bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trophic impacts of a rolled‐rye cover crop on the lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and associated insect fauna in cultivated Histosols
Authors: Dumotier Jules , Brodeur Jacques , Gagnon Annie‐Ève 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCultivated peatland (Histosol) in Southern Québec (Canada) is a rapidly declining non‐renewable resource used to grow most Canadian lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae). Rolled‐rye (Secale cereale L., Poaceae) cover crop is one of the conservation practices proposed to reach a more sustainable lettuce production, but the overall impact on the agroecosystem remains poorly studied in Histosols. We assessed multiple effects of rolled‐rye cover crop on the trophic chain associated with the lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a major pest of lettuce. During one growing season and through two consecutive lettuce crops, we monitored in situ the impacts of rolled‐rye cover crop on insect fauna and lettuce quality. We used visual scouting and yellow pan traps to assess plant colonization by N. ribisnigri, its natural enemies, and alternative prey. Exclusion cage experiments were also conducted to measure aphid fitness and population growth. Under greenhouse conditions, following cover crop removal, we examined potential lingering effects of rye within the soil on lettuce plants and N. ribisnigri. In situ experiments showed that rolled‐rye cover crop has the potential to inhibit N. ribisnigri field colonization and recruit natural enemies and alternative prey in the first lettuce crop. Rye also reduced aphid fitness as well as lettuce foliar amino acid concentration and weight. For the second lettuce crop, an almost 50% reduction in N. ribisnigri abundance was observed with the use of rolled‐rye cover crop. In greenhouse experiments, no persistent effect of rye was observed on the quality of lettuce grown with soil collected under a cover crop, nor on the fitness of aphids inoculated on these lettuces. This study highlights the diversity of trophic effects rolled‐rye cover crop may have on lettuce production in Histosols and the potential of rolled‐rye cover crop as a cultural practice to reduce aphid populations. Mechanisms at play while underlining agronomic challenges regarding proper rye termination must be further explored to maintain high‐performing lettuce yields.
Contrasting responses to microhabitat and temperature determine breeding habitat differentiation between two Viola‐feeding butterflies
Authors: Wilby Andrew , Grubb Lydia Atkinson , Burrows Jessica , Menéndez Rosa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Since widespread monitoring began in 1976 in the UK, habitat‐specialist butterfly populations have declined dramatically. The main driver is habitat degradation, caused primarily by land‐use change, perhaps interacting with changes in vegetation phenology.
Here, we focus on two declining species: Boloria selene (Dennis & Schiffermüller) and Boloria euphrosyne L., Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae. We hypothesise that these species differ in their preferred breeding habitat, and this is driven by differences in their temperature preferences, mediated by vegetation cover.
We use mark‐release‐recapture techniques and oviposition observations to characterise and compare adult distribution, habitat use and oviposition site preferences of the two species.
Egg‐laying females of both species are shown to occur in areas with relatively high abundance of the larval food plants, Viola spp. (violets), principally V. riviniana, and they oviposit where Viola spp. abundance is locally high. However, in contrast to B. selene, ovipositing B. euphrosyne tends to occur in areas with relatively short and sparse cover of vegetation.
B. euphrosyne oviposit in sites with a relatively high plant surface temperature irrespective of ambient temperatures, in contrast with B. selene in which the temperature of oviposition sites increases as ambient temperature increases. These differential temperature strategies likely underlie differences in breeding habitat preference.
Microclimatic cooling caused by increased vegetation growth in spring may be one reason B. euphrosyne is declining in the UK, while both B. euphrosyne and B. selene may be affected by declining Viola spp. availability. Our data provide further evidence that drivers of butterfly declines can be multi‐factorial, and paradoxically, that thermophilic species do not necessarily benefit from climate warming if responses of other species result in cooling of their habitats.
Seizure progression is slowed by enhancing neurosteroid availability in the brain of epileptic rats
Authors: Gol Mohammad , Costa Anna Maria , Biagini Giuseppe , Lucchi Chiara 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTrilostane is a 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐4 isomerase inhibitor able to produce a manyfold increase in brain levels of various neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone. We previously found that treatment with trilostane can slow down epileptogenesis in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. It is unknown whether trilostane may have a similar effect on the progression of epilepsy severity, as observed in KA‐treated rats. Consequently, we investigated the effects of trilostane (50 mg/kg/day, 1 week) in epileptic rats, given 64 days after KA administration. Seizures were monitored by video‐electrocorticographic recordings before and during the treatment with trilostane or vehicle (sesame oil), and neurosteroid levels were measured in serum and cerebral tissue using liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry after treatment. Pregnenolone sulfate, pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone peripheral levels were massively increased by trilostane. With the only exception of hippocampal pregnenolone sulfate, the other neurosteroids augmented in both the neocortex and hippocampus. Only pregnanolone levels were not upregulated by trilostane. As expected, a significant increase in the seizure occurrence was observed in rats receiving the vehicle, but not in the trilostane group. This suggests that the increased availability of neurosteroids produced a disease‐modifying effect in the brain of epileptic rats.
Option compensation, dynamic investment and capital structure
Authors: Gan Liu , Xia Xin , Zhang Hai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe develop a dynamic trade‐off model of managerial discretion to investigate how stock option compensation relates to managers' intertwined capital structure and dynamic investment decisions. Our model predicts that option grants provide managers with incentives to undertake both current and future investments, in sharp contrast to the effects of stock compensation. With an increase in option compensation, managers in low‐ (high‐) risk firms tend to increase (decrease) firm leverage, while the opposite is true when stock pay increases. This result offers an innovative prospective on the empirical tests of the relationship between option compensation and capital structure.
A smart decentralized identifiable distributed ledger technology‐based blockchain (DIDLT‐BC) model for cloud‐IoT security
Authors: Selvarajan Shitharth , Shankar Achyut , Uddin Mueen , Alqahtani Abdullah Saleh , Al‐Shehari Taher , Viriyasitavat Wattana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe most important and difficult challenge the digital society has recently faced is ensuring data privacy and security in cloud‐based Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. As a result, many researchers believe that the blockchain's Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a good choice for various clever applications. Nevertheless, it encountered constraints and difficulties with elevated computing expenses, temporal demands, operational intricacy, and diminished security. Therefore, the proposed work aims to develop a Decentralized Identifiable Distributed Ledger Technology‐Blockchain (DIDLT‐BC) framework that is intelligent and effective, requiring the least amount of computing complexity to ensure cloud IoT system safety. In this case, the Rabin algorithm produces the digital signature needed to start the transaction. The public and private keys are then created to verify the transactions. The block is then built using the DIDLT model, which includes the block header information, hash code, timestamp, nonce message, and transaction list. The primary purpose of the Blockchain Consent Algorithm (BCA) is to find solutions for numerous unreliable nodes with varying hash values. The novel contribution of this work is to incorporate the operations of Rabin digital data signature generation, DIDLT‐based blockchain construction, and BCA algorithms for ensuring overall data security in IoT networks. With proper digital signature generation, key generation, blockchain construction and validation operations, secured data storage and retrieval are enabled in the cloud‐IoT systems. By using this integrated DIDLT‐BCA model, the security performance of the proposed system is greatly improved with 98% security, less execution time of up to 150 ms, and reduced mining time of up to 0.98 s.
Uptake of a self‐guided digital treatment for depression and anxiety: A qualitative study exploring patient perspectives and decision‐making
Authors: Fisher Alana , Eugene Dit Rochesson Sylvia , Bisby Madelyne A. , Scott Amelia J. , Gandy Milena , Heriseanu Andreea , Titov Nick , Dear Blake 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the demonstrated efficacy and potential scalability of self‐guided digital treatments for common mental health conditions, there is substantial variability in their uptake and engagement. This study explored the decision‐making processes, influences and support needs of people taking up a self‐guided digital treatment for anxiety and/or depression.MethodsAustralian‐based adults (n = 20) were purposively sampled from a trial of self‐guided digital mental health treatment. One‐to‐one, semistructured interviews were conducted, based on the Ottawa Decision‐Support Framework. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework methods. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical and decision‐making characteristics were also collected.ResultsAnalyses yielded four themes. Theme 1 captured participants' openness to try self‐guided digital treatment, despite limited deliberation on potential downsides or alternative options. Theme 2 highlighted that immediacy and ease of access were major drivers of uptake, which participants contrasted with gaps in access and continuity of care in face‐to‐face services, especially rurally. Theme 3 centred on participants as the main agents in their decision‐making, with family and health professional attitudes also reportedly influencing decision‐making. Theme 4 revealed participants' primary motivations for deciding to take up treatment (e.g., the potential to increase insight and coping skills), while also acknowledging that pre‐existing characteristics (e.g., health and digital literacy, insight) determined participants' personal suitability for self‐guided digital treatment.ConclusionFindings help to elucidate the decision‐making influences and processes amongst people who started a self‐guided treatment for depression and anxiety. Additional information and decision support resources appear warranted, which may also improve the accessibility of self‐guided treatments.Public or Patient ContributionPatients were interviewed about their views and experiences of decision‐making about accessing and taking up treatment. As such, patient contribution to the research was as study participants.
The changing landscape of both causes and locations of death in a regional HIV population 2010–2021
Authors: Krentz Hartmut B. , Lang Raynell , McMillan Jacqueline , Ody Meagan , Gill M. John 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough HIV‐related deaths among people with HIV have dramatically decreased, deaths from other medical conditions and non‐medical events have increased. The location of death among people with HIV remains underreported.ObjectivesWe reviewed the deaths, causes of death, and reported location of death (i.e. within or outside of medical settings) of all people with HIV with the Southern Alberta Cohort, Calgary, Canada, between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022.MethodsThis was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study reviewing all deaths within a comprehensive geographically defined HIV cohort over 11 years.ResultsDeaths from HIV‐related causes decreased from 52% of all deaths in 2010 to 14% in 2021. In 2021, non‐HIV medical deaths increased from 38% to 44%, and non‐medical deaths (e.g. violence, suicide, drug overdose) increased from 0.5% to 39%. Of non‐medical deaths, 67% resulted from substance use/overdose. Overall, deaths in any medical setting decreased from 91% in 2010 to 39% in 2021; 61% of all deaths occurred in a medical setting (e.g. hospital/emergency department or supported/long‐term/hospice care), 27% in a residence, and 9% in the community.ConclusionThe shifting causes of death (i.e. fewer HIV‐related deaths, more overdose deaths) and location of death (i.e. fewer in medical settings, more at home/in the community) requires close monitoring so future resources can be matched to predicted patient needs.
COVID‐19 pandemic effects: Examining prenatal internalizing symptoms and infant temperament
Authors: Mattera Jennifer A. , Erickson Nora L. , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Gartstein Maria A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFor pregnant women, the COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented stressors, including uncertainty regarding prenatal care and the long‐term consequences of perinatal infection. However, few studies have examined the role of this adverse event on maternal wellbeing and infant socioemotional development following the initial wave of the pandemic when less stringent public health restrictions were in place. The current study addressed these gaps in the literature by first comparing prenatal internalizing symptoms and infant temperament collected after the first wave of the pandemic to equivalent measures in a pre‐pandemic sample. Second, associations between prenatal pandemic‐related stress and infant temperament were examined. Women who were pregnant during the COVID‐19 pandemic endorsed higher pregnancy‐specific anxiety relative to the pre‐pandemic sample. They also reported greater infant negative emotionality and lower positive affectivity and regulatory capacity at 2 months postpartum. Prenatal infection stress directly predicted infant negative affect. Both prenatal infection and preparedness stress were indirectly related to infant negative emotionality through depression symptoms during pregnancy and at 2 months postpartum. These results have implications for prenatal mental health screening procedures during the pandemic and the development of early intervention programs for infants born to mothers during this adverse event.
Topical antimitotic treatments for plantar warts are more beneficial: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Yantao , Wang Ying , Huang Kai , Huang Weihong , Zhao Shuang , Jiang Zixi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPlantar warts are common infectious cutaneous growths causing severe physiological and psychological discomforts in patients and heaving global financial burdens. However, paucity of clear‐cut guidelines for plantar warts, selecting appropriate treatments for plantar warts remains challenging. The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of common treatments for plantar warts.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, and The Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 1, 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of plantar warts. The primary outcome (complete response) and secondary outcome (recurrence and pain) were extracted and combined using Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) with random‐effect and fixed‐effect models.ResultsTotally, 33 RCTs were included in the systematic review and quantitative NMA. In NMA of complete response, topical application of 1% cantharidin, 20% podophylotoxin, 30% salicylic acid (CPS), microneedles plus bleomycin (MNB), and intralesional bleomycin injection (INB) were the only three treatments significantly superior to no treatment (NT) and CPS was of the highest possibility to be the top‐ranked treatment (SUCRA = 0.9363). However, traditional warts treatments, salicylic acid (SA) and cryotherapy were not superior to NT.ConclusionsThe NMA has produced evidence for using CPS, MNB, and INB, which are all topical antimitotic treatments, to improve the management of plantar warts. The classic treatment modalities for plantar warts, including SA and cryotherapy, may play a less important role in the clinical practice of plantar warts.
Addition of PEG‐interferon to long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy enhances HBsAg decline and clearance in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Farag Mina S. , van Campenhout Margo J. H. , Sonneveld M. J. , Fung Scott , van Erpecum Karel J. , Wong David K. , Verhey Elke , de Man Robert , De Knegt Robert J. , Brouwer Johannes T. , Baak Hubertus C. , Feld Jordan J. , Liem Kin Seng , Boonstra André , Hansen Bettina E. , Janssen Harry L. A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe studied whether 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a add‐on increases HBsAg‐decline and clearance in HBeAg‐negative patients on long‐term nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. In this investigator‐initiated, randomized, controlled trial conducted in Europe and Canada, HBeAg‐negative patients treated with NA > 12 months, with HBVDNA < 200 IU/mL, were enrolled. Patients were randomized 2:1 to 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a add‐on (180 μg per week) or continued NA‐monotherapy with subsequent follow‐up to Week 72. Endpoints were HBsAg decline (≥1 log10 IU/mL) and HBsAg clearance at Week 48. Of the 86 patients in the modified‐intention‐to‐treat analysis, 58 patients received PEG‐IFN add‐on, and 28 continued NA monotherapy. At Week 48, 16(28%) patients achieved HBsAg decline ≥1 log10 in the add‐on arm versus none on NA‐monotherapy (p < .001), and HBsAg clearance was observed in 6 (10%) PEG‐IFN add‐on patients versus 0% NA‐monotherapy (p = .01). HBVRNA was only detected in 2% after PEG‐IFN treatment versus 19% in NA‐monotherapy (p = .002) at Week 48. PEG‐IFN add‐on therapy was well tolerated in majority of patients. Low baseline HBsAg levels (<10 IU/mL) identified patients most likely to achieve HBsAg loss with PEG‐IFN add‐on, whereas an HBsAg level > 200 IU/mL at on‐treatment Week 12 was highly predictive of non‐response (NPV = 100%). Addition of PEG‐IFN to long‐term NA enhanced HBsAg decline and increased the chance of HBsAg clearance in HBeAg‐negative patients on long‐term NA. On‐treatment HBsAg levels >200 IU/mL identify patients unlikely to benefit from PEG‐IFN add‐on and could be used as a potential stopping‐rule for PEG‐IFN therapy. Our findings support further exploration of immune modulation add‐on to antiviral therapy, preferably using response‐guided strategies, to increase functional cure rates in patients with CHB.
Ant protection effectiveness in myrmecophytes and extrafloral nectary plants
Authors: Souza L. S. , Calixto E. S. , Domingos S. S. , Bächtold A. , Alves‐Silva E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExtrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes offer resources to ants that engage in protective mutualisms. The role of different ant species in herbivore deterrence has long been analyzed by using insect baits, and ants are regarded as effective plant guards if they attack the insects. Here, by performing a literature review, we conducted a comparative investigation on which ants display aggression toward experimental prey, which ants are better plant guards, and which plants (extrafloral nectaried plants or myrmecophytes) are better defended by ants. Data revealed that studies evaluating ant aggression toward insect baits have been performed on 37 extrafloral nectaried plant species and 19 myrmecophytes, and have involved over 30 genera of ants. Extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes rely on specific ant fauna to defend them from herbivores. In extrafloral nectaried plants, Camponotus and Crematogaster were regarded as the best plant protectors, as they attacked insects in nearly all plants. In myrmecophytes, Azteca, Pheidole, and Pseudomyrmex were the most important insect attackers. Myrmecophytes were better protected by ants, as all insects were attacked; in extrafloral nectaried plants, some ants failed to attack the insects. Plants are patrolled by several different ants, but there is a core of ants that excel in protection, and this varies according to plant type (extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes). With this knowledge, it may be possible to label different ants as effective plant guards, to anticipate their effects on plant performance, and even to understand their potential role as biological control agents.
Non‐invasive methods for monitoring weasels: emerging technologies and priorities for future research
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Bergeson Scott M. , Cotey Stacy R. , Croose Elizabeth , Hofmeester Tim R. , MacPherson Jenny , Wright Patrick , Calderón‐Acevedo Camilo A. , Carter Stephen P. , Dürst Andrin C. , Egloff Gregory B. , Hamed M. Kevin , Hapeman Paul , Harris Stephen N. , Hassler Kendyl , Humbert Jean‐Yves , Karp Denise , Kays Roland , Mausbach Jelena , Morin Dana J. , Mos Jeroen , Allué Salvador Salvador , Smith Lisa , Twining Joshua P. , Williamson Chad R. , Zub Karol 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Weasels (genus Mustela and Neogale) are of management concern as declining native species in some regions and invasive species in others. Regardless of the need to conserve or remove weasels, there is increasingly a need to use non‐invasive monitoring methods to assess population trends.

We conducted a literature review and held the first ever International Weasel Monitoring Symposium to synthesise information on historical and current non‐invasive monitoring techniques for weasels. We also explored current limitations, opportunities, and areas of development to guide future research and long‐term monitoring.

Our literature search revealed that in the past 20 years, camera traps were the most commonly used non‐invasive monitoring method (62% of studies), followed by track plates or scent stations designed to collect footprints (23%) and walking transects for tracks in snow or soil (8.7%).

Experts agreed that the most promising non‐invasive monitoring techniques available include use of citizen scientist reporting, detection dogs, detecting tracks, non‐invasive genetic surveys, and enclosed or unenclosed camera trap systems. Because each technique has benefits and limitations, using a multi‐method approach is likely required.

There is a need for strong commitment to dedicated monitoring that is replicated over space and time such that trend data can be ascertained to better inform future management action. The diversity of non‐invasive monitoring methods now available makes such monitoring possible with relatively minor commitments of funding and effort.