Tropical forest clearance impacts biodiversity and function, whereas logging changes structure.

The impacts of degradation and deforestation on tropical forests are poorly understood, particularly at landscape scales. We present an extensive ecosystem analysis of the impacts of logging and conversion of tropical forest to oil palm from a large-scale study in Borneo, synthesizing responses from 82 variables categorized into four ecological levels spanning a broad suite of ecosystem properties: (i) structure and environment, (ii) species traits, (iii) biodiversity, and (iv) ecosystem functions. Responses were highly heterogeneous and often complex and nonlinear.

The Impact of Tumor Stage and Histopathology on Survival Outcomes in Esophageal Cancer Patients over the Past Decade.

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, continuing to be a significant public health concern. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of staging and histopathology of EC on associated mortality. The study also aims to further investigate clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with EC between 2010 and 2017.

Microbial and mineral interactions decouple litter quality from soil organic matter formation.

Current understanding of soil carbon dynamics suggests that plant litter quality and soil mineralogy control the formation of mineral-associated soil organic carbon (SOC). Due to more efficient microbial anabolism, high-quality litter may produce more microbial residues for stabilisation on mineral surfaces. To test these fundamental concepts, we manipulate soil mineralogy using pristine minerals, characterise microbial communities and use stable isotopes to measure decomposition of low- and high-quality litter and mineral stabilisation of litter-C.

The Technique of Permanent Pericardial Catheter in Mice.

Intrapericardial delivery offers a route for heart therapies. Mouse heart size and membrane thickness pose catheterization challenges, hampering pericardium-targeted treatments. The objectives were to develop a mouse surgical technique for pericardial catheter insertion and to assess its suitability for intrapericardial delivery, including use with a myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model.

IL1RAP Blockade With a Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Cardiac Inflammation and Preserves Heart Function in Viral and Autoimmune Myocarditis.

Background: Currently, there are no therapies targeting specific pathogenic pathways in myocarditis. IL (interleukin)-1 blockade has shown promise in preclinical studies and case reports. We hypothesized that blockade of IL1RAP (IL-1 receptor accessory protein), a shared subunit of the IL-1, IL-33, and IL-36 receptors, could be more efficient than IL-1 blockade alone.