Contrasting responses to aridity by different-sized decomposers cause similar decomposition rates across a precipitation gradient.

Litter decomposition is expected to be positively associated with precipitation despite evidence that decomposers of varying sizes have different moisture dependencies. We hypothesized that higher tolerance of macro-decomposers to aridity may counterbalance the effect of smaller decomposers, leading to similar decomposition rates across climatic gradients. We tested this hypothesis by placing plant litter baskets of different mesh sizes in seven sites along a sharp precipitation gradient, and by characterizing the macro-decomposer assemblages using pitfall trapping.

Climate dependence of the macrofaunal effect on litter decomposition-A global meta-regression analysis.

Litter decomposition by microorganisms and animals is influenced by climate and has been found to be higher in warm and wet than in cold and dry biomes. We, however, hypothesized that the macrofaunal effect on decomposition should increase with temperature and aridity since larger animals are more tolerant to aridity than smaller organisms. This hypothesis was supported by our global analysis of macrofauna exclusion studies.

Prognostic implications of ultra-short heart rate variability indices in hospitalized patients with infective endocarditis.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease that poses a serious health risk. It is important to identify high-risk patients early in the course of their treatment. In the current study, we evaluated the prognostic value of ultra-short heart-rate variability (HRV), an index of vagal nerve activity, in IE.

Arthropods as the Engine of Nutrient Cycling in Arid Ecosystems.

Nutrient dynamics in most terrestrial ecosystems are regulated by moisture-dependent processes. In drylands, nutrient dynamics are often weakly associated with annual precipitation, suggesting that other factors are involved. In recent years, the majority of research on this topic focused on abiotic factors.

Endovascular Infection with Kingella kingae Complicated by Septic Arthritis in Immunocompromised Adult Patient.

We report a case of Kingella kingae endovascular infection in an immunocompromised elderly patient in Israel who had culture-negative septic arthritis. This case highlights potential sources of metastatic infection other than infective endocarditis, and emphasizes the need for molecular diagnostic methods in detection of pathogens in culture-negative septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients.