bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal variation in the negative effect of neighbourhood crowding on stem growth
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Tu , Ovaskainen Otso , Chi Xiulian , Guo Qiang , Tang Zhiyao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Neighbourhood interactions drive tree growth and forest ecosystem functioning. The strength of interactions depends on the climate. However, it remains unclear how plant–plant interactions are modified by environmental conditions operating both spatially and temporally, which is crucial for predicting forest dynamics under climate change and for effective forest management.

In this study, we used annual growth data for 4139 stems from 2010 to 2021 across 50 permanent forest plots located at six sites in eastern China. We quantified the effect of neighbourhood crowding on the annual basal area increment. We explored how interactions among neighbouring trees vary with water availability and temperature gradients in the spatial (across sites) and temporal (across time within sites) dimensions.

Our findings revealed a negative impact of neighbourhood crowding on stem basal area growth, which is size‐ and trait‐dependent at some sites. The negative effects of light competition tended to be more intense at warmer sites, supporting the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) in a spatial dimension. However, the patterns of crowding effects along interannual climate anomalies are inconsistent across sites, making it difficult to predict crowding effects under the SGH framework in a temporal dimension.

Synthesis: Our study demonstrated that tree interactions depend on the climate context. The climate dependence of interactions may be inconsistent between the spatial and temporal dimensions. Light competition across sites supported the SGH in the spatial dimension but not in the temporal dimension. These results further highlight the complexity of biotic interactions and the need for caution when extrapolating findings from the spatial to the temporal dimension.
Metal concentrations in invasive Ailanthus altissima vs native Fraxinus ornus on ultramafic soils: Evidence for higher efficiency in Ni exclusion and adjustments to Mg and Ca imbalance
Authors: Selvi Federico , Bettarini Isabella , Cabrucci Marco , Colzi Ilaria , Coppi Andrea , Lazzaro Lorenzo , Mugnai Michele , Gonnelli Cristina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAilanthus altissima is one of the major invasive trees at a global scale. Despite numerous reports about its invasiveness in different habitats, so far it was not observed on harsh ultramafic soils and to colonize the vegetation of these outcrops. In this paper we show that the species can also spread in these habitats in the Mediterranean region and is able to cope with the severe anomalies of ultramafic soils. We sampled A. altissima in four ultramafic outcrops of central Italy and in control sites to unravel the behavior of this species toward the typically high soil concentrations of trace metals, such as Ni, Cr and Co, as well the imbalance of the Ca:Mg quotient. A similar sampling was performed for the native Fraxinus ornus that occurs naturally on a broad range of soils, including those from ultramafic rocks. Trace metal concentrations in leaves of both species were below toxicity thresholds, but A. altissima showed lower translocation and bioaccumulation factors (TF and BF, respectively) for Ni. Compared with F. ornus, the invasive species displayed higher leaf concentrations of Mg, thus suggesting a higher tolerance of potentially toxic levels of this element. Moreover, the higher TF and BF values for Ca in both control and serpentine populations suggested that A. altissima was more able to extract and accumulate this macronutrient in leaves in respect to F. ornus. Given the inherent deficiency of this element in ultramafic soils, efficient use of Ca could be a key trait contributing to the invasiveness of A. altissima on these soils.
Impact of indocyanine green on prolonged air leak in minimally invasive segmentectomy
Authors: Rudondy Quentin , Frey Sebastien , Bentellis Imad , Benkirane Tayeb , Cohen Charlotte , Benzaquen Jonathan , Ilie Marius , Gomez‐Caro Abel , Berthet Jean‐Phillippe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundVideo‐assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomies have become the gold standard for the treatment of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer less than two centimeters. The main difficulty is the identification of intersegmental boundary lines which dictate postoperative morbidities.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive segmentectomy using the traditional deflation‐inflation method or the novel indocyanine green (ICG) technique. Using a prospectively maintained database, we performed a retrospective analysis of 197 consecutive anatomical segmentectomies, from 2020 to 2023. Clinical effectiveness, postoperative complications, and histological data were compared.ResultsA total of 73 (37%) patients had the inflation‐deflation method and 124 (63%) had the intravenous ICG method. There were no significant differences in chest tube duration, prolonged air leak, postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stays. Surgical margin width was also similar between the two groups. The multivariable analysis confirmed these results. Lastly, intravenous ICG brought no additional value in complex segmentectomies.ConclusionThis monocentric and retrospective analysis found no added value of the intravenous ICG on the perioperative results of minimally invasive segmentectomies. The place of this novel technique in the surgical armamentarium remains to be defined. Specific indications such as complex segmentectomy or patients with chronic pulmonary disease require further study.
Protracted fibrinolysis resistance following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: A prospective observational study of clinical associations and patient outcomes
Authors: Coupland Lucy A. , Pai Kieran G. , Pye Sidney J. , Butorac Mark T. , Miller Jennene J. , Crispin Philip J. , Rabbolini David J. , Stewart Antony H. L. , Aneman Anders 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundSurgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits a pleiomorphic systemic host response which, when severe, requires prolonged intensive care support. Given the substantial cross‐talk between inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, the aim of this hypothesis‐generating observational study was to document the kinetics of fibrinolysis recovery post‐CPB using ClotPro® point‐of‐care viscoelastometry. Tissue plasminogen activator‐induced clot lysis time (TPA LT, s) was correlated with surgical risk, disease severity, organ dysfunction and intensive care length of stay (ICU LOS).ResultsIn 52 patients following CPB, TPA LT measured on the first post‐operative day (D1) correlated with surgical risk (EuroScore II, Spearman's rho .39, p < .01), time on CPB (rho = .35, p = .04), disease severity (APACHE II, rho = .52, p < .001) and organ dysfunction (SOFA, rho = .51, p < .001) scores, duration of invasive ventilation (rho = .46, p < .01), and renal function (eGFR, rho = −.65, p < .001). In a generalized linear regression model containing TPA LT, CPB run time and markers of organ function, only TPA LT was independently associated with the ICU LOS (odds ratio 1.03 [95% CI 1.01–1.05], p = .01). In a latent variables analysis, the association between TPA LT and the ICU LOS was not mediated by renal function and thus, by inference, variation in the clearance of intraoperative tranexamic acid.ConclusionsThis observational hypothesis‐generating study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass demonstrated an association between the severity of fibrinolysis resistance, measured on the first post‐operative day, and the need for extended postoperative ICU level support. Further examination of the role of persistent fibrinolysis resistance on the clinical outcomes in this patient cohort is warranted through large‐scale, well‐designed clinical studies.
MicroRNA‐7 deficiency ameliorates d‐galactose‐induced aging in mice by regulating senescence of Kupffer cells
Authors: Wang Ya , Qiu Hui , Chen Shipeng , Li Dongmei , Zhao Xu , Guo Mengmeng , Li Nana , Chen Chao , Qin Ming , Zhou Ya , Xiao Daimin , Zhao Juanjuan , Xu Lin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAging is intricately linked to immune system dysfunction. Recent studies have highlighted the biological function of microRNA‐7 (miR‐7) as a novel regulator of immune cell function and related diseases. However, the potential role of miR‐7 in aging remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the contribution of miR‐7 to d‐gal‐induced aging in mice, focusing on its regulation of senescent Kupffer cells. Our findings revealed that miR‐7 deficiency significantly ameliorated the aging process, characterized by enhanced CD4+ T‐cell activation. However, the adoptive transfer of miR‐7‐deficient CD4+T cells failed to improve the age‐related phenotype. Further analysis showed that miR‐7 deficiency significantly reduced IL‐1β production in liver tissue, and inhibiting IL‐1β in vivo slowed down the aging process in mice. Notably, IL‐1β is mainly produced by senescent Kupffer cells in the liver tissue of aging mice, and miR‐7 expression was significantly up‐regulated in these cells. Mechanistically, KLF4, a target of miR‐7, was down‐regulated in senescent Kupffer cells in aging mouse model. Furthermore, miR‐7 deficiency also modulated the NF‐κB activation and IL‐1β production in senescent Kupffer cells through KLF4. In conclusion, our findings unveil the role of miR‐7 in d‐gal‐induced aging in mice, highlighting its regulation of KLF4/NF‐κB/IL‐1β pathways in senescent Kupffer cells. This research may enhance our understanding of miRNA‐based aging immune cells and offer new avenues for new intervention strategies in aging process.
Elevation‐dependent patterns of borer‐mediated snow‐gum dieback are associated with subspecies' trait differences and environmental variation
Authors: Bryant Callum , Ball Marilyn C. , Borevitz Justin , Brookhouse Matthew T. , Carle Hannah , Cunningham Pia , Davey Mei , Davies James , Eason Ashleigh , Erskine Joseph D. , Fuenzalida Tomas I. , Grishin Dmitry , Harris Rosalie , Kriticos Jessica , Midson Aaron , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Nshuti Annabelle , Ward‐Jones Jessica , Yau Yolanda , Young Olivia , Bothwell Helen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSubalpine forests worldwide face the synergistic threats of global warming and increased biotic attack, and the collapse or transition of subalpine forests is predicted in south‐eastern Australia under future climates. The recent widespread dieback of subalpine snow‐gum forests due to increased activity of a native wood‐boring longicorn beetle, Phoracantha mastersii, suggests this process may already be underway. We investigated how variation in tree tissue traits and environmental conditions correlated with elevation‐dependent spatial patterns of forest mortality. We hypothesized that increased vulnerability of subalpine snow gums to wood‐borer‐mediated dieback at intermediate elevations was associated with poorly resolved differences in traits between montane (Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora) and subalpine (E. pauciflora subsp. niphophila) snow‐gum subspecies. We first sought to characterize variation and elevation‐dependent transitions in 20 structural and drought‐related functional traits among 120 healthy trees distributed along a 1000 m elevation transect that spanned the subspecies transition zone. Secondly, we surveyed 774 trees across 53 sites between 1280 and 1980 m a.s.l. to explore associations between borer‐damage severity, elevation, subspecies and a subset of traits that differed between subspecies. We observed evidence for both continuous trait variation in response to changing elevation (10/20 traits) and discrete shifts in mean trait values across the transition between subspecies distributions (5/20 traits). Increased borer‐damage severity across the montane‐to‐subalpine subspecies transition was correlated with lower bark thickness, whereas reduced borer damage at the highest elevations was associated with greater precipitation and lower temperatures. Our results suggest that due to possessing distinct traits associated with increased borer susceptibility, subalpine snow‐gum forests may be subject to an increased risk of severe borer‐mediated forest dieback under warmer and drier future climates. Identifying traits contributing to species' distribution limits and biotic‐agent vulnerability remains critical for predicting, monitoring and possibly mitigating forest and vegetation declines under future climates.
Disrupted ageing in place: Urbanisation and displaced older villagers in Suzhou, China
Authors: Zhan Shaohua , Ye Jihong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the impacts of urbanisation‐induced displacement on rural older villagers and the issues of rebuilding ageing in place in Suzhou Municipality in China's Jiangsu Province.MethodsThe study employed a qualitative research method involving three measures of data collection, including 20 older‐adult interviews, 14 key informant interviews (with street and community administrators, managers of service companies, managers of nursing homes and community doctor) and participant observation of older villagers' daily life in urban resettlement communities.ResultsThe displacement and resettlement of villagers for urbanisation had serious negative impacts on older villagers, including financial insecurity, relative deprivation and radical changes to the living environment. The community services were limited and insufficient, but the resettlement of the whole village in the same place enabled the village community to maintain social and cultural continuities, which facilitated older villagers' adaptation to the new urban place. Filial piety, though weakened and transformed, continued to play an important role in regulating old‐age support, but descending familism reduced family resources for old‐age support.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of examining the impacts of external social and economic forces, such urbanisation in China, on ageing in place. We draw three conclusions based on empirical research in Suzhou: (1) the resettlement of older villagers in urban areas did not significantly narrow the rural–urban gap in old‐age support in Suzhou; (2) urbanisation‐induced displacement in China affected older residents differently from gentrification in Western countries, due to different processes of compensation and resettlement as well as China's rural–urban welfare gap; and (3) community services for displaced older villagers are limited, but social and cultural continuities before and after resettlement have helped older villagers adapt to the new urban place.
Do ethnic, migration‐based, and regional language varieties put applicants at a disadvantage? A meta‐analysis of biases in personnel selection
Authors: Schulte Niklas , Basch Johannes M. , Hay Hannah‐Sophie , Melchers Klaus G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis meta‐analysis examined biases in personnel selection owing to applicants' use of non‐standard language such as ethnic and migration‐based language varieties or regional dialects. The analysis summarized the results of 22 studies with a total N of 3615 raters that compared applicants with an accent or dialect with applicants speaking standard language. The primary studies used different standard and non‐standard languages and assessed different dependent variables related to hiring decisions in job interviews. The k = 109 effect sizes (Hedges' g) were assigned to the dependent variables of competence, warmth, and hirability. Non‐standard speakers were rated as less competent (δ = −0.70), less warm (δ = −0.17), and less hirable (δ = −0.51) compared to standard speakers. Thus, at the same level of competence, non‐standard speakers are rated lower than standard speakers and might, therefore, be disadvantaged in personnel selection contexts. We also considered several potential moderator variables (e.g., applicants' specific language variety, raters' own use of non‐standard language, and raters' background) but only found rather limited support for them. Furthermore, publication bias had only limited effects. Practical implications for personnel selection are discussed.
Who has the most to lose? How ICT demands undermine health‐oriented leadership
Authors: Klebe Laura , Felfe Jörg , Krick Annika , Tautz Dorothee 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResearch shows positive effects of Health‐oriented Leadership (HoL) on followers' health. However, irritation elicited by ICT hassles may reduce leaders' capacity to engage in staff care. This study examines whether ICT hassles are associated with staff care (i.e., health‐promoting follower‐directed leadership) via irritation and whether particularly those engaging in self‐care suffer more or less from ICT demands. A moderated mediation model was tested at three measurement points (N = 582 leaders).As expected, results show more irritation for leaders with more ICT hassles which is further associated with less staff care. Moreover, the positive relationship between ICT hassles and irritation was stronger for leaders displaying high self‐care. In the same vein, the negative relationship between irritation and staff care was stronger for leaders engaging in self‐care.Findings provide the first evidence that ICT hassles are negatively related to staff care via leaders' irritation. Leaders who engage in self‐care show less irritation and higher staff care but suffer more from ICT demands. To promote leaders' health and staff care in digital working contexts, organizations should provide reliable IT equipment and technical support. The study ties in with research on digital leadership and its antecedents and offers a new view on the interplay of demands and resources.
Trimodal therapy effect on survival in urothelial vs non‐urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: de Angelis Mario , Baudo Andrea , Siech Carolin , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Di Bello Francesco , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Longo Nicola , de Cobelli Ottavio , Chun Felix K. H. , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Carmignani Luca , Gandaglia Giorgio , Moschini Marco , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo address cancer‐specific mortality free‐survival (CSM‐FS) differences in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB) vs non‐UCUB who underwent trimodal therapy (TMT), according to organ confined (OC: T2N0M0) vs non‐organ confined (NOC: T3–4NanyM0 or TanyN1–3M0) clinical stages.Patients and MethodsWithin the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2020), we identified patients with cT2–T4N0–N3M0 bladder cancer treated with TMT, defined as the combination of transurethral resection of bladder tumour, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Temporal trends described TMT use over time. Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression (MCR) models addressed CSM in UCUB vs non‐UCUB according to OC vs NOC stages.ResultsOf 5130 assessable TMT‐treated patients, 425 (8%) harboured non‐UCUB vs 4705 (92%) who had UCUB. The TMT rates increased for patients with OC UCUB from 92.4% to 96.8% (estimated annual percentage change of 0.4%, P < 0.001), but not in the NOC stages (P = 0.3). In the OC stage, the median CSM‐FS was 36 months in patients with non‐UCUB vs 60 months in those with UCUB, respectively (P = 0.01). Conversely, in the NOC stage, the median CSM‐FS was 23 months both in UCUB and non‐UCUB (P = 0.9). In the MCR models addressing OC stage, non‐UCUB histology independently predicted higher CSM (hazard ratio 1.45, P = 0.004), but not in the NOC stage (P = 0.9).ConclusionIn OC UCUB, TMT rates have increased over time in a guideline‐consistent fashion. Patients with OC non‐UCUB treated with TMT showed a CSM disadvantage relative to OC UCUB. In the NOC stage, use of TMT resulted in dismal CSM, regardless of UCUB vs non‐UCUB histology.
Childhood attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: socioeconomic inequalities in symptoms, impact, diagnosis and medication
Authors: Pearce Anna , Henery Paul , Katikireddi S. Vittal , Dundas Ruth , Leyland Alastair H. , Nicholls Dasha , Viner Russell M. , Fenton Lynda , Hope Steven 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundChildren from disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐related symptoms, being diagnosed with ADHD, and being prescribed ADHD medications. We aimed to examine how inequalities manifest across the ‘patient journey’, from perceptions of impacts of ADHD symptoms on daily life, to the propensity to seek and receive a diagnosis and treatment.MethodsWe investigated four ‘stages’: (1) symptoms, (2) caregiver perception of impact, (3) diagnosis and (4) medication, in two data sets: UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, analytic n ~ 9,000), with relevant (parent‐reported) information on all four stages (until 14 years); and a population‐wide ‘administrative cohort’, which includes symptoms (child health checks) and prescriptions (dispensing records), born in Scotland, 2010–2012 (analytic n ~ 100,000), until ~6 years. We described inequalities according to maternal occupational status, with percentages and relative indices of inequality (RII).ResultsThe prevalence of ADHD symptoms and medication receipt was considerably higher in the least compared to the most advantaged children in the administrative cohort (RIIs of 5.9 [5.5–6.4] and 8.1 [4.2–15.6]) and the MCS (3.08 [2.68–3.55], 3.75 [2.21–6.36]). MCS analyses highlighted complexities between these two stages, however, those from least advantaged backgrounds, with ADHD symptoms, were the least likely to perceive impacts on daily life (15.7% vs. average 19.5%) and to progress from diagnosis to medication (44.1% vs. average 72.5%).ConclusionsDespite large inequalities in ADHD symptoms and medication, parents from the least advantaged backgrounds were less likely to report impacts of ADHD symptoms on daily life, and their children were less likely to have received medication postdiagnosis, highlighting how patient journeys differed according to socioeconomic circumstances.
Beyond OPOSA: Courts reinforcing intergenerational equity as customary international law
Authors: Quising Josiah David F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, children across the globe, such as Greta Thunberg and Kelsey Juliana, are seen at the front line of efforts to hold governments accountable for environmental damage. In the Philippines, the case of Oposa v. Factoran gave legal standing to minors and unborn generations invoking their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology. The Philippine Supreme Court based its decision on intergenerational equity—a principle stating that every generation has an obligation to protect the environment for the next.Representation of future generations in courts is not a new concept, nor is it unique to the Philippines. By examining national laws, treaties and conventions and court decisions by both domestic and international courts, this article aims to show how intergenerational equity has been widely recognised by almost all countries globally as evidence of state practice and opinio juris.This article argues that the principle of intergenerational equity is ripe for consideration as customary international law and discusses how domestic and international courts and tribunals have been instrumental in establishing such and recommends that children and unborn generations be given legal standing as a necessary consequence.