bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between HLA-B*51 subtypes, clinical manifestations and severity of Behçet’s syndrome: a large Italian cohort study
Authors: Leccese Pietro , Padula Maria Carmela , Santospirito Eustachio Vincenzo , Colucci Rosa , Lascaro Nancy , Padula Angela Anna , D’Angelo Salvatore
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disorder of unclear aetiology. The predominant BS susceptibility locus was identified within HLA-B*51. HLA-B*51 subtypes were previously studied as disease susceptibility markers. Few data are now available about the relationship between B*51 subtypes and clinical phenotype. The aim of this study was to genotype HLA-B*51 subtypes in a series of Italian BS patients and to test the association with clinical manifestations and disease severity (Krause’s index).

Methods

HLA-B*51 subtype genotyping for 63 alleles (B*51:01–B*51:63) was performed by PCR after DNA extraction from whole blood of BS patients. The correlation of disease clinical manifestations and severity (Krause’s index) with the HLA-B*51 allele and its subtypes was analysed.

Results

We enrolled 241 (140 male and 101 female) BS patients, and HLA-B*51 frequency was 62.7% (151 of 241). One hundred and eight of the HLA-B*51-positive patients carried the B*51:01 subtype (108 of 151, 71.5%), 39 of 151 (25.8%) the B*51:08 subtype, 2 of 151 (1.3%) the B*51:02 subtype, 1 of 151 (0.7%) the B*51:05 subtype, and 1 of 151 (0.7%) the B*51:07 subtype. We found that ocular involvement was statistically associated with HLA-B*51 positivity and with B*51:01 and B*51:08 subtypes (P < 0.05). We also found that disease severity was higher in HLA-B*51-positive patients than in negative patients, but without statistical significance (median Krause’s index 5.1 vs 4.1, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Here, we confirm a high frequency of the HLA-B*51 allele in our group of BS patients. B*51:01 and B*51:08 were found to be the most common subtypes, and an association of both subtypes with ocular involvement was also underlined.
Experimental and analytical methods for thermal infrared spectroscopy of complex dust coatings in a simulated asteroid environment
Authors: Tinker C R , Glotch T D , Breitenfeld L B , Ryan A , Li L
Published: October 2023

Airless bodies in the Solar system are commonly dominated by complex regolith mixtures consisting of coarse and fine particulates. These materials often manifest as coatings with the potential to modify or obscure the spectral signatures of underlying substrates. This can make accurate spectral analysis of surface materials challenging, especially for thermal infrared (TIR) techniques of which the spectral properties concurrently depend on grain size and albedo. Further complexity is presented when these coatings occur as discontinuous patterns in which some substrate is exposed and some is masked. Discontinuous patterns are distinguished by scale as having macroscopic or microscopic discontinuity, with the former being patches of homogeneous dust covering portions of the substrate and the latter being randomly distributed individual particles on the substrate. Investigations of asteroid (101955) Bennu’s surface by NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer have revealed contradictions between spectral and thermophysical results that are hypothesized to indicate the presence of thin and/or laterally discontinuous dust coatings. To address this, we constructed an environment chamber that enables the controlled deposition of size-regulated dust particles in coatings with varying continuity and thickness. TIR spectra of coated substrates acquired in a simulated asteroid environment are used to investigate the extent to which dust coatings of different thicknesses and arrangements contribute to orbital spectral signatures of airless body surfaces.
Evolution of the STIP literature: discovering the growing role of innovation governance concepts
Authors: Ghazinoory Sepehr , Ranjbar Alireza , Saheb Tahereh Sonia
Published: October 2023

The evolution of science, technology, and innovation Policy (STIP) studies has been marked by the emergence and decline of various intellectual streams regarding the innovation process and the role of government. These streams are known as STIP generations or paradigms and have undergone changes in perspective on innovation across different historical periods. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of how the themes explored in STIP studies have evolved over different STIP generations. To this end, a dataset of the most cited research documents from 1975 to 2022 was studied using a mix of bibliometric and thematic analyses. The result reveals that the STIP literature has undergone three distinct but interrelated dimensions of evolution: the nature and process of innovation have shifted from a simple linear process to an interactive and complex one; the innovation agenda has expanded to include economic, social, and environmental goals; and perspectives on the governance of innovation have shifted from a centralized mode to a participatory and reflexive one. The conceptual framework developed in this research compares STIP generations in terms of the aforementioned three dimensions and shows that recent intellectual generations have a broader perspective than early generations across all three dimensions.
Diversity and biogeography of scale worms in the subfamily Lepidonotopodinae (Annelida: Polynoidae) from Indian Ocean hydrothermal vents with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Han Yuru , Zhou Yadong , Chen Chong , Wang Yueyun
Published: October 2023

Lepidonotopodinae is a subfamily of Polynoidae endemic to deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the world. Nevertheless, their species composition and phylogeny have only been systematically studied in hydrothermal vents of the Eastern and Western Pacific. Here, we morphologically and genetically examined worms in Lepidonotopodinae from vents across three Indian Ocean ridges, revealing two new Branchinotogluma species (B. jiaolongae sp. nov. and B. kaireiensis sp. nov.) and two new Levensteiniella species (L. pettiboneae sp. nov. and L. longqiensis sp. nov.). Primary morphological characters distinguishing them from other congeners include the number and arrangement of both pharyngeal papillae and ventral papillae. The reconstructed molecular phylogeny of Lepidonotopodinae supports a monophyletic Levensteiniella, with the two new Indian Ocean species recovered as sisters. As revealed in previous studies, a paraphyletic Branchinotogluma was also found, with the three Indian Ocean species separated into distinct clades with sister-relationships to species from the Mid-Atlantic, Alarcon Rise, and Manus Basin, respectively. This indicates three separate historical invasions to Indian Ocean vents. Our findings increase the number of Indian Ocean Lepidonotopodinae worms to seven, now the most diverse annelid group there, and help to elucidate the biodiversity, distribution, and biogeography of this subfamily in the Indian Ocean.
Optimizing Integrated Pest Management in Mesotunnels for Organic Acorn Squash in New York
Authors: Pethybridge Sarah J. , Damann Kellie , Murphy Sean , Diggins Kaitlin , Gleason Mark L.
Published: October 2023

Organic production of cucurbits in New York is challenged by a complex of biotic stresses, including insect pests, diseases, and weeds. The recent emergence of cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD), caused by the bacterium Serratia marcescens and spread by squash bugs ( Anasa tristis), in New York is of urgent concern due to the lack of synthetic insecticide alternatives and effective complementary organic management practices. Cucurbit productivity is also related to effective weed management in the furrow (inter-row space between the raised beds) to prevent resource competition for plant growth and ease of harvesting. Field trials were conducted in organic acorn squash (cultivar Table Ace) during 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of exclusion netting in a mesotunnel on pest populations, disease incidence, and weed management techniques in the furrow. Treatments were landscape fabric in the furrow with or without a mesotunnel and a mesotunnel with either a ryegrass/white clover or ryegrass cover crop in the furrow. Mesotunnels significantly reduced squash bug populations and CYVD but did not affect the incidence of the predominant foliar diseases, powdery mildew, downy mildew, or Alternaria leaf spot. The ryegrass/white clover and ryegrass cover crops produced equivalent biomass and weed suppression in the furrow. Treatments had no significant effect on fruit number or weight, or the number of marketable fruit, but mesotunnels reduced the incidence of soft and sunburned fruit. The tradeoffs and benefits of mesotunnels and furrow management for organic acorn squash production are discussed.
48-hour Induction of Transdermal Buprenorphine to Extended-release Buprenorphine
Authors: Azar Pouya , Wong James S.H. , Mathew Nickie , Ignaszewski Martha J. , Partovi Nilufar , Krausz Reinhard M. , Ajidahun Adedayo , Thotakura Sahithi , Harris Marianne , Barrios Rolando , Montaner Julio S.G. , Maharaj Anil R.
Published: October 2023

Buprenorphine extended-release (BUP-XR) provides sustained delivery of buprenorphine to control withdrawal and craving symptoms in the form of a monthly injectable and has been shown to improve health outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder. It is recommended that patients are stabilized with a transmucosal buprenorphine product, for at least 7 days per the product monograph; however, clinically, this timeline may be expedited. We report a case of a hospitalized patient with unregulated fentanyl use who underwent a successful transdermal buprenorphine induction for 48 hours to initiate BUP-XR with minimal levels of withdrawal and without precipitating opioid withdrawal. The approach described could provide a practical, patient-centered, accelerated induction strategy that, once independently validated, could considerably facilitate the use of BUP-XR.
Evidence-based management of optic neuritis
Authors: Bergeron Emilie , Bouffard Marc A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Optic neuritis can result from several distinct causes, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD), when not idiopathic. This review discusses evidence-based treatment approaches contingent upon each specific cause of optic neuritis.

Recent findings

Current evidence highlights the need for prompt plasmapheresis as adjunct to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with NMOSD-associated optic neuritis. Recent advances have included a proliferation of novel disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for long-term management of NMOSD and an understanding of how existing therapeutic options can be leveraged to optimally treat MOGAD.

In acute idiopathic or MS-associated optic neuritis, IVMP hastens visual recovery, though it does not substantially affect final visual outcomes. IVMP and adjunctive plasmapheresis are beneficial in the treatment of NMOSD-associated optic neuritis, with a shorter time-to-treatment associated with a higher likelihood of recovery. The natural history of untreated MOGAD-associated optic neuritis is unclear but treatment with IVMP is near-universal given phenotypic similarities with NMOSD. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy is warranted in patients with NMOSD as well as in patients with MOGAD with poor visual recovery or recurrent attacks.
Epidermal cyst protruding from the occipital region of the scalp: a case report
Authors: Dahal Alok , Gupta Rakesh K. , Malla Justin J. , Koirala Diwakar , Baniya Aashish
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Epidermal cysts are the most common subcutaneous tumor typically observed on the scalp, face, neck, back, or trunk. Epidermal cysts conventionally range in size from 1 to 5 cm, with sizes greater than 5 cm rarely reported.

Case presentation:

Here, we present a case of a 58-year-old female housewife who presented to our surgery outpatient department (OPD) with a history of a mass in the left occipital region. The mass was first noticed 3 years back and was small and associated with mild itching. The mass progressively increased in size over the course of 3 years. Her present complaint was a painful mass associated with itching, headache, and pus discharge when compressed. The pain was relieved by taking medication.

Clinical discussion:

The epidermal cyst was confirmed on biopsy, and subsequent excision of the cyst was done under general anesthesia; the occipital bone was eroded by the inferior part of the cyst – reconstruction of scalp defect done by rotational scalp flap.

Conclusion:

Epidermal cysts, being a slow-growing benign tumor, can pose diagnostic difficulties, especially when located in the scalp area. In addition to that, when cranial bones and intracranial structures are affected by the cyst, they can even lead to complications and interventional difficulties.
An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the ampulla of Vater, an exceptional location: a case report
Authors: Zabeirou Aliou , Efared Boubacar , Souiki Tarek , James Didier Lassey , Majdoub Karim I. , Toughrai Imane , Chbani Laila , Mazaz Khalid
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors constitute a group of mesenchymal tumors associated with inflammatory infiltration. They occur mainly in young patients. It is classified by the World Health Organization as a borderline neoplasm. They are observed in many organs, particularly the lungs. Digestive localization is rare, and localization into the ampulla of Vater has been reported once.

Case presentation:

We report the case of a 39-year-old patient who was admitted for cholestatic jaundice with right hypochondrium pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor at the biliopancreatic junction. A cephalic duodenopancreatectomy was performed, and a histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the ampulla of Vater. The postoperative evolution was without any complications.

Clinical discussion:

This is the second case of localization of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in Vater’s ampulla. The therapeutic approach is the complete excision of these inflammatory tumors, thus reducing the risk of local recurrence. In the literature, all cases of incomplete excision have resulted in recurrences.

Conclusion:

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare. The diagnosis was based on histopathological findings and confirmed using immunohistochemical techniques.
Proximal radioulnar synostosis following Monteggia fracture-dislocation: a case report
Authors: Khadka Manoj , Pant Sakar , KC Manoj , Koirala Asmita , Bhandari Ravi , Poudel Arjun
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication of a forearm fracture that restricts pronation-supination. This study presents a case of proximal radioulnar synostosis in an adult male after Monteggia fracture-dislocation who had a loss of pronation and supination movements.

Case presentation:

Herein, we report a case of proximal radioulnar synostosis in a 43-year-old man who presented with loss of pronation and supination of the right forearm that restricted his daily activities. He had a history of Monteggia fracture-dislocation 9 months back, which was managed with open reduction and internal fixation with a dynamic compression plate. Plain radiography and computed tomography of the right forearm after 9 months of operation showed an implant in situ with proximal radioulnar synostosis. Implant removal was performed and the excess fibro-osseous connection in the proximal radius and ulna was removed.

Clinical discussion:

Forearm injuries that affect the interosseous membrane may result in radioulnar synostosis. Trauma and treatment-related factors increase the risk of radioulnar synostosis. The fibro-osseous fusion between the forearm bones restricts the pronation and supination movements.

Conclusion:

Loss of pronation-supination following forearm fracture should raise suspicion of radioulnar synostosis.
Pragmatic design and inclusion of patient–partner representatives improves participant experience in clinical research
Authors: Pogorzelski David , Wells Jeffrey L. , Marvel Debra , Palmer Jana E. , Mullins C. Daniel , Medeiros Michelle , Gallant Jodi L. , Spicer Ella , Bergin Patrick F. , Gitajn I. Leah , Mullin Devin S. , Gaski Greg E. , Hymes Robert , Bzovsky Sofia , Slobogean Gerard P. , Sprague Sheila ,   and the PREP-IT Investigators
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Patient engagement in the design and implementation of clinical trials is necessary to ensure that the research is relevant and responsive to patients. The PREP-IT trials, which include 2 pragmatic trials that evaluate different surgical preparation solutions in orthopaedic trauma patients, followed the patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) methodology throughout the design, implementation, and conduct. We conducted a substudy within the PREP-IT trials to explore participants' experiences with trial participation.

Methods:

At the final follow-up visit (12 months after their fracture), patients participating in the PREP-IT trials were invited to participate in the substudy. After providing informed consent, participants completed a questionnaire that asked about their experience and satisfaction with participating in the PREP-IT trials. Descriptive statistics are used to report the findings.

Results:

Four hundred two participants participated in the substudy. Most participants (394 [98%]) reported a positive experience, and 376 (94%) participants felt their contributions were appreciated. The primary reasons for participation were helping future patients with fracture (279 [69%]) and to contribute to science (223 [56%]). Two hundred seventeen (46%) participants indicated that their decision to participate was influenced by the minimal time commitment.

Conclusions:

Most participants reported a positive experience with participating in the PREP-IT trials. Altruism was the largest motivator for participating in this research. Approximately half of the participants indicated that the pragmatic, low-participant burden design of the trial influenced their decision to participate. Meaningful patient engagement, a pragmatic, and low-burden protocol led to high levels of participant satisfaction.
An Assessment of Presentation Slide Quality at a National Hand Surgery Meeting
Authors: Nasser Jacob S. , Wood Shannon M. , Horiuchi Sakura , Chung Kevin C.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Effective information transfer relies on the proper use of educational tools. Evaluating the quality of presentations permits us to improve educational materials in plastic surgery. The authors’ aims were to assess the quality of presentations at a national hand surgery meeting, using a checklist of presentation standards from the literature, and to identify areas of improvement.

Methods:

The study sample included presentations from the clinical papers sessions at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. A modified checklist based on the literature was used to assess the presentations. Two members of the research team extracted data from the included presentations, and disagreements were reviewed collaboratively.

Results:

A total of 96 presentations were included in this sample. The mean number of deficiencies per slide set was approximately 9. Misused graphics, ambiguous content (eg, undefined abbreviations, undefined symbols), and overdetermined slides were the most common deficiencies identified in the sample. One-way analysis of variance of presenter role found a significant difference in the mean number of deficiencies (F
2,93 = 7.36; P = 0.001) among different types of presenters, with surgeon presenters exhibiting more deficiencies than students and other health care professionals.

Conclusions:

The use of a checklist to evaluate a presentation helps cultivate more effective presentations in national meetings. A collaborative peer-review process, incorporating feedback from multiple trainees, audience members, and colleagues, facilitates effective information transfer through presentations.
Treatment approaches for severe Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections
Authors: Mojica Maria F. , Bonomo Robert A. , van Duin David
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerged opportunistic pathogen. Intrinsic multidrug resistance makes treating infections caused by S. maltophilia a great clinical challenge. Herein, we provide an update on the most recent literature on treatment options for severe S. maltophilia infections.

Recent findings

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) is recognized as the first-line therapy for S. maltophilia infections. However, its clinical use is based on good in vitro activity and favorable clinical outcomes, rather than on solid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) correlations with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and/or clinical outcomes. The same is true for other treatment options like levofloxacin (LVX) and minocycline (MIN). Recent PK/PD studies question the current clinical breakpoints for SXT, LVX, and MIN. Based on this, the latest guidance issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends using these agents only as part of a combination therapy. Alternatively, novel therapeutic options such as cefiderocol (FDC) and ceftazidime-avibactam plus aztreonam (CZA-ATM) are suggested, based on limited but promising clinical data.

PK/PD data and controlled clinical studies are needed to optimize current treatment options. Presently, combination therapy of SXT, LVX, MIN, or FDC, or monotherapy with CZA-ATM are recommended therapeutic options for severe-to-moderate S. maltophilia infections.
Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis as the First Symptom of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Li Peng , Li Yanmei , He Yueming , Yang Jianwei
Published: October 2023

Axillary lymph node metastasis in colon cancer is extremely rare. We describe the FDG PET/CT findings in a 61-year-old woman who presented with a mass in the right axilla, which revealed irregular thickening of the ascending colon wall, as well as multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the ileocecal mesentery, para-aortic region, and right axilla with higher uptake of FDG. Ascending colon carcinoma with lymph node metastasis in the right axilla was confirmed by pathological examination.
The paradox of predation studies
Authors: Vollset Knut Wiik , Dohoo Ian , Lennox Robert J.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the causal relationships that contribute to mortality in populations is a priority for epidemiology, animal husbandry and ecology. Of all the sources of mortality in nature, predation is perhaps the most important, while simultaneously being one of the most difficult to study and understand. In this opinion piece, we use the epidemiological concept of the sufficient-component cause model to outline why we believe that predation studies often misrepresent predators as sufficient cause of death (or natural mortality) in ecological studies. This is pivotal in conservation biology because such studies have often led to demands for predator removal throughout the world. We use the sufficient-component cause model to illustrate the paradox that multiple studies, each studying singular putative causes of mortality (including predation), will sum to more than 100% mortality when added together. We suggest that the sufficient-component framework should be integrated into both fundamental and applied ecology to better understand the role of predators in natural ecosystems.
Who is calling? Optimizing source identification from marmoset vocalizations with hierarchical machine learning classifiers
Authors: Phaniraj Nikhil , Wierucka Kaja , Zürcher Yvonne , Burkart Judith M.
Published: October 2023

With their highly social nature and complex vocal communication system, marmosets are important models for comparative studies of vocal communication and, eventually, language evolution. However, our knowledge about marmoset vocalizations predominantly originates from playback studies or vocal interactions between dyads, and there is a need to move towards studying group-level communication dynamics. Efficient source identification from marmoset vocalizations is essential for this challenge, and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) can aid it. Here we built a pipeline capable of plentiful feature extraction, meaningful feature selection, and supervised classification of vocalizations of up to 18 marmosets. We optimized the classifier by building a hierarchical MLA that first learned to determine the sex of the source, narrowed down the possible source individuals based on their sex and then determined the source identity. We were able to correctly identify the source individual with high precisions (87.21%–94.42%, depending on call type, and up to 97.79% after the removal of twins from the dataset). We also examine the robustness of identification across varying sample sizes. Our pipeline is a promising tool not only for source identification from marmoset vocalizations but also for analysing vocalizations of other species.
Homology stability for asymptotic monopole moduli spaces
Authors: Palmer Martin , Tillmann Ulrike
Published: October 2023

We prove homological stability for two different flavours of asymptotic monopole moduli spaces, namely moduli spaces of
framed Dirac monopoles
and moduli spaces of
ideal monopoles
. The former are Gibbons–Manton torus bundles over configuration spaces whereas the latter are obtained from them by replacing each circle factor of the fibre with a monopole moduli space by the Borel construction. They form boundary hypersurfaces in a partial compactification of the classical monopole moduli spaces. Our results follow from a general homological stability result for configuration spaces equipped with non-local data.
The nonlinear theory of magnetoelasticity and the role of the Maxwell stress: a review
Authors: Dorfmann Luis , Ogden Ray W.
Published: October 2023

This paper reviews macroscopic aspects of the theory of magnetoelastostatics, starting with a brief summary of the experimental and theoretical contributions leading to the development of the current state-of-the-art. It offers some different perspectives than hitherto, with incompressible materials being the main concern. The use of the so-called total energy (density) functions is highlighted along with their associated total stress tensors and succinct forms of the constitutive equations. The symmetry of the total Cauchy stress tensor, which incorporates the non-symmetric Maxwell stress within the material, is emphasized and it is noted that the use of such a Maxwell stress, often appearing in the literature, is thereby avoided. The theory is illustrated for some simple prototype boundary-value problems, specifically the homogeneous deformation of an infinite slab of magnetoelastic material in the presence of a magnetic field and the non-homogeneous extension and inflation of an infinitely long circular cylindrical tube in the presence of either an axial or a circumferential magnetic field.
Spontaneous recurrence of a summer-like diel rhythm in the body temperature of the Syrian hamster after hibernation
Authors: Nakagawa Satoshi , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi
Published: October 2023

Mammalian hibernation is a survival strategy characterized by metabolic suppression and drastically lowering body temperature (Tb), used during harsh seasons with food shortages and cold. The Syrian hamster commences hibernation in response to a short photoperiod and cold but spontaneously concludes hibernation after several months without environmental cues. Little is known about the changes in diel rhythms during hibernation. Using long-term and high-resolution Tb data, we analysed the diel Tb rhythm time-course changes in Syrian hamsters raised under summer-like conditions (long photoperiod (LP) and warm; LP-warm) and transferred to winter-like conditions (short photoperiod (SP) and cold; SP-cold). The diel Tb rhythm was undetectable during the hibernation period (HIBP), reappearing after the HIBP. The phase of this returning rhythm reverted to the LP entrainment phase characteristics despite the ambient SP and then re-entrained to the ambient SP as if the hamsters were transferred from the LP-warm to SP-cold conditions. The diel Tb rhythm reverted from the SP- to LP-type in a hibernation-dependent manner. Under constant dark and cold conditions, the circadian Tb rhythm recovered without photic stimuli following the HIBP. These findings suggest that hibernation involves a program that anticipates the ambient photoperiod when animals emerge from hibernation.
A comparative approach for characterizing the relationship among morphology, range-of-motion and locomotor behaviour in the primate shoulder
Authors: Lee Erin C. S. , Young Nathan M. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Shoulder shape directly impacts forelimb function by contributing to glenohumeral (GH) range-of-motion (ROM). However, identifying traits that contribute most to ROM and visualizing how they do so remains challenging, ultimately limiting our ability to reconstruct function and behaviour in fossil species. To address these limitations, we developed an
in silico
proximity-driven model to simulate and visualize three-dimensional (3D) GH rotations in living primate species with diverse locomotor profiles, identify those shapes that are most predictive of ROM using geometric morphometrics, and apply subsequent insights to interpret function and behaviour in the fossil hominin
Australopithecus sediba
. We found that ROM metrics that incorporated 3D rotations best discriminated locomotor groups, and the magnitude of ROM (mobility) was decoupled from the anatomical location of ROM (e.g. high abduction versus low abduction). Morphological traits that enhanced mobility were decoupled from those that enabled overhead positions, and all non-human apes possessed the latter but not necessarily the former. Model simulation in
A. sediba
predicted high mobility and a ROM centred at lower abduction levels than in living apes but higher than in modern humans. Together these results identify novel form-to-function relationships in the shoulder and enhance visualization tools to reconstruct past function and behaviour.
Climate change does not equally affect temporal patterns of natural selection on reproductive timing across populations in two songbird species
Authors: Jantzen Cherine C. , Visser Marcel E.
Published: October 2023

Climate change has led to changes in the strength of directional selection on seasonal timing. Understanding the causes and consequences of these changes is crucial to predict the impact of climate change. But are observed patterns in one population generalizable to others, and can spatial variation in selection be explained by environmental variation among populations? We used long-term data (1955–2022) on blue and great tits co-occurring in four locations across the Netherlands to assess inter-population variation in temporal patterns of selection on laying date. To analyse selection, we combine reproduction and adult survival into a joined fitness measure. We found distinct spatial variation in temporal patterns of selection which overall acted towards earlier laying, and which was due to selection through reproduction rather than through survival. The underlying relationships between temperature, bird and caterpillar phenology were however the same across populations, and the spatial variation in selection patterns is thus caused by spatial variation in the temperatures and other habitat characteristics to which birds and caterpillars respond. This underlines that climate change is not necessarily equally affecting populations, but that we can understand this spatial variation, which enables us to predict climate change effects on selection for other populations.
Reinforcement-based processes actively regulate motor exploration along redundant solution manifolds
Authors: Roth Adam M. , Calalo Jan A. , Lokesh Rakshith , Sullivan Seth R. , Grill Stephen , Jeka John J. , van der Kooij Katinka , Carter Michael J. , Cashaback Joshua G. A.
Published: October 2023

From a baby’s babbling to a songbird practising a new tune, exploration is critical to motor learning. A hallmark of exploration is the emergence of random walk behaviour along solution manifolds, where successive motor actions are not independent but rather become serially dependent. Such exploratory random walk behaviour is ubiquitous across species' neural firing, gait patterns and reaching behaviour. The past work has suggested that exploratory random walk behaviour arises from an accumulation of movement variability and a lack of error-based corrections. Here, we test a fundamentally different idea—that reinforcement-based processes regulate random walk behaviour to promote continual motor exploration to maximize success. Across three human reaching experiments, we manipulated the size of both the visually displayed target and an unseen reward zone, as well as the probability of reinforcement feedback. Our empirical and modelling results parsimoniously support the notion that exploratory random walk behaviour emerges by utilizing knowledge of movement variability to update intended reach aim towards recently reinforced motor actions. This mechanism leads to active and continuous exploration of the solution manifold, currently thought by prominent theories to arise passively. The ability to continually explore muscle, joint and task redundant solution manifolds is beneficial while acting in uncertain environments, during motor development or when recovering from a neurological disorder to discover and learn new motor actions.
Multiple mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance used simultaneously in a wild ape
Authors: Morrison Robin E. , Ndayishimiye Eric , Stoinski Tara S. , Eckardt Winnie
Published: October 2023

Mating with close kin can have considerable negative fitness consequences, which are expected to result in selective pressure for inbreeding avoidance mechanisms, such as dispersal, mate choice and post-copulatory biases. Captive studies have suggested that inbreeding avoidance through mate choice is far less widespread than expected and may be absent where other mechanisms already limit inbreeding. However, few studies have examined multiple mechanisms of inbreeding avoidance simultaneously, particularly in the wild. We use 13 years of detailed dispersal, copulation and paternity data from mountain gorillas to examine inbreeding avoidance. We find that partial dispersal of both sexes results in high kinship in multimale groups, but that copulations between close kin occur 40% less than expected. We find strong kin discrimination in mate choice, with significant avoidance of maternal kin but more limited avoidance of paternal kin. We find no evidence for post-copulatory inbreeding avoidance. Our analyses support familiarity-based mechanisms of kin identification and age-based avoidance that limits mating between fathers and daughters in their natal group. Our findings demonstrate that multiple complementary mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance can evolve in a single species and suggest that inbreeding avoidance through mate choice may enable more flexible dispersal systems to evolve.
Survival improvements of marine mammals in zoological institutions mirror historical advances in human longevity
Authors: Tidière Morgane , Colchero Fernando , Staerk Johanna , Adkesson Michael J. , Andersen Ditte H. , Bland Lucie , Böye Martin , Brando Sabrina , Clegg Isabella , Cubaynes Sarah , Cutting Amy , De Man Danny , Derocher Andrew E. , Dorsey Candice , Elgar William , Gaglione Eric , Anderson Hansen Kirstin , Jungheim Allison , Kok José , Laule Gail , Goya Agustín Lopez , Miller Lance , Monreal-Pawlowsky Tania , Mucha Katelyn , Owen Megan A. , Petersen Stephen D. , Pilfold Nicholas , Richardson Douglas , Richardson Evan S. , Sabo Devon , Sato Nobutaka , Shellabarger Wynona , Skovlund Cecilie R. , Tomisawa Kanako , Trautwein Sandra E. , Van Bonn William , Van Elk Cornelis , Von Fersen Lorenzo , Wahlberg Magnus , Zhang Peijun , Zhang Xianfeng , Conde Dalia A.
Published: October 2023

An intense public debate has fuelled governmental bans on marine mammals held in zoological institutions. The debate rests on the assumption that survival in zoological institutions has been and remains lower than in the wild, albeit the scientific evidence in support of this notion is equivocal. Here, we used statistical methods previously applied to assess historical improvements in human lifespan and data on 8864 individuals of four marine mammal species (harbour seal,
Phoca vitulina
; California sea lion,
Zalophus californianus
; polar bear,
Ursus maritimus
; common bottlenose dolphin,
Tursiops truncatus
) held in zoos from 1829 to 2020. We found that life expectancy increased up to 3.40 times, and first-year mortality declined up to 31%, during the last century in zoos. Moreover, the life expectancy of animals in zoos is currently 1.65–3.55 times longer than their wild counterparts. Like humans, these improvements have occurred concurrently with advances in management practices, crucial for population welfare. Science-based decisions will help effective legislative changes and ensure better implementation of animal care.
Development and validation of a pentaplex assay for the identification of antibodies against common viral diseases in cattle
Authors: Rodriguez Ana , Alonso-Morales Rogelio A. , Lassala Arantzatzu , Rangel P Lucia , Ramírez-Andoney Vianey , Gutierrez Carlos G.
Published: October 2023

Animal welfare and economic implications of infectious diseases in cattle demand an efficient surveillance as the foundation for control and eradication programmes. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3V), Bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1), Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), and Enzootic bovine leukosis virus (EBLV) cause common and often underdiagnosed diseases in cattle that are endemic in most countries []. A hallmark of individual exposure to a viral pathogen is the presence of antibodies directed towards that virus. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a pentaplex assay to simultaneously detect and quantify antibodies against BRSV, PI3V, BoHV-1, BVDV and EBLV in serum, as an efficient tool to yield epidemiological data. Monoplex assays were initially developed using either complete BRSV or BoHV-1 viral lysates, or recombinant proteins for BVDV, EBLV or PI3V as capture antigens. In addition, 125 serum samples from unvaccinated cattle, which were classified as positive or negative for each of the viruses by commercial ELISA kits, were used for validation. Conditions established for the Luminex monoplex assays were adopted for the pentaplex assay. The accuracy, determined by the area under the ROC curve, was greater than 0.97, and assay diagnostic sensitivities and specificities were over 95 and 90%, respectively, for all antigens. Intra (r) and interassay (R) coefficients of variation were under 10 and 20 %, respectively. Selectivity towards target viruses was shown by binding inhibition assays where unbound viruses reduced fluorescence intensities. Diagnostic agreement for samples analysed simultaneously in the monoplex and multiplex assays was almost perfect. In conclusion, a highly sensitive pentaplex assay was validated for the simultaneous identification of antibodies directed against BVDV, BoHV-1, PI3V, BRSV and EBLV in serum. The developed pentaplex assay complies with performance characteristics established by international guidelines for diagnostic tests and may be used as a tool for the implementation of epidemiological surveillance.
Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov., a new anamorphic tremellomycetous yeast species
Authors: Zhu Hai-Yan , Wei Yu-Hua , Guo Liang-Chen , Wei Xu-Yang , Li Jun-Ning , Zhang Ri-Peng , Liu Xin-Zhan , Bai Feng-Yan
Published: October 2023

Three strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Vishniacozyma were isolated from marine water samples collected from intertidal zones in Liaoning province, northeast China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the two subunits of DNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (CYTB) showed that these strains together with 20 strains from various geographic and ecological origins from other regions of the world represent a novel species in the genus Vishniacozyma. We propose the name Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.6457) for the new species, which differs phenotypically from its close relatives V. carnescens, V. tephrensis, and V. victoriae by its ability to grow at 30 °C and on 50 % (w/v) glucose-yeast extract agar.
Rapid and high yield isolation of extracellular vesicles with purity by application of size exclusion fast performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kapoor Kshipra S. , Harris Kristen , Arian Kent , Ma Lihua , Church Kaira A. , Kalluri Raghu
Published: October 2023

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential biomarkers for diagnosing a range of diseases without invasive procedures. Extracellular vesicles also offer an advantage compared to synthetic vesicles, for delivery of various drugs. However, limitations in segregating EVs from soluble proteins have led to inconsistent EV retrieval rates with low levels of purity. Here, we report a new high-yield (>95%) and rapid (<20 min) EV isolation method calledSizeExclusion –FastPerformanceLiquidChromatography (SE-FPLC). We show SE-FPLC can effectively isolate EVs from multiple sources including EVs derived from human and mouse cells and serum. The results indicate that SE-FPLC can successfully remove highly abundant protein contaminants such as albumin and lipoprotein complexes, which can represent a major hurdle in large scale isolation of EVs for clinical translation. Additionally, the high-yield nature of SE- FPLC allows for easy industrial upscaling of extracellular vesicles production for various clinical utilities. Moreover, SE-FPLC enables analysis of very small volumes of blood for use in point-of-care diagnostics in the clinic. Collectively, SE-FPLC offers many advantages over current EV isolation methods and offers rapid clinical utility potential.
Maternal exposure to prostaglandin e2 results in abnormal dendritic morphology in the cerebellum and related motor behaviour in mouse offspring
Authors: Kissoondoyal Ashby , Ho Kelly , Wong Christine , Crawford Dorota A.
Published: October 2023

The lipid signalling molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is important in healthy brain development. Abnormal PGE2 levels during prenatal development, which can be influenced by genetic causes and exposure to various environmental risk factors, have been linked to increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Growing research in animal models aims to provide evidence for the mechanisms by which increased or reduced PGE2 levels influence brain development. In this study, we show that maternal exposure to PGE2 in mice at gestational day 11 (G11) results in molecular changes within the cerebellum and associated behaviours in offspring. We observed a decrease in cerebellar cell density originating at G11 (in males and females) and at G16 (in females only). In Golgi-COX-stained cerebellar slices from PGE2-exposed offspring at the postnatal day 30 (PN30), we found an increase in dendritic arborization, the odds of observing dendritic loops, dendritic spine density, and the odds of observing mature (mushroom-shaped) spines. We also observed a decrease in the expression level of the cytoskeletal protein β-actin, the actin associated protein spinophilin, and the cell adhesion protein N-Cadherin. In addition, we found that specifically PGE2-exposed male offspring exhibited abnormal cerebellar related motor function. This study adds further evidence that changes in the PGE2 levels during critical times may impact the developing brain differently in males and females. These findings also emphasize the importance of examining sex differences in research relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Analysis the molecular similarity of least common amino acid sites in ACE2 receptor to predict the potential susceptible species for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hu YeZhi , Fan Xin , Villalan Arivizhivendhan Kannan , Zhang Shuang , Joka Fekede Regassa , Wu XiaoDong , Wang HaoNing , Wang XiaoLong
Published: October 2023

This research offers a bioinformatics approach to forecasting both domestic and wild animals’ likelihood of being susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genomic sequencing can resolve phylogenetic relationships between the virus and the susceptible host. The genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 is highly interactive with the specific sequence region of the ACE2 receptor of the host species. We further evaluate this concept to identify the most important SARS-CoV-2 binding amino acid sites in the ACE2 receptor sequence through the common similarity of the last common amino acid sites (LCAS) in known susceptible host species. Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 viral genomic interacting key amino acid region in the ACE2 receptor sequence of known susceptible human host was summarized and compared with other reported known SARS-CoV-2 susceptible host species. We identified the 10 most significant amino acid sites for interaction with SARS-CoV-2 infection from the ACE2 receptor sequence region based on the LCAS similarity pattern in known sensitive SARS-CoV-2 hosts. The most significant 10 LCAS were further compared with ACE2 receptor sequences of unknown species to evaluate the similarity of the last common amino acid pattern (LCAP). We predicted the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in unknown species through the LCAS similarity pattern. This method can be used as a screening tool to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic and wild animals to prevent outbreaks of infection.

Graphical abstract
Antigen-level resolution of commensal-specific B cell responses enabled by phage-display screening and B cell tetramers
Authors: Verma Sheenam , Dufort Matthew J. , Olsen Tayla M. , Labuda Jasmine C. , Kimmel Samantha , Scharffenberger Sam , McGuire Andrew T. , Harrison Oliver J.
Published: October 2023

Induction of adaptive immune responses to commensal microbes is critical for tissue homeostasis, and perturbation of these responses is associated with multiple chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction and regulation of mucosal B cells targeting commensal microbes remain poorly understood, in part due to a lack of tools to identify commensal-specific B cellsex vivo. To address this, we identified immunogenic protein epitopes recognized by Segmented Filamentous Bacteria (SFB)-specific serum antibodies using a whole-genome phage display screen and identified immunogenic proteins engaging IgA, IgG1and IgG2bresponses. Using these antigens, we generated B cell tetramers to identify and track SFB-specific B cell responses in the gut associated lymphoid tissue during natural andde novocolonization. We revealed a compartmentalized response in SFB-specific B cell activation between Peyer’s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, with a gradient of IgA, IgG1and IgG2bisotypes along the small intestine, and selective production of IgG2bwith the mesenteric lymph node chain. VDJ sequencing analyses and generation of SFB-specific monoclonal antibodies identified that somatic hypermutation drives affinity maturation to SFB derived antigens under homeostatic conditions. By combining phage display screening and B cell tetramer technologies, we now enable antigen-level based studies of immunity to intestinal microbes, which will advance our understanding of the ontogeny and function of commensal-specific B cell responses in tissue immunity, inflammation and repair.