Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN HETEROZYGOSITY AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN THE BLUE TIT (CYANISTES CAERULEUS): AN ANALYSIS OF INBREEDING AND SINGLE LOCUS EFFECTS

To understand the mechanisms behind heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFC), it is necessary to employ large numbers of markers with known function and independently estimate the variation in inbreeding in the population. Here we genotyped 794 blue tits with 79 microsatellites that were distributed across 25 chromosomes and that were classified either as “functional” (N= 58) or “neutral” (N= 21). We found a positive effect of individual heterozygosity at multiple loci on clutch size, on the number of eggs sired by males, and on the number of recruits produced by males and females. We documented the occurrence of some consanguineous matings and found evidence for a particular type of population structure that can contribute to the occurrence of inbreeding. As the set of “neutral” loci provided more power to detect HFC and identity disequilibrium, we argue that “neutral” markers are better predictors of the effects of inbreeding. The number of significant effects at single loci did not exceed the expected number of false positives and no strong effects were associated with heterozygosity at “functional” markers. Thus, the HFC found here cannot be attributed to strong effects of the loci under study.
Evolution of cystic fibrosis lung function in the early years

Purpose of review Most treatment of newborn screening-diagnosed cystic fibrosis is not evidence-based; there are very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Furthermore, the advent of novel molecular therapies, which could be started at diagnosis, mandates performing RCTs in very young children. However, unless the natural history of early cystic fibrosis lung disease is known, RCTs are impossible. Here, we review the results of two large prospective cohorts of these infants – London Cystic Fibrosis Collaboration (LCFC) (London, UK) and Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis (AREST-CF) (Australia). Recent findings Nutritional status remained excellent in both the cohorts. Both cohorts reported abnormal lung function aged at 3 months. AREST-CF, which previously reported rapidly declining preschool lung function, now report good conventional school-age spirometry. LCFC reported improvement between 3 months and 1 year, and stability in the second year. AREST-CF also reported a high prevalence of high resolution computed tomographic abnormalities related to free neutrophil elastase in bronchoalveolar lavage; LCFC reported high resolution computed tomographic changes at 1 year, which were too mild to be scored reproducibly. Summary At least in the first 2 years of life, lung function is not a good end-point for RCTs; routine bronchoalveolar lavage and HRCT cannot be justified. Newborn screening has greatly improved outcomes, but we need better point-of-care biomarkers.
CASP-19 special section: how does chronic disease status affect CASP quality of life at older ages? Examining the WHO ICF disability domains as mediators of this relationship

Objectives: The effect of chronic disease status on quality of life (QoL) has been well established. However, less is known about how chronic diseases affect QoL. This article examines impairment in three domains of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) – body function, activity and participation, as well as affective well-being, – as potential mediators of the relationship between chronic disease and QoL. Method: A cross-sectional sample (n = 4961) of the general Irish community-dwelling population aged 50+ years was obtained from the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA). The CASP measure of QoL was examined as two dimensions – control/autonomy and self-realisation/pleasure. Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of chronic disease on QoL, via variables capturing body function, activity, participation and positive affect. Results: A factor analysis showed that indicators of body function and activity loaded onto a single overall physical impairment factor. This physical impairment factor fully mediated the effect of chronic disease on positive affect and QoL. The total effect of chronic disease on control/autonomy (−0.160) was primarily composed of an indirect effect via physical impairment (−0.86), and via physical impairment and positive affect (−0.45). The decomposition of effects on self-realisation/pleasure was similar, although the direct effect of physical impairment was weaker. The model fitted the data well (RMSEA = 0.02, TLI = 0.96, CFI = 0.96). Conclusion: Chronic disease affects QoL through increased deficits in physical body function and activity. This overall physical impairment affects QoL both directly and indirectly via reduced positive affect.
MALE‐MEDIATED EFFECTS ON FEMALE MEIOTIC RECOMBINATION

Recombination rates vary owing to an individual's genetic composition and/or its environmental condition. Yet, the effects of mating partner on recombination rates have not been considered. Here, I document a previously undescribed, male‐mediated effect on female recombination rates. After crossing females to males from different genetic backgrounds, I observed a significant difference in proportion of recombinant offspring based on the genetic background of the father (P= 0.0292; df = 3; F= 3.07). Genetic variation in male ability to affect recombination rate in their mates suggests the potential for sexual conflict on optimal proportion of recombinant offspring, perhaps leading to changes in population‐level recombination rates with varying levels of sexual selection.
Savoring, resilience, and psychological well-being in older adults

Objectives: Guided by Fredrickson's broaden and build theory of positive emotions and Zautra's dynamic model of affect, the current study examines the relation between savoring positive experiences (i.e., the ability to notice and regulate positive feelings) and psychological well-being for older adults with higher and lower levels of resilience. Method: A sample of 164 (74% female) older adults living in a large metropolitan area participated in this study. Participants were recruited from a continuing care retirement community and community centers in the surrounding area. Participants completed a survey measuring savoring, resilience, happiness, depression, and satisfaction with life. Results: In older adults, greater ability to savor positive experiences and higher resilience both predicted greater happiness, lower depression, and greater satisfaction with life (i.e., greater psychological well-being). Savoring is associated with positive outcomes for people with higher and lower levels of resilience. However, the relationship between savoring and psychological well-being is stronger for people with lower resilience. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the development of positive psychological interventions to enhance resilience and well-being in older adults. From a practical standpoint, adaptable interventions to enhance savoring and boost positive emotions in older adults may improve well-being and resilience to life's stressors.
CONVERGENCE, RECURRENCE AND DIVERSIFICATION OF COMPLEX SPERM TRAITS IN DIVING BEETLES (DYTISCIDAE)

Sperm display remarkable morphological diversity among even closely related species, a pattern that is widely attributed to postcopulatory sexual selection. Surprisingly few studies have used phylogenetic analyses to discern the details of evolutionary diversification in ornaments and armaments subject to sexual selection, and the origins of novel sperm traits and their subsequent modification are particularly poorly understood. Here we investigate sperm evolution in diving beetles (Dytiscidae), revealing dramatic diversification in flagellum length, head shape, presence of sperm heteromorphism, and the presence/type of sperm conjugation, an unusual trait where two or more sperm unite for motility or transport. Sperm conjugation was found to be the ancestral condition in diving beetles, with subsequent diversification into three forms, each exhibiting varying degrees of evolutionary loss, convergence, and recurrence. Sperm head shape, but not length or heteromorphism, was found to evolve in a significantly correlated manner with conjugation, consistent with the different mechanisms of head alignment and binding required for the different forms of conjugation. Our study reveals that sperm morphological evolution is channeled along particular evolutionary pathways (i.e., conjugate form), yet subject to considerable diversification within those pathways through modification in sperm length, head shape, and heteromorphism.
THE EVOLUTION OF TRADE‐OFFS UNDER DIRECTIONAL AND CORRELATIONAL SELECTION

Using quantitative genetic theory, we develop predictions for the evolution of trade‐offs in response to directional and correlational selection. We predict that directional selection favoring an increase in one trait in a trade‐off will result in change in the intercept but not the slope of the trade‐off function, with the mean value of the selected trait increasing and that of the correlated trait decreasing. Natural selection will generally favor an increase in some combination of trait values, which can be represented as directional selection on an index value. Such selection induces both directional and correlational selection on the component traits. Theory predicts that selection on an index value will also change the intercept but not the slope of the trade‐off function but because of correlational selection, the direction of change in component traits may be in the same or opposite directions. We test these predictions using artificial selection on the well‐established trade‐off between fecundity and flight capability in the cricket, Gryllus firmus and compare the empirical results with a priori predictions made using genetic parameters from a separate half‐sibling experiment. Our results support the predictions and illustrate the complexity of trade‐off evolution when component traits are subject to both directional and correlational selection.
Investigating the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS) among community-residing older adults

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS) among community-residing older adults. Method: We recruited 173 voluntary participants, 65 years and older, into a 2+ year longitudinal study of the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. We assessed the internal consistency of the GSIS and its four component subscales, and its shorter and longer duration test–retest reliability, convergent (depression, social hopelessness, and loneliness), divergent (psychological well-being, life satisfaction, perceived social support, and self-rated health), discriminant (basic and instrumental activities of daily living and social desirability), criterion (history of suicide behavior), and predictive validity (future suicide ideation). Results: The GSIS demonstrated strong test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Baseline GSIS scores were significantly positively associated with suicide risk factors, negatively associated with potential resiliency factors, and not associated with functional impairment or social desirability. GSIS scores significantly differentiated between participants with as compared to those without a history of suicide behavior. Baseline GSIS scores significantly predicted suicide ideation at a 2+ year follow-up assessment. Conclusion: Findings suggest strong measurement characteristics for the GSIS with community-residing older adults, including impressive consistency over time. These results are consistent with research attesting to the empirical and pragmatic strengths of this measure. These findings have implications for the monitoring of suicide risk when aiming to enhance mental health and well-being and prevent suicide in later life.
Frontline: GITR, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is costimulatory to mouse T lymphocyte subpopulations

GITR (glucocorticoid‐induced TNFR family related gene) is a member of the TNFR superfamily (TNFRSF) that is expressed in different cell types, including T lymphocytes. Because of a high homology in its cytoplasmic region with other known costimulatory members of the TNFRSF, we investigated whether GITR played a costimulatory role in T lymphocyte subpopulations. Our results show that the proliferation response of CD8+ and CD4+ peripheral T cell subpopulations was potentiated when a GITR costimulus was added to an anti‐CD3 stimulus. Furthermore, expression of the main activation‐induced receptor (IL‐2Rα) and production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ were increased more with a GITR costimulus than with anti‐CD3 alone. GITR stimulation also enhanced anti‐CD3‐induced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that GITR is involved in MAPK‐pathway activation. Interestingly, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg cell) proliferation was triggered by the GITR costimulus; Treg cell proliferation was paralleled by the loss of the anergic phenotype and suppressor activity. Nevertheless, unstimulated GITR–/– CD4+CD25+ and GITR+/+ CD4+CD25+ cells were equally able to exert suppressor activity on CD4+CD25– responder cells. These results indicate a novel function for GITR as costimulatory molecule of T cell subsets.
A systematic review of physical illness, functional disability, and suicidal behaviour among older adults

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of studies that examined associations between physical illness/functional disability and suicidal behaviour (including ideation, nonfatal and fatal suicidal behaviour) among individuals aged 65 and older. Method: Articles published through November 2014 were identified through electronic searches using the ERIC, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Search terms used were suicid* or death wishes or deliberate self-harm. Studies about suicidal behaviour in individuals aged 65 and older with physical illness/functional disabilities were included in the review. Results: Sixty-five articles (across 61 independent samples) met inclusion criteria. Results from 59 quantitative studies conducted in four continents suggest that suicidal behaviour is associated with functional disability and numerous specific conditions including malignant diseases, neurological disorders, pain, COPD, liver disease, male genital disorders, and arthritis/arthrosis. Six qualitative studies from three continents contextualized these findings, providing insights into the subjective experiences of suicidal individuals. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed. Conclusion: Functional disability, as well as a number of specific physical illnesses, was shown to be associated with suicidal behaviour in older adults. We need to learn more about what at-risk, physically ill patients want, and need, to inform prevention efforts for older adults.
IL‐10 suppressor activity and ex vivo Tr1 cell function are impaired in multiple sclerosis

T regulatory cells type 1 (Tr1 cells) are excellent candidates for cell therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of our study was to assess the functional state of Tr1 cells and IL‐10R signaling in patients with MS. Tr1 cells were induced in vitro by activation with anti‐CD46 antibodies in controls and patients with MS. Cells were phenotyped by cytometry and suppression assays, and the expression of cytokines and transcription factors was evaluated by real‐time PCR, ELISA, cytometry and Western blotting. We found that the activity of Tr1 cells and IL‐10R signaling is impaired in MS patients since Tr1 cells isolated from MS patients produced less IL‐10 than those obtained from controls. Indeed, the supernatants from Tr1 cells from controls did not suppress the proliferation of stimulated CD4+ cells from patients with MS. Furthermore, the IL‐10R signaling pathway was not fully active in CD4+ cells from MS patients and these cells had higher baseline levels of SOCS3 transcripts than controls. Indeed, after in vitro IL‐10 stimulation, the expression levels of the STAT1, STAT3 and IL‐10RA genes were higher in MS patients than in controls. Moreover, Stat‐3 phosphorylation was lower in controls than in patients after IL‐10 stimulation. These results indicate that IL‐10 regulatory function is impaired in patients with MS.
Rehospitalization risk factors for psychiatric treatment among elderly Medicaid beneficiaries following hospitalization for a physical health condition

Objectives: Hospitalizations for physical health problems can cause great mental health challenges. We examined risk factors and expenditures for early readmission for inpatient psychiatric treatment following a hospitalization for a non-psychiatric condition. Method: We used eight years of Florida Medicaid enrollment and claims data for (FY 2003–2011) as well as data obtained from the Florida Center for Health Information and Policy Analysis, Inpatient Hospital Database, to identify episodes of hospitalization for all Medicaid-enrolled older adults. There were a total of 781,660 index hospitalizations for non-behavioral health-related hospitalizations, 2690 (0.3%) of which resulted in a behavioral health-related rehospitalization within 30 days after discharge. We estimated the relative risk of early rehospitalization using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Participants (n = 276,254) were 76.8 ± 8.3 years old; 68.4% female and 43.5% White. As expected, we found that having a preexisting behavioral health disorder (including severe mental illness, substance use disorder, or dementia) greatly increased the risk of readmission. We also found that male gender increased the risk of early readmission. Older age, being Black and having one or more comorbid medical conditions as identified by the Charlson Index were associated with substantially reduced risk. Conclusion: Identifying hospitalized patients with psychiatric conditions, as well as those who are relatively young within this age group, male, White rather than Black or of other race, alcohol abusers, and those without comorbid conditions, and providing them with care to address their behavioral needs may help in efforts to reduce early rehospitalizations for psychiatric conditions.
RECURRENT EVOLUTION OF DIOECY IN BRYOPHYTES

The origin and maintenance of separate sexes (dioecy) is an enduring evolutionary puzzle. Although both hermaphroditism and dioecy occur in many diverse clades, we know little about the long‐term evolutionary consequences of changing sexual system. Here we find evidence for at least 133 transitions between sexual systems in mosses, representing an almost unparalleled lability in the evolution of their sexual systems. Furthermore, in contrast to predictions, the transition rate from hermaphroditism to dioecy was approximately twice as high as the reverse transition. Our results also suggest that hermaphrodites may have higher rates of diversification than dioecious mosses. These results illustrate the utility of mosses for understanding the genomic and macroevolutionary consequences of hermaphroditism and dioecy.
On the Reliability of Quantitative Volumetric and Structural Neuroimaging

Summary Quantitative neuroimaging techniques have become emerging technologies within clinical practice. In this paper, we survey a few clinical applications where quantification methods have received increasing attention, namely in the area of brain atrophy, lesion load computation and quantification of diffusion processes. We focus on the reliability and reproducibility of such methods and will use the example of quantitative diffusion tensor imaging to discuss methodological details. There, we show possible avenues for evaluating correctness and reliability. On the one hand, we show results from our novel hardware phantom experiments, where axonal fibres are emulated by synthetic industry fibres. On the other hand, we present a new framework for constructing software phantoms which can be used to evaluate, for example, the impact of partial volume effects in case of axonal loss as to be found in multiple sclerosis. Advantages and disadvantages as well as pitfalls of quantification and evaluation techniques are illustrated throughout the paper.
Utilização da submucosa de intestino delgado porcino como retalho para aumento da capacidade vesical em cães

Objetivo: Avaliar a biocompatibilidade de um enxerto xenogenico de SID como meio de ampliacao da capacidade vesical. Metodos: Oito caes mesticos foram submetidos a laparotomia e abertura da bexiga por incisao mediana de 3cm em sua face ventral. Para aumento da capacidade vesical, bem como sua reconstituicao, foi interposto um segmento de submucosa porcina, fixando-o a parede vesical. No 30°dia de pos-operatorio os animais foram sacrificados e procedeu-se a analise macroscopica. As pecas foram entao encaminhadas para fixacao, coloracao e analise microscopica. Resultados: Nao se observou seroma, hematoma, abscesso, fistula, deiscencia, aderencias, litiase e a nao incorporacao do enxerto. Microscopicamente observou-se em todos os casos uma proliferacao do urotelio que recobriu toda a superficie do enxerto, alem da presenca de fibras musculares lisas no local do implante. Verificou-se proliferacao conjuntiva, principalmente as custas de colageno imaturo do tipo III e reacao inflamatoria cronica em todos os animais. A proliferacao vascular foi acentuada e a reabsorcao da membrana foram tambem observadas. Conclusao: Asubmucosa de intestino delgado porcino participou como um substrato para a regeneracao da bexiga e pode ser uma futura alternativa na reconstrucao do trato urinario.
Seasonal variability of venous thromboembolism

Purpose of review Seasonal variations in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, mainly characterized by a winter peak, have been consistently reported. Some evidence now also exists on potential seasonal variations in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Of interest, seasonal variability in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and fatal and nonfatal pulmonary embolism appears to differ; however, the results of available studies are not unequivocal. This review will briefly summarize current evidence in this area. Recent findings Recent studies indicate a seasonal variability in the incidence of VTE, with a pattern that is independent of sex, age, type of event, or underlying risk factors. Usually, these studies found a higher VTE incidence during the winter months and a lower incidence in the summer months. The exact mechanism of this variability is not completely understood, but it may be at least in part explained by changes in coagulation factor levels. Summary Confirmation of these findings and a better understanding of underlying mechanisms could help physicians to identify patients or periods with increased risk of VTE in order to further improve current prophylactic strategies.
Translation and validation of the Hebrew version of the SHALOM Spiritual questionnaire

ABSTRACT Introduction: The SHALOM questionnaire is based on a multidimensional perception of spirituality. This study examines the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Hebrew version of Fisher's SHALOM questionnaire. Methods: The study included 341 participants. Tools included the SHALOM questionnaire and measures for evaluation of well-being. The factorial structure of the SHALOM was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Concurrent validity was also tested. Results: EFA supported the four-dimensional structure of the questionnaire. Internal consistency of the four dimensions ranges from adequate to excellent (0.72 < α < 0.96). Concurrent validity was supported by the positive associations between SHALOM and indices of life satisfaction, will to live, and participant's health perception and by negative association with depressive symptoms and fear of dying. Conclusion: These findings suggest that responses to the Hebrew version of the SHALOM questionnaire are valid and reliable, and can be used as an efficient tool for evaluation of spiritual well-being.