Reply to ‘Letter to the Editor‐Re: Sabouraud‐Leclerc D, Mariotte D, Bradatan E, et al. Eight Food Allergens Without Mandatory Labelling Highlighted by the French Allergy‐Vigilance Network’

Summary We propose to update the current European mandatory labelling of foods list (last version in 2011), including at least five new food allergens: buckwheat, peas‐lentil, pine nut, goat's and sheep's milk (GSM), and alpha‐Gal. GSM should be on the mandatory labelling list as a high proportion of people allergic to GSM tolerate cow's milk; therefore, the labelling ‘mammalian milk’ or ‘cow's milk’ isn't sufficient to protect them.

Elephant barrier behaviors in response to conflict mitigation fences

Abstract Human–wildlife conflict is a major conservation issue, particularly in lower income countries, where it affects marginalized people and leads to the extirpation of threatened species. Managers increasingly use fences to reduce this conflict but lack evidence on the effectiveness of these barriers, especially on whether this reduces the number of incidents or only shifts the problem elsewhere. We adapted an approach designed to measure how individual animals respond to barriers (barrier behavior analysis) to evaluate a human–wildlife conflict intervention. We used movement data from 20 GPS‐collared elephants to assess the extent to which their behavior was influenced by community‐managed beehive fences around Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. We measured the number of times elephants were stopped by the fences and compared this with the number of times elephants were stopped by a natural barrier formed by a major river. Beehive fences blocked elephant movement in 69.3% of encounters, whereas the river barrier blocked 35.9%. Human–elephant conflict levels were lower after construction of the fence, dropping from a mean of 566 crop and infrastructure damage incidents per year in 2018 and 2019 to a mean of 117.5 incidents per year in 2020 and 2021. The mean distance of crop and infrastructure damage incidents from the park boundary increased from 0.98 to 1.97 km, and the number of human injuries and deaths increased from 1 to 8. Our results showed that community‐run beehive fences can be effective barriers and reduce overall levels of human–elephant conflict in agricultural landscapes. They also showed how fencing can change the spatial pattern of conflict. This highlights the benefits of understanding how conflict mitigation methods change individual animal behavior and of measuring intervention effectiveness at a landscape scale.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: “Reaffirming Caution—The Unacceptable Vasoconstrictive Risk of CGRP ‐Related Therapies in Moyamoya Angiopathy”

Growth Autocorrelation in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus Larvae in the Northwest Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT Growth and survival rates during the early life stages are key vital parameters driving population dynamics of fish. Growth rates generally present a pattern of autocorrelation. Growth autocorrelation is stronger when faster and slower growing individuals continue to grow faster and slower. Thus, the extent of growth autocorrelation can be a tool for considering potential effects of early growth rates on subsequent growth rates in the life history of fish. In the present study, we applied a group‐level growth autocorrelation analysis to Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus ) larvae in the northwest Mediterranean (MED) and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Based on the otolith increment width data compiled mainly from published datasets, the pattern of growth autocorrelation was described for the species and compared between the MED and GOM populations. Atlantic bluefin tuna showed the highest levels of growth autocorrelation during the early life stages compared with various fish species. Their characteristics supported the general hypothesis that the species and populations with higher growth rates have stronger growth autocorrelation, extending the hypothesis to cover large pelagic piscivorous fish. Therefore, the maternal effects and the environmental variability that larvae encounter right after hatching would be even more critical in survival dynamics and useful for predicting the recruitment dynamics than previously recognized.

Beyond Climate Change: The Role of Integrated Soil Fertility Management for Sustaining Future Maize Yield in Sub‐Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT Climate change is projected to exacerbate food insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) by reducing crop yields and soil fertility. Many climate change impact studies in SSA have overlooked long‐term effects of soil fertility on crop yield. We evaluated maize yields under different scenarios of soil fertility (using soil organic carbon as a proxy) and climate change (considering changes in temperature, rainfall, and CO 2 ) at four sites in SSA. Using an ensemble of 15 calibrated soil‐crop models, we found a strong consensus that, without fertilization, soil fertility declines over time, impacting maize yields more strongly than changes in temperature, rainfall, or CO 2 . The model ensemble indicated that when accounting for soil fertility changes, the yield benefits of combined application of organic and mineral inputs increase over time, even under climate change. These findings highlight the importance of considering long‐term change in soil fertility when assessing impacts of climate change and integrated nutrient management on crop production in SSA.

Variation in Environmental Conditions and Biodiversity Between Contrasting Intertidal Habitats Across Multiple Spatial Scales on European Rocky Shores

ABSTRACT Aim Foundation species sustain biodiversity by providing habitat, resources, and protection from environmental stress. However, their influence on environmental severity and variability and their role in shaping diversity across spatial scales remain poorly understood. We conducted a large‐scale study to assess how environmental conditions and community diversity vary between areas with and without canopy‐forming macroalgae across local to regional spatial scales. Location Latitudinal range from 28°34′N to 54°11′N, encompassing both the Northeast Atlantic and Western Mediterranean regions. Time Period 2019–2020. Major Taxa Studied Marine macroalgae and benthic invertebrates. Methods Using a standardised nested sampling design across 13 sites in two marine regions (the Northeast Atlantic and Western Mediterranean) we compared the intensity and variability of temperature and light intensity, as well as community α‐ and β‐diversity, between intertidal rocky areas with and without canopy‐forming macroalgae. Data were analysed by means of linear mixed‐effects models. Results There were regional differences in variations of environmental conditions between habitats: NE Atlantic macroalgal canopies were characterised by lower environmental extremes and variability—especially in summer—than open rock areas, whereas differences between habitats were small in the W Mediterranean. Likewise, differences in α‐ and β‐diversity between habitats were region‐specific and scale‐dependent: in the NE Atlantic, α‐diversity was higher in the presence of canopies than in open rock areas from local to regional scales, while β‐diversity decreased in canopy stands with increasing spatial scale. In the W Mediterranean, α‐diversity was higher under canopies than on open rock at the regional scale, whereas β‐diversity was higher under canopies at small to intermediate scales. Main Conclusions Our results support the view that key environmental conditions and biodiversity on intertidal rocky shores differ between areas characterised by the presence or absence of canopy‐forming macroalgae acting as foundation species, across a hierarchy of spatial scales.

Reply to Satapathy et al.'s comment on “Dual cross‐sectional and longitudinal perspective on the continuum of HIV care to disentangle natural epidemic evolution from real progress, Belgium 2014–2022”

Zirconia Preformed Paediatric Crown Versus Stainless Steel Crown in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Split‐Mouth Trial

ABSTRACT Objectives This split‐mouth multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of zirconia crowns (ZCs) and stainless steel crowns (SSCs) on primary molars. Secondary objectives were to compare the study groups in terms of retention and preferences of both parents and children. Methods In 105 children, 210 teeth were randomized to receive either ZC or SSC. The primary outcome success rate was defined by the absence of major failure, such as signs of irreversible pulpitis or infectious complications, over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Secondary outcomes included retention rate and participant preference. Data were analyzed with Poisson regression, paired t ‐tests, and ANCOVA, with the significance level set at 5%. Results Success rates were comparable between the ZC and SSC groups (Rate Ratio [RR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.96–1.01, p  = 0.350). Retention rate was lower for ZCs compared to SSCs (RR = 0.95, 95% CI:0.92–0.98, p  = 0.001). Approximately two‐thirds of parents preferred ZCs, while children did not show a clear preference for either type of crown. Conclusions The success rate between ZC and SSC was similar over 2 years, but ZC showed lower retention. Unlike children, parents tended to prefer ZC.

Stroke Coordinators' Perspectives on Sustaining Use of Fever, Sugar (Hyperglycaemia) and Swallow ( FeSS ) Protocols. Process Evaluation Using a Sustainability Framework

ABSTRACT Aim To: (i) examine Stroke Coordinators' perspectives of factors influencing sustained adherence to evidence‐based protocols to manage Fever, Sugar (hyperglycaemia) and Swallow (FeSS) and (ii) compare findings between hospitals with consistently high FeSS Protocol adherence versus those with consistently low or variable adherence. Design Qualitative descriptive process evaluation using in‐depth, individual semi‐structured interviews. Methods Hospitals that participated in ≥ 3 national stroke audit cycles were ranked by mean adherence to FeSS Protocols and stratified by consistently high, low and variable adherence. Three hospitals from each adherence strata were purposefully selected after further stratification by (i) previous participation in a FeSS Intervention study; and (ii) location (state, remoteness). Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken, with themes mapped to factors from the framework to compare findings by adherence level and contextualise the findings in relation to sustainability. Results Analysis of 14 interviews identified two themes [and sub‐themes]: (1) Stroke Coordinator as sustainability champions and boundary spanners [maintenance of implementation strategies; fostering working relationships, communication and influence] mapped to Workforce factors, organisational and Innovation‐specific factors; and (2) Hospital executive and middle management respect of stroke specialty [designated area for stroke care; recognition of stroke specialist nursing skills; previous FeSS Intervention study participation] mapped to Workforce and Political factors. Key differences by adherence groupings related to the Stroke Coordinator model, workplace configuration, and the impact of interdepartmental relationships and competing organisational directives. Conclusion The Stroke Coordinator role was pivotal for sustained use of evidence‐based FeSS Protocols for acute stroke care, driving multidisciplinary collaboration. Impact/Implications Internationally, many patients do not receive evidence‐based acute stroke care. Despite the proven benefits of the FeSS Protocols, consistent implementation remains a challenge. This study recognises the critical importance of a dedicated Stroke Coordinator for all acute stroke hospitals. Their advocacy for the use of evidence‐based interventions is key to improving stroke outcomes. No Patient or Public Involvement This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting as it focused solely on the professional experiences of stroke care providers. Trial Registration ACTRN 12623000445673. Registered 1 May 2023

Genetic Parameter Estimation for Plasma Biomarkers Associated With Energy Reserves During Critical Physiological Stages in Sheep

ABSTRACT The ability of ruminants to mobilise and restore body reserves (BR) over time, referred to as BR dynamics, is currently considered an interesting biological component to be included in breeding programs targeting enhanced BR resilience. However, genetic studies of proxies for BR levels and BRD remain scarce, particularly in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for key plasma biomarker concentrations in sheep at critical physiological stages (PhySt i.e., mating; mid‐pregnancy, before‐lambing, after‐lambing, and weaning), and their changes over time. Non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin (INS) were monitored at those PhySt in successive production cycles. A total of 659 productive Romane ewes were phenotyped for one ( n  = 252, multiparous) or two ( n  = 407, primiparous and multiparous) cycles. BR mobilisation was observed from the second half of pregnancy and during suckling while BR accretion was more evident from weaning until the next mid‐pregnancy. Considering biomarkers concentrations as repeated measurements through the whole production cycle, heritability estimates were 0.07, 0.09, 0.15, and 0.10 for NEFA, BHB, T3, and INS, respectively. Heritability estimates for plasma biomarkers at key PhySt ranged from 0.08 to 0.16 for NEFA, 0.07 to 0.12 for BHB, 0.09 to 0.18 for T3, and 0.04 to 0.15 for INS. Heritability estimates for biomarker changes over time ranged from 0.01 to 0.23. Genetic correlation estimates between different PhySt were positive for each plasma biomarker and ranged from 0.19 to 0.87 for NEFA, from 0.50 to 0.89 for BHB, from 0.54 to 0.95 for T3 and from 0.34 to 0.90 for INS. Most genetic correlation estimates between biomarkers at a given PhySt were generally low to moderate ( r g = −0.52 to 0.59), with few showing strong negative or positive values beyond 0.60 in magnitude. Considering changes over time, correlations were similarly low to moderate (r g = −0.59 to 0.53), with only a few estimates reaching high values (r g = −0.60 to −0.97 and 0.67 to 0.97). This study demonstrates that blood biomarkers related to energy BR have genetic variation, indicating their potential for implementation in sheep breeding programs aimed at improving BR use and build‐up.