bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legacy effects in radial tree growth are rarely significant after accounting for biological memory
Authors: Klesse Stefan , Babst Flurin , Evans Margaret E. K. , Hurley Alexander , Pappas Christoforos , Peters Richard L.
Published: November 2022

Drought legacies in radial tree growth are an important feature of variability in biomass accumulation and are widely used to characterize forest resilience to climate change. Defined as a deviation from normal growth, the statistical significance of legacy effects depends on the definition of “normal”—expected growth under average conditions—which has not received sufficient scrutiny.

We re‐examined legacy effect analyses using the International Tree‐Ring Data Bank (ITRDB) and then produced synthetic tree‐ring data to disentangle four key variables influencing the magnitude of legacy effects. We hypothesized that legacy effects (i) are mainly influenced by the auto‐correlation of the radial growth time series (phi), (ii) depend on climate‐growth cross‐correlation (rho), (iii) are directly proportional to the inherent variability of the growth time series (standard deviation, SD), and (iv) scale with the chosen extreme event threshold.

Using a data simulation approach, we were able to reproduce observed lag patterns, demonstrating that legacy effects are a direct outcome of ubiquitous biological memory. We found that stronger legacy effects for conifers compared to angiosperms is a consequence of their higher auto‐correlation, and that the detectability of legacy effects following rare drought events at individual sites is compromised by strong background stochasticity.

Synthesis. We propose two pathways forward to improve the assessment and interpretation of legacy effects: First, we highlight the need to account for auto‐correlated residuals of climate‐growth regression models a posteriori, thereby retrospectively adjusting expectations for “normal” growth variability. Alternatively, we recommend including lagged climate variables in regression models a priori. By doing so, the magnitude of detected legacy effects is greatly reduced and biological memory is directly attributed to antecedent climatic drivers. We argue that future analyses should focus on understanding the functional reasons for how and why key statistical parameters describing this biological memory differ across species and sites. These two pathways should also stimulate improved process‐based representation of vegetation carbon dynamics in mechanistic models.
A historical narrative review of paired oral reading practices in elementary classrooms
Authors: Downs Jake , Mohr Kathleen , Young Chase
Published: November 2022

Background

Paired Reading (PR), Neurological Impress Method (NIM), Dyad Reading (DR), and Read Two Impress (R2I) share a fundamental trait – paired synchronous oral reading between a higher‐level tutor and a lower‐level tutee. Collectively, we refer to these practices as Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT). This historical narrative review investigates the origin, development, and current state of SPORT.

Methods

Five academic databases were searched for reports of SPORT from the years 1960–2021. This process yielded 3972 results, from which 456 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 77 publications were reviewed to inform this historical narrative.

Results

Four distinct waves of SPORT research dating back to 1966 were identified in the review. These waves are characterised by popularity in the United Kingdom and United States, evolving theoretical frameworks, varying configurations and implementations, and concerted focus on reading achievement. Consistently positive outcomes are reported in the SPORT literature, specifically in oral reading fluency and reading comprehension.

Conclusions

The theory and practice of SPORT have evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. We call for a fifth wave of SPORT research to consolidate the findings of the last 60 years, develop new lines of inquiry, and implement novel and varied applications of SPORT.
Innovation context and technology traits explain heterogeneity across studies of agricultural technology adoption: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Schulz Dario , Börner Jan
Published: November 2022

Despite a wealth of case‐specific insights from agricultural adoption studies, we lack systematic evidence on which technology characteristics matter for adoption across different innovation contexts. We synthesise the results of 304 quantitative farm‐level adoption studies for a wide range of agricultural innovations across more than 60 countries using multi‐level meta regression. Our results show that land, capital and knowhow are generally more important when an innovation uses the respective factor intensively, but this effect is reduced in contexts where the factor is abundant. Our findings have implications for the design of rural development and agricultural extension programmes. Both should consider the interplay of geographic context and innovation characteristics to develop more effective sustainable intensification strategies.
New application of Aspergillus versicolor in promoting plant growth after suppressing sterigmatocystin production via genome mining and engineering
Authors: Ma Siqi , Zhao Donglin , Han Xiaobin , Peng Yulong , Ren Tingting , Wang Mei , Wan Jun , Ding Jilin , Du Xiuchun , Zhao Fubin , Li Yiqiang , Zhang Chengsheng
Published: November 2022

Aspergillus genus is a key component in fermentation and food processing. However, sterigmatocystin (STE)—a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus—limits the use of some Aspergillus species (such as Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus inflatus, and Aspergillus parasiticus) because of its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Here, we engineered an STE‐free Aspergillus versicolor strain based on genome mining techniques. We sequenced and assembled the Aspergillus versicolor D5 genome (34.52 Mb), in which we identified 16 scaffolds and 54 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). We silenced cytochrome P450 coding genes STC17 and STC27 by insertional inactivation. The production of STE in the Δstc17 mutant strain was increased by 282% but no STE was detected in the Δstc27 mutant. Metabolites of Δstc27 mutant exhibited growth‐promoting effect on plants. Our study makes significant progress in improving the application of some Aspergillus strains by restricting their production of toxic and carcinogenic compounds.
The gut microbiota, a key to understanding the health implications of micro(nano)plastics and their biodegradation
Authors: Jiménez‐Arroyo Cristina , Tamargo Alba , Molinero Natalia , Moreno‐Arribas M. Victoria
Published: November 2022

The effects of plastic debris on the environment and plant, animal, and human health are a global challenge, with micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) being the main focus. MNPs are found so often in the food chain that they are provoking an increase in human intake. They have been detected in most categories of consumed foods, drinking water, and even human feces. Therefore, oral ingestion becomes the main source of exposure to MNPs, and the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the gut, constantly interacts with these small particles. The consequences of human exposure to MNPs remain unclear. However, current in vivo studies and in vitro gastrointestinal tract models have shown that MNPs of several types and sizes impact gut intestinal bacteria, affecting gut homeostasis. The typical microbiome signature of MNP ingestion is often associated with dysbiosis and loss of resilience, leads to frequent pathogen outbreaks, and local and systemic metabolic disorders. Moreover, the small micro‐ and nano‐plastic particles found in animal tissues with accumulated evidence of microbial degradation of plastics/MNPs by bacteria and insect gut microbiota raise the issue of whether human gut bacteria make key contributions to the bio‐transformation of ingested MNPs. Here, we discuss these issues and unveil the complex interplay between MNPs and the human gut microbiome. Therefore, the elucidation of the biological consequences of this interaction on both host and microbiota is undoubtedly challenging. It is expected that microbial biotechnology and microbiome research could help decipher the extent to which gut microorganisms diversify and MNP‐determinant species, mechanisms, and enzymatic systems, as well as become important to understand our response to MNP exposure and provide background information to inspire future holistic studies.
Prevalence, demographics, and clinical correlates of antisocial personality disorder in Chinese methamphetamine patients
Authors: Li Yuqing , Tian Yang , Fan Fusheng , Chen Jiajing , Fu Fabing , Zhu Rongrong , Wei Dejun , Tang Shanshan , Zhou Huixia , Wang Dongmei , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is very common among methamphetamine (MA) patients, but very few studies have been conducted in China. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of ASPD among Chinese MA patients.

Methods

We recruited 627 MA patients and collected demographic and MA use data through one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews. ASPD was measured by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). The Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess drug cravings.

Results

The prevalence rate of ASPD among MA patients was 27.59% (173/627). Patients with ASPD had greater age at the first onset, duration of MA use, length of abstinence, VAS, DDQ desire and intention, negative reinforcement, and total DDQ scores than patients without ASPD. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, age at the first onset, length of abstinence, and DDQ‐negative reinforcement were independently associated with ASPD in MA patients.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the prevalence of ASPD is high among Chinese MA patients. Furthermore, some demographic and clinical variables are associated with ASPD in MA patients.

Scientific Significance

We focused our study on the clinical profile of ASPD and the reasons for its high prevalence in Chinese methamphetamine patients. We identified several demographic and clinical variables as correlates of the occurrence of ASPD in methamphetamine patients, which provides evidence for ASPD comorbidity in methamphetamine patients.
Anthropogenic risk increases night‐time activities and associations in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Ruaha‐Rungwa ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Smit Josephine B. , Searle Charlotte E. , Buchanan‐Smith Hannah M. , Strampelli Paolo , Mkuburo Lameck , Kakengi Victor A. , Kohi Edward M. , Dickman Amy J. , Lee Phyllis C.
Published: November 2022

Elephants face diverse threats from human activities and use temporal and social strategies to reduce human‐induced mortality risk. We used data from camera trap surveys in 2018–2019 (n = 1625 independent detection events from 11,751 sampling days) to investigate elephant responses to anthropogenic risk in the Ruaha‐Rungwa ecosystem, Tanzania. The study was conducted in one low‐risk and three high‐risk sites using 26–40 paired camera trap stations per site. Risk influenced the active periods, use of roads and water sources, social associations and behaviour of elephants. Elephants demonstrated significantly more night‐time and reduced daytime activity in the high‐risk sites relative to the low‐risk site. This higher night‐time activity in the high‐risk sites was observed for both males and females, though it was more pronounced for cow–calf groups than lone males. Foraging events and use of water sources were more frequent at night in the high‐risk sites. Elephants used roads as movement routes in the low‐risk site but avoided roads in the high‐risk sites. Males were significantly more likely to associate with other males and cow–calf groups in the high‐risk sites. Fewer occurrences of relaxed behaviours were observed in the high‐risk sites compared to the low‐risk site. We discuss the potential implications of our findings for elephant survival and reproduction.
Maternal fever during pregnancy and male offspring reproductive health: A longitudinal cohort study in young Danish males
Authors: Dornfeldt Mette Møller , Andersen Anne‐Marie Nybo , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia Høst , Toft Gunnar , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Hærvig Katia Keglberg , Petersen Kajsa Ugelvig , Kofoed Ane Berger Bungum , Deen Laura , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard
Published: November 2022

Background

Maternal fever during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of genital malformations, but the implication for long‐term reproductive health in the offspring is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate associations between timing, duration, and temperature of fetal exposure to maternal fever and sons’ semen quality, testicular volume, and levels of reproductive hormones in early adulthood. Further, to examine whether concurrent use of antipyretics and/or antibiotics modified the effect.

Materials and methods

We used the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality cohort consisting of men born to women enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Self‐reported information on maternal fever was collected twice during pregnancy (median 16 and 31 pregnancy weeks) and categorized as any fever during pregnancy, fever during early pregnancy (weeks 1–15), and fever exclusively during late pregnancy (weeks 16–42). Semen quality and concentrations of reproductive hormones were measured at a clinical examination at the age of 18.9 years. We used negative binomial regression to examine the associations, adjusting for maternal age at birth, maternal smoking, family occupational status, and precision variables related to semen quality and hormonal levels, for example, abstinence time.

Results

986 men were included in the study, of which 23% had mothers reporting at least one episode of fever. We found no strong indications of associations between maternal fever during pregnancy and male reproductive health in young men. Concurrent use of antipyretics and antibiotics did not modify the association.

Discussion

Strengths include the large sample size, prospectively collected data, and the adjustment for maternal factors during pregnancy and important precision variables. A limitation is the crude self‐reported information on maternal fever.

Conclusion

We found no evidence to support that timing, duration, or temperature of maternal fever during pregnancy has a long‐term impact on semen characteristics, testicular volume, or level of reproductive hormones in male offspring.
Using virtual classroom simulations in a mathematics methods course to develop pre‐service primary mathematics teachers' noticing skills
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chi
Published: November 2022

This study proposed a low‐cost, easy to set up and easy to modify virtual classroom simulation environment, CartoonClass, and tested its impact on 27 pre‐service primary school teachers' noticing development during a semester‐long mathematics methods course. The participants' perceptions of using CartoonClass were also examined. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank test of the pre‐test and post‐test results showed that the participants (1) significantly developed their noticing skills, with regard to both general classroom events and attending‐to skills; and (2) significantly changed their focus on ‘mathematics thinking,’ an accepted indicator of better noticing skills. (3) However, a novel video‐summarising task aimed at detecting the participants' skills to quickly notice and grasp a complex teaching situation found no significant change in such ability over the course of the experiment. On the other hand, the qualitative data analysis showed the participants had positive perceptions of the virtual environment regarding realism, enjoyment and effectiveness.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Using virtual classroom simulations can improve pre‐service teachers' expertise, but teacher educators need a low‐cost virtual environment that can be easily used in their own classrooms.

Our understanding of using classroom simulations to improve teacher noticing is still limited.

Using animation‐based assessment in teacher noticing is meaningful.

Examining teacher noticing relies much on written reflections of watching videos but developing different types of tasks is critical.

What this paper adds

This study provided an economical and easy way to build a virtual classroom environment.

Compared with previous classroom simulation studies, this study used a more structured instrument to examine pre‐service teachers' noticing performance.

A novel task (write a full‐video outline with a short time watching) was created to examine teachers' noticing skills in quickly recognising a classroom situation.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The two types of questions (general and specific) in assessing teacher noticing yielded different results that may provide valuable insights for future research on this topic.

As our pre‐service teachers developed only basic noticing skills (ie, attending‐to), we suggest that teacher educators should be provided with more intensive training in teacher noticing.

Developing only attending‐to skills may be not sufficient for quickly recognising a classroom situation.
An unprecedented and unprovoked attack by a free‐ranging ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Champagne Patrick S. , Pitman Renata Leite , Lescano Jesús , Payne Carter J.
Published: November 2022

We describe an incident of a wild ocelot that attacked a group of people in Southeastern Peru. Based on recorded evidence and scientific literature, we hypothesize disease affecting the central nervous system or human‐induced trauma as possible explanations for this abnormal behavior.
Research progress on the P2X7 receptor in liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Xinyu , Bai Xue , Tang Yiqing , Qiao Cuicui , Zhao Ronglan , Peng Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2022

Purinergic ligand‐gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7 receptor) is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐gated ion channel that is widely distributed on the surfaces of immune cells and tissues such as those in the liver, kidney, lung, intestine, and nervous system. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with increasing incidence and mortality. Although many treatments for liver cancer have been studied, the prognosis for liver cancer is still very poor. Therefore, new liver cancer treatments are urgently needed. P2X7 receptor activation can secrete proinflammatory factors through the P2X7 receptor‐NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the progression of liver injury. The P2X7 receptor may be a target for growth inhibition of HCC cells and may affect the invasion and migration of HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways. In recent years, P2X7 receptor antagonists or inhibitors have attracted widespread attention as therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver injury. Therefore, this review covers the basic concepts of the P2X7 receptor and role of the P2X7 receptor in liver cancer and liver injury, providing new potential therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver injury.
The context‐bound phenomenon of decision‐making on referrals: A scoping review
Authors: Villumsen Anne Marie , Gjedde Camilla Armstrong
Published: November 2022

In this scoping review, we aim to study the decision‐making process regarding referrals concerning children and families at risk within child protection and child welfare systems. Particularly, we focus on the decision made immediately after receiving the referral. We conducted two rounds of searches across 17 different databases. We used 17 and 19 different terms translated into four languages respectively. Twenty‐seven articles were included within a period of 14 years. After describing the field following the type of social service system and geography, the decision‐making ecology (DME) framework was applied. The issue of decision‐making in social service is complex. Overall, the results showed that the field is somewhat well studied, methodologically and thematically, showing an overweight of studies conducted in the UK and the USA, indicating a need for more research in Nordic child and family welfare systems. We argue that decision‐making regarding referrals is a context‐bound phenomenon with mainly external factors, such as types of social service systems, and organisational factors, as substantial influences to decision‐making. Overall, this calls for more local and context‐bound research in each country and across organisational boundaries within the same country if we want to know what affects the decisions made immediately after receiving a referral and thereby gaining important knowledge on the safeguarding of children and families at risk.
Childhood and rural to urban migration in China: A tale of three villages
Authors: Liu Jieyu
Published: November 2022

This article examines how, for many in rural China, experiences of childhood are entangled within the complex processes of rural‐to‐urban internal migration. Drawing upon multi‐generational life history data in three villages, it unpacks three common types of childhood experience. In Village A, where married men migrated but wives stayed behind, children grew up with ‘absent fathers’. In Village B, both parents migrated to cities for work, leaving their children predominantly cared for by grandmothers as a surrogate. In Village C, where parents often took their children to a city with them, the children and their family had to navigate a hostile urban environment that rendered those of rural origin second‐class citizens. Whilst childhood experiences in each setting were distinctive and shaped by their geographies, they shared common features reflecting the urban–rural divide and social inequalities embedded in Chinese society. In the public discourse, institutionalized inequalities experienced by rural communities are often disguised and downplayed with the focus instead on parental separation and the impact on ‘left‐behind’ children. This article reveals it is the stability and quality of care arrangements, rather than mere separation from parents, that is critical to the development of the emotional well‐being of children. Theoretically, the analysis contributes to global scholarship on the dynamics between migration, inequalities and childhood experiences and calls for a broader framing of the debate beyond the dominant concern with physical separation.
Is adiposity related to repeat measures of blood leukocyte DNA methylation across childhood and adolescence?
Authors: Wu Yue , Montrose Luke , Kochmanski Joseph K. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Téllez‐Rojo Martha M. , Cantoral Alejandra , Mercado‐García Adriana , Peterson Karen E. , Goodrich Jaclyn M.
Published: November 2022

Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may influence gene expression and phenotypes, including obesity in childhood. The directionality of this relationship is nevertheless unclear, and some evidence suggests that adiposity modifies the epigenome, rather than the other way around. In this pilot study, we utilize data from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) study to examine whether measures of adiposity in childhood and early adolescence are associated with repeated measures of blood leukocyte DNA methylation at LINE‐1 repetitive elements and two genes implicated in growth and adiposity: H19 and HSD11B2. Longitudinal epigenetic data were generated from cord blood and blood from follow‐up visits in early and late adolescence. We assessed interactions between age and measures of body mass index (BMI) at 5 years of age and weight, BMI and waist circumference in early adolescence to infer whether adiposity deflects age‐related DNA methylation changes throughout childhood. Applying linear mixed‐effects models, we found an inverse association between measures of childhood BMI (kg/m2) and early‐teen weight (kg) with repeat measures of H19 DNA methylation. We did not observe any statistically significant associations (p‐value <.05) between any anthropometric measures and DNA methylation at LINE‐1 or HSD11B2. We did not demonstrate statistically significant evidence in support of deflection of age‐related DNA methylation trajectories by adiposity‐related measures (age by adiposity interaction term). Given the pilot nature of this study, the relationships between repeat measures of DNA methylation and adiposity‐measures across childhood merit further exploration in larger study populations.
Sensitization to isothiazolinones in the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Registry (REIDAC): 2019–2021 epidemiological situation
Authors: Hernández Fernández Carlos Pelayo , Borrego Leopoldo , Mercader García Pedro , Giménez Arnau Ana María , Sánchez Pérez Javier , Silvestre Salvador Juan Francisco , González Pérez Ricardo , Sanz Sánchez Tatiana , Sánchez Gilo Araceli , Melé Ninot Gemma , Zaragoza Ninet Violeta , Miquel Miquel Francisco Javier , Carrascosa Carrillo José Manuel , Córdoba Guijarro Susana , Gatica Ortega María Elena , Ruiz González Inmaculada , Serra Baldrich Esther , Tous Romero Fátima , Rodríguez Serna Mercedes , Pastor Nieto María Antonia , Pérez Feal Patricia , Hervella Garcés Marcos , de Vega Martínez Marina , García Doval Ignacio
Published: November 2022

Background

Current frequency and risk factors for sensitization to methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) in Spain are not well known.

Objectives

To study the frequency of sensitization, risk factors and simultaneous sensitization between the four isothiazolinones.

Materials and Methods

We analysed all 2019–2021 consecutive patients patch‐tested with MI (0.2% aq.), MCI/MI (0.02% aq.), BIT (0.1% pet.) and OIT (0.1% pet) within the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Registry (REIDAC).

Results

A total of 2511 patients were analysed. Frequencies of sensitization were: any isothiazolinone 15.7%, MI 6.8%, MCI/MI 4.8%, BIT 3.5% and OIT 0.5%. MI and MCI/MI sensitization was associated with being occupationally active, hand dermatitis, detergents and age over 40. BIT sensitization was associated with leg dermatitis and age over 40. About one in nine MI‐positive patients were positive to BIT, whereas one in five BIT‐positive patients were positive to MI.

Conclusions

Sensitization to MI, MCI/MI and BIT is still common in Spain, while sensitization to OIT is rare. Currently, sensitization to MI and MCI/MI seems to be occupationally related. Although its origin is unknown, sensitization to BIT is more frequent in patients aged over 40 years. Simultaneous sensitization between MI and BIT is uncommon.
High‐resolution drone imagery reveals drivers of fine‐scale giant otter habitat selection in the land‐water interface
Authors: Valladares Nicole Abanto , Pardo Alejandro Alarcon , Chiaverini Luca , Groenendijk Jessica , Harrington Lauren A. , Macdonald David W. , Swaisgood Ronald R. , Barocas Adi
Published: November 2022

Neotropical freshwater habitats are particularly sensitive to degradation by human activity. Piscivorous semi‐aquatic freshwater megafauna inhabit both the terrestrial and aquatic mediums and thus may be good indicators of wetland habitat quality. However, the drivers of their space use at the terrestrial and aquatic landscape levels are not well understood. We studied the spatial behavior and habitat use of giant otters in Madre de Dios, Peru, inhabiting areas with variable levels of protection. We combined unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite images to develop different terrestrial and water‐associated land cover variables. We tested the influence of these predictors on giant otter habitat use at multiple spatial scales, comparing used and available locations. Giant otters favored bank areas with dense forest canopy cover. In the aquatic medium, giant otters showed positive selection for open water and fallen logs and avoided floating vegetation. These findings may be explained by preference for optimal fish habitat to maximize foraging yield and bank areas that provide more cover from predators and higher quality denning locations. Variables developed from UAV images outperformed satellite‐derived variables. Despite recent signs of deforestation in lake banks in unprotected areas, spatial model predictions indicated that unprotected oxbow lakes did not differ in their habitat suitability from protected freshwater habitats. Management implications of our findings include identification of factors driving habitat suitability to guide policy and decisions regarding protection or restoration of oxbow lake ecosystems to support giant otter populations. In addition, we demonstrate that UAVs have value in complementing satellite‐derived images and providing a cost‐effective methodology to assess habitat quality for semi‐aquatic species at the land‐water interface.
Fatigue and functionality in cerebral palsy
Authors: Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Verschuren et al. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15421
Soil legacy effects of plants and drought on aboveground insects in native and range‐expanding plant communities
Authors: Li Keli , Veen G. F. (Ciska) , ten Hooven Freddy C. , Harvey Jeffrey A. , van der Putten Wim H.
Published: November 2022

Soils contain biotic and abiotic legacies of previous conditions that may influence plant community biomass and associated aboveground biodiversity. However, little is known about the relative strengths and interactions of the various belowground legacies on aboveground plant–insect interactions. We used an outdoor mesocosm experiment to investigate the belowground legacy effects of range‐expanding versus native plants, extreme drought and their interactions on plants, aphids and pollinators. We show that plant biomass was influenced more strongly by the previous plant community than by the previous summer drought. Plant communities consisted of four congeneric pairs of natives and range expanders, and their responses were not unanimous. Legacy effects affected the abundance of aphids more strongly than pollinators. We conclude that legacies can be contained as soil ‘memories’ that influence aboveground plant community interactions in the next growing season. These soil‐borne ‘memories’ can be altered by climate warming‐induced plant range shifts and extreme drought.
Radiography, CT‐angiography and post‐mortem findings in a foal with a congenital type 3 vascular ring anomaly
Authors: Moioli Melania , Amphimaque Bénédicte , Wyler Michelle , Kaiponen Taina Susanna , Gurtner Corinne , Unger Lucia
Published: November 2022

Congenital vascular ring anomalies (VRA) have been occasionally described in horses. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report providing radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings of a congenital type 3 persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) in a foal. A 1.5 months old Franches‐Montagnes colt was presented for growth retardation with a history of mild intermittent bilateral nasal discharge occasionally containing milk and coughing since birth. Thoracic radiographs and ultrasound, oesophagoscopy, positive contrast oesophagography and CT angiography were performed. A final diagnosis of persistent right fourth aortic arch, with left ligamentum arteriosum and aberrant left subclavian artery (type 3 VRA) and subsequent aspiration pneumonia was achieved. Due to the poor physical condition, the presence of severe aspiration pneumonia and most importantly the lack of a surgical option for a type 3 VRA, the colt was euthanised and the post‐mortem examination confirmed the oesophagography and CT angiography findings.
Chemsex in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis users: Assessment of mood disorders and addictive behavior
Authors: Peyriere Hélène , Jacquet Jean‐Marc , Peries Marianne , Tribout Vincent , Broche Béatrice , Mauboussin Jean‐Marc , Makinson Alain , Perrollaz Cyril , Ferreyra Milagros , Rouanet Isabelle , Montoya‐Ferrer Ana , El‐Majjaoui Said , Corriol‐Bonifas Florence , Fraisse Thibaut , Grau Fanny , Laureillard Didier , Nagot Nicolas , Reynes Jacques , Donnadieu‐Rigole Hélène
Published: November 2022

The assessment of mood disorders and addiction linked to the practice of chemsex is of interest given the psychoactive substances used. The aim of this study was to assess risky sexual and addictive behavior to chemsex and related anxiety/depression symptoms in individuals receiving HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In this cross‐sectional study, all adults presenting for PrEP renewal at French sexual health centers were enrolled from January 2018 to March 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire on chemsex (i.e., the use of psychoactive substances before/during sex), including adapted Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to chemsex addiction (questions of ASSIST were modified to focus on chemsex). Anxiety/depression was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In the last 3 months before enrollment, 39.8% (94/236) of participants reported chemsex. The main psychoactive substances consumed during chemsex were cathinones (74.6%), gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (66.3%), and other psychostimulants (60%). The median score of the chemsex‐focused ASSIST was 8 [IQR25–75: 3–15]; 72.2% of participants had a score justifying at least a brief intervention (>4). In multivariate analyses, anxiety and cathinones consumption were associated with an ASSIST score >4: OR 13.65 (95%CI 1.68–662.7), P = 0.0062, and OR 8.468 (95%CI 2.066–43.059), P = 0.0014, respectively. The level of addiction to the practice of chemsex can be difficult to estimate for the user, and the ASSIST makes it possible to evaluate this addiction and to direct the subjects toward specialized consultations of addictology, sexual health, or PrEP renewals. The implementation of the modified ASSIST in these consultations can allow early systematic screening and counseling.
Declining Amazon biomass due to deforestation and subsequent degradation losses exceeding gains
Authors: Fawcett Dominic , Sitch Stephen , Ciais Philippe , Wigneron Jean Pierre , Silva‐Junior Celso H. L. , Heinrich Viola , Vancutsem Christelle , Achard Frédéric , Bastos Ana , Yang Hui , Li Xiaojun , Albergel Clément , Friedlingstein Pierre , Aragão Luiz E. O. C.
Published: November 2022

In the Amazon, deforestation and climate change lead to increased vulnerability to forest degradation, threatening its existing carbon stocks and its capacity as a carbon sink. We use satellite L‐Band Vegetation Optical Depth (L‐VOD) data that provide an integrated (top‐down) estimate of biomass carbon to track changes over 2011–2019. Because the spatial resolution of L‐VOD is coarse (0.25°), it allows limited attribution of the observed changes. We therefore combined high‐resolution annual maps of forest cover and disturbances with biomass maps to model carbon losses (bottom‐up) from deforestation and degradation, and gains from regrowing secondary forests. We show an increase of deforestation and associated degradation losses since 2012 which greatly outweigh secondary forest gains. Degradation accounted for 40% of gross losses. After an increase in 2011, old‐growth forests show a net loss of above‐ground carbon between 2012 and 2019. The sum of component carbon fluxes in our model is consistent with the total biomass change from L‐VOD of 1.3 Pg C over 2012‐2019. Across nine Amazon countries, we found that while Brazil contains the majority of biomass stocks (64%), its losses from disturbances were disproportionately high (79% of gross losses). Our multi‐source analysis provides a pessimistic assessment of the Amazon carbon balance and highlights the urgent need to stop the recent rise of deforestation and degradation, particularly in the Brazilian Amazon.
Stable W Isotope Measurements of Geological Reference Materials and Tungsten Ore Minerals by Double Spike MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Zhang Tianli , Liu Jia , Zhang Qun , Zhang Yingnan , Qin Liping
Published: November 2022

This study presents high‐precision W isotopic measurement results using the 180W‐183W double spike technique with MC‐ICP‐MS. The effects of isobaric and polyatomic interferences on W isotopic measurements were evaluated. The δ186/184W values were not significantly affected when the solution had Hf/W ≤ 3 × 10‐4, Ta/W ≤ 1, Os/W ≤ 0.06, Ce/W ≤ 0.0075, Nd/W ≤ 3.5 and Sm/W ≤ 5. The intermediate measurement precisions of both standard solutions (NIST SRM 3163 and Alfa Aesar W) and geological reference materials (NOD‐A‐1) were better than ±0.024‰ (2s). We also obtained a precision of 0.026‰ for a minimum sample loading mass of 5 ng, allowing the analysis of samples with low W contents. Replicated measurements of geological reference materials (AGV‐2, BCR‐2, BHVO‐2, GSP‐2, RGM‐1, SDC‐1, NOD‐A‐1 and NOD‐P‐1) yielded δ186/184W values ranging from 0.017‰ to 0.144‰. The δ186/184W values of two major tungsten ore minerals (scheelite and wolframite) were reported and compared herein. Scheelites had systematically slightly heavier W isotopic compositions than wolframites, which may reflect differences in the crystal structure. The resolvable variations of stable/mass‐dependent W isotopic compositions in rocks and ore minerals make W isotopes a novel tool for studying hydrothermal mineralisation processes and the W cycle of geological reservoirs.
Co‐creation of information materials within the assent process: From theory to practice
Authors: Fons‐Martinez Jaime , Ferrer‐Albero Cristina , Diez‐Domingo Javier
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The informed consent process is key to safeguarding the autonomy of the participant in medical research. For this process to be valid, the information presented to the potential participant should meet their needs and be understood by them. The i‐CONSENT project has developed ‘Guidelines for adapting the informed consent process in clinical trials’ which aim to improve informed consent so that they are easier to understand and better adapted to the needs and preferences of the target population. The best way to tailor information to the characteristics and preferences of the target population is to involve the community itself.

Methods

Following guidelines developed by i‐CONSENT, assent materials were co‐created for a mock clinical trial of the human papillomavirus vaccine in adolescents. During the process, two design thinking sessions were conducted involving a total of 10 children and 5 parents. The objectives of the sessions were to find out the children's opinion of the informed consent (assent in their case) process in clinical trials, identify the parts that were most difficult to understand and alternatives for their presentation and wording, identify the preferred formats for receiving the information and the main characteristics of these formats, design a video explaining the clinical trial and evaluate a tool for assessing comprehension.

Results

Assent materials were co‐created in three formats: a web‐based material following a layered approach; a video in story format; a pdf document with an innovative way of presenting information compared to traditional assent documents. In addition, the Comprehension of Assent Questionnaire was co‐designed, based on the Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire.

Conclusion

The design thinking methodology has proven to be an easy and useful tool for involving children in designing information tailored to their needs and preferences.

Patient or Public Contribution

A sample of the target population participated in the design and piloting of the materials created using design thinking methodology. In addition, patient representatives participated in the design and evaluation of the guidelines developed by the i‐CONSENT project that were followed for the development of the materials in this study.
Butterfly diversity, richness, and density patterns in Sierra Nevada (SE Spain): Conservation implications under a global change scenario
Authors: Barea‐Azcón José Miguel , Pérez‐Luque Antonio Jesús , Olivares Francisco Javier , Guerrero Mariano , Galiana‐García Miguel , Chaves María Dolores , Olvera Miguel , Munguira Miguel L.
Published: November 2022

Understanding factors that regulate the patterns of diversity, richness, and density of organisms is of enormous importance to manage biodiversity in a global change context.

We investigate the importance of environmental factors in regulating the patterns of diversity, richness, and density of diurnal butterflies in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (SE Spain).

Diversity, richness, and density seem to be strongly correlated, being mainly defined by land‐use and topographic‐related variables. The sites with the highest values correspond to areas of dense scrubland, near patches of forest, oriented to the west and with a high rate of solar radiation but not excessively exposed from the topographical point of view. Topographic wetness index seems to be also important but with a positive relation in the case of density and negative in the case of diversity and richness.

Our results show a pattern of mid‐elevation maxima, with highest values between 1600 and 2000 masl and lower in the summits and the piedmont (<1400 masl). This brings us the possibility to identify a series of areas of high value for the conservation of butterflies in this protected area, with important applications towards the conservation and management of this group of insects.

Finally, a series of management recommendations to improve the conservation status of the butterfly communities in the Sierra Nevada protected area are inferred. One of the main recommendations is based on the maintenance of spatial heterogeneity, taking into account traditional land uses that enhance biodiversity.
Outcome of selective root canal retreatment—A retrospective study
Authors: Brochado Martins João Filipe , Guerreiro Viegas Olavo , Cristescu Roberto , Diogo Patrícia , Shemesh Hagay
Published: November 2022

Aim

Selective root canal retreatment is when the treatment is limited to root(s) with radiographic evidence of periapical pathosis. The goals of this retrospective study were as follows: (i) evaluate the clinical and radiographic (periapical radiographs [PR] or cone‐beam computerized tomographs [CBCT]) outcome of selective root canal retreatment after ≥12 months follow‐up; (ii) evaluate the periapical status of the unretreated roots; and (iii) assess tooth survival.

Methodology

A retrospective study (January 2018 to April 2021) was conducted to identify permanent multirooted teeth that underwent selective root canal retreatment. Clinical records, PR and CBCT were examined to ascertain variables of interest. Outcomes (per root and per tooth) were classified into ‘favourable’ or ‘unfavourable’ using well‐established clinical and radiographic healing criteria. Treatment outcomes for the whole tooth and per root were compared as well as bivariate associations between the treatment outcome of the retreated roots and the treatment‐related parameters (quality of root filling, sealer extrusion, iatrogenic mishaps and type of restoration) were analysed using Fisher's exact test (α = .05). Survival was recorded in months.

Results

A total of 75 teeth (195 roots) in 75 subjects were available for outcome analysis. The favourable outcome per tooth was 86.7%. At follow‐up, 92.6% of the retreated roots had a favourable outcome. From the unretreated roots, 3.5% showed radiographic signs of an emerging periapical lesion. No statistical difference was shown between the outcomes per root and per tooth between both groups. None of the treatment‐related parameters had a direct influence on the outcome of the retreated roots. The survival rate at 12–48 months after retreatment was 91.5%.

Conclusions

Selective root canal retreatment is associated with a favourable outcome in a majority of cases. Unretreated roots rarely developed radiographic signs of a new periapical lesion at follow‐up. Future high‐quality clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow‐up periods are required to confirm these findings.
Design of spark plasma sintering parameters and preparation of Al2O3/TiB2/TiC micro–nano composite ceramic tool material
Authors: Wang Dong , Bai Yifan , Qiu Bo , Yu Hongtao , Li Zhibao
Published: November 2022

A microstructure evolution model for the ceramic materials was constructed, and the spark plasma sintering parameters were optimized using the model to shorten the designing period and reduce the consumption of the material. Based on the optimized sintering parameters, the ceramic tool material with a composition of Al2O3, TiB2, and TiC proved to be a success. It verified that the materials prepared under the optimized sintering parameters exhibited excellent mechanical properties. The results showed when sintered at 1600°C, under the pressure of 40 MPa and with the holding period of 7 min, the materials with 70% Al2O3, 20% TiB2, and 10% nano‐TiC possess the relatively best performance, with the hardness, fracture toughness, and flexure strength being 20.3 GPa, 10.5 MPa/m2, and 839.5 MPa, respectively.
Evaluation of nuclear transmutation effects due to beta decay on borosilicate glasses
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhu Shikun , Chen Xu , Mao Jiangjiang , Lv Peng , Peng Haibo , Wang Tieshan
Published: November 2022

In the study of deep geological disposal of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW), beta decay has been widely studied, whereas the nuclear transmutation effects due to beta decay on vitrification are generally neglected. In this work, a series of sodium borosilicate glasses doped with cesium was fabricated. The nuclear transmutation due to beta decay evolving with the deposited time was simulated by substituting for cesium with barium. The macroscopic properties of the glasses, including density, hardness, and Young's modulus, were measured using the Archimedes (buoyancy) method and nanoindentation, respectively. The microscopic structures of the glasses were characterized by grazing incident X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The nuclear transmutation effects were significant. With the substitution of barium for cesium, the density, hardness, and modulus of the glasses increased and eventually tended to saturation. A decrease of [BO3] units and an increase of [BO4] units were observed in the infrared spectra and NMR spectra. In addition, the results were systematically compared to previous strontium‐doping work in order to evaluate nuclear transmutation effects due to beta decay on vitrification in HLW comprehensively. The comparison demonstrated that the nuclear transmutation effect of cesium is completely opposite to that of strontium. The research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding on the nuclear transmutation effects due to beta decay in HLW on vitrification.
Virgin coconut and mustard oleogels as affected by beeswax and candelilla wax: functional, textural, rheological and morphological characteristics
Authors: Sharma Savita , Parmar Vijaya , Sharma Rajan , Singh Baljit
Published: November 2022

Edible oleogels were developed using two oleogelators (beeswax and candelilla wax), at different concentrations of 6%, 9% and 12% w/w in virgin coconut and mustard oils using the direct dispersion method to study the techno‐functional characteristics. The different parameters including oil loss, temperature sweep tests, texture profiles and FT‐IR analysis demonstrated the formation of well‐structured oleogels with improved stability upon an increase in oleogelator concentrations. Crystal pattern exhibited by confocal scanning microscopy was majorly affected by the function of chemically distinct oils, more than the different oleogelators employed. It was found that the increase in smoke point was directly proportional to the level of oleogelator concentration in the oleogels, making them a suitable medium for frying. Intriguingly, on the basis of distinctive features, candelilla‐based oleogels were firmer with better and more stable crystals than beeswax‐based oleogels at the same level of concentration in both oils.