Low Recruitment Rates Research Articles

Why Did Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Disappear from Some Areas in Central Poland?

Brown hares originated in the open steppe grasslands of Eurasia and have adapted very successfully to a mixed, arable agriculture environment. In the last decades of the 20th century, a decline in brown hare populations has been observed in many European countries. In this study, we documented a long-term (1965–2018) decline in the hare population in a field and forest mosaic in central Poland (from over 30 ind./100 ha in the mid-1960s to 1–2 ind./100 ha in the past decade). We showed that the recent autumn densities were the same as compared to the preceding spring densities (suggesting a low recruitment rate) and that the recent densities recorded in the fields were no longer higher than in the forests (probably due to a decrease in the habitat quality of arable lands). We also showed that the share of hares in a red fox diet was now very low (0.1% vs. 13% in the past). We compared the recent (2004–2018) population estimates to another area that was located 70 km east (with a similar habitat structure, a community of predators and climate conditions, but with less intense agriculture), where the hare population was increasing. We suggested that the farming practices were the most important factor for the hare population decrease in our study area.

Long-term increase in mortality of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary following anthropic activities: Evidence from the stranded dolphin mortality analysis from 2003 to 2017

With the dramatic increase in anthropogenic threats to the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), the population size of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) has significantly decreased over the past decade. To understand the impact and potential risks of intense human activities on these dolphins, factors related to the mortality of humpback dolphins in the PRE were investigated by a detailed examination of 343 dolphin specimens stranded during 2003–2017. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increasing trend for humpback dolphin stranding, reflecting the accelerating rate of the population decline. A large proportion of strandings (35.88%) were neonates. A low recruitment rate implies slow population growth, and hence, limited capacity to resist anthropogenic stress. The most commonly diagnosed causes of death were vessel collision and net entanglement. The concentrations of trace metals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and most of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the dolphin samples were greater than those previously reported in cetaceans globally. Furthermore, Cu, PCB77, PCB169, PCB81, PCB37, and PFASs (excluding PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHxDA, and PFODA) were the major pollutants accumulated in neonates. 67% of PCB, 78% of Cu, and 100% of perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in the neonates exceeded the threshold for toxicological effects in marine mammals, suggesting that these compounds could be important factors contributing to the low survival rate of calves in this area. This study revealed that vessel transportation, fishing activities, and pollutant bioaccumulation are the three major causes of humpback dolphin mortality in the PRE. These results highlight the need for more efforts to restrict anthropogenic activities, especially vessel traffic, the catching of these marine animals and fishing, and pollutant discharge, in order to prevent vulnerable species from continuous population decline and further extinction.

Telerehabilitation physical exercise for patients with lung cancer through the course of their disease: A systematic review

Background and objective Evidence is shown for the benefits of physical activity, for patients with lung cancer, at different times through the course of the disease. Telerehabilitation can overcome some of barriers often met by patients to practice physical activity. The objective of this systematic review is to assess feasibility and safety of telerehabilitation for patients with lung cancer, its effects on physical capacity, quality of life, symptoms severity, depression and anxiety, survival, lung function, post-operative outcomes, dyspnoea and body composition. Secondary aim was to distinguish the telerehabilitation efficacy between the different phases of the disease. Data source and selection criteria Pubmed, PEDro, Scopus, ScienceDirect, randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials, written in French or English, of telerehabilitation among patients with lung cancer. Results Eight studies were included. Telerehabilitation is safe but was characterized by a low recruitment and attendance rate (<70%). It enhances quality of life, muscle mass, depression and anxiety but it does not improve physical capacity (except in preoperative period), symptoms severity, survival, lung function or dyspnoea. After surgery, it ameliorates quality of life, depression and anxiety. During systemic treatments of lung cancer, it improves quality of life, symptoms severity and muscle mass. Conclusion Telerehabilitation could be proposed in patients with lung cancer as a complementary intervention of hospital-based programme to increase physical activity volume, compliance and self-efficacy. In case the classic programmes are not possible, it could also be an alternative approach for patients unable to participate to a hospital or community-based training programme.

Our current understanding of West Nile virus in upland game birds

AbstractSince its introduction to the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) rapidly spread and is now endemic throughout much of North America. West Nile virus has impacted many North American birds, including suspected population‐level declines. However, the potential effects of WNV on upland game bird species remain largely unknown. We reviewed the published literature on WNV infection in upland game birds, with the majority comprised of experimental infection trials, serologic surveys, and natural infection reports. Early WNV research indicated that some species within Galliformes are not susceptible to WNV‐associated disease, but reports were primarily based on studies in domestic fowl with small sample sizes. Research on greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) confirmed both species are highly susceptible to WNV‐associated morbidity and mortality, which highlights the need to better understand the potential effects of WNV on other upland game bird species. Serological data using primarily hunter‐harvested, greater sage‐grouse samples revealed low seroprevalence among several populations, indicating WNV may pose a risk to greater sage‐grouse populations. Currently, data are lacking on the effects of WNV in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), for which low recruitment rates and depressed population numbers have been documented across parts of the eastern United States. Despite low virulence of WNV in experimentally‐infected domestic turkeys, sporadic cases of WNV‐associated morbidity are reported in wild turkeys. Serosurveys that include wild turkeys are limited in number, sample size, and geographic distribution, but available results suggest that a substantial percentage of WNV‐infected wild turkeys survive. Research focused on experimental infection trials, serosurveys, and documenting natural infections, along with land cover and vector studies, are necessary to provide a more complete understanding of the potential population level implications WNV may have on various upland game birds, including wild turkey.

The response of geophytes to continuous human foraging on the Cape south coast, South Africa and its implications for early hunter-gatherer mobility patterns.

Current ecological understanding of plants with underground storage organs (USOs) suggests they have, in general, low rates of recruitment and thus as a resource it should be rapidly exhausted, which likely had implications for hunter-gatherer mobility patterns. We focus on the resilience (defined here as the ability of species to persist after being harvested) of USOs to human foraging. Human foragers harvested all visible USO material from 19 plots spread across six Cape south coast (South Africa) vegetation types for three consecutive years (2015–2017) during the period of peak USO apparency (September–October). We expected the plots to be depleted after the first year of harvesting since the entire storage organ of the USO is removed during foraging, i.e. immediate and substantial declines from the first to the second harvest. However, over 50% of the total weight harvested in 2015 was harvested in 2016 and 2017; only after two consecutive years of harvesting, was there evidence of significantly lower yield (p = 0.034) than the first (2015) harvest. Novel emergence of new species and new individuals in year two and three buffered the decline of harvested USOs. We use our findings to make predictions on hunter-gatherer mobility patterns in this region compared to the Hadza in East Africa and the Alyawara in North Australia.

Impact of home-based cognitive or academic intervention on working memory and mathematics outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors: the Keys to Succeed pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Pediatric brain tumour survivors experience deficits in mathematics and working memory. An open question is whether it is most optimal to target direct cognitive skills (i.e. working memory) or focus on specific academic outcomes (i.e. mathematics) for in remediation. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of comparing a working memory versus mathematics intervention. Pediatric brain tumor survivors (7-17 years) were randomly assigned to Cogmed or JumpMath interventions, or an Active Control/Reading group. All participants received Educational Liaison support and completed ~12-weeks of home-based intervention with weekly, telephone-based consultation in one of the three conditions. Standardized assessments of auditory and visual working memory, mathematics calculation and reasoning were completed pre- and post- intervention. Twenty-nine participants completed the interventions; 94% of parents reported a high degree of satisfaction with the interventions and ease of implementation. Participants in JumpMath demonstrated improved mathematics calculation from pre- to post- intervention (p=0.02). Further, participants in both Cogmed and JumpMath showed evidence of pre- to post- intervention improvements in auditory working memory relative to controls (p=0.01). The Cogmed group also showed improvements in visual working memory (p=0.03). Findings suggest that targeted intervention is feasible in survivors of pediatric brain tumors, though with a relatively low recruitment rate. With preliminary findings of improved calculation and working memory following JumpMath and working memory following Cogmed, this pilot trial lays the groundwork for future programs that investigate different inteCognitiveRehabilitationrventions that may be applied to target the unique needs of each survivor.

Development of Vegetative Propagation Strategies for Balanites aegyptiaca in the Sahel, Niger

Forests have always been a source of wood, food, and medicine for the rural populations of the Sahel. Anthropogenic and animal pressures often lead to low tree recruitment rates and seedling survival. Under certain conditions, multipurpose species such as Balanites aegyptiaca have shown dramatic decreases in population numbers. The objective of the present study is to determine the natural colonisation behaviour of B. aegyptiaca and to develop vegetative propagation strategies. Surveys were carried out in the agroforest parklands of the Regional Centre for Agricultural Research of Maradi Research Station. An inventory was carried out in 1,500 m2 plots to determine the species’ regeneration methods. We then tested seed germination success, and suckering induction, air-layering, and stem cuttings were carried out to determine the techniques best suited for the propagation of B. aegyptiaca. It emerged from this study that in nature, B. aegyptiaca is propagated naturally by dispersion of seeds (81.2%), as well as by rejection of the strain (13.5%) and by suckering (5.2%). The germination test showed that heavy seeds (38.4%) germinated best because they have a higher nutrient reserve. With a success rate of 11.1%, distal suckers react better than proximal suckers (5.5%) because they quickly acquire relative independence from the mother plant. As for air-layering, stems with large diameters react better (53.3%) than those with small diameters (46.6%) because they have thicker bark and store a large amount of elaborate sap responsible for rhizogenesis. In the stem segment cutting test, cuttings of small diameter react better at 30.8% than those of large diameter (12.6%) because they have a higher number of meristematic tissues. The stem segment cuttings seem to be the best adaptable alternative to the natural propagation of B. aegyptiaca because it combines ease of use, low cost, and a significant success rate.

Feasibility of Patient Navigation-Based Smoking Cessation Program in Cancer Patients.

Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis is causally associated with increased risks of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, and of smoking-related second primary cancers. Patient navigation provides individualized assistance to address barriers to smoking cessation treatment and represents a promising bridge to smoking cessation in persons with cancer who smoke cigarettes. We conducted a single-arm interventional cohort study of current smokers identified through prospective health record screening and recruited from Penn State Cancer Institute outpatient clinics. Consented participants received two telephone intervention sessions and gain-framed messaging-based smoking cessation educational materials designed for persons with cancer. The primary study outcome was the feasibility of the patient navigation-based intervention; the secondary outcome was the engagement in smoking cessation treatment at the two-month follow-up. Of 1168 unique screened Cancer Institute patients, 134 (11.5%) were identified as current cigarette smokers. Among 67 patients approached at outpatient clinics, 24 (35.8%) were interested in participating, 12 (17.9%) were enrolled, eight (11.9%) completed the intervention sessions and study assessments, and six engaged in smoking cessation treatment. The participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention sessions (median = 8.5, scale 0–10). The low recruitment rates preclude patient navigation as a feasible method for connecting cancer patients to smoking cessation treatment resources.

Entrepreneurial Intention among Students to Venture into Entrepreneurship through Flea Market Retailing in Oman

Entrepreneurship is a vital economic activity to support local communities. It is perceived as a significant avenue for influencing the youngsters to a start-up business. The growing number of graduates annually has become one of the main challenges for the Omani government. Therefore, entrepreneurship has become one of the essential measures for reducing the escalating unemployment rate due to the low national recruitment rate in the public and private sectors in Oman. This research aims to examine the extent of the entrepreneurial intention of youngsters, especially among 322 tertiary students from colleges of applied sciences in Oman, to venture into entrepreneurship through the flea market retailing by adopting the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The findings highlight the impact of education on entrepreneurial intentions, which will provide resources in the area of entrepreneurial education to online libraries for research students and also provides useful policy directions to the Oman government in its effort to actively promote entrepreneurship and business ventures through the Al Raffd Funds.

Effects of ungulates on oak regeneration in Mediterranean woodlands: A meta-analysis

Mediterranean-climate oak woodlands, including those in North America and in the Mediterranean basin, are human-shaped ecosystems with high biodiversity value, which generate different ecosystem services, including grazing resources for livestock production. Low oak recruitment rates, however, are affecting the ecological sustainability of these ecosystems. Understanding the factors affecting recruitment dynamics in Mediterranean oak woodlands is crucial for adequately managing these ecosystems.We used a meta-analysis approach to evaluate the direct effects of ungulates on Mediterranean oak woodlands at various stages of recruitment, analysing publications based on ungulate exclusion experiments. The relationship between ungulates and recruitment is complex, involving multiple interacting factors, but, with very few exceptions, studies reported substantial negative direct impacts. Our meta-analyses show that the odds of an acorn surviving are much lower when ungulates are present and that the impact of wild ungulates on acorn survival was more marked than that of domestic animals. Ungulates also reduce the recruitment rates of oak seedlings and saplings as well as their growth rates.Ungulate management is crucial to achieve adequate oak recruitment in Mediterranean oak woodlands. We suggest management practices that may contribute to reduce the effects of ungulates in oak recruitment and to ecologically sustainable Mediterranean oak woodlands.

Near-future extreme temperatures affect physiology, morphology and recruitment of the temperate sponge Crella incrustans

Current rates of greenhouse gas emissions are leading to a rapid increase in global temperatures and a greater occurrence of extreme climatic events such as marine heatwaves. In this study, we assessed the effects of thermal conditions predicted to occur within the next 40 years (SSP3-7.0 scenario of IPCC, 2021) on the respiration rate, buoyant weight, morphology and recruitment of the temperate model sponge Crella incrustans. Under predicted average temperatures (+ 2.5 °C, over the local mean), C. incrustans did not show any physiological and morphological changes compared to current conditions. However, when exposed to a simulated marine heatwave (16 days duration and a thermal peak at 22 °C), there was a large increase in sponge respiration rate, significant weight loss resulting from tissue regression, and sponge mortality. The simulated marine heatwave resulted also in a shorter period of recruitment, lower recruitment rate and higher mortality of settlers. Despite the tissue regression, the majority of sponges that survived the extreme temperatures showed respiration rates similar to controls 13 days after the thermal peak, indicating some resilience of C. incrustans to extreme thermal events. Our study shows that marine heatwaves will significantly impact the physiology, morphology, and recruitment of temperate sponges under near-future conditions, but that these sponges are likely to persist in warmer oceans.

OP18 Efficacy and safety of filgotinib for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Results from the phase 2 DIVERGENCE 2 study

BackgroundTreatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) is a major unmet need. Filgotinib (FIL) is a once-daily, oral, preferential Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The efficacy and safety of FIL for the treatment of PFCD was evaluated in the phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled DIVERGENCE 2 study (NCT03077412).MethodsPatients (18–75 years old) with PFCD (documented diagnosis of CD for at least 3 months and 1–3 external openings [EOs] with drainage [spontaneous or on compression] for ≥ 4 weeks before screening) previously treated with antibiotics, immunomodulators and/or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive FIL 200 mg, FIL 100 mg or PBO once daily for up to 24 weeks. Active luminal CD was permitted providing that the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score was ≤ 300 at screening. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction of ≥ 1 from baseline in the number of draining EOs determined by investigator assessment and no fluid collections > 1 cm on centrally read pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24. Combined fistula remission (closure of all draining EOs present at baseline and no fluid collections > 1 cm) at Week 24 was a key secondary endpoint. The study was not powered for statistical comparisons and was prematurely terminated owing to low recruitment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsBaseline characteristics were broadly similar across the treatment groups (Table 1). Overall, 91.2% of patients had complex perianal fistulae and TNFi treatment had previously failed in 64.9% of patients. A lower proportion of patients randomized to receive FIL 200 mg discontinued the study compared with those who received PBO (Table 2). The proportion of patients who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was numerically higher in the FIL 200 mg group (47.1%; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0–68.9) than in the PBO group (25.0%; 90% CI: 7.2–52.7) (Figure 1), with similar results observed for combined fistula remission (FIL 200 mg [47.1%; CI: 26.0–68.9] versus PBO [16.7%; CI: 3.0–43.8]) (Figure 2). Treatment-emergent severe adverse events were highest in the FIL 200 mg group (Table 2). Adverse event rates were otherwise similar across treatment groups. ConclusionIn this phase 2 study, numerically higher fistula response and remission rates were observed after 24 weeks of treatment with FIL 200 mg versus PBO in patients with active PFCD and a history of multiple medical treatment failures. FIL was well tolerated overall. Further studies of FIL for the treatment of PFCD are warranted.

Ten years from propagule to mature plant of Butia purpurascens Glassman (Arecaceae): an endemic and endangered palm of the Brazilian Cerrado.

With occurrence mainly in the southwest Goiás, Butia purpurascens has fruits and leaves widely extracted by the regional population. Coexists with exotic grasses, frequent burnings and cattle's grazing and trampling. Young individuals are rarely seen. We aim to provide information about propagules, seedling formation and the monitoring of saplings of B. purpurascens until adults in reproductive phase. Fruits were selected, measured and benefited after harvest. Of 6,000 fruits collected 3,112 were discarded for being perforated by Conotrachelus weevils. The experiment divided 2,600 fruits into 13 treatments, distributed in ripe and immature fruits, with and without pulp. In addition, we adopt mechanical and chemical break dormancy mechanisms, different storage periods and seeding depths. After sixteen months of monitoring, the formation of eleven seedlings was obtained without distinction of any treatment. Seedlings and saplings developed slowly, taking two years to emit the first metaphyll. Over time, ten individuals died, most from fungal attack. After ten years, the only surviving palm generated two inflorescences, which produced fruit. The inefficient seedling production and the slow development of saplings, combined with the impact of the extractivism and the high rate of predation of the pyrenes, suggest the low recruitment rate of the species observed, in natural conditions. This type of data is one of the important tools for creating guidelines for the species conservation. Therefore, we suggest considering the reclassification of B. purpurascens as a Critically Endangered species in the Official List of Threatened Brazilian Species of Extinction.

2013-2018年武夷山亚热带常绿阔叶林乔木层动态

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 2013-2018年武夷山亚热带常绿阔叶林乔木层动态 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202007051746 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 中央级公益性科研院所基本科研业务专项（GYZX200203）；生态环境部生物多样性保护重大工程（ZDGC2019-007-04）；中央级科学事业单位修缮购置专项（2060503） Dynamics of arbor layer in the Subtropical Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest in the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, southeastern China in 2013-2018 Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:从植物群落组成和结构的角度研究森林群落的演替规律，是探究森林群落的退化与恢复过程及相关机制的重要途径，对于指导天然林保护和恢复具有重要理论价值和实践意义。2018年，对面积为9.6 hm2的武夷山亚热带常绿阔叶林样地进行了第2轮调查，并从重要值、物种多度、物种丰富度、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Simpson指数、Margalef丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数、死亡率、补员率、种群大小变化率、相对适合度、胸径变异系数等角度分析了乔木层群落动态。结果表明：2018年的乔木个体为48科88属174种，较2013年增加了1种。Margalef丰富度指数上升，Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Simpson指数、Pielou均匀度指数均略有下降。DBH≥1 cm的乔木个体从68336个减少到63897个，共死亡7430个个体，补员2991个个体。群落的年死亡率为2.30%，年补员率为0.96%，种群大小变化率为-1.34%，相对适合度为0.42。群落的平均胸径从5.02（±0.02） cm上升为5.49（±0.03） cm。28个重要值之和由71.92%下降为71.81%，年死亡率为2.46%，年补员率为0.79%，种群大小变化率和相对适合度分别为-1.67%和0.46。物种数增加和群落总个体数下降对Margalef丰富度指数的上升产生直接影响。常见种减少，稀有种增加，预示着一般性扰动会给常见种的种群带来更大的影响。建落种或优势种的缺乏且许多物种优势程度接近，可能使处于同一林冠层的树种对光照等资源的激烈竞争产生导致的高死亡率和低补员率。赤杨叶（Alniphyllum fortunei）、木荷（Schima superba）等阳生树种的种群更新困难可能意味着群落发生了有利于中生和阴生树种的变化。 Abstract:Studying the forest community succession by understanding the characteristics of plant community composition and structure is an important way to explore the degradation and restoration processes, as well as the related mechanisms of forest communities. The study also has important theoretical and practical significance for guiding the conservation and restoration of natural forests. In 2018, relevant data was gathered by the second investigation in the Subtropical Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest plot with an area of 9.6 hm2 in the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, southeastern China. Community dynamics of arbor layer was analyzed based on the perspectives of importance value, species abundance, species richness, Shannon-Wiener Index, Simpson Index, Margalef Index, Pielou Index, mortality rate, recruitment rate, rate of population size change, fitness, and coefficient of diameter at breast height (DBH) variation. The results showed that the community of trees was 48 families, 88 genera, 174 species in 2018, which increased by 1 species compared with 2013. Margalef Index rose, while Shannon-Wiener Index, Simpson Index and Pielou Index declined in the past 5 years. The tree individuals with DBH ≥ 1 cm was reduced from 68336 to 63897, with 7430 dead, and 2991 recruited individuals. Annual mortality rate, annual recruitment rate, rate of population size change, and fitness of the community were 2.30%, 0.96%, -1.34%, and 0.42, respectively. The average DBH of all trees in this community increased from 5.02 (±0.02) cm to 5.49 (±0.03) cm. The total of importance value for the 28 common tree species with higher importance value (>1%) decreased from 71.92% in 2013 to 71.81% in 2018. Annual mortality rate, annual recruitment rate, rate of population size change, and fitness for these common species were 2.46%, 0.79%, -1.67% and 0.46, respectively. The increase of species number and decrease of total tree individuals of community caused a direct impact on the increase of Margalef Richness Index. The decrease of common species and the increase of rare species indicated that the general disturbance would have a greater impact on the population of common species. The lack of constructive species or dominant species and the close dominance of many species may lead to high mortality rate and low recruitment rate of tree species in the same canopy layer for some resources such as light. The difficulty of population regeneration of sun plants such as Alniphyllum fortune, Schima superba may mean that the community has changed in favor of medium and shade plants. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Growing pains: Lessons learned from a failed mobile mindfulness clinical trial for patients with complex care needs

This paper discusses lessons learned from a failed clinical trial investigating the use of a mobile application (app) to deliver a mindfulness intervention to middle-aged and older adults receiving services at a rehabilitation hospital in Ontario, Canada. A randomized controlled trial with 82 participants was planned, with the experimental group receiving access to a mindfulness app and a wait-list control group receiving access to the app after 4 weeks; however, the study could not be completed due to low recruitment rates. This implementation failure was considered from the perspective of the PARIHS framework. More specifically, Three key recruitment challenges were identified, and recommendations for future research provided. Firstly, the increasingly complex care needs of the study population appeared to influence eligibility; it would be beneficial for future research to consider adopting strategies to better understand the needs of the target population. Secondly, participants’ stage of care and readiness of change likely negatively influenced compliance and retention in this study, and should be assessed in future research. Finally, a lack of clinician integration into the research team negatively impacted recruitment in this study; future studies should consider integrating direct service providers into the research team as this may increase buy-in and referral rates. The challenges and recommendations outlined can inform design and implementation of future studies in this area.

A soil‐nesting invasive ant disrupts carbon dynamics in saplings of a foundational ant–plant

Abstract Nearly every terrestrial ecosystem hosts invasive ant species, and many of those ant species construct underground nests near roots and/or tend phloem‐feeding hemipterans on plants. We have a limited understanding of how these invasive ant behaviours change photosynthesis, carbohydrate availability and growth of woody plants. We measured photosynthesis, water relations, carbohydrate concentrations and growth for screenhouse‐reared Acacia drepanolobium saplings on which we had manipulated invasive Pheidole megacephala ants and native Ceroplastes sp. hemipterans to determine whether and how soil nesting and hemipteran tending by ants affect plant carbon dynamics. In a field study, we also compared leaf counts of vertebrate herbivore‐excluded and ‐exposed saplings in invaded and non‐invaded savannas to examine how ant invasion and vertebrate herbivory are associated with differences in sapling photosynthetic crown size. Though hemipteran infestations are often linked to declines in plant performance, our screenhouse experiment did not find an association between hemipteran presence and differences in plant physiology. However, we did find that soil nesting by P. megacephala around screenhouse plants was associated with &gt;58% lower whole‐crown photosynthesis, &gt;31% lower pre‐dawn leaf water potential, &gt;29% lower sucrose concentrations in woody tissues and &gt;29% smaller leaf areas. In the field, sapling crowns were 29% smaller in invaded savannas than in non‐invaded savannas, mimicking screenhouse results. Synthesis. We demonstrate that soil nesting near roots, a common behaviour by Pheidole megacephala and other invasive ants, can directly reduce carbon fixation and storage of Acacia drepanolobium saplings. This mechanism is distinct from the disruption of a native ant mutualism by P. megacephala, which causes similar large declines in carbon fixation for mature A. drepanolobium trees. Acacia drepanolobium already has extremely low natural rates of recruitment from the sapling to mature stage, and we infer that these negative effects of invasion on saplings potentially curtail recruitment and reduce population growth in invaded areas. Our results suggest that direct interactions between invasive ants and plant roots in other ecosystems may strongly influence plant carbon fixation and storage.

Keyworker mediated enhancement of physical health in patients with first episode psychosis: A feasibility/acceptability study.

Early intervention for people experiencing first episode psychosis is a priority, and keyworkers are vital to such services. However, keyworkers' roles in addressing first episode psychosis patients' physical health are under researched. This study addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating a keyworker-mediated intervention promoting physical health among first episode psychosis patients. The study was informed by the Medical Research Council's Framework for Complex Interventions to Improve Health. First episode psychosis participants were recruited from three Irish mental health services. The intervention was evaluated in terms of its feasibility/acceptability. Feasibility outcomes were mixed (recruitment rate=24/68 [35.3%]; retention rate=18/24 [75%]). The baseline sample was predominantly male (M:F ratio=13:6; Med age=25 y; IQR=23-42 y). Common health issues among participants included overweightness/obesity (n=11) and substance use (smoking/alcohol consumption [n=19]). Participants' initial health priorities included exercising more (n=10), improving diet (n=6), weight loss (n=7) and using various health/healthcare services. The intervention's acceptability was evidenced by the appreciation participants had for physical health keyworkers' support, as well as the healthy lifestyle, which the intervention promoted. Acceptability was somewhat compromised by a low-recruitment rate, variable linkages between keyworkers and general practitioners (GPs) and COVID-19 restrictions. Physical health-oriented keyworker interventions for first episode psychosis patients show promise and further evaluation of such initiatives is warranted. Future interventions should be mindful of participant recruitment challenges, strategies to enhance relationships between keyworkers and GPs, and if necessary, they should mitigate COVID-19 restrictions' impacts on care.

Is the local extinction of Pinna nobilis facilitating Pinna rudis recruitment?

Until the late 2010s the spiny fan-mussel Pinna rudis shared habitat in many Mediterranean sites with Mediterranean endemic Pinna nobilis, which dominated in abundance but that has gone locally extinct in most of its distribution area due to a recent widespread disease outbreak. In the Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve (NW Mediterranean) both species coexisted until 2017, when P. nobilis populations completely disappeared. In spring 2021 we revisited 7 permanent plots covering 1,485 m2 that had been previously monitored during the period from 2005 to 2009. We found that although previous studies described P. rudis populations as stable with low recruitment rates, recruitment after 2017 increased in comparison to 2005-2009. At least two cohorts of recruits (~3 and ~1 year in age) were to be found both within the plots as well as in other areas throughout the Columbretes archipelago, colonizing areas previously occupied by P. nobilis. We hypothesize that P. rudis has been benefited by the local extinction of the sibling species P. nobilis, most probably as a result of reduced interspecific competition. The ecological role once played mainly by P. nobilis as the dominant species, might now be taken over by P. rudis, whose populations could grow during the oncoming years.

Utilizing machine learning to improve clinical trial design for acute respiratory distress syndrome

Heterogeneous patient populations, complex pharmacology and low recruitment rates in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have led to the failure of many clinical trials. Recently, machine learning (ML) emerged as a new technology to process and identify big data relationships, enabling a new era in clinical trial design. In this study, we designed a ML model for predictively stratifying acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, ultimately reducing the required number of patients by increasing statistical power through cohort homogeneity. From the Philips eICU Research Institute (eRI) database, no less than 51,555 ARDS patients were extracted. We defined three subpopulations by outcome: (1) rapid death, (2) spontaneous recovery, and (3) long-stay patients. A retrospective univariate analysis identified highly predictive variables for each outcome. All 220 variables were used to determine the most accurate and generalizable model to predict long-stay patients. Multiclass gradient boosting was identified as the best-performing ML model. Whereas alterations in pH, bicarbonate or lactate proved to be strong predictors for rapid death in the univariate analysis, only the multivariate ML model was able to reliably differentiate the disease course of the long-stay outcome population (AUC of 0.77). We demonstrate the feasibility of prospective patient stratification using ML algorithms in the by far largest ARDS cohort reported to date. Our algorithm can identify patients with sufficiently long ARDS episodes to allow time for patients to respond to therapy, increasing statistical power. Further, early enrollment alerts may increase recruitment rate.

Replacing protein via enteral nutrition in a stepwise approach in critically ill patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial (REPLENISH pilot trial)

The optimal amount of protein intake in critically ill patients is unclear. The objective of this pilot trial is to assess the feasibility of a large randomized controlled trial testing higher versus lower protein intake in critically ill patients. In this pilot randomized controlled trial (REPLacing Protein via Enteral Nutrition in a Stepwise ApproacH in critically ill patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial (REPLENISH pilot trial), critically ill patients underwent 2-step screening for eligibility on ICU day 1 and 5. Patients with renal disease were excluded. Eligible patients were randomized into REPLENISH group (target protein 1.8-2.2gkg/day) and Standard group (target protein 0.8-1.0g/kg/day) from day 6-14 after ICU admission. Dietitians adjusted caloric and protein intake throughout the study period (Day 1-14) to maintain similar caloric targets of permissive underfeeding (40-60% of estimated energy expenditure) in both study groups. Of 704 patients screened at 3 centers in Saudi Arabia from May 2018 to May 2019, only 63 (8.9%) were eligible and 40 (5.7% of screened) were randomized with an average of 2 patients enrolled in the trial per month. Among eligible patients, the consenting rate was high at 89%. During the intervention period, patients in the REPLENISH group (N=21) had a modestly higher protein intake (median of 1.30g/kg/day (Q1 Q3: 1.11, 1.57)) than those in the standard group (median of 0.77g/kg/day (Q1 Q3: 0.57, 1.00); P=0.0004). Only 31.4% of patients in the whole cohort had >80% of prescribed protein. The duration of daily interruption of feeding was almost 4h in both groups. The 90-day mortality for the patient study cohort was 20.5%. Anthropometric and muscle strength measurements were performed in less than 50% of patients. This pilot trial highlighted several areas for improvement in the study protocol before launching a large randomized controlled trial. The restrictive eligibility criteria, the complex adjustments of protein and energy and some of the outcome measurements were identified as targets for modifications, to improve enrollment and generalizability and to enhance adherence to study interventions and measurements. CLINICALTRIALS. NCT03480555.