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Background: Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) frequently have feeding problems, but there has been limited research on nutrient intake, dietary patterns and diet quality in this population. Method: Nutrient intakes, dietary patterns and the Healthy Eating Index were compared between 48 children with ID and 55 typically developing (TD) children aged 3–8 years who participated in the Children's Mealtime Study. Three‐day food records that included two weekdays and one weekend day were used to assess dietary intake. Food intake was entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research for analysis of nutrient intake, dietary patterns and diet quality. Height and weight were measured to determine body mass index (BMI). The relation of dietary patterns to weight status was also assessed. Results: Typically developing children and children with ID met the Estimated Average Requirement/Adequate Intake (EAR/AI) for most nutrients. However, a substantial number of children in both groups did not meet the EAR for vitamins E and D and calcium and the AI for vitamin K. Only one TD child met the AI for potassium. A small percentage of children in both groups did not meet the EAR for vitamin A and vitamin C, and in the ID group, a small percentage did not meet the EAR for vitamin B12. Children in the ID group consumed, on average, fewer servings of vegetables than TD children (0.5 vs. 1.2, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in servings of fruit (0.8 vs. 1.1, respectively), fruit juice (less than a half serving in both groups), sugar‐sweetened beverages (less than a half serving in both groups) or snacks (1.1 vs. 1.4, respectively) after adjusting for BMI z‐score, parental education and race. We found a significant correlation between snack intake and BMI z‐score among children with ID but not among TD children (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.19, P = 0.16, respectively). The Healthy Eating Index indicated, on average, poor overall diet quality in both groups (58.2 in the ID group and 59.1 in the TD group). Conclusions: This study suggests that the diets of children with ID, as in TD children, need improvement. Targeting healthy eating in children with ID would improve diet quality and overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed record of benthic foraminifera carbon isotopes from the intermediate-depth South East Atlantic margin shows little glacial-interglacial variability between MIS-12 to MIS-10, suggesting that Northern Atlantic deepwaters consistently penetrated to at least 30° S. Millennialscale increases in either the mass or flux of northern-sourced deepwaters over the core site occurred alongside reductions in Lower North Atlantic Deep Water recorded in North Atlantic sediment cores and show that the lower and intermediate limb of the Atlantic deepwater convective cell oscillated in anti-phase during previous glacial periods. In addition, a 500 yr resolution record of the Cape Basin intermediate-deep δ13C gradient shows that a reduction in deep Southern Ocean ventilation at the end of MIS-11 was consistent with a modelled CO2 drawdown of ∼21-30 ppm. Further increases in the Southern Ocean chemical divide during the transition into MIS-10 were completed before minimum CO2 levels were reached, suggesting that other mechanisms such as alkalinity changes were responsible for the remaining ∼45 ppm drawdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed record of benthic foraminifera carbon isotopes from the South East Atlantic margin shows little glacial-interglacial variability between MIS-12 to MIS-10, suggesting that Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water (GNAIW) consistently penetrated to at least 30°S. Millennial-scale increases in either the mass or flux of GNAIW over the core site occur alongside reductions in Lower North Atlantic Deep Water recorded in North Atlantic sediment cores and show that the lower and intermediate limb of the Atlantic deepwater convective cell oscillated in anti-phase during previous glacial periods. In addition, a 500 yr resolution record of the Cape Basin intermediate-deep δ13C gradient shows that a reduction in deep Southern Ocean ventilation at the end of MIS-11 was consistent with a modelled CO2 drawdown of ~21-30 ppm. Further increases in the Southern Ocean chemical divide during the transition into MIS-10 were completed before minimum CO2 levels were reached, suggesting that other mechanisms such as alkalinity changes were responsible for the remaining ~45 ppm drawdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The time span of the past few million years has been punctuated by many rapid climate transitions, most of them on timescales of centuries to decades. The most detailed information is available for the Younger Dryas-to-Holocene stepwise change around 11 500 years ago, which seems to have occurred over a few decades. The speed of this change is probably representative of similar but less well studied climate transitions during the last few hundred thousand years. These include sudden cold events (Heinrich events/stadials), warm events (interstadials) and the beginning and ending of long warm phases, such as the Eemian interglacial. Detailed analysis of terrestrial and marine records of climate change will, however, be necessary before we can say confidently on what timescale these events occurred; they almost certainly did not take longer than a few centuries. Various mechanisms, involving changes in ocean circulation and biotic productivity, changes in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and haze particles, and changes in snow and ice cover, have been invoked to explain sudden regional and global transitions. We do not know whether such changes could occur in the near future as a result of human effects on climate. Phenomena such as the Younger Dryas and Heinrich events might only occur in a ‘glacial’ world with much larger ice sheets and more extensive sea-ice cover. A major sudden cold event, however, did probably occur under global climate conditions similar to those of the present, during the Eemian interglacial around 122 000 years ago. Less intensive, but significant rapid climate changes also occurred during the present (Holocene) interglacial, with cold and dry phases occurring on a 1500-year cycle, and with climate transitions on a decade-to-century timescale. In the past few centuries, smaller transitions (such as the ending of the Little Ice Age at about AD 1650) probably occurred over only a few decades at most. All evidence indicates that long-term climate change occurs in sudden jumps rather than incremental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This study examines the role of subjective anxiety (mathematics and spatial anxiety), along with physiological responses, in mathematics or math and mental rotation performance in 131 German primary school students (65 girls, 66 boys; Mean age = 8.73 years). (2) Method: Students' preference for math vs. German and their subjective anxiety were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Emotional reactivity was measured using the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Math performance was evaluated via percentage scored and completion times on number line estimation, word problems, and missing terms tasks. Spatial skills were assessed using a novel mental rotation task (nMRT) incorporating gender-congruent and -neutral stimuli. (3) Results: Girls outperformed boys on percentage scored on the math task but took longer to complete this. No gender differences were found in performance on the nMRT. Girls demonstrated higher math anxiety and were less likely to prefer math over German. Math anxiety predicted math scores and accuracy on the nMRT while gender predicted math performance and mental rotation response time. Subject preference was associated with longer completion times and emotional reactivity with longer response times. Girls' preference for math and lower emotional reactivity was linked to shorter completion times, while lower math anxiety predicted higher scores. In contrast, these factors did not affect boys' math performance. Additionally, subjective anxiety, emotional reactivity, or subject preference did not impact spatial performance for either gender. (4) Conclusions: Supporting mathematical self-efficacy and emotional regulation, especially in girls, is crucial for enhancing STEM outcomes in primary education. Gender-fair assessment in mental rotation reveals equitable spatial performance and reduces the impact of anxiety.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review of publications was to evaluate existing evidence on the accuracy and precision of alternative occupational noise assessment methods, with personal noise dosimetry as the reference., Design: A structured literature search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Embase in July 2021 and 2022. The Covidence software was used for importing articles, screening titles and abstracts, full-text review, and study selection. Two reviewers independently conducted the title, abstract, and full-text screening of eligible studies. The reporting of this systematic review was guided by the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The quality of selected articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies., Results: In total, 11 studies consistent with the study selection criteria were identified out of 327 articles from the initial search. The noise-measurement methods identified in the selected studies included subjective rating through a questionnaire, expert opinion, smartwatch, sound level meter, sound level meter combined with a radio-frequency identification system, smart devices, workgroup dosimetry sampling, task-based measurement (TBM), and hybrid TBM. The hybrid method (a combination of task-based, subjective rating, and trade mean measurements) was the best alternative to full-shift personal noise-dosimetry with a negligible bias of 0.1 dB, precision of 2.4 dBA, and accuracy of 2.4 dBA., Conclusion: A variety of lower-cost TBM methods had relatively high accuracy and precision levels comparable to personal dosimetry. These findings are particularly relevant for low-income countries where occupational noise measurements should be obtained with minimal work disruptions and costs. However, it should also be noted that TBMs are greatly affected by job variation, multiple tasks, or mobile tasks., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Human interaction with marine creatures holds both positive and negative dimensions. Coastal communities benefit from marine environments, relying on them for sustenance and livelihoods. Fishing activities support economies, and marine biodiversity contributes to overall ecosystem health. However, challenges like overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution pose threats to both marine life and human communities. Recently, there has been widespread concern regarding the potential increase in jellyfish populations across global marine ecosystems, attributed mainly to environmental factors such as climate drivers and anthropogenic forces, or their complex interactions. Encounters with hazardous marine species, such as box jellyfish, exemplify the dangers associated with coastal activities. Unintended interactions may lead to stings, injuries, and even fatalities, necessitating proactive measures and advanced technologies. This study addresses the inadequacies of existing measures in preventing box jellyfish incidents by introducing environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for detecting the deadly Chiropsoides buitendijki and focuses on developing qPCR and dPCR-based eDNA assays. Emphasising prevention over treatment, the study establishes a proactive system to assess C. buitendijki distribution across 63 tourist beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. Comparative analysis highlights the superior performance of dPCR over qPCR and traditional surveys. The dPCR experiment yielded positive results for all eDNA samples collected at sites where C. buitendijki had previously been identified. Remarkably, the eDNA testing also detected positive results in 16 additional sample locations where no physical specimens were collected, despite reported jellyfish stings at some of these sites. These findings underscore the precision and efficacy of the proposed eDNA detection technology in the early detection and assessment of box jellyfish distribution. This advancement therefore not only aids ecological research but also serves as a valuable tool for safeguarding public health, providing an early warning system for potential jellyfish encounters. Balancing positive human-marine interactions with effective risk mitigation strategies is crucial for sustainable coexistence, the preservation of marine ecosystems, and human well-being., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pistacia lentiscus var. chia is a valuable crop for its high-added-value mastic, a resin with proven pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical properties harvested from the male tree trunk. To achieve the maximum economic benefits from the cultivation of male mastic trees, it is important to develop early sex diagnosis molecular tools for distinguishing the sex type. Thus far, the work on sex identification has focused on Pistacia vera with promising results; however, the low transferability rates of these markers in P. lentiscus necessitates the development of species-specific sex-linked markers for P. lentiscus var. chia . To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding: (i) the development of species-specific novel transcriptome-based markers for P. lentiscus var. chia and their assessment on male, female and monoecious individuals using PCR-HRM analysis, thus, introducing a cost-effective method for sex identification with high accuracy that can be applied with minimum infrastructure, (ii) the effective sex identification in mastic tree using a combination of different sex-linked ISSR and SCAR markers with 100% accuracy, and (iii) the impact evaluation of sex type on the genetic diversity of different P. lentiscus var. chia cultivars. The results of this study are expected to provide species-specific markers for accurate sex identification that could contribute to the selection process of male mastic trees at an early stage for mass propagation systems and to facilitate future breeding efforts related to sex-linked productivity and quality of mastic resin.

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has demonstrated notable efficacy in detecting the existence of freshwater species, including those that are endangered or uncommon. This application holds significant potential for enhancing environmental monitoring and management efforts. However, the efficacy of eDNA-based detection relies on several factors. In this study, we assessed the impact of rainfall on the detection of eDNA for the Siamese bat catfish (Oreoglanis siamensis). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis indicated that samples from days with average rainfall exceeding 35 mm (classified as heavy and very heavy rain) yielded negative results. While eDNA detection remains feasible on light or moderate rainy days, a noteworthy reduction in eDNA concentration and qPCR-positive likelihood was observed. Analysis across 12 sampling sites established a statistically significant negative relationship (p < 0.001) between eDNA detection and rainfall. Specifically, for each 1 mm increase in rainfall, there was an observed drop in eDNA concentration of 0.19 copies/mL (±0.14). The findings of this study provide definitive evidence that precipitation has a significant impact on the detection of eDNA in Siamese bat catfish. However, in the case of adverse weather conditions occurring on the day of sampling, our research indicates that it is acceptable to continue with the task, as long as the rainfall is not heavy or very heavy. To enhance the effectiveness of an eDNA survey, it is crucial to consider many factors related to climatic conditions. The aforementioned factor holds significant importance not only for the specific species under scrutiny but also for the broader dynamics of the climate., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Dynamics of microbiomes through time are fundamental regarding survival and resilience of their hosts when facing environmental alterations. As for marine species with commercial applications, such as marine sponges, assessing the temporal change of prokaryotic communities allows us to better consider the adaptation of sponges to aquaculture designs. The present study aims to investigate the factors shaping the microbiome of the sponge Dactylospongia metachromia, in a context of aquaculture development in French Polynesia, Rangiroa, Tuamotu archipelago. A temporal approach targeting explants collected during farming trials revealed a relative high stability of the prokaryotic diversity, meanwhile a complementary biogeographical study confirmed a spatial specificity amongst samples at different longitudinal scales. Results from this additional spatial analysis confirmed that differences in prokaryotic communities might first be explained by environmental changes (mainly temperature and salinity), while no significant effect of the host phylogeny was observed. The core community of D. metachromia is thus characterized by a high spatiotemporal constancy, which is a good prospect for the sustainable exploitation of this species towards drug development. Indeed, a microbiome stability across locations and throughout the farming process, as evidenced by our results, should go against a negative influence of sponge translocation during in situ aquaculture., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This research was conducted on industrial agriculture in Indonesia. Risk analysis was carried out based on previous research. One source of risk was obtained, namely raw materials that did not meet specifications, which was then proposed to be mitigated by evaluating supplier performance. This activity involves a lot of data, requiring efficient and effective data storage and access. The level in the simulation layout includes analysing system needs, using problem diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, deciding subprocesses, and filtering information. The analysis is carried out by comparing the use of supply chains with Blockchain and without Blockchain, which is then obtained to determine whether there is an increase. A sequentially stored data scenario describes a situation when the transaction process is in progress and is stored sequentially according to the process that occurs. Storing data in groups explains a problem when a transaction has been completed and stored in groups with similar data, making it easier to track specific data. In this regard, a simulation will be carried out using a website, namely a blockchain demo. The design stage starts with identifying system requirements, creating use case diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, determining subprocesses, and selecting information. The simulation results obtained will be analysed to determine the feasibility of Blockchain as a means of supporting risk mitigation related to data using aspects, including security, trust, traceability, sustainability, and costs., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Garra cambodgiensis (stonelapping minnow) has experienced significant population declines, prompting intensive research and management, although its distribution in river systems such as the Mekong remains obscure. Effective conservation and management necessitate accurate monitoring and survey data on the distribution of freshwater species. Traditional surveying techniques for fish may be challenging and generate insufficient data on species distribution. This study developed an eDNA-based method for detecting G. cambodgiensis to address this void. Twenty-one locations were surveyed. Water samples were collected in triplicate from the river's surface at each site and processed within 48 h in a dedicated laboratory. Primers and probes for G. cambodgiensis were meticulously designed and species-specificity tested to ensure accurate detection without interference from co-occurring species in the same geographic range. Each water sample was analysed by qPCR using six technical replicates. The results of qPCR were reported as positive with quantifiable eDNA concentration (copies/mL), below the limit of quantification, or non-detectable. G. cambodgiensis eDNA was detected in water samples collected from 10 out of 21 sampling sites, with concentrations ranging from 8.5 to 2990.0 copies/mL. Importantly, G. cambodgiensis eDNA was consistently detected in all three replicate water samples at each site where the qPCR experiment yielded positive results. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating eDNA-based monitoring or surveys for G. cambodgiensis in the ecologically diverse Mekong River. Monitoring based on eDNA can aid in targeting and informing conservation and management of G. cambodgiensis in its natural habitat. Comprehensive and robust information on species distribution can be obtained via an eDNA-based survey, which could contribute to more efficient and informed decision-making processes in fisheries management and conservation efforts., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2024 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Food security and healthy ecosystems are placed in jeopardy by poor potassium management. Six actions may prevent declines in crop yield due to soil potassium deficiency, safeguard farmers from potash price volatility and address environmental concerns associated with potash mining., (© 2024. Springer Nature Limited.)

Objective: Plants in the Annonaceae family are known for having abundant biologically active secondary metabolites. They have been used in alternative drugs for various diseases in several countries, for instance, the bark of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook and Thomson is used for Ophthalmic inflammation and wound healing in Malaysia. Extracts from the leaves and stems of four Annonaceae plants, namely Uvaria longipes (Craib) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders, Dasymaschalon sp., Artabotrys burmanicus A.DC, and Marsypopetalum modestum (Pierre) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders were investigated for growth inhibitory activity against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum growth in vitro and for non-specific cytotoxicity against normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Antimalarial activity was assessed by invasion inhibition assay and the percentage of infected red blood cells on blood smears were determined. Cytotoxicity was tested by culturing PBMCs with the extracts, and viabilities were determined by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining., Results: A. burmanicus stem extract and M. modestum leaf extract were capable of inhibiting growth of P. falciparum when used at 200 µg/mL compared to chloroquine. The extracts at effective concentrations, did not affect the viability of PBMCs. These results support further need for characterization of active compounds from specific Annonaceae plants in order to exploit their components for potential malaria treatment., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Declaration of interests 14 of the authors (MRo, MWa, LJ, MBO'H, CO, HW, CdN, HK, PL, DS, CG, ZA, MY-G, and KRvD) were compensated for their time while drafting and developing the Lancet Countdown's report. OG was supported by the EU Horizon Grant: Climate Action To Advance Healthy Societies in Europe (Project 101057131–CATALYSE), for which there is overlap of data collection and preprocessing with the materials submitted in this report. MSp was supported by the Wellcome Trust Livestock, Environment and People (grant number 205212/Z/16/Z) and Wellcome Trust (grant number 225318/Z/22/Z). JT was supported by the Academy of Finland grants for the T-Winning (grant number 353327). CD was supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council Independent Research Fellowship (grant number NE/N01524X/1), which ended in 2021, and by the European Research Council starting grant FLORA (grant number 101039402). OJ was supported by the NHMRC Investigator Grant entitled Heat and Health: Building resilience to extreme heat in a warming world (GNT20009507), the Wellcome Trust grant Heat stress in ready-made garment factories in Bangladesh (216059/Z/19/Z), and the Resilience New South Wales grant A new heat stress scale for general public (PJ-0000850). YL was supported by funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (grant number: 80NSSC21K0507) for the wildfire population exposure and fire danger indicators. TO and IH were supported by the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Research in Energy Demand Solutions (grant number EP/R035288/1). MRo was supported by funding from IDAlert project (UK Research and Innovation project reference number 10056533). KB was supported by funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Centre on Non-communicable Diseases and Environmental Change (NIHR203247). All other authors declare no competing interests. The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this Commission, and they do not necessarily represent the views, decisions, or policies of the institutions with which they are affiliated.

Addressing the large carbon footprint of conferences such as the United Nations Climate Change Convention Conference of the Parties (COP) will be important for maintaining public confidence in climate policy. Transparency is also a vital aspect of creating equitable outcomes in climate policies, as those most likely to be affected or who can create change on the ground are often unable to attend in person because of the high financial costs as well as having a large carbon footprint. The selection of host locations for the regular meetings of the UN Climate Change Convention is based on a rotation amongst the five UN regions, which for 2022 was Africa. Here, we present a carbon footprint calculator for travel to COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, weighing the benefits of certain routes and modes of transport. The calculator demonstrates the well-known carbon efficiency of coach and rail over flights but shows that these benefits were partly diminished in the case of COP 27 due to insufficient transport links from Europe to the conference location. However, we also highlight some of the benefits of hosting a COP in the Global South, particularly in the context of climate justice. Users of the calculator are invited to consider all their options for travel and acknowledge the issue of climate justice through careful selection of carbon offsets., Competing Interests: Research ethics statementThe authors conducted the research reported in this article in accordance with UCL standards.Consent for publication statementThe authors declare that research participants’ informed consent to publication of findings – including photos, videos and any personal or identifiable information – was secured prior to publication.Conflicts of interest statementThe authors declare no conflicts of interest with this work.The authors declare no conflicts of interest with this work., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Youth with intellectual disabilities engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). An aim of this family-based weight-loss behavioral intervention (FBBI) trial was to increase and sustain PA in these youth. Accelerometry data were available from 21 individuals with intellectual disabilities, age 14-22 years. Each completed the 6-month FBBI, after which 10 completed a 6-month maintenance intervention (FBBI-M), and 11 received no further intervention (FBBI-C). Twenty participated in a further 6-month follow-up. Accelerometry data were analyzed using linear mixed models. During FBBI, mean (SE) moderate to vigorous PA increased by 4.1 (2.5) min/day and light PA by 24.2 (13.5) min/day. Mean (SE) difference in moderate to vigorous PA between participants in FBBI-M and FBBI-C at 18 months was 14.0 (5.1) min/day (p = .005); mean (SE) difference in light PA was 47.4 (27.4) min/day (p = .08). Increasing PA through behavioral intervention is possible in youth with intellectual disabilities.

Morphologically, species of fanged frogs (Limnonectes) are exceedingly similar, making it difficult to distinguish them within the complex. In Thailand, it has been difficult to distinguish between the sympatric species L. bannaensis and L. taylori, particularly among tadpoles, adolescents, and adult females. A precise identification contributes to a greater understanding of biodiversity, particularly for assessing distributions and population dynamics. Therefore, a novel approach is required. The objective of this study was to develop a high resolution melting analysis (HRM) for the rapid and accurate identification of six species of Limnonectes of the L. kuhlii complex found in Thailand, particularly the two sympatric fanged frogs. Here, HRM assays using 16S rRNA mitochondrial primers were designed and developed. There was as much as a 25.3% variation in the nucleotide sequence of the fragment amplified by HRM16S primers among the six species of Limnonectes. Prior to conducting an in vitro HRM, the DNA sequences were used in a simulation HRM, uMELT Quartz, to predict the melting curve for each species of Limnonectes. There were discrepancies between the predicted melting curves of each species generated by the programme. Consequently, in vitro HRM tests were conducted. The obtained melting curve and T m values were consistent with those predicted, albeit with a slightly different T m value and a more distinct melting curve. All evaluated species of Limnonectes could be easily distinguished from one another by comparing the melting curve shapes. The HRM assay was then used to confirm the species of 18 Limnonectes samples in comparison to the reference samples (confidence interval > 90%). In addition, the results of HRM were consistent with those of experts who used morphological analysis to identify species. The HRM was found to be useful, and therefore the method would also contribute to future ecological and systematic studies on the target species., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Climate justice is not just a financial transaction to protect the environment. It needs to be seen as the protection of the most vulnerable in society after centuries of resource exploitation. African countries disproportionately face impacts of climate change on their environments, their economies, their resources and their infrastructure. This leads to greater vulnerability and increased exposure to the negative effects of a changing climate. In this article, we highlight the importance of climate justice and its role within the United Nations negotiations, and ultimately in concrete action. We discuss current climate impacts across key sectors in the African region, with a focus on health, infrastructure, food and water scarcity, energy and finance. All sectors are affected by climate change. They are interconnected and under threat. This triggers a ripple effect, where threats in one sector have a knock-on effect on other sectors. We find that the current set of intergovernmental institutions have failed to adequately address climate justice. We also contend that a siloed approach to climate action has proven to be ineffective. As we head towards the next set of negotiations (COP27), this paper argues that the economic and social conditions in Africa can be addressed through financial and collaborative support for adaptation and localised solutions, but that this will only be achieved if climate justice is prioritised by the decision makers. This needs to include a global-scale transition in how climate finance is assessed and accessed. Climate justice underpins real, effective and sustainable solutions for climate action in Africa., Competing Interests: Research ethics statementNot applicable to this article.Consent for publication statementThe authors declare that research participants’ informed consent to publication of findings – including photos, videos and any personal or identifiable information – was secured prior to publication.Conflicts of interest statementThe authors declare no conflicts of interest with this work.The authors declare no conflicts of interest with this work., (© 2023 The Authors.)

The practise of restocking and stock improvement as a means of managing fisheries and aquaculture has been widely used. However, it is difficult to claim that fish stocking is effective due to a number of challenges. One of those is the lack of suitable monitoring and assessment methods, although all assessment approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. If the full benefits of fisheries and their long-term sustainability are to be realised, it is necessary to examine the effectiveness of restocking and stock enhancement. Therefore, effective, rapid, and dependable monitoring techniques are necessary. In this study, we used an eDNA-based method to identify G. cambodgiensis at 14 sites throughout Thailand's restocking and stock enhancement programme. eDNA from this species was identified in water samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests with primers and a probe specific to G. cambodgiensis. A successful stocking would show positive eDNA results in water samples collected from the studied sites. Only five of the studied sites returned positive eDNA readings, which could be considered a successful stocking. The locations that contained G. cambodgiensis eDNA were either confirmed to be natural habitats or were regularly stocked with a large number of hatchery fish. In this study, we demonstrated that eDNA is a reliable, fast and accurate alternative method for measuring stock improvement., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

COVID-19, a global health concern, has an effect on all aspects of the economy. The aquaculture and fishing industries were severely harmed as a result of the closures in multiple nations. Regular systems for inventory monitoring, production, and supply were disrupted. Cancellation of programmes for research, fieldwork, sampling, and tagging influences management-required data. For effective species management, fish dispersion assessments are indispensable. However, due to the difficulty of accessing sampling sites and the associated costs, there is frequently a lack of comprehensive information regarding the distribution and abundance of organisms. The COVID-19 prohibition made fish monitoring more problematic. Due to constant pressure, populations of the stone lapping minnow ( Garra cambodgiensis ), one of Thailand's overfished fish, are rapidly declining. Therefore, eDNA-based monitoring was devised and implemented to reveal the likely dispersal of the species in Thailand prior to and following the lockdown. At 28 locations within the Chao Phraya River Basin, water samples were collected. qPCR was used to determine the presence or absence of G. cambodgiensis in water samples. In 78 of 252 water samples, a wide range of computed copy numbers for G. cambodgiensis eDNA was observed. It was discovered that samples collected in 2021 (after the lockdown) contain a higher concentration of G. cambodgiensis eDNA than samples collected in 2018 or 2019 (prior to the lockdown). The closure appears to be a boon and may result in a substantial restocking of the fish we have studied. Overall, eDNA-based analysis is an extremely promising new survey instrument., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Siamese bat catfish ( Oreoglanis siamensis Smith, 1993) has been listed as an endangered species, and its abundance has been severely declining due to habitat degradation and overfishing. To establish an appropriate management strategy, it is crucial to gain information about the distribution of this endangered species. As O. siamensis live under rocks in streams, detecting their presence is difficult. Recently, environmental DNA (eDNA)-based detection has been demonstrated to be a valid tool for monitoring rare species, such as O. siamensis . Therefore, this study developed an eDNA assay targeting a 160 bp fragment of the COI region to detect the presence of this species in its natural habitat. An amount of 300 mL of water samples (0.7 μm filtered) were collected from 15 sites in the Mae Klang sub-basin, where this fish species was visually detected at two locations. O. siamensis eDNA was detected at 12 of the 15 sites sampled with varying concentrations (0.71-20.27 copies/mL), including at the sites where this species was visually detected previously. The developed O. siamensis eDNA assay was shown to be effective for detecting the presence of this endangered species in the Klang Phat and Klang Rivers within the Doi Inthanon National Park.

The destructive effects of Fusarium wilts are known to affect the production of many crops. The control of Fusarium oxysporum and other soilborne pathogens was mainly based on soil fumigation (methyl bromide), which has long been prohibited and, nowadays, is based on a limited number of available fungicides due to legislation restrictions on residue tolerances and environmental impacts. Alternatively, natural and environmentally safe compounds, such as essential oils, are being investigated for their efficacy in the control of soilborne diseases. The great fungicidal ability of the oregano essential oil components (carvacrol and thymol) has been reported to inhibit the germination and the mycelial development of several fungal species, including F. oxysporum . The aim of our study was to demonstrate how the metabarcoding approach can provide valuable information about the positive or negative impacts of two different doses of oregano essential oil on Fusarium oxysporum and other fungal species which were present in the studied soil samples through the amplification of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, which were analyzed on a MiSeq platform. A higher dose of oregano essential oil decreased the abundance of F. oxysporum , along with other fungal species, but also had negative effects on Trichoderma evansii and Mortierella chlamydospora , species with possible fungicidal properties. Soil properties, essential oil properties, the fungal composition, and interactions between fungal species should be considered as factors influencing the effectiveness of essential oils as biological control agents for soilborne pathogens.

Competing Interests: Declaration of interests CD was supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NE/R010811/1) and the UK Natural Environment Research Council Independent Research Fellowship (NE/N01524X/1) and contributes to the Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems project supported by the Wellcome Trust (205200/Z/16/Z). MD was supported by the Wellcome Trust's Complex Urban Systems for Sustainability and Health (CUSSH) project (209387/Z/17/Z). YL was supported by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration Applied Sciences Program (80NSSC21K0507). RL was supported by a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship. MSo was supported by Horizon 2020 project EXHAUSTION (820655) and Academy of Finland HEATCOST (334798). SHG and JKWL were supported by Singapore's National Research Foundation, Singapore's Prime Minister's Office, under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise programme. IH was supported by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Research in Energy Demand Solutions (EP/R035288/1) and UKRI APEx (NE/T001887/1). JM was supported by the German Ministry for Education and Research (01LA1826A and 03SFK5J0). ML was supported by the Sloan Foundation. All other authors declare no competing interests.

Leguminous crops play a key role in food production and agroecosystem sustainability. However, climate change and agricultural intensification have a significant impact on the available arable land, soil microbiome functions, and ultimately, crop productivity. The "Prespa bean" ( Phaseolous coccineous L.) is an important leguminous crop for the agricultural economy of the rural areas surrounding the lake, Mikri Prespa, which is of significant ecological importance. The seasonal effects on soil microbiome structure, diversity and functions associated with the runner bean cultivation were investigated using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The results indicated that the presence of the runner bean differentially shaped the soil microbial community structure. The runner bean was implicated in the recruitment of specific bacteria, by favouring or excluding specific classes or even phyla. Soil functions involved in nutrient availability and carbon metabolism, among other pathways, were associated with microbiome-plant interactions. The temporal relative abundance shifts could be explained by the impact of soil organic matter, the fertilization regime, and the equilibrium in carbon metabolic processes. This research has shown the effect of runner bean cultivation on the soil microbiome which, in future, may potentially contribute to research into sustainable agricultural productivity and the protection of soil ecosystem services.

Reprogramming of somatic cells into induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) is a major leap towards personalised approaches to disease modelling and cell-replacement therapies. However, we still lack the ability to fully control the epigenetic status of iPSCs, which is a major hurdle for their downstream applications. Epigenetic fidelity can be tracked by genomic imprinting, a phenomenon dependent on DNA methylation, which is frequently perturbed in iPSCs by yet unknown reasons. To try to understand the causes underlying these defects, we conducted a thorough imprinting analysis using IMPLICON, a high-throughput method measuring DNA methylation levels, in multiple female and male murine iPSC lines generated under different experimental conditions. Our results show that imprinting defects are remarkably common in iPSCs, but their nature depends on the sex of donor cells and their response to culture conditions. Imprints in female iPSCs resist the initial genome-wide DNA demethylation wave during reprogramming, but ultimately cells accumulate hypomethylation defects irrespective of culture medium formulations. In contrast, imprinting defects on male iPSCs depends on the experimental conditions and arise during reprogramming, being mitigated by the addition of vitamin C (VitC). Our findings are fundamental to further optimise reprogramming strategies and generate iPSCs with a stable epigenome., (© 2022. The Author(s).)