Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variance for behavioural ‘predictability’ of stress response

Genetic factors underpinning phenotypic variation are required if natural selection is to result in adaptive evolution. However, evolutionary and behavioural ecologists typically focus on variation among individuals in their average trait values and seek to characterize genetic contributions to this. As a result, less attention has been paid to if and how genes could contribute towards within‐individual variance or trait ‘predictability’. In fact, phenotypic ‘predictability’ can vary among individuals, and emerging evidence from livestock genetics suggests this can be due to genetic factors. Here, we test this empirically using repeated measures of a behavioural stress response trait in a pedigreed population of wild‐type guppies. We ask (a) whether individuals differ in behavioural predictability and (b) whether this variation is heritable and so evolvable under selection. Using statistical methodology from the field of quantitative genetics, we find support for both hypotheses and also show evidence of a genetic correlation structure between the behavioural trait mean and individual predictability. We show that investigating sources of variability in trait predictability is statistically tractable and can yield useful biological interpretation. We conclude that, if widespread, genetic variance for ‘predictability’ will have major implications for the evolutionary causes and consequences of phenotypic variation.
Characterization of the extensor digitorum communis tendon using high-frequency ultrasound shear wave elastography.

PURPOSE Hand tendon injuries caused by various accidents are common in emergency departments. The assessment of tendon properties is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of therapy or rehabilitation during recovery after hand injuries. Many recent studies have indicated that the shear wave velocity (SWV) of tendons is related to their stiffness. However, measurement of SWV of hand tendon is still a challenge because the small size of tendon and the limitation of existing ultrasound systems for detecting fast SWV. METHODS We propose a high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) elastography system using an external vibrator to measure the SWV of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon. First, animal studies were performed by measuring the SWV and stress of porcine tendons using the proposed HFUS elastography and materials testing systems, respectively. In the human experiment, SWVs were measured during hand extension and flexion. The applied stress from a finger during the movements was recorded synchronously by using a load cell. RESULTS The experimental results reveal that a favorable linear correction (R2 of 0.96) was obtained between tendon SWV and stress in animal studies. In the human (hand) EDC tendon experiments, the SWV increased with the extension and flexion of the hand. The SWV of the EDC tendon was in the range of 20 to 135 m/s as the applied force from the finger of a healthy human increased to 50% maximal voluntary contraction. CONCLUSIONS All the experimental results show that the proposed HFUS elastography system can be used to characterize the EDC tendon and has potential use for evaluating tendon stiffness during recovery after hand injures.
The need for longitudinal clinical reasoning teaching and assessment: Results of an international survey

Abstract Background: Clinical reasoning is a key ability essential for practising health professionals. However, little is known about the current global adoption of clinical reasoning teaching and assessment. Purpose: We aimed to provide insights into how clinical reasoning is deliberately taught and assessed in curricula worldwide and to identify needs and perceived barriers for teaching clinical reasoning to students and educators. Methods: A questionnaire was devised by an international expert group and distributed in a large international medical education community. Data were collected in 2018 and analysed using descriptive statistics. We identified themes in free-text responses using content analysis. Results: Three hundred and thirteen responses from 76 countries were collected. Most respondents were from Europe (34%). While the presence of a longitudinal clinical reasoning curriculum was only reported by 28%, 85% stated that such a curriculum was needed. The lack of awareness of the need to explicitly teach clinical reasoning was the most commonly identified barrier. For assessment, the greatest need identified was for more workplace-based assessment. Conclusions: Global respondents indicate the need to implement explicit longitudinal clinical reasoning curricula. Our findings suggest that efforts should be put into improving faculty development, including evidence-based materials on how to teach and assess clinical reasoning.
Volitional eye movement control and ADHD traits: a twin study

Background Top‐down volitional command of eye movements may serve as a candidate endophenotype of ADHD, an important function underlying goal‐directed action in everyday life. In this twin study, we examined the relation between performance on a response inhibition eye‐tracking paradigm and parent‐rated ADHD traits in a population‐based twin sample. We hypothesized that altered eye movement control is associated with the severity of ADHD traits and that this association is attributable to genetic factors. Methods A total of 640 twins (320 pairs, 50% monozygotic) aged 9–14 years) from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) participated. Twins performed the antisaccade task indexing inhibitory alterations as either direction errors (following exogenous cues rather than instructions) or premature anticipatory eye movements (failure to wait for cues). We calculated the associations of eye movement control and ADHD traits using linear regression mixed‐effects models and genetic and environmental influences with multivariate twin models. Results Premature anticipatory eye movements were positively associated with inattentive traits (β = .17; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.31), while controlling for hyperactive behaviors and other covariates. Both premature anticipatory eye movements and inattention were heritable (h 2 = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.56; h 2 = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.65; respectively), and their genetic correlation was small but statistically significant (r = .19, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.36). However, the genetic correlation did not remain significant after adjusting for covariates (age, sex, hyperactivity traits, IQ). No link was found between direction errors and ADHD traits. Conclusions This study indicates that there is a specific, genetically influenced, relation between top‐down eye movement control and the inattentive traits typical of ADHD.
Designing mate choice experiments

The important role that mate choice plays in the lives of animals is matched by the large and active research field dedicated to studying it. Researchers work on a wide range of species and behaviours, and so the experimental approaches used to measure animal mate choice are highly variable. Importantly, these differences are often not purely cosmetic; they can strongly influence the measurement of choice, for example by varying the behaviour of animals during tests, the aspects of choice actually measured, and statistical power. Consideration of these effects are important when comparing results among studies using different types of test, or when using laboratory results to predict animal behaviour in natural populations. However, these effects have been underappreciated by the mate choice literature to date. I focus on five key experimental considerations that may influence choice: (i) should mating be allowed to occur, or should a proxy behavioural measure of preference be used instead? (ii) Should subjects be given a choice of options? (iii) Should each subject be tested more than once, either with the same or different stimuli? (iv) When given a choice, how many options should the subject choose between? (v) What form should the experimental stimuli take? I discuss the practical advantages and disadvantages of common experimental approaches, and how they may influence the measurement of mate choice in systematic ways. Different approaches often influence the ability of animals to perceive and compare stimuli presented during tests, or the perceived costs and benefits of being choosy. Given that variation in the design of mate choice experiments is likely unavoidable, I emphasise that there is no single ‘correct’ approach to measuring choice across species, although ecological relevance is crucial if the aim is to understand how choice acts in natural populations. I also highlight the need for quantitative estimates of the sizes of potentially important effects, without which we cannot make informed design decisions.
Effects of bone-specific physical activity on body composition, bone mineral density, and health-related physical fitness in middle-aged women

[Purpose] The study aimed to determine the effects of bone-specific physical activity on body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and health-related physical fitness in middle-aged women. [Methods] One hundred eighty-six middle-aged women aged 31-49 years participated in this study. The subjects were divided into tertile groups according to the level of physical activity (low-score group, n=62; middle-score group, n=62; high-score group, n=62). Bone-specific physical activity participation was assessed using the bone-specific physical activity questionnaire. Body composition and BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Health-related physical fitness test included isometric muscle strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (sit-ups), flexibility (sit and reach), and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]). [Results] The high-score group had a significantly higher fat-free mass (p=.045, partial eta-squared value [ηp2]=.033) than the middle- and low-score groups, whereas the high-score group had significantly lower percent body fat (p=.005, ηp2=.056) than the other two groups. Whole-body BMD (p=.034, ηp2=.036) and lumbar BMD (p=.003, ηp2=.060) were significantly higher in the high-score group than in the low-score group. The high-score group performed significantly better for grip strength (p=.0001, ηp2=.101), sit-ups (p=.0001, ηp2=.108), and VO2max (p=.0001, ηp2=.092) than the other two groups. [Conclusion] The present study suggests that bone-specific physical activity could be useful in improving body composition, BMD, and health-related physical fitness in middle-aged women, significantly enhancing their BMD and health conditions.
General Guidelines for Sample Preparation Strategies in HR-µMAS NMR-based Metabolomics of Microscopic Specimens

The study of the metabolome within tissues, organisms, cells or biofluids can be carried out by several bioanalytical techniques. Among them, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the principal spectroscopic methods. This is due to a sample rotation technique, high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS), which targets the analysis of heterogeneous specimens with a bulk sample mass from 5 to 10 mg. Recently, a new approach, high-resolution micro-magic angle spinning (HR-μMAS), has been introduced. It opens, for the first time, the possibility of investigating microscopic specimens (<500 μg) with NMR spectroscopy, strengthening the concept of homogeneous sampling in a heterogeneous specimen. As in all bioanalytical approaches, a clean and reliable sample preparation strategy is a significant component in designing metabolomics (or -omics, in general) studies. The sample preparation for HR-μMAS is consequentially complicated by the μg-scale specimen and has yet to be addressed. This report details the strategies for three specimen types: biofluids, fluid matrices and tissues. It also provides the basis for designing future μMAS NMR studies of microscopic specimens.
Expansion of the Distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae): New Records in Northern Argentina and Their Implications From an Epidemiological Perspective

Abstract Since the last yellow fever (YF) outbreak was detected in Argentina in 2009, vector surveillance and studies of arbovirus infections are carried out intermittently specifically in areas where nonhuman primates of the Alouatta genus are present. We report in these areas of Corrientes province the detection of Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Dyar and Shannon) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Sabethes albiprivus (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae), both species involved in the forest YF cycle, and also the presence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in new areas in Argentina, which represents the southernmost citation for this species in South America. Aedes albopictus, a mosquito species native to Asia, was reported for the first time in Argentina in 1998, in Misiones province. Since then, no other report has indicated the extension of the distribution of this mosquito. This report shows the importance of performing continual entomological and arboviruses surveillance and highlights the impact that could result from the expansion of Ae. albopictus across Argentina.
Pain in older survivors of hematologic malignancies after blood or marrow transplantation: A BMTSS report

Blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) is increasingly offered to older adults with hematologic malignancies; however, their risk for severe pain is poorly understood. Using the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study, the current study investigated the prevalence and predictors of pain after BMT (allogeneic or autologous) as well as its association with physical performance impairments and frailty.
Pediatric Endoscopic Hidradenitis Treatment: A New Minimally Invasive Treatment for Pediatric Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is infrequent in the pediatric population. When indicated, surgery is often invasive, painful, and with significant recurrence rate. We aimed to report our preliminary experience using a new endoscopic technique to treat this pathology. Materials and Methods: We reported the data of 11 patients (9 girls and 2 boys) with average age of 15.7 years (range 14-17) with HS, who were operated using endoscopic procedure for a 15-month period. Six patients presented axillary, inguinal, and inframammary localizations, 3 patients presented axillary and inguinal localizations, and 2 patients presented only inguinal localization. Pediatric endoscopic hidradenitis treatment (PEHT) followed the same principles of pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT). The fistuloscope was introduced into the different holes, and after using an endobrush, all tracts were cauterized using monopolar electrode or laser energy, and finally the granulation tissues were removed using graspers. At the end of the procedure, all the holes were filled with oxygen-enriched oil-based gel and covered with fat gauze. Results: The average operative time was 47 minutes (range 30-80). All procedures were performed in a day surgery setting or with an overnight hospitalization. All patients reported no pain postoperatively and performed a local dressing with silver sulfadiazine spray and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel two times per day for 1 month postoperatively. At the longest follow-up of 1 year, the lesions were completely healed in all cases. Two patients (18%) developed further lesions in different untreated localizations that were successfully treated using PEHT. Conclusions: PEHT is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe treatment option for pediatric patients with HS. All patients reported a painless postoperative period and excellent results. Postoperative local dressings using oxygen-enriched oil-based gel and silver sulfadiazine spray are fundamental to achieve the complete healing. However, a further evidence with larger series and longer follow-up is required to confirm these preliminary results.
Electroacupuncture versus manual acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Objective: We aimed to explore the feasibility of evaluating the comparative effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) relative to manual acupuncture (MA) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Beijing from September 2017 to January 2018. A total of 60 participants with KOA were randomly allocated to either EA (n = 30) or MA (n = 30) groups. Participants in the EA group were treated with EA at six to seven local traditional acupuncture points or ah shi points, and two to three distal points. Participants in the MA group had the same schedule as the EA group except that the electrical apparatus featured a working power indicator without actual current output, constituting a sham EA procedure, in order to blind participants. Both groups received 24 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcome was response rate, defined as a change of ⩾50% from baseline in the total scores of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain, stiffness, function, quality of life, and acupuncture-related adverse events (AEs) at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: Of 60 participants randomized, 53 (88%) completed the study. Response rates were 43% for the EA group and 30% for the MA group by the intention-to-treat analysis. Although significant differences were observed in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores within both groups, between-group differences at 8 weeks did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio = 1.75 (95% confidence interval = 0.593–5.162)). Rates of AEs were low and similarly distributed between groups. Conclusion: Both EA and MA interventions in KOA were feasible and appeared safe. Whether or not EA may have a stronger impact on pain and function requires further evaluation through larger, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials. Trial registration number: NCT03274713.
Identifying mechanisms of genetic differentiation among populations in vagile species: historical factors dominate genetic differentiation in seabirds

Elucidating the factors underlying the origin and maintenance of genetic variation among populations is crucial for our understanding of their ecology and evolution, and also to help identify conservation priorities. While intrinsic movement has been hypothesized as the major determinant of population genetic structuring in abundant vagile species, growing evidence indicates that vagility does not always predict genetic differentiation. However, identifying the determinants of genetic structuring can be challenging, and these are largely unknown for most vagile species. Although, in principle, levels of gene flow can be inferred from neutral allele frequency divergence among populations, underlying assumptions may be unrealistic. Moreover, molecular studies have suggested that contemporary gene flow has often not overridden historical influences on population genetic structure, which indicates potential inadequacies of any interpretations that fail to consider the influence of history in shaping that structure. This exhaustive review of the theoretical and empirical literature investigates the determinants of population genetic differentiation using seabirds as a model system for vagile taxa. Seabirds provide a tractable group within which to identify the determinants of genetic differentiation, given their widespread distribution in marine habitats and an abundance of ecological and genetic studies conducted on this group. Herein we evaluate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in 73 seabird species. Lack of mutation–drift equilibrium observed in 19% of species coincided with lower estimates of genetic differentiation, suggesting that dynamic demographic histories can often lead to erroneous interpretations of contemporary gene flow, even in vagile species. Presence of land across the species sampling range, or sampling of breeding colonies representing ice‐free Pleistocene refuge zones, appear to be associated with genetic differentiation in Tropical and Southern Temperate species, respectively, indicating that long‐term barriers and persistence of populations are important for their genetic structuring. Conversely, biotic factors commonly considered to influence population genetic structure, such as spatial segregation during foraging, were inconsistently associated with population genetic differentiation. In light of these results, we recommend that genetic studies should consider potential historical events when identifying determinants of genetic differentiation among populations to avoid overestimating the role of contemporary factors, even for highly vagile taxa.
Complex and nonlinear climate‐driven changes in freshwater insect communities over 42 years

The ongoing biodiversity crisis becomes evident in the widely observed decline in abundance and diversity of species, profound changes in community structure, and shifts in species’ phenology. Insects are among the most affected groups, with documented decreases in abundance up to 76% in the last 25–30 years in some terrestrial ecosystems. Identifying the underlying drivers is a major obstacle as most ecosystems are affected by multiple stressors simultaneously and in situ measurements of environmental variables are often missing. In our study, we investigated a headwater stream belonging to the most common stream type in Germany located in a nature reserve with no major anthropogenic impacts except climate change. We used the most comprehensive quantitative long‐term data set on aquatic insects available, which includes weekly measurements of species‐level insect abundance, daily water temperature and stream discharge as well as measurements of additional physicochemical variables for a 42‐year period (1969–2010). Overall, water temperature increased by 1.88 °C and discharge patterns changed significantly. These changes were accompanied by an 81.6% decline in insect abundance, but an increase in richness (+8.5%), Shannon diversity (+22.7%), evenness (+22.4%), and interannual turnover (+34%). Moreover, the community's trophic structure and phenology changed: the duration of emergence increased by 15.2 days, whereas the peak of emergence moved 13.4 days earlier. Additionally, we observed short‐term fluctuations (<5 years) in almost all metrics as well as complex and nonlinear responses of the community toward climate change that would have been missed by simply using snapshot data or shorter time series. Our results indicate that climate change has already altered biotic communities severely even in protected areas, where no other interacting stressors (pollution, habitat fragmentation, etc.) are present. This is a striking example of the scientific value of comprehensive long‐term data in capturing the complex responses of communities toward climate change.