promoting functions, their potential is often overshadowed compared to bacteria. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a mutualistic symbiosis with many terrestrial plants, enhancing plant nutrition, growth, and stress resistance. Other fungi, including filamentous, yeasts, and polymorphic, from endophytic, to saprophytic, offer unique attributes such as ubiquity, morphology, and endurance in harsh environments, positioning them as exceptional plant growth‐promoting fungi (PGPF). Crops frequently face abiotic stresses like salinity, drought, high UV doses and extreme temperatures. Some extremotolerant fungi, including strains from genera like Trichoderma, Penicillium, Fusarium, and others, have been studied for their beneficial interactions with plants. Presented examples of their capabilities in alleviating salinity, drought, and other stresses underscore their potential applications in agriculture. In this context, extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi populating extreme natural environments are muchless investigated. They represent both new challenges and opportunities. As the global climate evolves, understanding and harnessing the intricate mechanisms of fungal‐plant interactions, especially in extreme environments, is paramount for developing effective and safe plant probiotics and using fungi as biocontrollers against phytopathogens. Thorough assessments, comprehensive methodologies, and a cautious approach are crucial for leveraging the benefits of extremophilic fungi in the changing landscape of global agriculture, ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.
Automated detection of an insect‐induced keystone vegetation phenotype using airborne LiDAR
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Huben Robert , Boucher Peter B. , Van Amburg Chase , Zeng Jimmy , Chung Nina , Wang Jocelyn , King Jeffrey , Knecht Richard J. , Ng'iru Ivy , Baraza Augustine , Baker Christopher C. M. , Martins Dino J. , Pierce Naomi E. , Davies Andrew B.
Published: March 2024

Ecologists, foresters and conservation practitioners need ‘biodiversity scanners’ to effectively inventory biodiversity, audit conservation progress and track changes in ecosystem function. Quantifying biological diversity using remote sensing methods remains challenging, especially for small invertebrates. However, insect aggregations can drastically alter landscapes and vegetation, and these ‘extended phenotypes’ could serve as environmental landmarks of insect presence in remotely sensed data.

To test the feasibility of this approach, we studied symbiotic ants that alter the canopy shape of whistling thorn acacias (Acacia [syn. Vachellia] drepanolobium), a keystone tree species of the black cotton soils of east African savannas. We demonstrate a protocol for using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to collect, prepare (including a customizable tree‐segmentation algorithm) and apply a convolutional neural network‐based classification for the detection of ant‐inhabited acacia tree phenotypic variations. Applying this protocol enabled us to effectively detect intra‐specific tree phenotypic variation induced by insects.

Surveying ant occupancy across 16 ha and 9680 acacia trees took 1000 work hours, whereas surveyed patterns of ant distribution were replicated by our trained classifier using only an hour‐long airborne LiDAR collection time.

We suggest that large‐scale surveys of insect occupancy (including insect‐vectored disease) can be automated through a combination of airborne LiDAR and machine learning.
Endothelial‐specific telomerase inactivation causes telomere‐independent cell senescence and multi‐organ dysfunction characteristic of aging
Authors: Gao Zhanguo , Santos Rafael Bravo , Rupert Joseph , Van Drunen Rachel , Yu Yongmei , Eckel‐Mahan Kristin , Kolonin Mikhail G.
Published: March 2024

It has remained unclear how aging of endothelial cells (EC) contributes to pathophysiology of individual organs. Cell senescence results in part from inactivation of telomerase (TERT). Here, we analyzed mice with Tert knockout specifically in EC. Tert loss in EC induced transcriptional changes indicative of senescence and tissue hypoxia in EC and in other cells. We demonstrate that EC‐Tert‐KO mice have leaky blood vessels. The blood–brain barrier of EC‐Tert‐KO mice is compromised, and their cognitive function is impaired. EC‐Tert‐KO mice display reduced muscle endurance and decreased expression of enzymes responsible for oxidative metabolism. Our data indicate that Tert‐KO EC have reduced mitochondrial content and function, which results in increased dependence on glycolysis. Consistent with this, EC‐Tert‐KO mice have metabolism changes indicative of increased glucose utilization. In EC‐Tert‐KO mice, expedited telomere attrition is observed for EC of adipose tissue (AT), while brain and skeletal muscle EC have normal telomere length but still display features of senescence. Our data indicate that the loss of Tert causes EC senescence in part through a telomere length‐independent mechanism undermining mitochondrial function. We conclude that EC‐Tert‐KO mice is a model of expedited vascular senescence recapitulating the hallmarks aging, which can be useful for developing revitalization therapies.
Summer heat during spermatogenesis reduces in vitro blastocyst rates and affects sperm quality of next generation bulls
Authors: Vanselow Jens , Wesenauer Claudia , Eggert Anja , Sharma Arpna , Becker Frank
Published: March 2024

Background

Due to global warming seasonal heat stress is an increasing problem in temperate zones. Heat stress not only decreases fertility in females, but can also be detrimental to male fertility.

Objectives

We studied the effects of natural summer heat stress during spermatogenesis in Holstein bulls on semen quality parameters and on fertilization performance in vitro and possible intergenerational transmission of effects on the next male generation.

Materials and Methods

Semen samples from young Holstein breeding bulls, referred to as F0 founders during this study, were collected during summer (F0 “summer” semen) and the following winter (F0 “winter” semen). Parameters such as ejaculate volume, sperm density, motility, thermoresistance, and in vitro blastocyst rates from these F0 semen samples were determined. In addition, after generation of offspring by artificial insemination, semen samples from F1 male offspring were collected and tested for the same quality and performance parameters to capture intergenerational effects. F1 bulls were raised together under identical conditions and semen was collected at about 1 year after birth.

Results

The data showed that in vitro blastocyst rates of F0 “summer” semen samples were lower compared with “winter” semen, whereas blastocyst rates of F1 semen samples did not show significant differences. However, whereas F0 semen samples did not indicate significantly different quality parameters we found that motility of F1 semen samples showed significant differences with higher values when collected from bulls generated with F0 “winter” semen.

Discussion and Conclusion

From our data, we conclude that (i) natural summer heat stress during spermatogenesis can affect in vitro fertility parameters and (ii) the observed effects on sperm motility of F1 semen samples suggest intergenerational paternal transmission.
Mid‐term surgical success after transscleral ab interno glaucoma gel stent implantation
Authors: Lenzhofer Markus , Hohensinn Melchior , Steiner Veit , Hitzl Wolfgang , Runge Christian , Trost Andrea , Colvin Hans Peter , Brunner Susanne , Preishuber‐Pflügl Julia , Reitsamer Herbert A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the surgical success and efficacy of XEN45 implantation (XEN45 μm, AbbVie Inc., USA) with and without combined cataract surgery up to the first 5 years.

Methods

In a prospective observational monocentric trial, 192 eyes of 157 patients with open‐angle glaucoma received either XEN45 implants only (solo surgery group) or combined surgery/cataract surgeries (combined surgery group). Surgical success (qualified and full success; IOP‐limit: ≤12, 15, 18, 21 mmHg), time to secondary IOP‐lowering procedure, IOP and number of IOP‐lowering medications were analysed for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years.

Results

Compared to baseline, IOP (24.1 ± 8.1 to 12.6 ± 2.8 mmHg, −48%, p < 0.001) and the number of IOP‐lowering medications (3.0 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 1.2, −50%, p < 0.001) decreased significantly at 5 years. Although no differences between IOP and the number of IOP‐lowering medication courses between the groups were detected at 5 years (p > 0.11), the combined procedure (63%, 37%) showed better success rates compared to the solo procedure (36%, 13%) in the definition IOP ≤18 and ≤12 mmHg (p = 0.035, 0.028). Solo XEN45 procedures had a higher rate of secondary IOP‐lowering procedures compared to combined XEN45 cataract procedures (hazard ratio: 2.02, 95%CI: 1.03–3.97, p = 0.04). Twenty per cent of the eyes, including both procedures, required a secondary IOP‐lowering procedure within 5 years.

Conclusions

The XEN45 implant is effective in lowering IOP and the number of IOP‐lowering medications in patients with open‐angle glaucoma in the mid‐term. Comparing XEN45 implant results with the results of trabeculectomy available in current literature, we speculate that there might be a higher surgical success rate without medications in favour of trabeculectomy.
The affective labor of commoning: Street art in illiberal Hungary
Authors: Lukacs Gabriella
Published: March 2024

In Hungary, street art has emerged as a unique form of political activism since 2010, when the authoritarian populist Fidesz‐KDNP government rose to power. This essay examines the street art projects of a political party, the MKKP, that transformed this genre into a practice of commoning and a mode of critique to call out the government for not maintaining the commons for the benefit of all. The MKKP's street art projects harness affective labor, which strategically links projects of repairing decaying public property with the political program of fostering active citizenship. Yet the affective labor of commoning is not recognized as a valorized form of political labor and the MKKP has not been able to gain representation in parliament. Against this backdrop, the MKKP uses satire as a strategy to emasculate an authoritarian government and a sexist political culture that does not acknowledge the political value of affective labor. The MKKP's street art projects, I conclude, shed light on the paradox that the affective labor of building democracy does not always benefit the ones who perform this labor. Nevertheless, the MKKP's activists generate other benefits following different temporalities as they expand political participation and make it more inclusive.
Statin use and the risk of Parkinson's disease in persons with diabetes: A nested case–control study
Authors: Honkamaa Kim , Paakinaho Anne , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Kettunen Raimo , Hartikainen Sirpa , Tiihonen Miia
Published: March 2024

Aims

Persons with diabetes may have an elevated risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Statin use could also modify the progression of PD. The aim was to study whether there is an association between statin exposure and risk of PD in persons with diabetes.

Methods

A nationwide, nested case–control study restricted to people with diabetes was performed as part of nationwide register‐based Finnish study on PD (FINPARK). Study included 2017 PD cases and their 7934 matched controls without PD. Persons with PD were diagnosed between 1999 and 2015, and statin use (1995–2015) was determined from Prescription Register. In the main analysis, exposure at least 3 years before outcome was considered. Cumulative exposure was categorized into tertiles, and associations were analysed with conditional logistic regression (adjusted with comorbidities and number of antidiabetic drugs).

Results

Prevalence of statin use was similar in PD cases and controls, with 54.2% of cases and 54.4% controls exposed before the lag time (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–1.15). Those in the highest cumulative statin exposure tertile had higher risk of PD than statin nonusers (aOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04–1.43), or those in the lowest cumulative statin exposure tertile (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07–1.57).

Conclusion

Our nationwide study that controlled for diabetes duration and used 3‐year lag between exposure and outcome to account for reverse causality does not provide support for the hypothesis that statin use decreases the risk of PD.
A novel approach combining network pharmacology and experimental validation to study the protective effect of ginsenoside Rb1 against cantharidin‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Xiong Lijuan , Lin Kexin , He Tianmu , Liu Xingyan , Yuan Rui , Li Xiaofei , Zhang Jianyong
Published: March 2024

Cantharidin (CTD) is a widely used anticancer compound, but its clinical use is mainly limited due to hepatotoxicity. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) shows potential hepatoprotective effects. Nonetheless, the protective effect and underlying mechanism of GRb1 against CTD‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice have not been investigated. This study aims to elucidate the effect and mechanism of GRb1 on CTD‐induced hepatotoxicity using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. Network pharmacology studies have shown that 263 targets were the main mechanisms by which GRb1 alleviates CTD‐induced hepatotoxicity. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that 75 hub genes were mainly enriched in TNF, IL‐17 and apoptosis signalling pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that GRb1 exhibited high affinity with Akt1, Tnf, Il6, Bcl2 and Caspase3. In addition, results from animal studies demonstrated that GRb1 could ameliorate CTD‐induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting protein expression of Caspase‐3, Caspase‐8, Bcl‐2/Bax, GRP78, ATF6, ATF4, CHOP, IRE1α and PERK. This research revealed the mechanism of GRb1 against CTD‐induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and it may provide a scientific rationale for the potential use of GRb1 in the treatment of hepatotoxicity induced by CTD.
Long term for patients with futile endovascular reperfusion after stroke
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Che Ruiwen , Xu Jiali , Guo Wenting , Chen Xi , Zhao Wenbo , Ren Changhong , Jia Milan , Ji Xunming
Published: March 2024

Aims

With the progress of thrombectomy technology, the vascular recanalization rate of patients with stroke has been continuously improved, but the proportion of futile recanalization (FR) is still quite a few. The long‐term prognosis and survival of patients with FR and its influencing factors remain unclear.

Methods

Consecutive patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT) for ischemic stroke were enrolled between 2013 and 2021 from a single‐center prospectively registry study. We evaluated the long‐term outcome of these patients by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and the multivariable logistic regression curve was performed to analyze influencing factors.

Results

Among 458 patients with FR, 56.4% of patients survived at 1 year, and 50.4% at 2 years. In the multivariate regression analysis, age, premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), posterior circulation infarct, general anesthesia, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and decompressive craniectomy were found to be related to unfavorable outcomes in long‐term. Age, premorbid mRS, NIHSS, general anesthesia, and sICH were predictors of long‐term mortality.

Conclusions

Futile recanalization accounts for a large proportion of stroke patients after thrombectomy. This study on the long‐term prognosis of such patients is beneficial to the formulation of treatment plans and the prediction of therapeutic effects.
Oral or injectable semaglutide for the management of type 2 diabetes in routine care: A multicentre observational study comparing matched cohorts
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Bonora Benedetta Maria , Ghiani Mariangela , Anichini Roberto , Melchionda Elena , Fattor Bruno , Fazion Stefano , Meregalli Giancarla , Giaccari Andrea , Avogaro Angelo , Consoli Agostino ,   the GLIMPLES study investigators
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate the real‐world utilization and comparative clinical outcomes of injectable and oral semaglutide in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with the aim of enhancing understanding of the practical implications associated with choosing between these formulations.

Methods

New users of oral or injectable semaglutide were selected from a cohort of 14 079 initiators of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. Propensity‐score matching (PSM) was employed to create balanced groups, ensuring comparability. The analysis encompassed dose exposure, drug persistence, and clinical outcomes, including changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight, with up to 18 months’ follow‐up.

Results

We analysed two matched groups of 107 participants each, who comprised on average 63.6% men, aged 64 years, with diabetes duration of approximately 10 years, body mass index of 29 kg/m2 and HbA1c level of 7.7–7.8% (61‐62 mmol/mol). The proportion of low, intermediate and high doses were similar with the oral and the injectable formulation. The change in HbA1c was similar between groups (−0.9% / ‐10 mmol/mol at 18 months) as was the proportion of individuals reaching HbA1c <6.5% (48 mmol/mol). The average change in body weight was similar in the two groups (−3.7 kg with injectable and −3.3 kg with oral at 18 months) but more new users of injectable semaglutide lost ≥5% body weight. Persistence on drug was longer with injectable than with oral semaglutide.

Conclusion

In a real‐world setting, improvements in HbA1c and body weight were similar after initiation of oral or injectable semaglutide. These results may be specific to the features of the matched cohorts under investigation, with limited generalizability to populations with different characteristics.
Collected knowledge on the impacts of agricultural soil management practices in Europe
Authors: Paz Ana Marta , Castanheira Nádia , Miloczki Julia , Carrasco Mariana , Vicente Carolina , Carranca Corina , Gonçalves Maria Conceição , Mihelič Rok , Visser Saskia , Keesstra Saskia , Chenu Claire
Published: March 2024

Soil plays a central role in most aspects of human societies, and there is a large body of literature about sustainable soil management. Nevertheless, soil is currently facing degradation arising from different threats, which undermines sustainable development globally. In order to design effective research and policy strategies, it is necessary to identify the current knowledge level about sustainable soil management. This study summarises the key findings from a systematic stocktake of available knowledge about agricultural soil management practices in 23 European countries, which included the identification of soil management practices in use, the associated impacts and the soil challenges addressed. The aim of the study was to understand the current state of knowledge about the impacts of soil management practices, investigated and/or implemented across Europe. The results were analysed at the European level and were also grouped into European Regions and Environmental Zones. Key findings from this study were the identification of knowledge gaps that are key to climate mitigation and adaptation. There is a knowledge gap about soil management practices to avoid greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils, as the few reported studies evidence the complexity of the processes governing these emissions. Further knowledge is needed on the impact of tillage practices on long‐term carbon storage and distribution along the soil profile, as the reported knowledge was not consensual about carbon storage in deeper soil layers.
Comparison of standing cone‐beam computed tomography and low‐field magnetic resonance imaging findings in the equine metacarpo‐ or metatarsophalangeal region of standing sedated horses
Authors: Lin Szu‐Ting , Bolas Nicholas M. , Sargan David R. , Peter Vanessa G. , Murray Rachel C.
Published: March 2024

Background

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly used in standing horses, so it is important to understand an efficient application of these imaging modalities.

Objective

To compare CBCT and MRI findings in the metacarpo (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region of clinical patients imaged for diagnostic purposes.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

The CBCT and MRI images of the MCP/MTP region from equine clinical patients undergoing both standing MRI and CBCT imaging for lameness localised to the fetlock region (2021–2023) were retrospectively reviewed. Presence, location and imaging features of lesions were compared between modalities using descriptive analysis.

Results

Imaging studies of 24 MCP/MTP regions from 22 horses were included. CBCT provided the assessment of subchondral bone integrity in palmar/plantar osteochondral disease, details of the length and associated attenuation changes of third metacarpal/tarsal parasagittal groove and proximal phalanx sagittal groove fissures, structural integrity and attenuation changes of subchondral and trabecular bone injuries, proximal phalanx dorsoproximal defects and anatomical and structural details of proximal sesamoid bone injuries. MRI provided the evaluation of short tau inversion recovery (STIR) hyperintensity associated with bone lesions and the extent of increased fluid accumulation in bone. CBCT revealed reduced joint space, indicating articular cartilage loss, while MRI showed joint distension and synovitis. MRI revealed generalised osseous STIR hyperintensity associated with septic arthritis. Soft tissue injuries were most identified by MRI except for heterotopic mineralisation most detected by CBCT.

Main limitations

Imaging findings not verified by a gold standard.

Conclusions

CBCT and MRI contributed different diagnostic information so optimal information was obtained by using both modalities. Standing CBCT showed changes in bone structure and attenuation but was limited in detecting soft tissue injuries. Standing MRI showed increased fluid accumulation in bone and soft tissue injuries but was limited in assessing structural details of bone injuries.
Using mycobacterium cell wall fraction to decrease equine chorionic gonadotropin after abortion
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E. , Schnobrich Maria R. , Muderspach Natacha D. , Scoggin Kirsten E. , Dedman Madison T. , Weigle Kelly E. , May Mary G. , Twist Heidi , Linse Cara R. , Douglas Robert H. , Troedsson Mats H. T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Equine embryonic loss following the development of endometrial cups delays return to cyclicity due to the production of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Natural degradation of endometrial cups coincides with an influx of immune cells at 100–120 days of gestation, but therapeutic stimulation of reduced eCG production has been relatively unsuccessful. Recently, we observed an increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine production following the use of the immunostimulant mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF).

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic‐guided injection of MCWF on the accelerated decline of eCG secretion.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Mares were pharmacologically aborted at 40–45 days of gestation, and then divided into groups: MCWF‐treated (6 mg MCWF suspended in 20 mL LRS; n = 10) and Control (20 mL LRS; n = 6). Five days after abortion, hysteroscopic‐guided injection of endometrial cups was performed, with 1 mL of volume placed into each visible endometrial cup. This was repeated 7 days later. Trans‐rectal ultrasonography was performed to monitor ovarian activity, and serum was obtained to assess eCG and cytokine concentrations.

Results

Concentrations of eCG decreased in the MCWF‐treated group (p < 0.01) with a significant suppression noted as early as 14 days after onset of treatment and remained suppressed for the duration of the study. This coincided with an increase in peripheral IFN‐γ (p < 0.01) and IL‐1β (p < 0.01) concentrations. Eight out of ten MCWF‐treated mares (80%) developed pre‐ovulatory follicles, in comparison to 2/6 controls (33%). A pre‐ovulatory follicle was noted 23 ± 4 days after onset of treatment.

Main limitations

No pregnancy data was obtained following treatment.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a treatment for the accelerated reduction of eCG following abortion. Stimulation of this process allowed mares to develop a pre‐ovulatory follicle within a month of MCWF treatment onset, granting repeat attempts at breeding within the confines of a single breeding season.
Increased frequency of extreme climatic events weakens the community stability of natural grassland under directional climate changes by reducing resilience
Authors: Liu Peipei , Lv Wangwang , Sun Jianping , Piao Shilong , Wang Yanfen , Tsechoe Dorji , Luo Caiyun , Zhang Zhenhua , Li Bowen , Guo Xiaowei , Lv Jingya , Chen Lanying , Li Yingnian , Peñuelas Josep , Wang Shiping
Published: March 2024

Aim

Chronic directional climate changes in temperature and precipitation are predicted to increase the frequency of extreme climatic events (ECEs); however, their co‐occurring effects on the temporal stability of community productivity (i.e. ANPP stability) are still unclear. Here, we evaluate whether the increased frequency of ECEs reduces ANPP stability, and how it modulates the effects of chronic directional climate factors on ANPP stability in natural grassland.

Location

Twenty‐two sites in Asia and 14 sites in North America.

Time period

1980s–2010s.

Major taxa studied

Herbaceous plant.

Methods

We collected 36 long‐term observational and consecutive ANPP data (at least 10 years) and resampled yearly ANPP via a consecutive resampling method of nested time windows for each field. We used linear mixed‐effect models, partial regression analysis and structure equation models to explore the interactive effects of three climatic factors on ANPP stability and their associated intermediate processes of sensitivity, asymmetry, resistance and resilience.

Results

The increased frequency of ECEs was observed within the long‐term rising temperature and elevating precipitation trend across sites in the past several decades. Elevating precipitation rather than rising temperature was the primary driver influencing ANPP stability. Elevating precipitation increased ANPP stability through increasing mean ANPP and decreasing the standard deviation (i.e. SD) of ANPP due to a decrease in sensitivity of ANPP to precipitation. The increased frequency of ECEs decreased ANPP stability mainly by increasing the SD of ANPP, and it reduced the positive effect of elevated precipitation on ANPP stability via a decrease in resilience.

Main conclusion

Our results demonstrated that recurrent and discrete ECEs had cumulatively negative effects on ANPP stability, and the decreased resilience was identified as the primary factor reducing the grassland community stability under long‐term climate change. This highlighted the potential risks of increased frequency of ECEs for grassland ecosystem functions.
Exploring adolescents' experiences of continuing to wear face masks during COVID‐19: A qualitative descriptive study in Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Aguayo‐González Mariela , Leyva‐Moral Juan M. , Giménez‐Diez David , Colom‐Cadena Andreu , Martínez Isabel , Watson Carolina , Bordas Anna , Folch Cinta , Casabona Jordi
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted the use of face masks as a social distancing measure. Although evidence supports their effectiveness in preventing infection, it remains unclear why some adolescents choose to continue wearing them postpandemic, even when it is no longer mandatory. This study aims to explore adolescents' experiences of wearing face masks during the COVID‐19 pandemic when their use was no longer mandatory.

Method

In this exploratory qualitative study, data were collected from 16 adolescents through face‐to‐face semistructured interviews. The participants were asked about the reasons and feelings associated with continuing to wear masks, as well as the contexts in which they felt safe without a mask. The collected data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (1) Navigating complex decision‐making: balancing safety and self‐image, (2) peer influence dynamics and (3) managing the future: weather dynamics and pandemic evolution.

Discussion

The potential implications of withdrawing COVID‐19 preventive measures, such as mask‐wearing, beyond the pandemic remain understudied. It is crucial to further investigate the perceptions related to wearing masks and its cessation, especially amongst vulnerable individuals.

Patient or Public Contribution

Due to methodological constraints associated with participants' age, they were not engaged in the design, data analysis, data interpretation or manuscript preparation phases of the study.
Large uncertainty in trait responses across insects among overall declines in a subtropical city
Authors: Federico Nicholas A. , Guralnick Robert P. , Belitz Michael W.
Published: March 2024

Continued and rapid development of urban environments presents many challenges to organisms living in and around cities. Insects are among the most abundant and diverse class of animals but surprisingly little is known about how most species respond to urbanisation across clades with varying life histories, especially in the subtropics and tropics.

In this study, we sample insect abundance and diversity across an urbanisation gradient in a subtropical region to assess the impact of urbanisation on 43 phototactic species of insects representing eight distinct orders. We also attempted to determine which life history traits best explain how species respond to urbanisation.

We predicted an overall loss of abundance and richness with increasing urbanisation, with smaller, generalist species being the least impacted. We also predicted that species with above ground larval habitats would be less affected by urbanisation.

Overall, urban development decreased both species richness and the abundance of individuals per order, with abundance being most reduced for Hymenoptera but least reduced for Coleoptera. At a species‐specific level, urban development negatively impacted most but not all species, although uncertainty around these estimates was high. We did not identify key traits that determined a species' sensitivity to urbanisation.

Our results showcase that urbanisation may impact ecosystem function given overall reduction in the number of individual insects per order, despite wide variability in species‐specific responses. Our study also emphasises the importance of species selection when designing studies that examine responses of multiple taxa across an environmental gradient.
The impact of career calling on nurse burnout: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Xie Si‐jia , Jing Jie , Li Rong , Yan Shi‐qiong , Yu Gui , Xu Ze‐jun
Published: March 2024

Aim

To evaluate the mediating roles of occupational resilience and the moderationg role of perceived organizational support in the relationship between career calling and nurse burnout.

Background

Burnout is a frequent and serious problem in the field of nursing, and it poses a serious threat to both nurses’ health and patient safety. Although many studies have described the links between burnout, career calling, and occupational resilience, little is known about the actual mechanisms between career calling and nurse burnout.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 615 nurses in China was conducted using a convenience sampling method. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation models and bootstrapping methods. STROBE guidelines were followed.

Results

Career calling was found to be negatively associated with nurse burnout, and occupational resilience mediated the relationship between career calling and burnout. Additionally, perceived organizational support was found to play a moderating role in the relationship between occupational resilience and burnout.

Conclusion

Career calling can reduce burnout by increasing nurses' levels of occupational resilience, and perceived organizational support moderates this mechanism. Hence, policies focused on encouraging and sustaining career calling should be provided by nurse managers in order to enhance stress resistance and reduce burnout.
The causal role of circulating immunity‐inflammation in preeclampsia: A Mendelian randomization
Authors: Xue Xiaolei , Guo Chuanhui , Fan Cuifang , Lei Di
Published: March 2024

Patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, were at a higher risk for preeclampsia. The causal relationship between immunological inflammation and preeclampsia (PE) remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the causal relationship between circulating immune inflammation and PE. Genetically predicted blood immune cells and circulating inflammatory proteins were identified using two genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). We used a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to determine whether circulating immunological inflammation causes PE. Our findings indicated that ten immunophenotypes were identified to be significantly associated with PE risk: CD62L‐ Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell, CD62L‐ myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD62L‐ myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell, CD62L‐ CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell %Dendritic Cell, CD62L‐ CD86+ myeloid Dendritic Cell Absolute Count, CD16 on CD14+ CD16+ monocyte, HLA DR+ Natural Killer Absolute Count, and T cell Absolute Count. Ninety‐one inflammation‐related proteins had no statistically significant effect on PE following false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Certain proteins exhibited unadjusted low p‐values that merited mention. These proteins include interleukin‐10 (OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.63–0.93, p = .006), fibroblast growth factor 21 (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.01–1.47, p = .035), and Caspase 8 (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.50–0.85, p = .001). The ELISA analysis demonstrated elevated levels of FGF‐21 and decreased levels of IL‐10 and Caspase‐8 in the plasma of patients with PE. These findings reveal that immunophenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins may induce PE, confirming the importance of peripheral Immunity‐Inflammation in PE. The discovery has the potential to lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment techniques.
Assessing push‐out bond strength in re‐irradiated teeth: Universal resin cement performance in self‐etch and self‐adhesive modes
Authors: de Souza Gabriel Hernandez Machado , Dias‐Junior Luiz Carlos de Lima , Machado Renata Gondo , Ghidini Gabriela Pasqualin , Minamisako Mariana Comparotto , Takashima Marcio Toshio Umeda , Cábia Nayara Cardoso , Machado Ricardo , da Silveira Teixeira Cleonice , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effect of cumulative doses of radiation on the pushout bond strength (BS) of a universal resin cement used in the self‐etch (SE) and self‐adhesive (SA) modes to the intraradicular dentin.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight human teeth were distributed into three groups (n = 16) according to the radiation therapy dose (RT): NoRT (no‐radiotherapy), 70RT (70 Gy), and 70 + 70RT (70 Gy + 70 Gy). The teeth were redistributed into two subgroups (n = 8), according to the adhesive mode: SE (NoRT‐SE, 70RT‐SE, and 70 + 70RT‐SE) and SA (NoRT‐SA, 70RT‐SA, and 70 + 70RT‐SA). Data were statistically compared after BS test (ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Fisher's exact test).

Results

In the SA mode, BS was significantly higher in nonirradiated teeth compared with 70RT and 70 + 70RT (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between SE and SA modes in nonirradiated teeth (p = 0.14). In the 70RT group, SE mode increased BS compared with SA mode (p < 0.0001). Most specimens had adhesive and mixed failures in SA and SE modes, respectively.

Conclusions

The universal resin cement in the SE mode had greater BS to the irradiated dentin. When teeth were re‐irradiated, the universal resin cement had similar performance in terms of BS, regardless of the adhesive approach.

Clinical Significance

There is no research establishing a correlation between radiotherapy and its impact on the BS of a universal resin cement used in SE and SA modes to intraradicular dentin.
Clinical comparison of high‐viscosity glass‐hybrid systems with a sculptable bulk‐fill composite resin in different cavity types
Authors: Atmaca Yakup , Karadas Muhammet
Published: March 2024

Objective

This randomized, double‐blind clinical investigation assessed the performance of two high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer systems and a bulk‐fill composite in different cavity types.

Materials and Methods

In 146 participants, 360 (class I, II, and V) cavities were restored using three different materials (Equia Forte HT, Chemfill Rock, and SonicFill 2) with equal allocation. Using modified World Dental Federation criteria, restorations were assessed after 1 week, 6 months, and 18 months by an experienced examiner. Statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (α = 0.05).

Results

After 18 months, 267 restorations were assessed in 116 participants. After 18 months, 5 Equia Forte HT restorations failed due to debonding and fracture. Only one loss was observed in the Chemfill Rock restorations. Equia Forte HT exhibited significantly lower retention than SonicFill 2 after 18 months (p = 0.019), irrespective of cavity type. At 1 week, 3 Class I restorations with SF showed postoperative sensitivity. The type of cavity did not affect the performance of the restorative materials used (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Equia Forte HT and Chemfill Rock presented similar clinical performance regardless of color match. Equia Forte HT showed a lower performance compared to SonicFill 2.

Clinical significance

Glass‐hybrid materials presented a lower performance in terms of color match or retention when compared to a sculptable bulk‐fill composite resin.
Preparation and physicochemical evaluation of phytosterol‐enriched sesame oil microemulsions
Authors: Amiri Nazanin , Pourjahed Atefeh , Abbasi Habib , Karimi Safoora
Published: March 2024

Sesame oil, known for its nutritional benefits, was selected as source for phytosterol extraction. Optimal conditions of 40°C, oil‐to‐solvent ratio of 1:25, and a saponification duration of 150 min were employed to separate the phytosterols from sesame oil. The extracted phytosterols were encapsulated using microemulsion method. Various variables, such as percent of sesame oil, surfactant‐to‐cosurfactant ratio, and presence of phytosterols, were evaluated to determine their impact on particle size, polydispersity, pH, viscosity, surface tension, and stability. The particle size and PDI demonstrated significant increase with increasing oil and addition of phytosterols. A higher S:C ratio resulted in the formation of smaller microemulsion droplets. The viscosity and surface tension of the microemulsions increased significantly with an increase in the oil percent. In conclusion, the optimal composition of the microemulsion was found to be 10 wt% sesame oil with an S:C ratio of 3:1. FESEM micrographs revealed a microstructure consisting of cylindrical micelles.

Practical applications

Research has shown that consuming 2–3 g of plant sterols and stanols can lower blood cholesterol levels by 10% and LDL levels by 15%. However, incorporating phytosterols into food products is challenging due to oxidation, insolubility, and high melting point. Most phytosterols are esterified to enrich low‐fat foods but they can be expensive and impure. The synthesis of phytosterols often involves carcinogenic chemicals and requires additional purification. Extracting phytosterols from plant sources has been proposed as a solution. However, incorporating phytosterols into food products is challenging due to their susceptibility to oxidation, particularly during processing and storage at high temperatures, their insolubility in water, and their limited solubility in fats and oils. The main aim of this study was to enrich sesame oil microemulsions with phytosterols through encapsulation. Phytosterols were extracted from sesame seed oil, followed by purification, and finally, enriched microemulsions were prepared. The optimal formulation was determined based on the evaluation of several parameters, including the mean volume diameter of particles, polydispersity index, pH, viscosity, surface tension, and physical stability.
Heating uniformity improvement of the intermittent microwave drying for carrot with simulations and experiments
Authors: Song Feihu , Zhang Nailiang , Liu Peng , Liu Zhiyu , Fu Wenjie , Li Zhenfeng , Song Chunfang
Published: March 2024

Heating uniformity is always a concern in microwave drying for foodstuff, where unsatisfied product quality could be caused by over‐ or inadequate‐heating. To deal with this concern, multi‐physics field rotation simulation models and intermittent microwave drying modes were designed and evaluated in this study. Four drying modes with different intermittent time ratios (R1/2, R1/3, R1/4, and R1/5) were first applied in drying experiments. Their effects on temperature distribution, drying characteristics, and quality aspects (chromatic aberration, rehydration ratio, vitamin C content, and sensory evaluation) for carrot samples were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the carrot quality in R1/4 mode drying was increased by up to 64% in comparison with the other three modes. The root‐mean‐square error of the moisture ratio was maintained at a lower value, and a better consistency was also achieved in R1/4 mode. To further improve the drying performance and efficiency, a novel stage intermittent‐time control strategy was attempted, that is, an appropriate strategy was used in each drying stage. With this method, the best drying effect could be obtained. The above work can promote a deeper understanding of the drying kinetic and provide novel operation strategies in the microwave drying of food products.

Practical applications

A multi‐physics field rotational simulation model (MFRSM) coupled with an intermittent microwave drying process, including electromagnetic heating, heat, and mass transfer, was developed to characterize the drying process of rotating samples in an intermittent microwave dryer. The MFRSM was helpful to analyze the continuous microwave drying process of the sample and deepen the understanding of the internal heat and mass transfer process of the sample. Four modes with different intermittent schedules were designed, and simulation models were also established. The drying characteristics in different modes were analyzed; a long intermittent time could affect the drying efficiency on account of the driving force, while a short intermittent time would reduce the product quality because of the continuous high temperature. R1/4 mode was founded in terms of drying efficiency and drying quality. An optimized stage intermittent‐time control strategy (R‐IO mode) was designed. The drying time in the three stages was shortened by 25% in total compared with R1/4 mode. Meanwhile, the vitamin C retention, the taste quality of the dried products were improved. These works are expected to provide benefits for the understanding of the intermittent microwave drying modes on drying kinetic using the MFRSM. It can also be useful in the development of an IMD for food materials.
Willingness to take less medication for type 2 diabetes among older patients: The Diabetes & Aging Study
Authors: Haider Shanzay , Parker Melissa M. , Huang Elbert S. , Grant Richard W. , Moffet Howard H. , Laiteerapong Neda , Jain Rajesh K. , Liu Jennifer Y. , Lipska Kasia J. , Karter Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

Background

To examine the willingness of older patients to take less diabetes medication (de‐intensify) and to identify characteristics associated with willingness to de‐intensify treatment.

Methods

Survey conducted in 2019 in an age‐stratified, random sample of older (65–100 years) adults with diabetes on glucose‐lowering medications in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Diabetes Registry. We classified survey responses to the question: “I would be willing to take less medication for my diabetes” as willing, neutral, or unwilling to de‐intensify. Willingness to de‐intensify treatment was examined by several clinical characteristics, including American Diabetes Association (ADA) health status categories used for individualizing glycemic targets. Analyses were weighted to account for over‐sampling of older individuals.

Results

A total of 1337 older adults on glucose‐lowering medication(s) were included (age 74.2 ± 6.0 years, 44% female, 54.4% non‐Hispanic white). The proportions of participants willing, neutral, or unwilling to take less medication were 51.2%, 27.3%, and 21.5%, respectively. Proportions of willing to take less medication varied by age (65–74 years: 54.2% vs. 85+ years: 38.5%) and duration of diabetes (0–4 years: 61.0% vs. 15+ years: 44.2%), both p < 0.001. Patients on 1–2 medications were more willing to take less medication(s) compared with patients on 10+ medications (62.1% vs. 46.6%, p = 0.03). Similar proportions of willingness to take less medications were seen across ADA health status, and HbA1c. Willingness to take less medication(s) was similar across survey responses to questions about patient‐clinician relationships.

Conclusions

Clinical guidelines suggest considering treatment de‐intensification in older patients with longer duration of diabetes, yet patients with these characteristics are less likely to be willing to take less medication(s).