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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is notable both for its impact on global public health as well as its well-publicized transmissibility to other species of animals. Infection of incidental animal hosts is concerning because of possible emergence of novel variants due to viral mutation. Species that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 include domestic and nondomestic cats, domestic dogs, white-tailed deer, mink, and golden hamsters, among others.

Parents can promote the sexual health of adolescents in a number of well-established ways, such as through sexual communication and parental monitoring. Another unexplored avenue through which parents might influence sexual decision-making among Black girls is gendered-racial socialization-the process through which parents send messages to their Black daughters about what it means to be a Black girl, in part, to improve their self-esteem. In a national, U.S.-based sample of 287 Black girls (Mage = 15.4) and their parents (87.8% female), we examine how two dimensions of gendered-racial socialization (gendered-racial pride socialization; gendered-racial oppression socialization): (a) are related to adolescents' intentions to have early sex and (b) moderate the association of parental communication and monitoring with adolescents' intentions to have early sex. We found Black girls who are exposed to more empowering messages about Black girls and women are less likely to intend to have early sex. Additionally, gendered-racial pride socialization moderated the relationship between parental monitoring and intentions to have sex, such that more monitoring was associated with lower intentions to have early sex among girls low in gendered-racial pride socialization. For girls high in gendered-racial pride socialization, there was no relationship between parental monitoring and sexual intentions. Gendered-racial pride socialization is an important asset in Black families, which can be leveraged to improve the sexual health of Black girls. Future studies are needed to examine the causal, temporal pathways between gendered-racial socialization and sexual health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Black adolescents face the stressful experience of racism in their everyday lives, which has negative implications for their health and well-being. In the current study, we explored experiences of individual, institutional, and cultural racism in relation to anticipatory racism-related stress responses (e.g., prolonged negative thinking, arousal in expectation of future racism) among Black adolescents (N = 442). We also examined whether three dimensions of racial identity, centrality, private regard, and public regard, moderate those relationships. We found that more experiences of racism at each level were related to greater anticipatory racism-related stress responses, measured as more cognitive activation of racial stressors, appraisal of coping strategies, and anticipation of future racism. We also found that some relationships between experiences of racism and anticipatory stress varied by regard. The positive relation between individual racism and perseverative cognition was stronger for those with low public regard. Similarly, the positive association between cultural racism and psychological anticipation was stronger for those with low public regard. The positive association between institutional racism and physiological anticipation of future racism was stronger for those with higher private regard. These findings contribute to the growing literature on the pervasiveness of racism in the lives of Black youth and the utility of racial identity to reduce harm from racism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Scholarship identifies critical consciousness as a key developmental asset in promoting the well-being of adolescents experiencing multiple socio-structural axes of oppression. Girls of color at acute risk for legal system involvement or re-involvement are absent from this literature. They are a critical population in which to examine this construct given their experiences of oppression and the myriad benefits of critical consciousness. The current study addresses this gap by examining traumatic incidents and experiences of racism and sexism as correlates of critical reflection and action among a sample of girls (N = 220; Mean age = 14.5 years; SD = 1.3 years). Using path analysis and multigroup modeling, we examine direct associations between these three manifestations of structural oppression and critical consciousness and explore the interplay of traumatic incidents, and racism and sexism in girls' critical consciousness development. Findings suggest that experiences of sexism and racism, uniquely and positively predict critical action, but not critical reflection. Surprisingly, girls' experiences of traumatic incidents do not predict reflection or action. Finally, multigroup analyses show no evidence that these associations vary by the interplay of traumatic incidents, racism, and sexism. Implications for community psychology values and juvenile legal system practice and policy are discussed.

Racial socialization is an important predictor of wellbeing among Black youth. Scholars have theorized that Black girls could benefit from gendered racial socialization or messages about being Black girls. However, this has not been examined empirically. The current study investigates the role of general and gendered racial socialization and racial identity attitudes on depressive symptoms among 287 Black girls between the ages of 13–17 (Mage = 15.4) in the U.S. Path analysis results demonstrated that general and gendered racial socialization about pride were directly associated with positive feelings about being Black which were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Oppressive messages about Black women were related to negative feelings about being Black and more depressive symptoms. The implications of general and gendered racial socialization on the psychological wellbeing of Black girls are discussed.

The current study examines how race-related stress, physiological and psychological anticipation of racism, relates to low-risk and high-risk activism orientations for Black adolescent boys and emerging adult men (N = 286). We investigate whether patterns of racial identity and age moderate those relationships. We found that physiological and psychological anticipation of racism were related to low-risk Black community activism orientation, and those relationships varied by age and racial identity. The relationship between physiological anticipation of racism and high-risk activism orientation was moderated by racial identity profiles. For Black adolescent boys and emerging adult men with racial identity profiles that support individual and communal value of Blackness, more physiological anticipation was related to a greater likelihood of engaging in risky activism in the future. Findings highlight the importance of understanding how stress responses to racism influence youth commitments to future activism. These findings also underscore heterogeneity of racial identity among Black adolescent boys and emerging adult men, and how patterns of racial identity and age differentially influence orientations toward activism against racial oppression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

While educational settings may be envisioned as safe spaces that facilitate learning, foster creativity, and promote healthy development for youth, research has found that this is not always true for Black girls. Their negative experiences within educational settings are both gendered and racialized, often communicating broader societal perceptions of Black girls that ultimately shape their identity development. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with adolescent Black girls (n = 12), the current investigation explored Black girls' educational experiences, their meaning making of Black girlhood, and the role of parents in their positive development. By centering Black girls' voices, this study illuminated how Black girls negotiate their multiple marginalized identities and how their identities are shaped by their home and school environments. Findings revealed that Black girls are aware of the difficulties in navigating educational settings for Black girls, but this awareness was coupled with parental support that promoted positive gendered racial identities for Black girls in middle school and high school. This investigation advanced current knowledge of Black girls' identity development and highlighted the protective role of parental socialization. Future research directions and implications are also discussed.

The thorax undergoes unique conditions while swimming. Hydrostatic pressure from water immersion places an external load on the thorax and increases airway resistance, and the horizontal body position results in central venous engorgement and an associated reduction in lung compliance. The aforementioned factors likely increase the work of breathing (Wb); however, this hypothesis remains untested. PURPOSE This study aimed to compare Wb during freestyle swimming relative to cycling and to characterize the differences in the cardiorespiratory responses to swimming relative to cycling in the same individuals. METHODS Eight collegiate swimmers (four men and four women, age = 22 ± 2 yr) performed an incremental swim test while tethered to a resistance apparatus. On a separate day, subjects performed an incremental cycle test. During swimming and cycling, metabolic and ventilatory parameters were measured using a customized metabolic cart, and inspired Wb was quantified using an esophageal balloon catheter. RESULTS Swimming and cycling elicited statistically similar levels of peak oxygen uptake (3.87 ± 0.92 vs 4.20 ± 0.83 L·min, P = 0.143). However, peak minute ventilation (V˙E) (118 ± 3 vs 154 ± 25 L·min) and heart rate (164 ± 19 vs 183 ± 8 bpm) were significantly lower during swimming relative to cycling (both P < 0.05). Inspired Wb was higher at a V˙E of 50 L·min (+27 ± 16 J·min), 75 L·min (+56 ± 23 J·min), and 100 L·min (+53 ± 22 J·min) during swimming compared with cycling (all P < 0.05). Periods of interbreath apnea were observed while swimming (duration = 0.13-2.07 s). CONCLUSION We interpret our findings to mean that the horizontal body position and hydrostatic pressure on the chest wall requires swimmers to generate greater inspiratory pressures to sustain adequate V˙E during exercise.

IMPORTANCE: Black adolescents are at increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Although sexual health interventions aimed at decreasing these risks exist, evidence of the association between sexual health interventions and the sexual behavior of black adolescents has not been synthesized to our knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sexual health interventions and behavioral, biological, and psychological outcomes. DATA SOURCES: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic search was conducted of studies published through January 31, 2019, using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases and relevant review articles. The following key words were used: youth, adolesc* or teen*; sexual health or safe* sex or sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection or STD or STI or HIV or AIDS or pregnancy or reproductive health or condom* or contracept* or unprotected sex or abstinence; intervention or program or education or prevention or promotion or trial; latino* or latina* or latinx* or minorit* or ethnic* or hispanic or african american* or black* or race or racial or biracial. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they included a US-based sample of black adolescents, evaluated a sexual health intervention using experimental or quasi-experimental designs, included a behavioral outcome, and were published in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean differences and 95% CIs were extracted and meta-analyzed using random-effects models. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Behavioral outcomes were abstinence, condom use, and number of sex partners. Biological outcomes were pregnancy and STI contraction. Psychological outcomes were sexual health intentions, knowledge, and self-efficacy. RESULTS: Across 29 studies including 11 918 black adolescents (weighted mean age, 12.43 years), there was a significant weighted mean association of sexual health interventions with improvements in abstinence (Cohen d = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.24) and condom use (Cohen d = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11-0.39). No significant mean association of these interventions with number of sex partners, pregnancy, or STI contraction was found. Sexual health interventions were significantly associated with improvements in psychological outcomes: sexual health intentions (Cohen d = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.30), knowledge (Cohen d = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.63), and self-efficacy (Cohen d = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.28). Intervention effect sizes were consistent across factors, such as participant sex and age and intervention dose. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings suggest that sexual health interventions are associated with improvements in sexual well-being among black adolescents. There appears to be a need for wide-scale dissemination of these programs to address racial disparities in sexual health across the US.

CONTEXT: Latinx adolescents are at risk for negative sexual health outcomes, and many interventions have been developed to reduce this risk. OBJECTIVE: In this meta-analysis, we synthesized the literature on sexual health interventions for Latinx adolescents and examined intervention effects on 3 behavioral outcomes (abstinence, condom use, number of sex partners) and 3 psychological outcomes (safer sex knowledge, intentions, self-efficacy). Moderators of intervention success were explored. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of studies published through January 2019 was conducted by using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. STUDY SELECTION: All studies included a US-based sample of Latinx adolescents, evaluated sexual health intervention by using an experimental or quasiexperimental design, included a behavioral outcome, and were in English. DATA EXTRACTION: Standardized mean difference (d) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were meta-analyzed by using random-effects models. RESULTS: Effect sizes from 12 studies, sampling 4673 adolescents, were synthesized. Sexual health interventions improved abstinence (d = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28), condom use (d = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.70), number of sex partners (d = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.37 to −0.001), and sexual health knowledge (d = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.70), compared with control conditions. Effects were consistent across a number of demographic and clinical characteristics, although culturally tailored interventions produced greater change in condom use than nontailored interventions. LIMITATIONS: There was variation across studies in measures of sexual behavior, and some elements of individual study quality were unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual health interventions have a small but significant impact on improving safer sexual behavior among Latinx adolescents. Health educators should consider the importance of cultural tailoring to program success.

Exposure to sexual risk in early adolescence strongly predicts HIV infection, yet evidence for prevention in young adolescents is limited. We pooled data from two longitudinal South African surveys, with adolescents unexposed to sexual risk at baseline (n = 3662). Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between intermittent/consistent access to eight provisions and reduced sexual risk exposure. Participants were on average 12.8 years, 56% female at baseline. Between baseline and follow-up, 8.6% reported sexual risk exposure. Consistent access to caregiver supervision (OR 0.53 95%CI 0.35–0.80 p = 0.002), abuse-free homes (OR 0.55 95%CI 0.37–0.81 p = 0.002), school feeding (OR 0.55 95%CI 0.35–0.88 p = 0.012), and HIV prevention knowledge (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.21–0.88 p = 0.021) was strongly associated with preventing early sexual risk exposure. While individual factors reduced the odds of sexual risk exposure, a combination of all four resulted in a greater reduction, from 12.9% (95%CI 7.2–18.7) to 1.0% (95%CI 0.2–1.8). Consistent access to provisions in early adolescence may prevent sexual risk exposure among younger adolescents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10461-019-02735-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Parenting programs based on social learning theory have increasing empirical evidence for reducing violence against children. Trials are primarily from high-income countries and with young children. Globally, we know little about how parenting programs work to reduce violence, with no known studies in low or middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examines mechanisms of change of a non-commercialized parenting program, Parenting for Lifelong Health for Teens, designed with the World Health Organization and UNICEF. A cluster randomized trial showed main effects on parenting and other secondary outcomes. We conducted secondary analysis of trial data to investigate five potential mediators of reduced violence against children: improved parenting, adolescent behaviour, caregiver mental health, alcohol/drug avoidance, and family economic strengthening. Methods The trial was implemented in rural South Africa with 40 sites, n = 552 family dyads (including adolescents aged 10–18 and primary caregivers). Intervention sites (n = 20) received the 14-session parenting program delivered by local community members, including modules on family budgeting and savings. Control sites (n = 20) received a brief informational workshop. Emotional and physical violence against children/adolescents and each potential mediator were reported by adolescents and caregivers at baseline and 9–13 months post-randomisation. Structural equation modelling was used to test simultaneous hypothesized pathways to violence reduction. Results Improvements in four pathways mediated reduced violence against children: 1) improved parenting practices, 2) improved caregiver mental health (reduced depression), 3) increased caregiver alcohol/drug avoidance and 4) improved family economic welfare. Improved child behaviour was not a mediator, although it was associated with less violence. Conclusions Simultaneously bolstering a set of family processes can reduce violence. Supporting self-care and positive coping for caregivers may be essential in challenging contexts. In countries with minimal or no economic safety nets, linking social learning parenting programs with economic strengthening skills may bring us closer to ending violence against children.

The interval between the Cambrian ‘explosion’ and the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) is marred by biotic turmoil.Several mass extinction events have been recognized throughout the Cambrian,with multiple Furongian (late) Cambrian extinctions mostly seen within trilobite fauna of North America.These extinctions appear to correspond with episodic ocean anoxia and carbon cycle perturbations, all of which are set to the backdrop of an extensive greenhouse climate.Here we will present new chemostratigraphic and compiled biostratigraphic data from Cambrian successions of the NorthChina/Sino-Korean block(NCB). These data help identify newly recognized trilobite extinctions in upper Cambrian carbonate platform deposits of the NCB that may be correlative to North American events, demonstrating their global extent.These extinctions also correspond with marked G13Cexcursions. The cessation of these repeated extinctions coincides with global reductions in arc-volcanism and climatic cooling, implying a causal linkage between baseline climate conditions and this extensive interval of biospheric perturbations.Collectively, these data help further elucidate the harsh environmental conditions that hindered early animal evolution. Published version

Objectives\udPrevious studies of parenting programs suggest that facilitator fidelity, participant attendance and engagement often influence treatment outcomes. While the number of parenting program evaluations has been growing in low- and middle-income countries, little is known about the implementation processes and their impact on participant outcomes in these settings.\ud\udMethods\udThis study was nested within a cluster-randomised trial of a parenting program in South Africa. The paper aims to, first, describe the implementation of the intervention over 14 weeks. Second, using longitudinal multilevel analyses, the paper examines the impact of variation in observer-rated fidelity, attendance, and engagement on participant outcomes – parenting and maltreatment reported by caregivers and adolescents aged 10–18 (N = 270 pairs), 14 outcome constructs.\ud\udResults\udFidelity, attendance and participant engagement rates were similar to those reported in high-income country studies. However, the participation and implementation characteristics did not predict participant outcomes. This may be due to limited variation in dosage as home visits were comprehensively provided when participants could not attend group sessions, and fidelity was monitored by the implementers and researchers. One statistically significant predictor after the multiple testing correction was higher fidelity predicting an increase in adolescent-reported maltreatment at follow-up, possibly due to an increase in reporting (incidence rate ratio 1.33, 95% CI [1.19, 1.49], p

Background Many adolescents living with HIV remain disconnected from care, especially in high-prevalence settings. Slow progressors–adolescents infected perinatally who survive without access to lifesaving treatment–remain unidentified and disconnected from heath systems, especially in high-prevalence settings. This study examines differences in educational outcomes for ALHIV, in order to i) identify educational markers for targeting HIV testing, counselling and linkages to care, and ii) to identify essential foci of educational support for ALHIV. Methods Quantitative interviews with N = 1063 adolescents living with HIV and N = 456 HIV-free community control adolescents (10–19 year olds) included educational experiences (enrolment, fee-free school, school feeding schemes, absenteeism, achievement), physical health, cognitive difficulties, mental health challenges (depression, stigma, and trauma), missing school to attend clinic appointments, and socio-demographic characteristics. Voluntary informed consent was obtained from adolescents and caregivers (when adolescent

Parenting programs are a promising approach to improving family well-being. For families to benefit, programs need to be able to engage families actively in the interventions. Studies in high-income countries show varying results regarding whether more disadvantaged families are equally engaged in parenting interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), almost nothing is known about the patterns of participation in parent training. This paper examines group session attendance and engagement data from 270 high-risk families enrolled in the intervention arm of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in South Africa. The trial evaluated a 14-week parenting intervention aiming to improve parenting and reduce maltreatment by caregivers. The intervention was delivered in 20 groups, one per study cluster, with 8 to 16 families each. Overall, caregivers attended 50% of group sessions and children, 64%. Using linear multilevel models with Kenward-Roger correction, we examined child and caregiver baseline characteristics as predictors of their attendance and engagement in the group sessions. Variables examined as predictors included measures of economic, educational, and social and health barriers and resources, as well as family problems and sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, the study yielded no evidence that the level of stressors, such as poverty, was related to attendance and engagement. Notably, children from overcrowded households attended on average 1.2 more sessions than their peers. Our findings suggest it is possible to engage highly disadvantaged families that face multiple challenges in parenting interventions in LMICs. However, some barriers such as scheduling, and alcohol and substance use, remain relevant. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11121-018-0941-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure has not been clearly established.Between July 2002 and May 2007, a total of 1212 patients with an ejection fraction of 35% or less and coronary artery disease amenable to CABG were randomly assigned to medical therapy alone (602 patients) or medical therapy plus CABG (610 patients). The primary outcome was the rate of death from any cause. Major secondary outcomes included the rates of death from cardiovascular causes and of death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes.The primary outcome occurred in 244 patients (41%) in the medical-therapy group and 218 (36%) in the CABG group (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.04; P=0.12). A total of 201 patients (33%) in the medical-therapy group and 168 (28%) in the CABG group died from an adjudicated cardiovascular cause (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.00; P=0.05). Death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes occurred in 411 patients (68%) in the medical-therapy group and 351 (58%) in the CABG group (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.85; P

Organ transplantation has become the treatment of choice for selected patients with end-stage failure of the heart, liver or kidneys. The expanding role for organ transplantation, however, has led to a corresponding increase in the complexity of patient management. In response to these changes, University Hospital, London, Ont., has established an interdisciplinary multi-organ transplant service (MOTS). MOTS coordinates donor organ procurement and patient management. Donor organs have been retrieved from as far south as Dalton, Georgia, as far west as Calgary and as far east as Halifax. As of Dec. 31, 1985, 485 transplants had been performed, including 387 kidney transplants, 51 heart transplants, 3 heart/lung transplants, 43 liver transplants (in adults and children) and 1 pancreas transplant. With current immunosuppressive protocols MOTS projects 1-year patient survival rates of 95% after kidney transplantation, 88% after heart transplantation and 81% after liver transplantation. Patient rehabilitation has been excellent.

National audience

International audience; The GlobalSoilMap project aims to produce a digital soil map of the world. The ultimate objective of the project is to build a free downloadable database of key soil properties at multiple depths, mostly using existing soil information and environmental covariates. Maps and data will be released both on: a 3 arc sec by 3 arc sec grid with point estimates; and with 3 arc sec by 3 arc sec block estimates. The spline function and similar methods are used to transform horizon data into continuous depth functions of soil properties. Soil properties are being harmonized according to standards. The soil properties will be delivered as predictions with uncertainty at specified depths. This is the first set of specifications for any digital soil mapping project.

Contains fulltext : 241226.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, has previously been shown to extend progression-free survival versus placebo when given to patients with relapsed high-grade serous or endometrioid ovarian cancer who were platinum sensitive and who had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutation, as part of the SOLO2/ENGOT-Ov21 trial. The aim of this final analysis is to investigate the effect of olaparib on overall survival. METHODS: This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial was done across 123 medical centres in 16 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status at baseline of 0-1, had histologically confirmed, relapsed, high-grade serous or high-grade endometrioid ovarian cancer, including primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer, and had received two or more previous platinum regimens. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive olaparib tablets (300 mg in two 150 mg tablets twice daily) or matching placebo tablets using an interactive web or voice-response system. Stratification was by response to previous chemotherapy and length of platinum-free interval. Treatment assignment was masked to patients, treatment providers, and data assessors. The primary endpoint of progression-free survival has been reported previously. Overall survival was a key secondary endpoint and was analysed in all patients as randomly allocated. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one treatment dose. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01874353, and is no longer recruiting patients. FINDINGS: Between Sept 3, 2013 and Nov 21, 2014, 295 patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either olaparib (n=196 [66%]) or placebo (n=99 [34%]). One patient, randomised in error, did not receive olaparib. Median follow-up was 65·7 months (IQR 63·6-69·3) with olaparib and 64·5 months (63·4-68·7) with placebo. Median overall survival was 51·7 months (95% CI 41·5-59·1) with olaparib and 38·8 months (31·4-48·6) with placebo (hazard ratio 0·74 [95% CI 0·54-1·00]; p=0·054), unadjusted for the 38% of patients in the placebo group who received subsequent PARP inhibitor therapy. The most common grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse event was anaemia (which occurred in 41 [21%] of 195 patients in the olaparib group and two [2%] of 99 patients in the placebo group). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 50 (26%) of 195 patients receiving olaparib and eight (8%) of 99 patients receiving placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events with a fatal outcome occurred in eight (4%) of the 195 patients receiving olaparib, six of which were judged to be treatment-related (attributed to myelodysplastic syndrome [n=3] and acute myeloid leukaemia [n=3]). INTERPRETATION: Olaparib provided a median overall survival benefit of 12·9 months compared with placebo in patients with platinum-sensitive, relapsed ovarian cancer and a BRCA1/2 mutation. Although statistical significance was not reached, these findings are arguably clinically meaningful and support the use of maintenance olaparib in these patients. FUNDING: AstraZeneca and Merck.

This paper is aimed at showing the organization of the national soil information system managed by the Agriculture Research Council of Italy (Soil Information System of Italy, SISI). The available soil geodatabases for the whole of Italy are those of the soil regions (1:5,000,000), subregions (1:1,000,000), and systems (1:500,000), while the soil subsystems geodatabase (1:250,000) is available for most part of Italy.

Legacy soil inputs that are too sparse often limit the performances of Digital Soil Mapping performed in GlobalSoilMap (GSM). In this paper, we explore how the maps of predicted soil properties obtained from Visible-near infrared HyperSpectral Imagery (HSI) could be used in GSM to complement or substitute for the classical spatial sampling obtained from laboratory analysis. We demonstrated in the La Peyne catchment (southern France) that these maps could be a valuable soil input for upgrading existing soil maps, retrieving correlations with relief variables or building variograms. We then proposed a decision tree for using this new soil input in a variety of data situations that should be encountered in GSM applications. Expected progresses in hyperspectral images availability and spectral reflectance interpretation models should enhance the use of this soil input in GSM.

The effect of long-term farming on the cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon content, soil solution composition, and aggregate stability was investigated using contrasting soils from 4 sites in the Mid North of South Australia. Undisturbed and farmed profiles were characterised at each site. Farming led to a 10–50% decrease, approximately, in organic matter and CEC in the surface horizon. Scanning electron microscopic study of the surface and selected subsurface soils revealed poor aggregation, compaction, reduced porosity, and a decrease in aggregate particle size in the farmed surface soils. Intra-aggregate binding in the undisturbed soils appeared to be largely due to fungal hypha, with the roots largely contributing to inter-aggregate binding of soil particles. Electrical conductivity (EC) of soil solutions was generally 2–3 times higher in the undisturbed soils than farmed soils, suggesting increased leaching of ions associated with loss of tree cover. This was also supported by a decrease in the concentrations of mobile ions such as Cl-and Na+ in the farmed soils. The concentrations of Na+ and K+ decreased with farming leading to a decrease in the Gapon selectivity constant for Na–Ca and K–Ca exchange. The changes in soil solution composition together with the decline in organic matter concentrations resulted in increased sensitivity of soils to dispersion.