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Abstract Background Mixed forests are better than monoculture forests in biodiversity, stand structure and productivity stability. However, a more comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem functions of monoculture and mixed plantations is lacking. We compared the single functions and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) in Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix olgensis mixed plantations with monoculture plantations in Northeast China and discussed the influences of biodiversity and environmental factors on EMF. Results The mixed plantations had higher biodiversity and ecological functions. Biodiversity was significantly higher in mixed plantations (such as CWMMH, Shrub.Shannon, Shrub.Richness, Herb.Shannon, Herb.Richness), but environmental factors differed less among the three forest types, and belowground diversity differed significantly only in the Bacterial.Shannon and Fungal.Shannon. Mixed plantations showed significant differences in single ecological functions relative to monoculture plantations, with more pronounced differences between mixed plantations and Larix olgensis monoculture plantations. Weighted ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly higher in mixed plantations than in monoculture plantations. EMF was mainly driven by tree diversity, environmental factors, shrub and herb species diversity, and soil microbial alpha diversity, which explained 25.35%, 8.94%, 8.83%, and 7.65% of the variation, respectively. Conclusions The establishment of mixed plantations can increase the biodiversity of forest stands and improve the ecosystem functions. These results highlight the advantages of multi-species plantations and the necessity of planting them. They are important for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of plantations.

The contamination of arable land with heavy metals, such as Cd, is a serious concern worldwide. Intercropping with Cd accumulators can be used for efficient safe crop production and phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. However, the effect of intercropping on Cd uptake by main crops and accumulators varies among plant combinations. Rhizosphere interaction may mediate Cd uptake by intercropped plants, but the mechanism is unclear. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of rhizosphere interaction on Cd uptake by intercropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) with mugwort (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.) in Cd-contaminated paddy soil. We grew O. sativa and A. argyi in pots designed to allow different levels of interaction: complete root interaction (no barrier), partial root interaction (nylon mesh barrier), and no root interaction (plastic film barrier). Our results indicated that both complete and partial root interaction increased the shoot and root mass of A. argyi, but did not decrease the shoot, root, and grain mass of O. sativa. Interspecific root interaction significantly increased the Cd content in the shoots, roots, and grains of O. sativa and the shoots of A. argyi. Increased content of total organic acids in the rhizosphere, which increased the content of available Cd, was a possible mechanism of increased Cd uptake in both plants under interspecific root interaction. Our findings demonstrate that an intercropping system can extract more Cd from contaminated soil than a monocropping system of either A. argyi or O. sativa. However, the intercropping system did not facilitate safe crop production because it substantially increased grain Cd content in O. sativa.

Forests are invaluable natural resources that provide essential services to humanity. However, the effects of global warming on forest carbon and nitrogen cycling remain uncertain. Here we project a decrease in total nitrogen input and accumulation by 7 ± 2 and 28 ± 9 million tonnes (Tg), respectively, and an increase in reactive nitrogen losses to the environment by 9 ± 3 Tg for 2100 due to warming in a fossil-fueled society. This would compromise the global carbon sink capacity by 0.45 ± 0.14 billion tonnes annually. Furthermore, warming-induced inequality in forest carbon and nitrogen cycles could widen the economic gap between the Global South and Global North. High-income countries are estimated to gain US$179 billion in benefits from forest assets under warming, while other regions could face net damages of US$31 billion. Implementing climate-smart forest management, such as comprehensive restoration and optimizing tree species composition, is imperative in the face of future climate change. Global warming may widen the development gap between the Global South and North by increasing inequalities in forest carbon and nitrogen cycling. High-income countries are expected to benefit from forest assets, while others face net losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial malignant tumor in children. Its main treatment modality is a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Given the advances in chemotherapy regimens and the widespread use of bone marrow transplantation over the decades, there has been improvement in treatment efficacy, which has led to prolonged patient survival. Accordingly, long-term complications have become a growing concern among physicians and patients. This study aimed to analyze the survival rate of patients with neuroblastoma and the risk factors for developing second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). Methods The SEER 18 Regs (1973–2015) and SEER 9 Regs (1973–2015) data of the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database of the US National Cancer Institute were adopted for survival and SMN analysis. Results The 5-, 10-, and 20-year overall survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma were 67%, 65%, and 62%, respectively. Among 38 patients with neuroblastoma who presented with SMNs, those with abdomen as the primary site accounted for the majority (63.2%), followed by those with thorax (26.3%) and other sites (10.5%). SMNs occurred more commonly in non-specific neuroblastoma (incidence: 0.87%) than ganglioneuroblastoma (incidence: 0.3%). Compared with the general population, the risk of SMN is significantly higher (SIR = 4.36). The risk of developing SMNs was significantly higher in the digestive system (SIR = 7.29), bones and joints (SIR = 12.91), urinary system (SIR = 23.48), brain and other nervous systems (SIR = 5.70), and endocrine system (SIR = 5.84). Multivariate analysis revealed that the year of diagnosis (OR = 2.138, 95% CI = 1.634–2.797, p

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment on the biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on the surface of high-transparency zirconia. Two types of zirconia, 3Y-ZTP and 4Y-PSZ, were subjected to a CAP treatment for various treatment durations. Analyses of the physical and chemical properties of 3Y-ZTP and 4Y-PSZ were conducted using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, both before and after CAP treatment. The biological responses of HGFs on both surfaces were assessed using CCK-8 assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and real-time PCR. Initially, the oxygen and hydroxyl contents on the surface of 4Y-PSZ exceeded those on 3Y-ZTP. CAP treatment enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content of 4Y-PSZ, while not altering the surface morphology. After CAP treatment, HGFs' adhesion on 4Y-PSZ was superior, with more pronounced effects compared to 3Y-ZTP. Notably, HGFs counts and the expression of adhesion-related genes on 4Y-PSZ peaked following the CAP exposures for 30 s and 60 s. Consequently, this study demonstrates that, following identical CAP treatments, 4Y-PSZ is more effective in promoting HGFs adhesion compared to traditional 3Y-ZTP zirconia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is increasingly adopted for critically ill patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury, but the optimal time for initiation remains unclear and prognosis is uncertain, leading to medical complexity, ethical conflicts, and decision dilemmas in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. This study aimed to develop a decision aid (DA) for the family surrogate of critically ill patients to support their engagement in shared decision-making process with clinicians. Development of DA employed a systematic process with user-centered design (UCD) principle, which included: (i) competitive analysis: searched, screened, and assessed the existing DAs to gather insights for design strategies, developmental techniques, and functionalities; (ii) user needs assessment: interviewed family surrogates in our hospital to explore target user group's decision-making experience and identify their unmet needs; (iii) evidence syntheses: integrate latest clinical evidence and pertinent information to inform the content development of DA. The competitive analysis included 16 relevant DAs, from which we derived valuable insights using existing resources. User decision needs were explored among a cohort of 15 family surrogates, revealing four thematic issues in decision-making, including stuck into dilemmas, sense of uncertainty, limited capacity, and delayed decision confirmation. A total of 27 articles were included for evidence syntheses. Relevant decision-making knowledge on disease and treatment, as delineated in the literature sourced from decision support system or clinical guidelines, were formatted as the foundational knowledge base. Twenty-one items of evidence were extracted and integrated into the content panels of benefits and risks of RRT, possible outcomes, and reasons to choose. The DA was drafted into a web-based phototype using the elements of UCD. This platform could guide users in their preparation of decision-making through a sequential four-step process: identifying treatment options, weighing the benefits and risks, clarifying personal preferences and values, and formulating a schedule for formal shared decision-making with clinicians. We developed a rapid prototype of DA tailored for family surrogate decision makers of critically ill patients in need of RRT in ICU setting. Future studies are needed to evaluate its usability, feasibility, and clinical effects of this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy. Surgical resection is the standard treatment for localized ACC, but the local recurrence remains high. Adjuvant radiation (ART) has been proposed as a means to reduce recurrence rates in ACC after surgery with conflicting results from nonrandomized studies. We performed a retrospective study and a meta-analysis to determine the impact of ART on survival outcomes. Methods A retrospective study of the adrenocortical cancer database in Peking Union Medical College was conducted. We selected postoperative ACC patients with or without ART. A meta-analysis is also performed to compare the outcomes between ART and only surgical resection in ACC patients. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and Stata 15.0 statistical software. Differences between two groups were compared using the log-rank test for retrospective analysis and estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for meta-analysis. Results Of a total of 75 patients available in the database, 12 patients underwent postoperative ART and were matched one to one to patients with only surgical resection. There was no significant difference on overall survival between ART group and control group (log-rank P = 0.149). Locoregional recurrence was diagnosed in 2 of the ART group, and in 4 of the control group (P = 0.64). A total of 238 participants were selected for the meta-analysis, of which 111 and 127 patients underwent ART after surgical resection and only surgical resection, respectively. Overall survival is significantly higher in ART group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.41 (95% CI of 1.33, 4.38; P = 0.004). Besides, meta-analysis significantly favored ART for locoregional recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival, with an OR of 4.08 and 2.27, respectively. Conclusions Our results show that compared to only surgical resection, ART is an effective postoperative treatment for ACC.