Successive Years Research Articles

Determination of the Relationship of Harmonization Ratio and Some Yield Characteristics with Grain Yield in Barley

In this study, it was aimed to calculate the harmonization ratio before and after the flowering period (GFPtt/VPtt) in barley depending on thermal times, to determine the vegetative period (VP) and grain filling period (GFP) values for higher grain yield (GY) capacity and the possibility of using these qualities as adaptation and selection criteria and to determine the relationship between HR and GY calculated according to phenological periods depending on thermal times under Kahramanmaraş conditions. The experiments were carried out in Kahramanmaraş, located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey, between 2014 and 2016 under the conditions of 9 genotypes for 2 successive years according to the randomized completed block design with 3 replicates. Phenological traits such as VP, GFP, GY and days to maturity (DM) were measured in relation to thermal times. According to the results, genotypes were found to be significantly different in terms of harmonization ratio in barley. Considering the two-year averages, the highest grain yields were determined as Samyeli (534.3 kg da-1) and Şahin-91 (532.8 kg da-1). The lowest grain yields were determined as Kendal (404.9 kg da-1) and Sur-93 (416.9 kg da-1). According to the results, barley genotypes were found to be significantly different in terms of harmonization ratio. The highest harmonization ratios were determined as Samyeli (0.753) and Kendal (0.672), the lowest harmonization ratios were determined as Şahin-91 (0.486) and Athena*Yabani (0.558). Although there was a general relationship between grain yield and harmonization ratio, some genotypes had values outside this trend.

Rotation with Soybean Improved Weed Control and Foxtail Millet Yield

Foxtail millet is an important characteristic grain crop in northern China. However, weeds compete seriously with foxtail millet and have long been a biological factor that has plagued foxtail millet production. Rotation requires determining the species and sequence of crops, and reasonable rotation has many benefits for agriculture, including reducing the damage by weeds. In order to clarify the combination effects of foxtail millet–soybean rotation sequence and herbicide on weed control and crop yield, fixed-position experiments were designed in three growing seasons. Foxtail millet and soybean were planted following the sequence below in successive years (FFF, foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet; SFF: soybean–wheat–foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet; SSF, soybean–wheat–soybean–wheat–foxtail millet; SSS, soybean–wheat–soybean–wheat–soybean), and weed density, biodiversity, weed seedbank, and crop yield were examined and analyzed. The results showed that the average weed density of SFF and SSF was reduced by 61.7% and 66.3% compared with FFF in the three years and by 16.5% and 26.6% compared with SSS, separately. Foxtail millet–soybean rotation (SFF and SSF) increased the species richness and the Margalef species richness index of the weed community and reduced the Simpson index compared with the continuous foxtail millet and the continuous soybean cropping (FFF and SSS). The weed seedbank of SFF and SSF was 45.7% and 55.8% smaller than that of FFF and increased by 92.7% and 56.7% compared with SSS, respectively. The weed density in the FFF treatment was significantly correlated with the 0–5 cm grass seedbank size, while there was no significant correlation in the other three treatments. Benefiting from the lower weed damage intensity, the yield of foxtail millet in SFF and SSF increased by 54.05% and 221.81% compared with FFF, respectively. The research results revealed that both SFF and SSF can effectively reduce the damage of weeds and help improve biodiversity. SSF has a higher weed control effect and higher foxtail millet yield than SFF. This study contributes to the understanding of crop–weed interactions in foxtail millet–soybean rotation and can be applied to areas with similar environments.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in Immunotherapy Utilization for Advanced Kidney and Bladder Cancer

ObjectivesImmunotherapy (IO) drugs have been increasingly utilized in locally advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC). Multiple trials have demonstrated clear survival benefit, however, there are often barriers to access for these advanced therapies which has been demonstrated in other non-urologic malignancies. The goal of this study was to assess socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the receipt of IO for advanced ccRCC and UC. Materials and methodsWe queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients with stage IV ccRCC and UC. The study period was 2015 to 2020 for ccRCC (FDA approval date of IO) and 2017 to 2020 for UC (FDA approval date of broadened indication for IO, initial limited approval in 2016). The primary outcome of interest was receipt of IO therapy using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for relevant socioeconomic and demographic variables. ResultsWe identified 15,926 patients with stage IV ccRCC and 10,380 patients with stage IV UC of which 5,419 (34.0%) and 2,231 (21.5%) received IO therapy, respectively. IO utilization increased with each successive year. In both malignancies, treatment at a non-academic facility, education level, income, and insurance were independently associated with IO utilization. For ccRCC, black (OR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.64–0.93, P = 0.009) and Hispanic race (OR = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.61–0.86, P = 0.006) were each associated with decreased IO utilization but there were no independent associations between race and receipt of IO in patients with UC. ConclusionsIn the era of FDA-approved IO therapy for advanced ccRCC and UC, this national cohort analysis suggests that IO utilization is increasing over time, but significant disparities exist based on income, education, and insurance status in both malignancies. Additionally, patients treated at non-academic facilities were less likely to receive IO therapy for these specific genitourinary malignancies. In ccRCC, additional disparities were seen black and Hispanic races which each were associated with lower odds of IO receipt. Identifying strategies to mitigate these differences and provide equitable access to IO therapy is of imperative need.

Cumulative costs of reproduction in a long-lived ungulate

Abstract Cumulative costs of reproduction are predicted by life-history theories of aging, but empirical support for cumulative costs of reproduction in ungulates is limited. Examinations of the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output are often limited to successive years. We analyzed pregnancy status, lactation duration, and age class of Elk (Cervus canadensis) in Utah, United States, from 2019 to 2022 to better understand the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output, particularly in nonsuccessive years. Pregnancy status 1 year prior, pregnancy status 2 years prior, and age had no effect on the likelihood of pregnancy in Elk. However, lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior had a negative effect on the likelihood of pregnancy. The best-fitting model to explain the relationship between pregnancy status and previous lactation was the positive interaction between lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior. The results of our study suggest long-lasting (i.e., multiple-year), cumulative costs of reproduction can influence reproductive output in female Elk, but differences in individual quality may have an even greater influence. High-quality individuals may be able to override the costs of reproduction and minimize reproductive trade-offs.

Genotype by environment interaction in mustard (Brassica juncea) under Terai Agro-Climatic zone using the AMMI model and GGE biplot

In the present experiment, 71 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes were evaluated in six environments for two successive years (three environments in each year) to identify the influence of environment over the genotypes and to identify the stable, better-performing genotypes in respect to yield in Terai region of West Bengal. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate genotype × environment interaction using two different approaches, namely, additive main effect, and their multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot for seed yield of mustard genotypes. AMMI ANOVA showed that genotype and environment accounted for 11.46% and 47.50% of the variation respectively, where GEI captured 36.57% of the variation for seed yield. The AMMI model and GGE biplots showed that genotype RGIN-73 was the highest yielding genotype to a specific environment but DRWR-15-9 was found to be well stable with good yielding in all environments.

UNRAVELING THE USE OF PESTICIDES IN THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST MESOREGIONS OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL: A COMPRE-HENSIVE ANALYSIS OF MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND DYNAMICS

Pesticides have the function of protecting agricultural crops through phytosanitary treatments, helping increase productivity to feed an ever-growing population. They exist in a globally competitive market, where pesticide companies, resellers, and agricultural cooperatives are responsible for the sales and distribution to the final consumer, in this case the farmer. In this context, this research aims to characterize the agricultural pesticide sector and the agricultural marketing system in the Northwest and Southwest Mesoregions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This research consisted of a bibliographic research followed by a field survey of 40 companies, including owners and pesticides resale managers (32) and agricultural cooperatives (8). The results show a marketing system aimed at Rio Grande do Sul conducted mainly through the sale of supplier companies to resellers and agricultural cooperatives, which resell them to the farmer. The tendency of the agricultural pesticides market is to stabilize, even with the decline of the sector in Brazil in successive years, with a current resumption of growth, much of it driven by national and multinational supplier companies that invest in countries like Brazil.

Phenolic compounds from pumpkin pulp: Extraction optimization and biological properties

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of (poly)phenols from pumpkin pulp was optimized using response surface methodology. Time, solvent-to-sample ratio and percentage of water in ethanol were considered and a full factorial design was applied. The optimized conditions (10 min; 30 mL/g; 50% water in ethanol) were used to isolate (poly)phenols from five pumpkin varieties (Hokkaido, Lunga di Napoli, Mantovana, Moscata di Provenza, Violina rugosa), collected for two successive years. Phenolic acids were the most abundant phenolic class (gallic acid up to 413.50 μg/g), even if differences were observed among varieties and harvesting years. Generally, Violina rugosa harvested in 2021 showed the highest total phenol content (7.59 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and antioxidant properties (16.93 mg Trolox equivalents/g). All pumpkin variety exhibited antimicrobial activity within a concentration range of 1.95 to 250 μg/mL. In conclusion, the pumpkin pulp can be considered a promising natural source of (poly)phenols for the development of health-promoting products.

Spatio-temporal migratory patterns, habitat crossing and within-individual movement repeatability of Central Mediterranean European Rollers Coracias garrulus

Populations of long-distance migratory species may exhibit dissimilarities in the leeway of scheduled annual migration programs, the routes they follow and their convergence at ecological barriers. The aim of this study was to fill the current geographical gap, spanning over 1,100 km longitudinally between southern France and eastern Austria, in the pan-European assessment of the migration ecology of the European Roller Coracias garrulus, and contribute to completing the puzzle of spatio-temporal patterns of migration, stopover and wintering at the Western-Palearctic scale for this species. We utilized high-resolution GPS tracking data from adult Rollers breeding in Italy and Croatia, tracked on their intercontinental seasonal journeys between 2018 and 2022 and modelled the variation of migratory components both at individual and population levels. Rollers from the Central Mediterranean exhibited a clockwise spring migration loop, following a Central African migration route and wintering across a wide longitudinal belt spanning from Namibia to Mozambique. Northern savannah zones were used as long stopovers, both in autumn (Chad/Sudan) and spring (Central African Republic/Cameroon). The probability of movement was significantly higher during the night and in spring. Migration speed varied according to season (> in spring) and the habitat crossed (sea > desert > rainforest > savannah). Individuals tracked in successive years showed high consistency of key migratory parameters and partial winter home ranges overlap, in contrast with the large variability of migratory parameters at the population level. This work bridges the current geographical gap of Roller migration ecology at the European level and helps meet conservation needs at the scale of the species’ flyway, with new ecological information valuable for the implementation of International Single Species Action Plans (ISSAP) dedicated to the Roller.Significance statementTracking studies help to disentangle intraspecific variation in migratory strategies and wintering destinations among populations, as well as investigate individual-level decisions taken en route across seasonal journeys. By GPS tracking the intercontinental migration of adult Rollers we found that spatio-temporal components of migratory and flight strategy largely depend on extrinsic factors such as daytime, season and the habitat they traversed, and vary at population level. In contrast, within-individual consistency in migratory and wintering patterns emerged across years. Our findings emphasize the need for effective conservation strategies at the flyway scale.

Precise risk-prediction model including arterial stiffness for new-onset atrial fibrillation using machine learning techniques.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia and is an important risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular events. This study used machine learning techniques to develop and validate a new risk prediction model for new-onset AF that incorporated the use electrocardiogram to diagnose AF, data from participants with a wide age range, and considered hypertension and measures of atrial stiffness. In Japan, Industrial Safety and Health Law requires employers to provide annual health check-ups to their employees. This study included 13 410 individuals who underwent health check-ups on at least four successive years between 2005 and 2015 (new-onset AF, n=110; non-AF, n=13 300). Data were entered into a risk prediction model using machine learning methods (eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Shapley Additive Explanation values). Data were randomly split into a training set (80%) used for model construction and development, and a test set (20%) used to test performance of the derived model. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for the model in the test set was 0.789. The best predictor of new-onset AF was age, followed by the cardio-ankle vascular index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, sex, body mass index, uric acid, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure at cardio-ankle vascular index measurement, and alanine aminotransferase level. This new model including arterial stiffness measure, developed with data from a general population using machine learning methods, could be used to identify at-risk individuals and potentially facilitation the prevention of future AF development.

From Promise to Practice: Recent Growth in 30 Years of Tissue Engineering Commercialization.

This perspective, marking the 30th anniversary of the Tissue Engineering journal, discusses the exciting trends in the global commercialization of tissue engineering technology. Within a historical context, we present an evolution of challenges and a discussion of the last 5 years of global commercial successes and emerging market trends, highlighting the continued expansion of the field in the northeastern United States. This leads to an overview of the last 5 years' progress in clinical trials for tissue engineered therapeutics, including an analysis of trends in success and failure. Finally, we provide a broad overview of preclinical research and a perspective on where the state-of-the-art lies on the horizon.

Updating Pronunciation Deviations on Sound-Segments Exhibited by Vietnamese Students in English Speaking

The present study is aimed to examine Vietnamese students’ deviations in sound segments when they speak English. To its end, two research questions were raised: (1) what pronunciation deviations on English sounds are empirically made by Vietnamese students in English speaking? (2) what deviations appear to resemble those found in other countries? Mixed research methods, including the recordings of oral interactions among learners and between the teacher and learners, were used by the present study. Quantitative data were empirically cumulatively documented over two successive academic years 2021/22, and 2022/23. Results showed that being synthesized with deviations from prior research across countries, two prominent pronunciation deviation processes on English sounds shared by Vietnamese students and others worldwide are: (A) dropping sounds and (B) altering/substituting sounds. However, the process of adding/inserting sounds reported in some previous studies is not evident from the present data. Accordingly, detailed discussions are delivered about the role of the first language in benefiting or impeding the mastery of English pronunciation. Further studies are also suggested for deeper insights into the related issues.

Colony life history of the tropical arboreal ant, Cephalotes goniodontus De Andrade, 1999

Arboreal ants are ecologically important in tropical forests, but there are few studies using DNA markers to examine their population and colony structure. Colonies of the arboreal turtle ant Cephalotes goniodontus create trail networks through the canopy of the tropical forest, in dense vegetation where it is difficult to determine how long a nest is used and how neighboring colonies partition space. We monitored 53 nest sites for up to six years and, using seven microsatellite markers, genotyped samples of workers collected at or near 41 nests over 1–4 years. We calculated average relatedness within samples collected at a given location, and between samples collected at the same location in successive years, and performed pedigree analysis to predict the number of queens that produced each sample of workers. Fifteen samples were highly related (r ≥ 0.6) from single colonies, of which 11 were monogynous and the remaining four had two queens; 19 were of intermediate relatedness (0.1 ≤ r < 0.6) with 1–6 queens, and 7 were groups of unrelated workers (r < 0.1) from at least 4 queens. Colonies persisted at the same nest site for 2–6 years. The smallest distance we found separating nests of different colonies was 16.2 m. It appears that different colonies may share foraging trails. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using a cost-efficient genotyping method to provide information on colony structure and life history of ant species.

Evaluation of Knowledge Level of Farmers on Package of Practices for Composite Fish Culture in Papum Pare District of Arunachal Pradesh, India

An investigation on impact of training and demonstration programme on composite fish culture (CFC), for farmers of Papum Pare district Arunachal Pradesh, were undertaken to ascertain technical knowhow on standard package of practices for successful CFC with six parameters viz, 1. Fish species selection, 2. Fish species ratio combination, 3. Fish seed stocking stages (fry and fingerling) 4. Fry/fingerling treatment (NaCl), 5. Fish stocking density, 6. Pre and post-stocking management. Six villages were selected namely: Mani, Midpu, Chiputa, Balapu, Emchi and Upper Jumi.; 30 fish farmers from each village comprising 180 farmers were part of investigation. As per the baseline survey in the beginning on average 80% of farmers had a low level of knowledge about fish species selection followed by 12% medium and 8 % high. 82% had a low level of knowledge about, fish species ratio combination, 10% medium and only 8% had high knowledge on CFC. 81% had a low level of knowledge on fish seed stocking stages (fry and fingerling) followed by 10% and 9% respectively for medium and high. 91% had a low level of knowledge on fry/fingerling treatment (NaCl), followed by 6% medium and 3% high. 78% had low knowledge on fish stocking density followed by 13% and 9% for medium and high. 86% had low knowledge on pre- and post stocking management followed by 8% and 6% for medium and high respectively. After imparting training and Front line demonstration (FLD) programme at farmers door step on successive year, knowledge on fish species selection for low medium and high was 9%, 11% and 80 % respectively. 20%, 41% and 39% for low, medium and high on fish species ratio combination, 9%, 13% and 78% on fish seed stocking stages. 16%, 36% and 48% for low, medium and high knowledge on fry/fingerling treatment (NaCl), 11%, 19% and 70 % for low, medium and high knowledge on fish stocking density and 15%, 21% and 64% for low, medium and high knowledge on Pre and post-stocking management. Average fish production increase from 0.78 tone/ha/yr to 1.54 tone/ha/yr (97.4% increase) after imparting training and demonstration, which implies training and demonstration on CFC has significant impact on increase fish production per hectare of pond, through the power of knowledge gained by farmers on technical knowhow on CFC.

An assessment of nutrient removal by harvesting constructed floating wetlands in two coastal lagoons in the SE Baltic Sea

AbstractIn the last decades, so‐called internal or sea‐based mitigation measures have been suggested as nature‐based solutions to remove nutrients and improve water quality in semi‐enclosed coastal waters. However, these have rarely been tested in the field, especially in colder climates where winter ice cover is common. The aim of this experimental research was to investigate plant growth conditions in such an environment, as well to estimate nutrient removal capacity by harvesting constructed floating wetlands (CFWs). We tested small (24–28 m2) CFWs (Biomatrix®, Scotland, UK) at two demonstration sites: the Curonian lagoon (CL, Lithuania) and Szczecin lagoon (SL, Poland). In the CL, CFWs were planted predominantly with Carex acutiformes (Ehrh.), while the SL CFW was planted mainly with the reed Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. We aimed to test the amount of nutrient removal by plant harvesting over three subsequent years (2019–2021). We investigated carbon storage capacity and plant nutrient stoichiometry as indicators of potential nutrient limitation in the brackish coastal waters. Plant biomass increased annually, stabilising at 2.5–3.7 kg wet weight m−2. The total nutrient uptake per installed island area varied with the plant species composition. In the successive years, the harvested plants from the CL CFW dominated by Carex accumulated 10.4–13.1 g N m−2, 0.6–0.8 g P m−2 and 318–431 g C m−2 per year. The harvest from the SL CFW dominated by Phragmites contained a two‐times higher amount of nutrients, the respective figures being 21.2 g N m−2, 1.6 g P m−2 and 704 g C m−2. The nutrient stoichiometry in the vegetation did not suggest the presence of sub‐optimal growth conditions due to nitrogen limitation. However, the CL's dissolved nutrient supply was very low during the summer cyanobacteria bloom and indicated a severe nitrogen deficiency (as reflected in the dissolved inorganic nitrogen:dissolved inorganic phosphorus [DIN:DIP] molar ratio of 6). We suggest that to maximise nutrient removal capacity, tall plants with high biomass should be selected and/or plants with fine root systems to efficiently uptake the limiting nutrient from the water.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization from Pasture after Cattle Dung and Urine Applications in the Dry and Rainy Seasons of the Brazilian Cerrado

An important source of greenhouse gases in Brazil is the nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from pasture, and microorganisms play an important role in nitrogen transformations in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate N2O emission and NH3 volatilization from bovine excreta in pasture in an integrated crop–livestock system (ICL) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three treatments (urine, dung and control) were performed in two pastures (Area 1—three-year pasture of Urochloa ruziziensis and Area 2—one-year pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã), with two application times of the excreta (dry and rainy season), during two successive years of application. Compared to the control, the excreta deposition on ICL increased soil N2O and NH3 fluxes. In the dry season, N2O fluxes were associated with higher ammonium (NH4+) availability. In the rainy season, these fluxes were related to NO3− availability and water-filled pore space (WFPS). In both areas, NH3 volatilization was higher after urine than dung application, especially in the dry season. The highest N2O emission factors were obtained for urine (0.32%), the rainy season (0.36%), and older pasture (Area 1: 0.24%). All these values were below the mean IPCC default values (0.77%). These results indicate that N2O emissions in pasture should be evaluated in regional conditions.

Residual toxicity of pesticide active substance commonly used in tomato crop on the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Heteroptera: Miridae)

AbstractNesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera Miridae) is a key biological control agent of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). However, in cases of prey scarcity, this predator switches into a phytophagous pest causing ring injuries in stems of tomato plants. The aim of this study was to assess the side effects of dry residues and explore the presence of target site resistance mutations of 10 insecticides, two bioinsecticides, an acaricide and a fungicide widely applied in IPM, on adults of N. tenuis collected from two different regions of Crete; the Western and the Eastern side of the island during two successive years. Lethal toxicity trials were performed on sprayed tomato stems and toxicity of adults of N. tenuis was recorded 2 h, 7 and 14 days after exposure. At both populations, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam were moderately harmful at the application day and slightly harmful 7 days after the application. Only chlorpyrifos maintained its toxicity for more than 7 days. All the rest tested pesticides (emamectin benzoate, abamectin, chlorantraniliprole+abamectin, chlorantraniliprole, deltamethrin, tebufenpyrad, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, metaflumizone and myclobutanil) were classified as harmless. Additionally, analysis of insecticide target site sequences indicated the absence of resistance mutations in both populations. Overall, our findings illustrate the impact of 15 pesticides and their residual toxicity on the mortality rates of N. tenuis adults.

Characterizing Canopy Structure Variability in Amazonian Secondary Successions with Full-Waveform Airborne LiDAR

Full-waveform LiDAR (FWF) offers a promising advantage over other technologies to represent the vertical canopy structure of secondary successions in the Amazon region, as the waveform encapsulates the properties of all elements intercepting the emitted beam. In this study, we investigated modifications in the vertical structure of the Amazonian secondary successions across the vegetation gradient from early to advanced stages of vegetation regrowth. The analysis was performed over two distinct climatic regions (Drier and Wetter), designated using the Maximum Cumulative Water Deficit (MCWD). The study area was covered by 309 sample plots distributed along 25 LiDAR transects. The plots were grouped into three successional stages (early—SS1; intermediate—SS2; advanced—SS3). Mature Forest (MF) was used as a reference of comparison. A total of 14 FWF LiDAR metrics from four categories of analysis (Height, Peaks, Understory and Gaussian Decomposition) were extracted using the Waveform LiDAR for Forestry eXtraction (WoLFeX) software (v1.1.1). In addition to examining the variation in these metrics across different successional stages, we calculated their Relative Recovery (RR) with vegetation regrowth, and evaluated their ability to discriminate successional stages using Random Forest (RF). The results showed significant differences in FWF metrics across the successional stages, and within and between sample plots and regions. The Drier region generally exhibited more pronounced differences between successional stages and lower FWF metric values compared to the Wetter region, mainly in the category of height, peaks, and Gaussian decomposition. Furthermore, the Drier region displayed a lower relative recovery of metrics in the early years of succession, compared to the areas of MF, eventually reaching rates akin to those of the Wetter region as succession progressed. Canopy height metrics such as Waveform distance (WD), and Gaussian Decomposition metrics such as Bottom of canopy (BC), Bottom of canopy distance (BCD) and Canopy distance (CD), related to the height of the lower forest stratum, were the most important attributes in discriminating successional stages in both analyzed regions. However, the Drier region exhibited superior discrimination between successional stages, achieving a weighted F1-score of 0.80 compared to 0.73 in the Wetter region. When comparing the metrics from SS in different stages to MF, our findings underscore that secondary forests achieve substantial relative recovery of FWF metrics within the initial 10 years after land abandonment. Regions with potentially slower relative recovery (e.g., Drier regions) may require longer-term planning to ensure success in providing full potential ecosystem services in the Amazon.

Temporal dynamics of Grime's CSR strategies in plant communities during 60 years of succession.

Grime's competitive, stress-tolerant, ruderal (CSR) theory predicts a shift in plant communities from ruderal to stress-tolerant strategies during secondary succession. However, this fundamental tenet lacks empirical validation using long-term continuous successional data. Utilizing a 60-year longitudinal data of old-field succession, we investigated the community-level dynamics of plant strategies over time. Our findings reveal that while plant communities generally transitioned from ruderal to stress-tolerant strategies during succession, initial abandonment conditions crucially shaped early successional strategies, leading to varied strategy trajectories across different fields. Furthermore, we found a notable divergence in the CSR strategies of alien and native species over succession. Initially, alien and native species exhibited similar ruderal strategies, but in later stages, alien species exhibited higher ruderal and lower stress tolerance compared to native species. Overall, our findings underscore the applicability of Grime's predictions regarding temporal shifts in CSR strategies depending on both initial community conditions and species origin.

In-situ repair of a mycotic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm caused by MRSA bacteremia using cryopreserved artery and autogenous vein

Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare disease process associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially if left untreated. Currently, there is no consensus on optimal management for MAA but early diagnosis is vital for improving chances of survival. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended followed by surgical repair. We present the unique case of a 33-year-old male who presented with a mycotic thoracoabdominal aneurysm that was treated via open in-situ repair with cryopreserved artery, celiac and superior mesenteric artery bypasses, and ligation of bilateral renal arteries. The patient subsequently underwent a successful kidney transplant several years later and currently remains dialysis free. CT imaging at 1-year and 5-years demonstrated patent bypasses without evidence of re-infection or aneurysmal changes to the cryopreserved arterial graft. This case underscores the myriad of challenges associated with managing MAA, while also presenting the opportunities to surmount these challenges through a personalized and multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Seed germination demonstrates inter-annual variations in alkaline tolerance: a case study in perennial Leymus chinensis

Background and aimsThe escalating issue of soil saline-alkalization poses a growing global challenge. Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass species commonly used in the establishment and renewal of artificial grasslands that is relatively tolerant of saline, alkaline, and drought conditions. Nonetheless, reduced seed setting rates limit its propagation, especially on alkali-degraded grassland. Inter-annual variations have an important effect on seed yield and germination under abiotic stress, and we therefore examined the effect of planting year on seed yield components of L. chinensis.MethodsWe grew transplanted L. chinensis seedlings in pots for two (Y2), three (Y3), or four (Y4) years and collected spikes for measurement of seed yield components, including spike length, seed setting rate, grain number per spike, and thousand seed weight. We then collected seeds produced by plants from different planting years and subjected them to alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) for measurement of germination percentage and seedling growth.ResultsThe seed setting rate of L. chinensis decreased with an increasing number of years in pot cultivation, but seed weight increased. Y2 plants had a higher seed setting rate and more grains per spike, whereas Y4 plants had a higher thousand seed weight. The effects of alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) on seed germination were less pronounced for the heavier seeds produced by Y4 plants. Na2CO3 caused a 9.2% reduction in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y4 seeds but a 22.3% increase in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y3 seeds.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate significant differences in seed yield components among three planting years of L. chinensis under pot cultivation in a finite space. Inter-annual variation in seed set may provide advantages to plants. Increased alkalinity tolerance of seed germination was observed for seeds produced in successive planting years.