bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the functional significance of wild animal microbiomes using omics data
Authors: Worsley Sarah F. , Videvall Elin , Harrison Xavier A. , Björk Johannes R. , Mazel Florent , Wanelik Klara M.
Published: September 2024

Host‐associated microbiomes are thought to play a key role in host physiology and fitness, but this conclusion mainly derives from systems biased towards animal models and humans.

While many studies on non‐model and wild animals have characterised the taxonomic diversity of their microbiomes, few have investigated the functional potential of these microbial communities.

Functional ‘omics’ approaches, such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics, represent promising techniques to probe the significance of host‐associated microbiomes in the wild.

In this review, we propose to (1) briefly define the main available functional omics tools along with their strengths and limitations, (2) summarise the key advances enabled by omics tools to understand microbiome function in human and animal models, (3) showcase examples of how these methods have already brought invaluable insights into wild host microbiomes and (4) provide guidelines on how to implement these tools to address outstanding questions in the field of wild animal microbiomes.

To conclude, we suggest that, building on knowledge derived from cheaper, more traditional approaches (e.g. 16S metabarcoding and qPCR), functional omics tools represent a promising approach to test hypotheses regarding the ecological and evolutionary significance of the resident microbiota in wild animals.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Is the local environment more important than within‐host interactions in determining coinfection?
Authors: Hasik Adam Z. , Bried Jason T. , Bolnick Daniel I. , Siepielski Adam M.
Published: September 2024

Host populations often vary in the magnitude of coinfection they experience across environmental gradients. Furthermore, coinfection often occurs sequentially, with a second parasite infecting the host after the first has established a primary infection. Because the local environment and interactions between coinfecting parasites can both drive patterns of coinfection, it is important to disentangle the relative contributions of environmental factors and within‐host interactions to patterns of coinfection.

Here, we develop a conceptual framework and present an empirical case study to disentangle these facets of coinfection. Across multiple lakes, we surveyed populations of five damselfly (host) species and quantified primary parasitism by aquatic, ectoparasitic water mites and secondary parasitism by terrestrial, endoparasitic gregarines. We first asked if coinfection is predicted by abiotic and biotic factors within the local environment, finding that the probability of coinfection decreased for all host species as pH increased. We then asked if primary infection by aquatic water mites mediated the relationship between pH and secondary infection by terrestrial gregarines.

Contrary to our expectations, we found no evidence for a water mite‐mediated relationship between pH and gregarines. Instead, the intensity of gregarine infection correlated solely with the local environment, with the magnitude and direction of these relationships varying among environmental predictors.

Our findings emphasize the role of the local environment in shaping infection dynamics that set the stage for coinfection. Although we did not detect within‐host interactions, the approach herein can be applied to other systems to elucidate the nature of interactions between hosts and coinfecting parasites within complex ecological communities.
Landscape connectivity for African elephants in the world's largest transfrontier conservation area: A collaborative, multi‐scalar assessment
Authors: Naidoo Robin , Beytell Piet , Brennan Angela , Carter John , Carter Kerryn D. , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Chilambe Brian , Hoare Richard , Iiyambo Novald , Jooste Donovan , Karidozo Malvern , Kilian J. Werner , Madhlamoto Daphine , Madiri Tinaapi Hilary , McCulloch Graham , Monks Norman , Mudimba Isaac , Ngwenya Nobesuthu , Nyambe Nyambe , Osborn Loki , Pelham Michael , Phologo Letlhogonolo , Reid Robert , Savituma Miguel , Schutgens Maurice , Simpamba Twakundine , Slabbert Stuart , Stronza Amanda , Taylor Russell , Tshipa Arnold , Songhurst Anna
Published: September 2024

Landscape connectivity operates at a variety of scales, depending on the geography of the area in question and the focal species or ecological process under consideration.

Most connectivity studies, however, are typically focused on a single scale, which in the case of resistance‐based connectivity modelling, is often the entire landscape or protected area (PA) network. This large, single‐scale focus may miss areas that are important for connectivity at smaller scales and that can be documented via observed animal movements without resorting to landscape‐wide statistical modelling and extrapolation approaches.

Here, we characterize landscape connectivity at three different scales (local/micro, inter‐PA, and landscape‐wide/macro), using observed animal movements rather than conventional resistance surface models, to produce a connectivity conservation blueprint for African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kavango‐Zambezi transfrontier conservation area (KAZA) in southern Africa. This analysis is based on an extensive, high‐resolution GPS tracking database comprising approximately 4 million GPS locations from nearly 300 tagged elephants and their associated herds.

Our results show that high‐fidelity elephant use of micro‐corridors is typically—though not exclusively—related to directed movements towards water, often amidst heavy anthropogenic presence. Movement pathways that connected KAZA's core protected areas were longer and variable, with some channelled into narrow areas of use and others more dispersed across larger sub‐landscapes. At the largest scale, a network analysis incorporating all used landscape grid cells revealed several clusters of large‐scale movement corridors that connected distant parts of KAZA.

Synthesis and applications: Our three scales of analyses reveal disparate geographical priorities for connectivity conservation that collectively could help ensure the functional connectivity of KAZA for its largest inhabitants. Each scale will require its own set of inter‐related conservation interventions, while further research into areas with sparse data collection, and other species of conservation concern, could reveal additional connectivity priorities at each scale.
Human impacts mediate freshwater invertebrate community responses to and recovery from drought
Authors: Sarremejane Romain , England Judy , Dunbar Mike , Brown Rosalind , Naura Marc , Stubbington Rachel
Published: September 2024

Drought is an increasing risk to the biodiversity within rivers—ecosystems which are already impacted by human activities. However, the long‐term spatially replicated studies needed to generate understanding of how anthropogenic stressors alter ecological responses to drought are lacking.

We studied aquatic invertebrate communities in 2500 samples collected from 179 sites on rivers emerging from England's chalk aquifer over three decades. We tested two sets of alternative hypotheses describing responses to and recovery from drought in interaction with human impacts affecting water quality, fine sediment, water temperature, channel morphology, flow and temporal change in land use. We summarized communities using taxa richness, an index indicating tolerance of anthropogenic degradation (average score per taxon, ASPT) and deviation from the average composition.

Responses to drought were altered by interactions with human impacts. Poor water quality exacerbated drought‐driven reductions in taxa richness. Drought‐driven deviations from the average community composition were reduced and enhanced at sites impacted by flow augmentation (e.g. effluent releases) and flow reduction (e.g. abstraction), respectively.

Human impacts altered post‐drought recovery. Increases in richness were lower at sites impacted by water abstraction and higher at sites with augmented flows, in particular as recovery trajectories extended beyond 3 years. ASPT recovered faster at sites that gained woodland compared to urban land, due to their greater recovery potential, that is, their lower drought‐driven minimum values and higher post‐drought maximum values.

Synthesis and applications. We show that communities in river ecosystems exposed to human impacts—in particular poor water quality, altered flow volumes and land use change—are particularly vulnerable to drought. These results provide evidence that management actions taken to enhance water quality, regulate abstraction and restore riparian land use could promote ecological resilience to drought in groundwater‐dominated rivers such as globally rare chalk streams and other rivers of the Anthropocene, as they adapt to a future characterized by increasing climatic extremity.
Fostering Coordination to Bridge the UK's Regional Disparities: A Response to Rachel Reeves's Mais Lecture
Authors: Gartzou‐Katsouyanni Kira
Published: September 2024

This article discusses different policy approaches to achieving one of the key goals that Rachel Reeves set out in her Mais lecture in 2024: bridging regional inequalities in the UK. If it is agreed that the unfettered free market economic model pursued by successive governments in recent decades has led to an intolerable regional concentration of high value‐added, innovative production, what alternative policy options are there? The article considers two answers to this question. The first option is to promote innovation through top‐down state intervention in key economic sectors. While this approach is becoming increasingly popular among proponents of industrial policy in advanced economies, its potential to reach a wide range of firms and sectors behind the technological frontier is limited. Instead, the article favours a second, comparatively under‐explored policy option: facilitating inter‐firm and public‐private coordination. Three key policy tools are presented for implementing this second approach in the UK context.
Photodynamic inactivation of edible photosensitizers for fresh food preservation: Comprehensive mechanism of action and enhancement strategies
Authors: Li Haoran , Ni Yongsheng , Zhao Jinsong , Li Yumeng , Xu Baocai
Published: September 2024

Foodborne harmful bacteria not only cause waste of fresh food, but also pose a major threat to human health. Among many new sterilization and preservation technologies, photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has the advantages of low‐cost, broad‐spectrum, energy‐saving, nontoxic, and high efficiency. In particular, PDI based on edible photosensitizers (PSs) has a broader application prospect due to edible, accessible, and renewable features, it also can maximize the retention of the nutritional characteristics and sensory quality of the food. Therefore, it is meaningful and necessary to review edible PSs and edible PSs‐mediated PDI, which can help to arouse interest and concern and promote the further development of edible PSs‐mediated PDI in the future field of nonthermally sterilized food preservation. Herein, the classification and modification of edible PSs, PS‐mediated in vivo and PS‐mediated in vitro mechanism of PDI, strengthening strategy to improve PDI efficiency by the structure change synergistic and multitechnical means, as well as the application in fresh food preservation were reviewed systematically. Finally, the deficiency and possible future perspectives of edible PSs‐mediated PDI were articulated. This review aimed to provide new perspective for the future food preservation and microbial control.
A phase II study of weekly carboplatin and concurrent radiotherapy in older adults with locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (LOGIK1902)
Authors: Harada Taishi , Sasaki Tomonari , Ishii Hidenobu , Takemoto Shinnosuke , Hisamatsu Yasushi , Saito Haruhiro , Yoneshima Yasuto , Komiya Kazutoshi , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Naoki Katsuhiko , Ogawa Tomohiro , Takeoka Hiroaki , Saruwatari Koichi , Ito Kensaku , Tsuchiya‐Kawano Yuko , Mizuno Keiko , Shimose Takayuki , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Okamoto Isamu
Published: September 2024

Background

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard therapy for locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is little evidence supporting its use in older adults. Low‐dose daily carboplatin combined with thoracic radiotherapy is considered a standard regimen for this population. To establish a simple and feasible carboplatin administration method, we conducted a study of weekly carboplatin and concurrent radiotherapy for older adults with locally advanced NSCLC.

Methods

This prospective, single‐arm, multicenter, phase II clinical trial included patients aged ≥75 years with unresectable stage III NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1. Patients received chemoradiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions plus concurrent weekly carboplatin at an area under curve of 2 mg mL−1 min−1). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Key secondary endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

From July 2020 to June 2022, 37 patients were enrolled from 15 institutions, and 36 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety. The ORR was 63.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47.6–77.5). Median PFS was 14.6 months (95% CI = 9.1–18.1). Median OS was 25.5 months (95% CI = 17.4–not reached). Grade 4 leucopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in one patient (2.8%) each.

Conclusion

Weekly carboplatin and concurrent radiation therapy was safe in older adults with locally advanced NSCLC, and promising activity was observed.
Impaired or not impaired: The accuracy of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in detecting cognitive impairment among patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Høiland Kristoffer , Arnevik Espen Kristian Ajo , Diep Lien My , Mathisen Tove , Witkiewitz Katie , Egeland Jens
Published: September 2024

Background

Cognitive impairments are common in alcohol use disorder (AUD), but only a few studies have investigated the accuracy of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in this population. We examined the accuracy and precision of the MoCA in detecting cognitive impairment in a sample of patients with AUD. In addition, we investigated whether the MoCA predicts premature discontinuation from treatment.

Method

A sample of 126 persons with AUD undergoing treatment in specialist health services were administered the MoCA and a battery of 12 neuropsychological tests. Five cognitive domains were derived from the reference tests. A composite total score from these tests was used as a reference criterion for determining correct and incorrect classifications for the MoCA. We analyzed the optimal cut‐off score for the MoCA and the accuracy and agreement of classification between the MoCA and the reference tests.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyzes yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% CI [0.67, 0.87]). Applying 25 as the cut‐off, MoCA sensitivity was 0.77 and specificity 0.62. The PPV was 0.53. The NPV was 0.84. Using a cut‐off score of 24 yielded a lower sensitivity 0.60, but specificity was significantly better i.e., 0.79. PPV was 0.68. The NPV was 0.82. Kappa agreement between MoCA and the reference tests was fair to moderate, 0.38 for the cut‐off of 25, and 0.44 for the cut‐off of 24. MoCA did not predict discontinuation from treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate limitations in the classification accuracy of the MoCA in predicting cognitive impairment in AUD. Achieving the right balance between accurately identifying impaired cases without including too many false positives can be challenging. Further, MoCA does not predict discontinuation from treatment. Overall, the results do not support MoCA as a time‐efficient screening instrument.
Impaired calcium influx underlies skewed T helper cell differentiation in children with IgE‐mediated food allergies
Authors: Lai C. L. , Santner‐Nanan B. , Maltese P. J. , Ong C. K. S. , Palmer D. J. , Campbell D. E. , Makrides M. , Gold M. , Nanan R. , Prescott S. L. , Hsu P. S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Reasons for Th2 skewing in IgE‐mediated food allergies remains unclear. Clinical observations suggest impaired T cell activation may drive Th2 responses evidenced by increased atopic manifestations in liver transplant patients on tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor). We aimed to assess differentiation potential, T cell activation and calcium influx of naïve CD4+ T cells in children with IgE‐mediated food allergies.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from infants in the Starting Time for Egg Protein (STEP) Trial were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess Th1/Th2/Treg development. Naïve CD4+ T cells from children with and without food allergies were stimulated for 7 days to assess Th1/Th2/Treg transcriptional factors and cytokines. Store operated calcium entry (SOCE) was measured in children with and without food allergies. The effect of tacrolimus on CD4+ T cell differentiation was assessed by treating stimulated naïve CD4+ T cells from healthy volunteers with tacrolimus for 7 days.

Results

Egg allergic infants had impaired development of IFNγ+ Th1 cells and FoxP3+ transitional CD4+ T cells compared with non‐allergic infants. This parallels reduced T‐bet, IFNγ and FoxP3 expression in naïve CD4+ T cells from food allergic children after in vitro culture. SOCE of naïve CD4+ T cells was impaired in food allergic children. Naïve CD4+ T cells treated with tacrolimus had reduced IFNγ, T‐bet, and FoxP3, but preserved IL‐4 expression.

Conclusions

In children with IgE‐mediated food allergies, dysregulation of T helper cell development is associated with impaired SOCE, which underlies an intrinsic impairment in Th1 and Treg differentiation. Along with tacrolimus‐induced Th2 skewing, this highlights an important role of SOCE/calcineurin pathway in T helper cell differentiation.
Can Chinese‐style trade unions promote corporate philanthropy? A stakeholder theory perspective
Authors: Cui Yadong , Xu Su , Jiang Yaohui , Zhang Zhaowen , Hu Haoyu
Published: September 2024

Corporate philanthropy is an important form of fulfilling social responsibility and improving social income distribution systems. Unlike Western trade unions, Chinese trade unions have government‐like functions. This study discusses whether Chinese‐style trade unions help promote corporate philanthropy. Based on stakeholder theory, this study examines the philanthropic effects of Chinese‐style trade unions using data from the Chinese Private Enterprises Survey and employs methods such as the Treatment Effect Model, Instrumental Variables Method, and Propensity Score Matching. The results show that unions with government‐like functions can significantly incentivize firms to engage in philanthropic activities and that this effect encourages start‐ups and well‐funded firms, which enriches and expands the research on the functions of unions. Trade unions can help enterprises gain political connections and promote a sense of corporate social responsibility, thus enhance corporate philanthropy. In addition, female leaders are more likely than male leaders to promote the positive impact of unions on corporate philanthropy. This study not only expands the literature on union functions and the antecedents of corporate philanthropy, but also enriches the discussion on the synergies among multiple stakeholders in stakeholder theory and the role of gender in the field of management.
Cost of debt financing, stock returns, and corporate strategic ESG disclosure: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Wenjiao , Sun Ziyuan , Dong Yuting , Zhang Longyu
Published: September 2024

Whether corporate strategic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure can be effectively screened by external markets still needs more empirical support. Despite numerous studies confirming the positive impact of ESG, the issue of strategic ESG disclosure has yet to receive sufficient attention. This study examines the impact of ESG greenwashing on the cost of debt financing and stock returns using panel data of Chinese A‐share listed corporates from 2012 to 2021. The study finds that external markets fail to recognize ESG greenwashing in the short term, leading to a temporary reduction in the cost of debt financing and an increase in stock returns, but these effects are not lasting. Mechanism analysis shows that ESG greenwashing enhances corporate reputation and reduces the cost of debt financing through the reputation effect, stimulates investor sentiment, and improves stock returns through the sentiment effect. The study identifies management myopia, excessive power, financial distress, and information asymmetry as the main drivers. However, strong oversight by independent directors, involvement of Big Four audit firms, investor site visits, and high industry competition can mitigate these misleading effects. This research expands the understanding of the causes and economic consequences of corporate ESG greenwashing and provides empirical evidence for managing this phenomenon.
Validation of the Parent Version of the Nighttime Fears Scale (NFS‐P) for Children Aged 3–8 Years
Authors: Orgilés Mireia , Galán‐Luque Teresa , Espada José Pedro , Morales Alexandra
Published: September 2024

Background

Nighttime fears are highly prevalent in children, ranging from normative fears to triggering fear‐related anxiety disorders. The lack of available assessment instruments recently prompted the development of the Nighttime Fears Scale (NFS) for children aged 8–12 years. The present study aimed to adapt and psychometrically evaluate the parent‐reported version for children aged 3–8 years (NFS‐P) as a complement for younger children.

Methods

Two hundred eighty‐four Spanish‐speaking parents (47% girls) completed the NFS‐P and anxiety measures.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses supported a four‐factor structure of the NFS‐P. Strong internal consistency and validity evidence were obtained. No significant differences were found in NFS‐P scores between sexes and age groups.

Conclusions

The findings offer support for the use of the NFS‐P as a valuable instrument in clinical and research settings, supplementing the NFS for older children. Both scales provide an efficient means to comprehensively assess the presence and intensity of typical nighttime fears across preschool and school years.
Immunocellular microenvironment of the vascular wall of cerebral aneurysms: What is the role of inflammatory cells in aneurysmal remodeling?
Authors: Kumar Vivig Shantha , Resheek Nerella , Kumar Vignarth Shantha , Kumar Ruthvik Thaghalli Sunil
Published: September 2024

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) may afflict up to 5% of the general population, or up to 15 million individuals in the US. The two forms of IAs that can be recognized by their shape are saccular and nonsaccular IAs, with uncommon aneurysm types, fusiform and dissecting aneurysms, comprising 13% of nonsaccular IAs. Conceivably, among the various risk factors for IA development, vessel wall inflammation represents a major cause. Accordingly, IAs may not necessarily be the result of passive widening of vessel wall structures, but may also be the result of inflammation and tissue degeneration. Thus, flow‐induced vascular remodeling during IA pathogenesis may reflect immune cell infiltration and consequent release of proinflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and matrix metalloproteinase that contribute to vessel wall degeneration and weakening. Thus, infiltrating neutrophils, macrophages, T‐lymphocytes and complement factors, and the resulting immune microenvironment may be pertinent in IA pathogenesis.
Challenges of regulating commercial use of marine elapid snakes in the Indo‐Pacific
Authors: Auliya Mark , Rasmussen Arne Redsted , Sanders Kate L. , Lobo Aaron Savio
Published: September 2024

Marine elapid snakes are a diverse, predominantly Indo‐West Pacific species group. The persistent removal of some species has an unquantified but potentially dire impact on populations. We conducted the first comprehensive review of the trade in marine elapid snakes based on published literature (1974–2022) and trade data from the only species (i.e., Hydrophis [Lapemis] curtus) whose trade is monitored internationally. Some species and populations were subjected to targeted harvest for their meat and skins for at least the last century; fisheries are possibly the most significant threat to populations of marine elapids, with the highest numbers being exploited either accidentally, incidentally, or opportunistically in Southeast Asian fisheries targeting other seafood, including demersal trawl and squid fisheries. Southeast Asia is the core region for exploitation of marine elapids. Annual offtake is >225,000 individuals of at least 8 species in the Gulf of Thailand. Of 72 recognized marine elapids (all non‐CITES [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora] species), Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus dominate the skin trade. Skins of H. curtus are traded mainly in East and Southeast Asia and, to some extent, Europe. Despite some baseline information on the trade of these species, the sustainability of their harvests, particularly in the context of the burgeoning and unmanaged nature of fisheries in the region, remains the major challenge. In an era of declining fish stocks, there has been an increasing trend to commercialize the harvest and use marine elapids that were once considered accidental bycatch and discarded. This trend will continue to pose a significant risk to these snakes unless appropriate fisheries and trade regulations are enforced. Applying the precautionary principle to prevent the overexploitation of sea snakes is an indispensable measure in which trade in regional populations should be regulated through CITES. Accordingly, management plans to identify core distribution regions of exploited species would be crucial for assigning national responsibilities to sustain species and populations in the long term.
A practical approach to meeting national obligations for sustainable trade under CITES
Authors: Vaidyanathan Tanvi , Foster Sarah J. , Ramkumar B. , Vincent Amanda C. J.
Published: September 2024

Reconciling conservation goals with sustainable resource use requires adaptive management strategies. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates global trade for species listed on Appendix II, partly by requiring member countries (parties) to ensure exports do not damage wild populations (called making positive “nondetriment findings” [NDFs]). Unfortunately, when parties find NDFs difficult, they often suspend legal trade, imposing economic costs and driving trade underground. To make it easier for parties to examine the detrimental nature of exports, we devised a spatial approach and applied it to seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) in Tamil Nadu, India, as an example. Our approach involves mapping answers to 5 key questions on species distribution (QA), pressures (QB), management measures (QC), management implementation (QD), and species’ population status (QE). We gathered data from fisher interviews and published literature. Seahorse abundance was greatest in southern Palk Bay and the northern Gulf of Mannar, primarily in seagrasses and coral reefs (QA). Fishing pressure was highest in Palk Bay, primarily from bottom trawlers and dragnetters operating in shallow seahorse habitats near the coastline (QB). Management measures including a marine protected area (MPA), bottom trawl exclusion zone, and closed season were theoretically in place (QC), but their implementation was poor (QD). Fishers reported seahorse catches in 85% of the area covered by the MPA and the exclusion zone; bottom trawlers were responsible for most violations. Seahorses were also captured in Sri Lankan waters, where bottom trawling is banned. Fisher reports indicated declining seahorse catches and reduced body sizes (QE), highlighting unsustainable exploitation. Our results highlight the need for better implementation of existing management measures before a positive NDF can be made and suggest mitigation beyond bans. Such pragmatic spatial analyses can help regulate exports at sustainable levels, supporting CITES implementation for its vast range of species.
Use of consumer insights to inform behavior change interventions aimed at illegal pet turtle trade in China
Authors: Zheng Wuji , Wan Anita Kar Yan , Chen Zhan , Clark Alexander , Court Caitlin , Gu Yuanlu , Park Toby , Reynolds Jake , Zhang Xiaoxi , Li Lishu , Lee Tien Ming
Published: September 2024

Illegal poaching and overexploitation for the international pet trade are among the greatest threats to freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia. Expanding consumer research in China is crucial to filling knowledge gaps about the scale and structure of illegal trade and developing audience‐targeted and relevant interventions that may reduce demand for illegal turtles as pets. We applied mixed methods to provide a detailed understanding of the consumer side of the illegal pet turtle trade in China. We conducted 30 interviews with key stakeholders and online surveys (n = 2456) of turtle keepers via community forums. From these, we identified 3 core consumer groups based on their prior turtle‐keeping experience, species exposure, and potential for future purchases. We conducted a thematic qualitative analysis of concepts related to the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM‐B) model to determine the factors influencing the illegal pet turtle trade and to identify barriers to illegal purchases. Specifically, we identified purchasers’ capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in the context of legality, enforcement risk, captive breeding, and impacts on wild population. We developed consumer journey maps (i.e., visual representations of customer's experiences throughout their buying journey) for core consumer groups. These maps illustrate the sequential behaviors and processes that consumers undertake when purchasing turtles, from initial exposure to sourcing, keeping, and providing a new home. Key factors influencing illegal purchases included convenient purchase channels, misguided cognition and motivations for pet keeping, and weak law enforcement. Effective interventions included messages focusing on shifting cognition and beliefs, increasing legal risk perception, and emphasizing stringent law enforcement, primarily delivered through online channels. Our results underscore the necessity for adaptable, audience‐tailored interventions to reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products. The mixed‐methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data, provided a comprehensive understanding of the target behavior and can inform the development of effective intervention strategies.
Determining the legality of newly described CITES‐listed species in the horticulture trade of tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes)
Authors: Robinson Janine E. , Roberts David L.
Published: September 2024

Due diligence is a fundamental component of ensuring a sustainable and legal wildlife trade that is also supportive of the livelihoods and businesses that depend on the trade. This is particularly true with species listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) that are considered threatened or may become threatened by trade. Undertaking due diligence exercises requires access to information on which to base such decisions; however, the extent to which information is available is unclear. We used the trade in tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) for horticultural purposes as a case study to determine the extent to which information is available. A systematic survey of online trade was conducted for species described from 1996 to 2016. For the species found in trade, these were cross‐referenced with the CITES trade database, and inquiries were made to the relevant CITES Management Authorities and National Focal Points Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Of 83 newly described species, 61% were offered for sale online in 2018. Despite all Nepenthes species being listed on CITES, only 23% (n = 19) of the species being sold online were reported in trade on the CITES Trade Database, and only 3 were from the countries of origin. Thirty‐two of these species had no international trade recorded according to the database. Management authorities of CITES for the countries of origin confirmed trade had been permitted for 5 of 32 species. Lack of CITES records may be explained by trade under “Nepenthes spp.” or as exempt parts and derivatives. However, permits to collect and commercialize are likely to be required as part of the Nagoya Protocol on ABS from the Convention on Biological Diversity. The ABS National Focal Points were contacted to determine whether collection or commercialization permits had been issued for the remaining species. Only 2 of 7 focal points replied, and both stated no permits had been issued. Lack of traceability information or response related to the issuance of collection and commercialization permits is concerning and hinders the due diligence of businesses and consumers wanting to ensure their trade is legal, sustainable, and ethical.
Oncological outcome following Hartmann's procedure compared with anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer—The type of procedure does not influence local recurrence or distant metastasis: A population‐based study
Authors: Mariusdottir Elin , Jörgren Fredrik , Lydrup Marie‐Louise , Buchwald Pamela
Published: September 2024

Aim

The type of surgical procedure used in rectal cancer treatment may affect cancer recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine whether the type of procedure influences oncological outcomes in rectal cancer surgery.

Method

We gathered data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry regarding patients with TNM Stage I–III rectal cancer who underwent R0/R1 surgery from 2013 to 2017. The outcomes after Hartmann's procedure (HP), anterior resection (AR) and abdominoperineal resection (APR) were compared, and a multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed. The primary outcome of the study was the local recurrence rate. The secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, disease‐free survival and overall survival at 5 years as well as risk factors for local recurrence.

Results

A total of 4741 patients were included in the study: 614 underwent HP, 3075 underwent AR and 1052 underwent APR. Multivariable Cox regression revealed no difference in local recurrence, distant metastasis or disease‐free survival. Overall survival was higher following AR (OR 0.62, CI 0.54–0.72). Risk factors for local recurrence were intraoperative bowel perforation (OR 2.41, CI 1.33–4.40), a pT4 tumour (OR 1.93, CI 1.11–3.4) and a positive circumferential resection margin (OR 5.62, CI 3.28–9.61).

Conclusions

This nationwide study showed that the type of procedure did not affect the local recurrence rate or distant metastasis. In patients who are unfit for restorative surgery, HP is a viable alternative with oncological outcomes similar to those of APR.
Exhibiting slavery in Australia: Personal narratives and legacies
Authors: Arthur Paul Longley , Smith Isabel
Published: September 2024

The history of slavery has often been located on the same continuum as that of incarceration. This article explores the development of an exhibition representing the legacies of slavery in Australia, analysing Australian and international exhibitions alongside theories of museology, historiography and memory. It begins by considering the growth of slavery memory since the latter twentieth century, and Australia's own slavery heritage. The second half of the article focuses on curatorial directions and decisions taken in the exhibition, which our research team is currently developing in partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum as part of an Australian Research Council project. Much of the project's research to date has been biographical, investigating the lives of individual slavers and colonists to explore colonial and racial frameworks still underpinning contemporary Australia. For the exhibition, we are investigating ways of expanding the scope to represent the lives and experiences of enslaved individuals. We are also exploring the challenges of retracing past lives, the potential limits of empathy, and the politics of ownership when telling stories about the past. This includes considering community participation, the biases and silences of the archives, and the use of art in representing the past.
Novel combined echocardiographic score comprising prognostically validated measures of left ventricular size and function to predict long‐term survival following myocardial infarction: A proposal to improve risk stratification
Authors: Prasad Sandhir B. , Chan Nicole Ivy , Krishnan Anish , Martin Paul , Stewart Peter , Mallouhi Michael , Vollbon William , Atherton John J.
Published: September 2024

Background

While left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the primary variable utilized for prognosis following myocardial infarction (MI), it is relatively indiscriminate for survival in patients with mildly reduced (> 40%) or preserved LVEF (> 50%). Improving risk stratification in patients with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF remains an unmet need, and could be achieved by using a combination approach using prognostically validated measures of left‐ventricular (LV) size, geometry, and function.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic utility of a Combined Echo‐Score for predicting all‐cause (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM) following MI to LVEF alone, including the sub‐groups with LVEF > 40% and LVEF > 50%.

Methods

Retrospective data on 3094 consecutive patients with MI from 2013 to 2021 who had inpatient echocardiography were included, including both patients with ST‐elevation MI (n = 869 [28.1%]) and non‐ST‐elevation MI (n = 2225 [71.9%]). Echo‐Score consisted of LVEF < 40% (2 points) or LVEF < 50% (1 point), and 1 point each for left atrial volume index > 34 mL/m2, septal E/eʹ > 15, abnormal LV mass‐index, tricuspid regurgitation velocity > 2.8 m/s, and abnormal LV end‐systolic volume‐index. Simple addition was used to derive a score out of 7.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 4.5 years there were 445 deaths (130 cardiac deaths). On Cox proportional‐hazards multivariable analysis incorporating significant clinical and echocardiographic predictors, Echo‐Score was an independent predictor of both ACM (HR 1.34, p < .001) and CM (HR 1.59, p < .001). Inter‐model comparisons of model 𝛘2, Harrel's C and Somer's D, and Receiver operating curves confirmed the superior prognostic value of Echo‐Score for both endpoints compared to LVEF. In the subgroups with LVEF > 40% and LVEF > 50%, Echo‐Score was similarly superior to LVEF for predicting ACM and CM.

Conclusions

An Echo‐Score composed of prognostically validated LV parameters is superior to LVEF alone for predicting survival in patients with MI, including the subgroups with mildly reduced and preserved LVEF. This could lead to improved patient risk stratification, better‐targeted therapies, and potentially more efficient use of device therapies. Further studies should be considered to define the benefit of further investigation and treatment in high‐risk subgroups.
Predictive value of disease activity signs in vitiligo: An observational study
Authors: Delbaere Liesbeth , Duponselle Jolien , Herbelet Sandrine , Speeckaert Reinhart , van Geel Nanja
Published: September 2024

The progression of vitiligo is unpredictable, emphasizing the need to identify periods of activity early for tailored treatment. Confetti‐like depigmentation, hypochromic areas/borders and Koebner's phenomenon are clinical visible signs associated with disease activity in vitiligo. However, their true clinical significance requires further investigation using standardized scoring systems. In the present study, the Vitiligo Signs of Activity Score (VSAS) and the Vitiligo Disease Activity Score (VDAS) were applied to assess disease activity signs and disease progression over time, respectively. Individuals with at least one disease activity sign had a 76.9% likelihood of having active vitiligo. The simultaneous presence of multiple signs or their appearance across body locations increased the likelihood to 94% and 87.1%, respectively. Patients with no disease activity signs had a 60.3% likelihood of having stable disease. This research provides an important nuance about the disease activity signs in vitiligo, which may help guide disease management. The risk of active disease increases when at least two types of vitiligo activity signs are present, or when they are present on different body locations. However, the absence of vitiligo activity signs does not rule out active vitiligo.
Within‐family processes among safety nets, maternal parenting stress, and child behavioral problems among low‐income families: The importance of race and ethnicity
Authors: Wu Qiong , Radey Melissa , McWey Lenore , Millender Eugenia Flores
Published: September 2024

Research has long emphasized the adverse effects of poverty on children; however, within‐family processes of how safety nets offset the effects of poverty differ by race and ethnicity are unclear. Guided by the context‐sensitive family stress model, the current study investigated within‐family processes among safety nets, maternal parenting stress, and child behavioral problems among low‐income families and revealed differences in these processes among Hispanic, Black, and White mothers. Using The Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), participants included 2251 low‐income mothers and their children, repeatedly surveyed when children were 1, 3, 5, and 9 years old. Mothers reported their public and private safety nets, their parenting stress levels, and children's behavioral problems at each time point. Multilevel models revealed within‐family mediation pathways from mothers' perceived private safety net supports, maternal parenting stress, and child externalizing and internalizing problems, but only for Black, not for White or Hispanic mothers. Prospective within‐family associations were found between receiving a high number of public safety net programs and higher child externalizing problems, as well as between receiving private safety nets and higher maternal parenting stress and higher child behavioral problems. Findings were discussed in light of the context‐sensitive family stress model, with implications for theory and intervention practices.
MOF‐mediated acetylation of CDK9 promotes global transcription by modulating P‐TEFb complex formation
Authors: Chen Wenqi , Chu Jinmeng , Miao Yujuan , Jiang Wenwen , Wang Fei , Zhang Na , Jin Jingji , Cai Yong
Published: September 2024

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a catalytic subunit of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb) complex, is a global transcriptional elongation factor associated with cell proliferation. CDK9 activity is regulated by certain histone acetyltransferases, such as p300, GCN5 and P/CAF. However, the impact of males absent on the first (MOF) (also known as KAT8 or MYST1) on CDK9 activity has not been reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of MOF on CDK9. We present evidence from systematic biochemical assays and molecular biology approaches arguing that MOF interacts with and acetylates CDK9 at the lysine 35 (i.e. K35) site, and that this acetyl‐group can be removed by histone deacetylase HDAC1. Notably, MOF‐mediated acetylation of CDK9 at K35 promotes the formation of the P‐TEFb complex through stabilizing CDK9 protein and enhancing its association with cyclin T1, which further increases RNA polymerase II serine 2 residues levels and global transcription. Our study reveals for the first time that MOF promotes global transcription by acetylating CDK9, providing a new strategy for exploring the comprehensive mechanism of the MOF–CDK9 axis in cellular processes.
Fatigue crack initiation site transition of high‐strength steel under very high‐cycle fatigue
Authors: Teng Xiaoyuan , Pang Jianchao , Gao Chong , Li Shouxin , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: September 2024

The very high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF) fractographies of high‐strength steel AISI 4340 with tensile strength ranging from 1285 to 2363 MPa fabricated by tempering were systematically observed and quantitatively analyzed. It is found that the fatigue crack initiation sites were gradually transferred from the specimen surface to the interior with increasing the tensile strength or decreasing the stress amplitude. Such phenomenon has become common rule in the high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) or VHCF regimes of high‐strength steels. Based on the fracture mechanics, a simplified transition mechanism for fatigue crack initiation sites is established in terms of the influence of applied stress amplitude and microstructure, which is beneficial to enhance our understanding on the variation of fatigue strength increasing the tensile strength.
Reciprocal transplant experiments demonstrate a dynamic coevolutionary relationship between parasitic mussel larvae and bitterling fishes
Authors: Anil Abhishek Nair , Mehdi Imane , Douda Karel , Smith Carl , Reichard Martin
Published: September 2024

The coevolutionary dynamic of host–parasite associations varies from strictly local adaptations to diffuse guild coevolution. How innate and acquired immune responses modulate host resistance to parasitism and how host specificity and geographic scaling affect the efficacy of host response have consequences for range dynamics and biological invasions.

Using reciprocal transplant experiments, we tested whether local or diffuse coevolution shapes host response to parasitism in the host–parasite association between bitterling fishes and larval stages (glochidia) of freshwater mussels from Europe and East Asia.

We found that glochidia initially indiscriminately attached to all study host species, but immune responses elicited significant differences in host responses within 24 h of infection, which intensified during glochidial development. European bitterlings were more resistant to European glochidia and Asian bitterlings to Asian glochidia, with the strongest geographic bias in resistance in the Asian bitterling hosts.

This finding suggests a strong effect of local adaptation but also indicates the non‐negligible role of coevolutionary hotspots. Low natural glochidia load on bitterling species overall hence arise from competent immune response rather than glochidia avoidance behaviour. Bitterling immune response is primarily innate and not acquired.

Overall, our data demonstrate the complex outcome of parasite pressure on the evolution of host resistance, and important role of geographically structured coevolution in shaping host response.