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National nutrient inventories provide surplus phosphorus (P) estimates derived from county-scale mass balance calculations using P inputs from manure and fertilizer sales and P outputs from crop yield data. Although bioavailable P and surplus P are often correlated at the field scale, few studies have investigated the relationship between measured soil P concentrations of large-scale soil testing programs and inventory-based surplus P estimates. In this study, we assessed the relationship between national surplus P data from the NuGIS dataset and laboratory-measured soil test phosphorus (STP) at the county scale for Arkansas, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. For optimal periods of surplus P aggregation, surplus P was positively correlated with STP based on both Pearson (Arkansas: r = 0.65, North Carolina: r = 0.45, Oklahoma: r = 0.52) and Spearman correlation coefficients (Arkansas: ρ = 0.57, North Carolina: ρ = 0.28, and Oklahoma: ρ = 0.66). Based on Pearson correlations, the optimal surplus P aggregation periods were 10, 30, and 4 years for AR, NC, and OK, respectively. On average, STP was more strongly correlated with surplus P than with individual P inventory components (fertilizer, manure, and crop removal), except in North Carolina. In Arkansas and North Carolina, manure P was positively correlated with STP, and fertilizer P was negatively correlated with STP. Altogether, results suggest that surplus P moderately correlates with STP concentrations, but aggregation period and location-specific factors influence the strength of the relationship.

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This study investigated the middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) response to constant work-rate moderate-intensity cycling exercise in 21 children (9.3±0.8 years), 17 adolescents (12.3±0.4 years) and 20 young adults (23.6±2.4 years). Participants completed an incremental ramp test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer, to determine maximal oxygen uptake and gas exchange threshold (GET), before completing three 6-minute transitions at a moderate-intensity (90% GET), on separate visits. On each visit, bilateral MCAv was measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and breath-by-breath end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) via a metabolic cart. Data were ensemble-averaged for each participant and analysed using a mono-exponential model. Absolute MCAv was significantly higher throughout exercise in children and adolescents, compared to adults (P<0.001). Children had a significantly lower relative increase in MCAv from baseline (~12%) compared to adolescents (~20%) and adults (~18%, P<0.040). All adolescents and adults had a mono-exponential rise in MCAv and PETCO2, but this was observed in only eight children. Children and adolescents had a significantly faster MCAv time constant (τ , 12±6 and 14±8 s, respectively) compared to adults (27±9 s, P<0.001). MCAv τ was positively associated with faster PETCO2 τ in adolescents (r=0.70, P=0.002) but not children (r=-0.20, P=0.640).Time- and amplitude-based response parameters of MCAv kinetics were significantly associated with PETCO2 kinetics in adults (r=0.50 to 0.74, P≤0.025), but not in children (r=-0.19 to -0.48, P>0.227). These findings suggest that the transition from childhood to adulthood impacts the MCAv response to exercise, and the relationships between PETCO2 and MCAv kinetics during exercise.

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Adequate micronutrient concentrations in crops are essential for human health and agricultural productivity. However, 30% of plants growing on cultivated soils worldwide are deficient in iron (Fe). Because of low micronutrient bioavailability, graminaceous plants have evolved to exude small molecules, called phytosiderophores, into the soil environment, which strongly complex and promote uptake of trace elements. The development of a synthetic phytosiderophore, proline-2'-deoxymugeneic acid (PDMA), has been shown to promote Fe uptake in rice plants; however, its binding capabilities with other metals, which may impact the ability to promote the uptake of Fe and other trace nutrient metals commonly found in soils, remain unknown. We conducted spectrophotometric titrations to determine the stability constants (logK) of PDMA complexes with Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). We determined that PDMA complex stability constants correlated with: (1) the hydrolysis constants of metal ions (logKOH) in complexes; (2) the ionic potential of complexed metals; and (3) the corresponding complex stability constants of other mugineic acid type phytosiderophores, as well as the trishydroxamate microbial siderophore DFOB. These correlations demonstrate the potential, and limitations, on our ability to predict the stability of phytosiderophore complexes with metal ions with different physicochemical properties and with potentially different coordination structures.

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BACKGROUND: Peak oxygen consumption (peak V̇O2$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2 $$) is routinely measured in people who have congenital heart disease and is reported as a percentage of predicted value, based upon age- and sex-matched normative reference values (NRVs). This study aimed to identify which NRVs are being used, assess whether NRVs are being applied appropriately, and evaluate if recommended NRVs are valid when applied to people with congenital heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic scoping review identified studies that reported peak V̇O2$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2 $$ percentage of predicted value in people with congenital heart disease. A modified risk of bias tool evaluated the included studies. Forty-five studies reported peak V̇O2$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2 $$ percentage of predicted value, and only 21 (47%) studies described or provided a reference on how their percentage of predicted value was calculated. The most cited NRVs were from Wasserman (n=12) and Cooper and Weiler-Ravell (n=7). Risk of bias analysis judged 63% of studies as having some concerns. The NRVs recommended by the American Heart Association were applied to participants with a Fontan circulation (n=70; aged 26.5±6.4 years; 59% women) to examine validity. Predicted peak V̇O2$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2 $$ values from the Wasserman NRV was not significantly associated to measured peak V̇O2$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2 $$ values (men: b=0.31, R2≤0.01; women: b=0.07, R2=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Numerous NRVs have been applied to individuals with congenital heart disease and are often poorly reported and inappropriately matched to participants. The Wasserman NRV was the most cited but showed poor validity when applied to a Fontan cohort.

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The activity of many animals follows recurrent patterns and foraging is one of the most important processes in their daily activity. Determining movement in the search for resources and understanding temporal and spatial patterns in foraging has therefore long been central in behavioural ecology. However, identifying and monitoring animal movements is often challenging. In this study we assess the use of camera traps to track a very specific and small-scale interactions focused on the foraging behaviour of Heliconiini butterflies. Data on floral visitation was recorded using marked individuals of three pollen-feeding species of Heliconius (H. erato, H. melpomene and H. sara), and two closely related, non-pollen feeding species (Dryas iulia and Dryadula phaetusa) in a large outdoor insectary. We demonstrate that camera traps efficiently capture individual flower visitation over multiple times and locations and use our experiments to describe some features of their spatial and temporal foraging patterns. Heliconiini butterflies showed higher activity in the morning with strong temporal niche overlap. Differences in foraging activity between males and females was observed with females foraging earlier than males, mirroring published field studies. Some flowers were more explored than others, which may be explained by butterflies foraging simultaneously affecting each other's flower choices. Feeding was grouped in short periods of intense visits to the same flower, which we refer to as feeding bouts. Heliconius also consistently visits the same flower, while non-Heliconius visited a greater number of flowers per day and their feeding bouts were shorter compared with Heliconius. This is consistent with Heliconius having more stable long-term spatial memory and foraging preferences than outgroup genera. More broadly, our study demonstrates that camera traps can provide a powerful tool to gather information about foraging behaviour in small insects such as butterflies. © 2024 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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PURPOSE: To examine the effect of normobaric hypoxia on pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙O2) and muscle oxygenation kinetics during incremental and moderate-intensity exercise in children. METHODS: Eight prepubertal boys (9-11 y) performed incremental cycle tests to exhaustion in both normoxia and hypoxia (fraction of inspired O2 of 15%) followed by repeat 6-minute transitions of moderate-intensity exercise in each condition over subsequent visits. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) was reduced in hypoxia compared with normoxia (1.69 [0.20] vs 1.87 [0.26] L·min-1, P = .028), although the gas exchange threshold was not altered in absolute terms (P = .33) or relative to V˙O2max (P = .78). During moderate-intensity exercise, the phase II V˙O2 time constant (τ) was increased in hypoxia (18 [9] vs 24 [8] s, P = .025), with deoxyhemoglobin τ unchanged (17 [8] vs 16 [6], P ≥ .28). CONCLUSIONS: In prepubertal boys, hypoxia reduced V˙O2max and slowed V˙O2 phase II kinetics during moderate-intensity exercise, despite unchanged deoxyhemoglobin kinetics. These data suggest an oxygen delivery dependence of V˙O2max and moderate-intensity V˙O2 kinetics under conditions of reduced oxygen availability in prepubertal boys.

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Uneven global distribution of phosphate rock deposits and the supply chains to transport phosphorus (P) make P fertilizers vulnerable to exogenous shocks, including commodity market shocks; extreme weather events or natural disasters; and geopolitical instability, such as trade disputes, disruption of shipping routes, and war. Understanding bidirectional risk transmission (global-to-local and local-to-global) in P supply and consumption chains is thus essential. Ignoring P system interdependencies and associated risks could have major impacts on critical infrastructure operations and increase the vulnerability of global food systems. We highlight recent unanticipated events and cascading effects that have impacted P markets globally. We discuss the need to account for exogenous shocks in local assessments of P flows, policies, and infrastructure design choices. We also provide examples of how accounting for undervalued global risks to the P industry can hasten the transition to a sustainable P future. For example, leveraging internal P recycling loops, improving plant P use efficiency, and utilizing legacy soil P all enhance system resiliency in the face of exogenous shocks and long-term anticipated threats. Strategies applied at the local level, which are embedded within national and global policy systems, can have global-scale impacts in derisking the P supply chain.

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Wetland plants play a crucial role in regulating soil geochemistry, influencing heavy metal (HM) speciation, bioavailability, and uptake, thus impacting phytoremediation potential. We hypothesized that variations in HM biogeochemistry within estuarine soils are controlled by distinct estuarine plant species. We evaluated the soils (pH, redox potential, rhizosphere pH, HM total concentration, and geochemical fractionation), plant parts (shoot and root), and iron plaques of three plants growing in an estuary affected by Fe-rich mine tailings. Though the integration of multiple plant and soil analysis, this work emphasizes the importance of considering geochemical pools of HM for predicting their fate. Apart from the predominance of HM associated with Fe oxides, Typha domingensis accumulated the highest Cr and Ni contents in their shoots (> 100 mg kg-1). In contrast, Hibiscus tiliaceus accumulated more Cu and Pb in their roots (> 50 mg kg-1). The differences in rhizosphere soil conditions and root bioturbation explained the different potentials between the plants by altering the soil dynamics and HM's bioavailability, ultimately affecting their uptake. This study suggests that Eleocharis acutangula is not suitable for phytoextraction or phytostabilization, whereas Typha domingensis shows potential for Cr and Ni phytoextraction. In addition, we first showed Hibiscus tiliaceus as a promising wood species for Cu and Pb phytostabilization.

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This study investigates the impact of seasonality on estuarine soil geochemistry, focusing on redox-sensitive elements, particularly Fe, in a tropical estuary affected by Fe-rich mine tailings. We analyzed soil samples for variations in particle size, pH, redox potential (Eh), and the content of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb. Additionally, sequential extraction was employed to understand the fate of these elements. Results revealed dynamic changes in the soil geochemical environment, transitioning between near-neutral and suboxic/anoxic conditions in the wet season and slightly acidic to suboxic/oxic conditions in the dry season. During the wet season, fine particle deposition (83%) rich in Fe (50 g kg-1), primarily comprising crystalline Fe oxides, occurred significantly. Conversely, short-range ordered Fe oxides dominated during the dry season. Over consecutive wet/dry seasons, substantial losses of Fe (-55%), Mn (-41%), and other potentially toxic elements (Cr: -44%, Cu: -31%, Ni: -25%, Pb: -9%) were observed. Despite lower pseudo-total PTE contents, exchangeable PTEs associated with carbonate content increased over time (Cu: +188%, Ni: +557%, Pb: +99%). Modeling indicated climatic variables and short-range oxides substantially influenced PTE bioavailability, emphasizing the ephemeral Fe oxide control during the wet season and heightened ecological and health risks during the dry seasons.

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Background: Habitual physical activity (PA) and exercise form a cornerstone of the management of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetically inherited pulmonary and digestive condition - whereby telehealth platforms have been proposed as a mechanism to engage remotely people with CF in PA and exercise. Methods: To test this, in early 2020, the 'ActivOnline: Physical Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Trial' (ActiOn PACT) randomised control trial was established to examine whether an online intervention was effective at increasing PA in adolescents and adults with CF. Results: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced this trial to be paused and modified, with the adoption of online recruitment and remote assessment of outcome measures. Despite such adaptations in accord with frameworks developed by the National Institute for Health Research, this trial failed to recruit and was subsequently terminated. Conclusions: This article details the authors reflections upon the proposed reasons for lack of recruitment, including improved technology and medications for people with CF, and contextualises this finding in relation to the wider issue of non-reporting of trial results in clinical research.

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The process of getting one's work published is a major milestone for many in their early academic and clinical careers. However, this process can be confusing and overwhelming for many who have yet to publish themselves. There are differing motivators for publishing work in our early career stages, alongside considerations, such as what we publish, where we decide to submit work, and how we logistically undertake the submission process. This commentary provides a holistic overview for the early career medical educator, empowering them to take the bold steps toward "getting published."

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Compost is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer while providing a practical option for solid municipal waste disposal. However, compost may also contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially impacting soils and leading to PFAS entry into food chains and ultimately human exposure risks via dietary intake. This study examined how compost affects the bioavailability and uptake of eight PFAS (two ethers, three fluorotelomer sulfonates, and three perfluorosulfonates) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in commercial organic compost-amended, PFAS spiked soils. After 50 days of greenhouse experiment, PFAS uptake by lettuce decreased (by up to 90.5 %) with the increasing compost amendment ratios (0-20 %, w/w), consistent with their decreased porewater concentrations (by 30.7-86.3 %) in compost-amended soils. Decreased bioavailability of PFAS was evidenced by the increased in-situ soil-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) (by factors of 1.5-7.0) with increasing compost additions. Significant negative (or positive) correlations (R2 ≥ 0.55) were observed between plant bioaccumulation (or Kd) and soil organic carbon content, suggesting that compost amendment inhibited plant uptake of PFAS mainly by increasing soil organic carbon and enhancing PFAS sorption. However, short-chain PFAS alternatives (e.g., perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA)) were effectively translocated to shoots with translocation factors > 2.9, increasing their risks of contamination in leafy vegetables. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive risk assessment of compost-borne PFAS when using commercial compost products in agricultural lands.

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We investigated the ability of four plant and soil-associated fungi to modify or degrade siderophore structures leading to reduced siderophore iron-affinity in iron-limited and iron-replete cultures. Pyrenophora biseptata, a melanized fungus from wheat roots, was effective in inactivating siderophore iron-chelating moieties. In the supernatant solution, the tris-hydroxamate siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) underwent a stepwise reduction of the three hydroxamate groups in DFOB to amides leading to a progressive loss in iron affinity. A mechanism is suggested based on the formation of transient ferrous iron followed by reduction of the siderophore hydroxamate groups during fungal high-affinity reductive iron uptake. P. biseptata also produced its own tris-hydroxamate siderophores (neocoprogen I and II, coprogen and dimerum acid) in iron-limited media and we observed loss of hydroxamate chelating groups during incubation in a manner analogous to DFOB. A redox-based reaction was also involved with the tris-catecholate siderophore protochelin in which oxidation of the catechol groups to quinones was observed. The new siderophore inactivating activity of the wheat symbiont P. biseptata is potentially widespread among fungi with implications for the availability of iron to plants and the surrounding microbiome in siderophore-rich environments.

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BACKGROUND: Academic publishing is a cornerstone of scholarly communications, yet is unfortunately open to abuse, having given rise to 'predatory publishers'- groups that employ aggressive marketing tactics, are deficient in methods and ethics, and bypass peer review. Preventing these predatory publishers from infiltrating scholarly activity is of high importance, and students must be trained in this area to increase awareness and reduce use. The scope of this issue in the context of medical students remains unknown, and therefore this sought to examine the breadth of the current literature base. METHODS: A rapid scoping review was undertaken, adhering to adapted PRISMA guidelines. Six databases (ASSIA, EBSCO, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were systematically searched for content related to predatory publishing and medical students. Results were single-screened, facilitated by online reviewing software. Resultant data were narratively described, with common themes identified. RESULTS: After searching and screening, five studies were included, representing a total of 1338 students. Two predominant themes- understanding, and utilisation- of predatory publishers was identified. These themes revealed that medical students were broadly unaware of the issue of predatory publishing, and that a small number have already, or would consider, using their services. CONCLUSION: There remains a lack of understanding of the threat that predatory publishers pose amongst medical students. Future research and education in this domain will be required to focus on informing medical students on the issue, and the implication of engaging with predatory publishers.

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PURPOSE: The classification of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) into distinct molecular subtypes defined by ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, or YAP1 (SCLC-A, -N, -P, or -Y) expression, paves the way for a personalized treatment approach. However, the existence of a distinct YAP1-expressing SCLC subtype remains controversial. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To better understand YAP1-expressing SCLC, the mutational landscape of human SCLC cell lines was interrogated to identify pathogenic alterations unique to SCLC-Y. Xenograft tumors, generated from cell lines representing the four SCLC molecular subtypes, were evaluated by a panel of pathologists who routinely diagnose thoracic malignancies. Diagnoses were complemented by transcriptomic analysis of primary tumors and human cell line datasets. Protein expression profiles were validated in patient tumor tissue. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, pathogenic mutations in SMARCA4 were identified in six of eight SCLC-Y cell lines and correlated with reduced SMARCA4 mRNA and protein expression. Pathologist evaluations revealed that SMARCA4-deficient SCLC-Y tumors exhibited features consistent with thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-UT). Similarly, the transcriptional profile SMARCA4-mutant SCLC-Y lines more closely resembled primary SMARCA4-UT, or SMARCA4-deficient non-small cell carcinoma, than SCLC. Furthermore, SMARCA4-UT patient samples were associated with a YAP1 transcriptional signature and exhibited strong YAP1 protein expression. Together, we found little evidence to support a diagnosis of SCLC for any of the YAP1-expressing cell lines originally used to define the SCLC-Y subtype. CONCLUSIONS: SMARCA4-mutant SCLC-Y cell lines exhibit characteristics consistent with SMARCA4-deficient malignancies rather than SCLC. Our findings suggest that, unlike ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3, YAP1 is not a subtype defining transcription factor in SCLC. See related commentary by Rekhtman, p. 1708.

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Rationale: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides prognostic information in cystic fibrosis (CF); however, its prognostic value for patients with advanced CF lung disease is unknown. Objectives: To determine the prognostic value of CPET on the risk of death or lung transplant (LTX) within 2 years. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 20 CF centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America on patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ⩽ 40% predicted who performed a cycle ergometer CPET between January 2008 and December 2017. Time to death/LTX was analyzed using mixed Cox proportional hazards regression. Conditional inference trees were modeled to identify subgroups with increased risk of death/LTX. Results: In total, 174 patients (FEV1, 30.9% ± 5.8% predicted) were included. Forty-four patients (25.5%) died or underwent LTX. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and FEV1 revealed percentage predicted peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]o2peak) and peak work rate (Wpeak) as significant predictors of death/LTX: adjusted hazard ratios per each additional 10% predicted were 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.90; P = 0.008) and 0.60 (0.48-0.82; P < 0.001). Tree-structured regression models, including a set of 11 prognostic factors for survival, identified Wpeak to be most strongly associated with 2-year risk of death/LTX. Probability of death/LTX was 45.2% for those with a Wpeak ⩽ 49.2% predicted versus 10.9% for those with a Wpeak > 49.2% predicted (P < 0.001). Conclusions: CPET provides prognostic information in advanced CF lung disease, and Wpeak appears to be a promising marker for LTX referral and candidate selection.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the potential non-linear relationship between growth and walking ability (WA). The phenotypic data included body weights at 12 and 20 weeks and WA at 20 weeks of age measured on 276,059 male turkeys. The growth rate at three age periods (0 to 12, 12 to 20 and 0 to 20 weeks) was calculated. Each bird was assigned to one of the quartiles of the growth rate distribution for each age period. Between the first and fourth quartiles, the incidence of score 1 (bad WA) increased by 31, 18, and 33% for the first, second, and third age periods, respectively. For good WA (scores 4, 5, and 6), the incidence decreased by 55, 66, and 72% between the first and fourth quartiles for the first, second, and third age periods, respectively. Estimates of heritability of WA ranged between 0.18 and 0.26. The genetic correlations between adjacent growth rate quartiles were high and decayed as the interval between quartiles increased. The magnitude of the variation in the incidence of walking scores and genetic correlations across the growth rate quartiles point towards a non-linear relationship between growth and mobility suggesting other factors may affect walking ability.

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Biochar is widely used for water and soil remediation in part because of its local availability and low production cost. However, its effectiveness depends on physicochemical properties related to its feedstock and pyrolysis temperature, as well as the environmental conditions of its use site. Furthermore, biochar is susceptible to natural aging caused by changes in soil or sediment moisture, which can alter its redox properties and interactions with contaminants such as arsenic (As). In this study, we investigated the effect of pyrolysis temperature and biochar application on the release and transformations of As in contaminated sediments subjected to redox fluctuations. Biochar application and pyrolysis temperature played an important role in As species availability, As methylation, and dissolved organic carbon concentration. Furthermore, successive flooding cycles that induced reductive conditions in sediments increased the As content in the solution by up to seven times. In the solid phase, the application of biochar and the flooding cycle altered the spatial distribution and speciation of carbon, iron (Fe) and As. In general, the application of biochar decreased the reduction of Fe(III) and As(V) after the first cycle of flooding. Our results demonstrate that the flooding cycle plays an important role in the reoxidation of biochar to the point of enhancing the immobilization of As.

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Heavy selection for growth in turkeys has led to a decay in leg soundness and walking ability. In this study, different models and traits were used to investigate the genetic relationships between body weight (BW) and walking ability (WA) in a turkey population. The data consisted of BW and WA traits collected on 276,059 male birds. Body weight was measured at 12 and 20 wk and WA at 20 wk of age. For WA, birds were scored based on a 1 (bad) to 6 (good) grading system. Due to the small number of records with scores 5 and 6, birds with WA scores of 4, 5, and 6 were grouped together resulting in only 4 classes. Additionally, a binary classification of WA (scores 1 and 2 = Similarly, an estimate of the genetic correlation between WA and BW at 20 wk was -0.45, indicating a more pronounced class 1; scores 3, 4, 5, and 6 = class 2) was evaluated. The inheritability estimates of WA ranged between 0.25 and 0.27 depending on the number of classes. The Heritability of BW at 12 and 20 wk was 0.44 and 0.51, respectively. The genetic correlation between WA and BW at 12 wk was around -0.35, indicating that heavy birds tend to have poor WA. antagonistic relationship between BW and WA. The genetic correlation between BW at 12 and 20 wk was positive and high (0.80). The residual correlation between WA and BW at 12 and 20 wk of age was -0.07 and -0.02, respectively. The residual correlation between body weight traits was 0.57. Similar results were observed when a binary classification was adopted for WA. The probability of an individual with a given genetic merit expressing a certain class of WA was determined for different fixed effect designations. Predictive probabilities clearly showed that birds when hatched in the winter would have a small chance to exhibit good WA phenotypes.

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