bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro and macroclimatic constraints on the activity of a vulnerable tortoise: A mechanistic approach under a thermal niche view
Authors: Lara‐Reséndiz Rafael A. , Miles Donald B. , Rosen Philip C. , Sinervo Barry 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Thermal constraints imposed by the environment limit the activity time of ectotherms and have been a central issue in ecophysiology. Assessing these restrictions is key to determining the vulnerability of species to changing thermal niches and developing conservation strategies.

We generate an explicit tortoise model of thermal constraints at both micro and macroclimate scales based on thermophysiology parameters and environmental operative temperatures during a biologically significant period. As a study model, we use a vulnerable species of gopher tortoise Gopherus evgoodei, whose primary habitat is the tropical dry forests in northwestern Mexico.

Our mechanistic model is based on a monitoring of 5 years of environmental operative temperatures (Te). Here, we use the hours of activity (ha) and hours of thermal restriction (hr), calculated from the voluntary temperature range of G. evgoodei with respect to Te, to project and compare the thermal constraints across space and time. In addition, this model was projected using a pessimistic climate change scenario for 2070 (RCP 8.5).

The results show that the period of activity of G. evgoodei, predicted by ha and hr, is limited by the frequency and availability of Te and differs significantly throughout the year and among years. In addition, under the RCP 8.5 scenario, we predict that hr will increase considerably and exceed the critical value (3.1 hr) placing this species as highly vulnerable.

We discuss and compare the period of potential activity, thermoregulation strategies, and costs and benefits with other Gopherus species. Finally, we identify critical areas throughout its range to develop management strategies for protecting this Mexican endemic tortoise.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Findings from long‐term monitoring studies of Micronesian mangrove forests with special reference to carbon sequestration and sea‐level rise
Authors: Fujimoto Kiyoshi , Ono Kenji , Tabuchi Ryuichi , Lihpai Saimon 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper summarizes the forest dynamics and carbon sequestration abilities of, as well as the influences of sea‐level rise on, Micronesian mangrove forests as revealed from long‐term studies (more than 25 years). Monitoring surveys of the permanent plots in the area's major mangrove communities revealed that the tree density decreased, while aboveground biomass increased. However, in the Rhizophora stylosa community characterized by densely developed stilt roots, the aboveground biomass temporarily decreased due to a decrease in old stilt roots, but it increased again by generating a large amount of new stilt roots. The highest aboveground biomass was estimated to be 895 Mg ha−1, which is the highest value of all the existing ground survey data from the tropics. Mangrove peat was deposited in the entire mangrove area, but its thickness differed according to the forest community, which indicated that the belowground stored carbon also differed depending on the community. In recent years, a rise in sea level exceeding 5 mm year−1 was observed in this region, and surface erosion occurred in the Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Sonneratia alba communities. On the other hand, in the R. stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata communities, the ground level rose due to the accumulation of mangrove peat. The temporal decrease in old stilt roots and the accelerated increase in new stilt roots observed in the R. stylosa community may also be an effect of sea‐level rise. Long‐term monitoring surveys in mangrove forests are thus effective in quickly catching the effects of sea‐level rise.
Post‐COVID‐19 recovery for African economies: Lessons for digital financial inclusion from Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Mugume Regean , Bulime Enock W. N. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAs coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) and other restrictions intensified, individuals, businesses and governments turned to mobile digital platforms to reduce the financial costs and mitigate the risk of spreading the virus within the population. Drawing on lessons from Kenya and Uganda, our study examines the drivers of digital financial inclusion as a pathway for financing post‐COVID‐19 recovery. We find that digital financial inclusion is higher in middle‐aged male digital users with more SIM cards registered in their names. Results also show that users who trust mobile money agents were likely to use more digital financial platforms than others. Based on these results, we recommend the need for government to strengthen the National Identification Systems and consumer protection policies to increase trust in digital financial services. Additionally, financial sector players such as mobile network operators and commercial banks need to innovate and roll out customized digital financial products for the marginalized/unbanked population such as women, the elderly and the youth.
Discrepancies in glycemic metrics derived from different continuous glucose monitoring systems in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhou Yongwen , Mai Xiaodong , Deng Hongrong , Yang Daizhi , Zheng Mao , Huang Bin , Xu Linlin , Weng Jianping , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundContinuous glucose monitoring systems have been widely used but discrepancies among various brands of devices are rarely discussed. This study aimed to explore differences in glycemic metrics between FreeStyle Libre (FSL) and iPro2 among adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsParticipants with T1DM and glycosylated hemoglobin of 7%–10% were included and wore FSL and iPro2 for 2 weeks simultaneously. Datasets collected on the insertion and detachment day, and those with insufficient quantity (<90%) were excluded. Agreements of measurement accuracy and glycemic metrics were evaluated.ResultsA total of 40 498 paired data were included. Compared with the values from FSL, significantly higher median value was observed in iPro2 (147.6 [106.2, 192.6] vs. 144.0 [100.8, 192.6] mg/dl, p < 0.001) and the largest discordance was observed in hypoglycemic range (median absolute relative difference with iPro2 as reference value: 25.8% [10.8%, 42.1%]). Furthermore, significant differences in glycemic metrics between iPro2 and FSL were also observed in time in range (TIR) 70–180 mg/dl (TIR, 62.8 ± 12.4% vs. 58.8 ± 12.3%, p = 0.004), time spent below 70 mg/dl (4.4 [1.8, 10.9]% vs. 7.2 [5.4, 13.3]%, p < 0.001), time spent below 54 mg/dl (0.9 [0.3, 4.0]% vs. 2.6 [1.3, 5.6]%, p = 0.011), and coefficient of variation (CV, 38.7 ± 8.5% vs. 40.9 ± 9.3%, p = 0.017).ConclusionsDuring 14 days of use, FSL and iPro2 provided different estimations on TIR, CV, and hypoglycemia‐related parameters, which needs to be considered when making clinical decisions and clinical trial designs.
Genesis of Pyroxenite Veins in the Zedang Ophiolite, Southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: XU Xiangzhen , XIONG Fahui , ZOHEIR Basem , YAN Jinyu , ZHANG Boyang , GAO Jian , YANG Jingsui 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the nature of parental melts for pyroxenite veins in supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolites provides vibrant constraints on melt infiltration processes operating in subduction zones. The Zedang ophiolitic massif in the eastern Yarlung–Zangbo suture zone in Tibet consists of mantle peridotites and a crustal section of gabbro, diabase, and basalt. Veins of two pyroxenite varieties cut the southern part of the Zedang massif. These pyroxenite rocks have different geochemical characteristics, where the first variety (type‐I) has relatively higher contents of SiO2 (51.82–53.08 wt%), MgO (20.08–23.23 wt%), and ΣPGE (3.42–13.97 ppb), and lower Al2O3 (1.59–2.28 wt%) and ΣREE (1.63–2.94 ppm). The second pyroxenite variety (type‐II) is characterized by SiO2 (45.44–49.61 wt%), MgO (16.68–19.78 wt%), Al2O3 (4.24–8.77 wt%), ΣPGE (14.46–322.06 ppb), and ΣREE (5.82–7.44 ppm). Pyroxenite type‐I shows N‐MORB‐like chondrite‐normalized REE patterns. Zircon U‐Pb ages of pyroxenite type‐I (194 ± 10 Ma), associated ophiolitic gabbro (135.3 ± 2.0 Ma), and plagiogranite (124.2 ± 2.3 Ma) evidently imply episodic evolution of the Zedang ophiolites. The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the investigated pyroxenites can be explained by subduction‐initiated hydrous melting of metasomatized sub‐arc mantle, later overprinted by sub‐slab mantle melting triggered by upwelling asthenosphere during the Jurassic–Early Cretaceous times. The geochemical variations in pyroxenite vein composition, coupled with age differences amongst the other ophiolite units, may correspond to intermittent emplacement of pyroxenite dikes and isotropic gabbroic intrusions where the geodynamic setting progressed from arc maturation and slab rollback to slab tearing and delamination.
Autism and self‐harm: A population‐based and discordant sibling study of young individuals
Authors: Stark Isidora , Rai Dheeraj , Lundberg Michael , Culpin Iryna , Nordström Selma Idring , Ohlis Anna , Magnusson Cecilia 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveSelf‐harm among young autistic individuals is a clinical challenge, and the risk of premature death by suicide is strongly increased in this group. Using the advantage of total‐population and family‐based data, we investigated whether autism per se is a risk factor for self‐harm independently of psychiatric comorbidities and how it differs from self‐harm in non‐autistic individuals.MethodsWe used The Stockholm Youth Cohort, a total‐population register study, including all residents in Stockholm County aged 0–17 years between 2001 and 2011.Study participants were followed from age 10 to 27 for hospital admissions because of self‐harm. We used modified Poisson regression to calculate relative risks (RR) using robust standard error to derive 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn all, 410,732 individuals were included in the cohort (9,070 with a diagnosis of autism). Autistic individuals had a fivefold increased adjusted relative risk of self‐harm (RR 5.0 [95% CI 4.4–5.6]). The risk increase was more pronounced for autism without intellectual disability and particularly high for self‐cutting 10.2 [7.1–14.7] and more violent methods 8.9 [5.2–15.4]. The association between autism and self‐harm was independent of, but clearly exacerbated by comorbid psychiatric conditions. It was of similar magnitude as risks linked to these conditions per se, and not explained by shared familial factors.ConclusionSelf‐harm severe enough to present to medical services is as common in autistic youth as in those with depression or ADHD. Potentially more lethal methods are more likely to be used of autistic self‐harmers.
No evidence for the simultaneous induction of structural and chemical defences in spiny southern African savanna trees
Authors: Wigley Benjamin J. , Coetsee Corli , Mawoyo Kuzivakwashe A. , Fritz Hervé 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIt is still not well established whether plant chemical and physical defence traits can be simultaneously induced in savanna trees and how this would affect plant nutritional quality. Here, we use a long‐term mammalian herbivore exclosure experiment in a dystrophic semi‐arid African savanna to test how chemical (condensed tannins [CTs] and total polyphenols [TPs]) and structural (spines and thorns) defences are affected by herbivore exclusion in five common savanna woody species. We also tested whether nutritional quality interacted with either physical or chemical defences after protected trees were reintroduced to herbivores. Trees that remained available to herbivores did not increase CTs and TPs, rather these were found to be higher without mammalian herbivory in some species. In contrast, herbivory resulted in a significant induction of structural defences (i.e. longer and thicker spines) and at the same time, improved nutritional quality (i.e. higher available crude protein and lower C:N ratios) for some species. We found that the plant defence traits of the treatment which previously excluded herbivores were mostly similar to the control, which both differed from the exclosure, suggesting that legacies of herbivore exclusion on plant defence traits are mostly short‐lived.
How does climate change affect the evidence we need for agricultural development?
Authors: Lipper Leslie , Puri Jyotsna , Cavatassi Romina , McCarthy Nancy 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEvidence‐based knowledge has been a critical element for designing effective investments into agricultural transformation, particularly in recent years. Now, however, climate change alters the nature of the knowledge and supporting evidence needed. That leads to the main question we address in this article – how climate change affects the evidence needed to support agricultural transformation. We look at the issue through the lens of the multilateral development banks, and in particular the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). We suggest three major approaches to addressing the shortfalls in the current evidence base: (1) better synthesis of information that is currently available to increase its utility in designing new investments, (2) improving the information we gather to better provide the evidence base on why and how transformative changes occur, and (3) much greater attention to mechanisms to help bridge the research/policy divide.
Low diversity of fishes in high elevation Afrotromontane streams renders them unsuitable for biomonitoring
Authors: Raburu Phillip O. , Masese Frank O. , Mwasi Benjamin N. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMost of the rivers in the Afrotropics emerge from forested uplands that are prime for human activities, including crop farming, grazing and settlement. However, streams draining these areas have a low diversity of fishes, which limits their use as indicators of water quality and ecological status. Here, we developed macroinvertebrate‐ and fish‐based indices of biotic integrity and evaluated their responses to human activities in the Sondu‐Miriu River, Kenya. Overall, water quality declined downstream because of the cumulative effects of human activities. The upper reaches had poor fish diversity with at most three species, but macroinvertebrate communities were diverse on the entire gradient of the river. Metrics that have been used to develop indices of biotic integrity in the Lake Victoria basin were selected and evaluated for responsiveness to various forms of human disturbance along the river. The poor diversity of fishes in the upper reaches limited the number of metrics that could be developed and evaluated. The fish index was only successfully applied in the middle and lower reaches where fish diversity was high. However, macroinvertebrates were diverse and sensitive to human activities on the entire gradient of the river. This study shows that for biomonitoring, macroinvertebrate communities offer a better alternative to fishes in high elevation Afromontane streams that harbour poor fish assemblages.
Invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving extracorporeal support: a narrative review of strategies to mitigate lung injury
Authors: Zochios V. , Brodie D. , Shekar K. , Schultz M. J. , Parhar K. K. S. 
Published: July 2022

SummaryVeno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is indicated in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and severely impaired gas exchange despite evidence‐based lung protective ventilation, prone positioning and other parts of the standard algorithm for treating such patients. Extracorporeal support can facilitate ultra‐lung‐protective ventilation, meaning even lower volumes and pressures than standard lung‐protective ventilation, by directly removing carbon dioxide in patients needing injurious ventilator settings to maintain sufficient gas exchange. Injurious ventilation results in ventilator‐induced lung injury, which is one of the main determinants of mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Marked reductions in the intensity of ventilation to the lowest tolerable levels under extracorporeal support may be achieved and could thereby potentially mitigate ventilator‐induced lung injury and theoretically patient self‐inflicted lung injury in spontaneously breathing patients with high respiratory drive. However, the benefits of this strategy may be counterbalanced by the use of continuous deep sedation and even neuromuscular blocking drugs, which may impair physical rehabilitation and impact long‐term outcomes. There are currently a lack of large‐scale prospective data to inform optimal invasive ventilation practices and how to best apply a holistic approach to patients receiving veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, while minimising ventilator‐induced and patient self‐inflicted lung injury. We aimed to review the literature relating to invasive ventilation strategies in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving extracorporeal support and discuss personalised ventilation approaches and the potential role of adjunctive therapies in facilitating lung protection.
IGFBP5 antisense and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs improve erectile function by inducing cavernosum angiogenesis in diabetic mice
Authors: Ock Jiyeon , Suh Jun‐Kyu , Hong Soon‐Sun , Kang Ju‐Hee , Yin Guo Nan , Ryu Ji‐Kan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) is rapidly increasing, and due to the severe angiopathy caused by diabetes, current drugs are ineffective at treating ED. Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) promotes cell death and induces apoptosis in various cell types.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of IGFBP5 knockdown in improving erectile function in diabetic mice.Materials and methodsDiabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally into male 8‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice. Eight weeks after diabetes induction, mice were divided into four groups: a nondiabetic control group and three STZ‐induced diabetic mice groups, which were administered intracavernous injections of phosphate buffered saline, scrambled control shRNA, or shRNA targeting mouse IGFBP5 (shIGFBP5) lentivirus particles. Two weeks later, we measured erectile function by electrically stimulating the bilateral cavernous nerve. To mimic diabetic angiopathy, primary cavernous endothelial cells (MCECs) from healthy mice were cultured and treated with glucose.ResultsIGFBP5 expression in MCECs or cavernous tissues were significantly increased under diabetic conditions, and knockdown of IGFBP5 induced MCECs angiogenic activity under high‐glucose conditions. STZ‐induced diabetic mice had reduced erectile function, but shIGFBP5 treatment resulted in significant improvements (to 90% of the nondiabetic control group level). Furthermore, in diabetic mice, numbers of cavernous endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal cells were increased by shIGFBP5 treatment, which also increased eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation, decreased permeability and apoptosis of cavernous endothelial cells. In addition, IGFBP5 was found to mediate the AKT, ERK, p38 signaling pathways.Discussion and conclusionKnockdown of IGFBP5 improved erectile function in diabetic mice by promoting cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and permeability. Local inhibition of IGFBP5 expression may provide a new treatment strategy for diabetic ED and other ischemic vascular or neurological diseases.
Short‐term outcomes following development of a dedicated pelvic exenteration service in a tertiary centre
Authors: Traeger Luke , Bedrikovetski Sergei , Oehler Martin K. , Cho Jonathan , Wagstaff Marcus , Harbison Jack , Lewis Mark , Vather Ryash , Sammour Tarik 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPelvic exenteration surgery (PE) offers potentially curative resection for locally advanced malignancy but is associated with significant complexity and morbidity. Specialised teams are recommended to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to analyse short‐term outcomes at a tertiary setting before and after creating a dedicated PE service.MethodsPatients undergoing PE between 2008 and October 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in South Australia were included, with prospective data collection since June 2017. Patients operated on prior and post the creation of the PE service were compared via univariate analyses.ResultsIn total, 113 patients were included, with a significant increase in volume of cases post creation of the PE service, (n = 46 pre versus n = 67 post). There were significant differences in the type of neoadjuvant therapy and patient co‐morbidity, with more advanced disease stage and a higher likelihood of bone involvement (P < 0.05) in the latter period. An increased proportion of patients had flap reconstruction (40.3 versus 33.9%, P = 0.010) as well as lateral lymph node dissection (13.4 versus 2.2%, P = 0.046). Despite this, peri‐operative outcomes such as urosepsis (11.9 versus 28.3%, P = 0.028) and Clavien‐Dindo grade of complications grade improved. R0 resections were achieved in 93.9% of curative cases (93.9 versus 84.2%, P = 0.171).ConclusionThe development of a PE service significantly improved short term patient outcomes, despite the inclusion of patients with more advanced disease and comorbidity.
Timing of referral to outpatient palliative care for patients with haematologic malignancies
Authors: Patel Sameer , Hoge Geordyn , Fellman Bryan , Kaur Sharanpreet , Heung Yvonne , Bruera Eduardo , Hui David 
Published: July 2022

SummaryOutpatient palliative‐care facilitates timely supportive‐care access; however, there is a paucity of studies on the timing of referral in the outpatient setting for patients with haematologic malignancy. We examined the trend in timing of outpatient palliative‐care referrals over a 10‐year period in patients with haematologic malignancies at our comprehensive cancer centre. We included consecutive patients with a diagnosis of haematologic malignancy who were seen at our outpatient palliative‐care clinic between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. We collected data on patient characteristics, symptom burden and supportive‐care interventions at outpatient palliative‐care consultation. The primary outcome was time from outpatient palliative‐care consultation to death or last follow‐up. In all, 384 patients were referred by leukaemia (n = 143), lymphoma (n = 213), and stem cell transplant (n = 28) services. The median time from outpatient palliative‐care referral to death was 3.4 years (IQR 2.4–5.3) with a significant increase in both the number of referrals per year (p = 0.047) and the timing of referral between 2010 and 2019 (p = 0.001). Patients with haematologic malignancies were referred in a timely fashion to our outpatient palliative‐care clinic, with earlier and greater numbers of referrals over time.