bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedding light on dark taxa in sky‐island Appalachian leaf litter: Assessing patterns of endemicity using large‐scale, voucher‐based barcoding
Authors: Caterino Michael S. , Recuero Ernesto
Published: November 2023

Developing systematic conservation plans depends on a wealth of information on a region's biodiversity. For ‘dark taxa' such as arthropods, such data are usually very incomplete and in most cases left out from assessments.

Sky islands are important and often fragile biodiversity hotspots. Southern Appalachian high‐elevation spruce–fir forests represent a particularly threatened sky‐island ecosystem, hosting numerous endemic and threatened species, but their arthropods remain understudied.

Here we use voucher‐based megabarcoding to explore genetic differentiation among leaf‐litter arthropod communities of these highlands, and to examine the extent to which they represent dispersed communities of more or less coherent species, manageable as a distributed unit. We assembled a dataset comprising more than 6000 COI sequences representing diverse arthropod groups to assess species richness and sharing across peaks and ranges. Comparisons were standardised across taxa using automated species delimitation, measuring endemism levels by putative species.

Species richness was high, with sites hosting from 86 to 199 litter arthropod species (not including mites or myriapods). Community profiles suggest that around one fourth of these species are unique to single sky islands and more than one third of all species are limited to a particular range. Across major taxa, endemicity was lowest in Araneae, and highest in neglected groups like Isopoda, Pseudoscorpionida, Protura and Diplura.

Southern Appalachian sky islands of spruce–fir habitat host significantly distinct leaf‐litter arthropod communities, with high levels of local endemicity. This is the first work to provide such a clear picture of peak and range uniqueness for a taxonomically broad sample. Ensuring the protection of a sizeable fraction of high‐elevation litter species richness will therefore require attention at a relatively fine spatial scale.
Porosity dependence of sound velocities in partially sintered alumina, zirconia, ATZ, and mullite ceramics
Authors: Šimonová Petra , Pabst Willi
Published: November 2023

Young's modulus and sound velocities of partially sintered alumina, zirconia, ATZ, and mullite ceramics with a broad range of porosities determined via the impulse excitation technique (IET) and the ultrasonic wave propagation pulse‐echo technique (UPT) are found to be in good agreement and exhibit sigmoidal curves as a function of the sintering temperature. The porosity dependence of the relative values of Young's modulus and sound velocities is either close to or below (but never above) the prediction based on an exponential relation, and none of them is significantly below the prediction based on a percolation relation or a recently proposed numerical benchmark relation for overlapping monosized spheres. Values are lower when concave pores or irregular anisometric grains are dominating. The correlation of the normalized longitudinal wave velocities and relative transverse wave velocities, with VL/VT ratios ranging from 0.50 to 1.91, is well predicted by models for Poisson's ratios between 0.35 and 0.2.
Patient‐reported outcomes following dental implant rehabilitation according to reason for missing teeth: A survey from a Norwegian population 8 years following treatment
Authors: Mauland Erik Klepsland , Bull Vibeke Hervik , Melbye Elisabeth Lind , Verket Anders
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) 8 years after dental implant rehabilitation in a sample with tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP) and a sample with missing teeth for other reasons (MTOR).

Materials and Methods

The Norwegian National Insurance Scheme registry of subsidized dental implant therapy was searched, and patients (n = 3083) rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014 were mailed a questionnaire. PROs were described by relative frequencies, and the TLP and MTOR subsamples were compared using chi‐square test. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate variables potentially predicting PROs.

Results

Of the respondents (n = 1299), more than 90% were partly or fully satisfied with the treatment outcome. Complications were reported by 44.2%. Patients who lost teeth due to periodontitis (n = 784) reported greater oral function improvement and better pre‐treatment information, and were more likely to experience complications when compared with patients who lost teeth for other reasons (n = 515). Age, level of education, self‐funded cost, pre‐treatment information, history of complications and the reason for missing teeth were found to predict PROs.

Conclusions

In a Norwegian population rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014, satisfaction with the treatment outcome and the aesthetic outcome was high, irrespective of the reason for missing teeth. Self‐report of complications and lack of pre‐treatment information were the strongest predictors of inferior patient satisfaction and also predicted inferior oral function.
Lending and risk controls for BHCs after the Dodd–Frank act
Authors: Degl'Innocenti Marta , Zhou Si , Zhou Yue
Published: November 2023

We investigate the impact of the Dodd–Frank Act (DFA) on the credit risk behavior of complex bank holding companies (BHCs). Specifically, we assess the effectiveness of the DFA in reducing the credit riskiness of complex banks. Consistent with the moral hazard hypothesis, we find that complex BHCs affected by the DFA increase their credit risk. We argue that possible explanations are that BHCs decreased their lending portfolio quality, loan monitoring, and strength and independence of the risk management function after the DFA. The results are robust to endogeneity concerns, different sample selection criteria, various model and treatment specifications, and placebo tests.
Interstate migration networks and stock return comovement
Authors: Lee Suin , Pantzalis Christos , Park Jung Chul
Published: November 2023

We document sizable and robust excess return comovement between migration‐flow receiving and sending states at the state‐portfolio level. Migration comovement is not fully explained by economic fundamentals and strengthens with the size of the migration network. Consistent with the view that it is partially driven by correlated trading of a common investor base within migration networks, migration comovement a) increases substantially when there is an exogenous positive shock to migration flows, b) is greater with old firms in migration‐sending states, and c) strengthens when retail investors display “old home” bias in addition to local bias.
Time in target range of systolic blood pressure and cognitive outcomes in patients with hypertension
Authors: Huang Xinghe , Deng Sicheng , Xie Wuxiang , Zheng Fanfan
Published: November 2023

Background

Blood pressure (BP) is a dynamic measure that fluctuates over time. However, conventional BP control indicators may not adequately reflect the variability of BP during a period of time.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), which compared systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets of <120 mmHg (intensive) and <140 mmHg (standard) among patients with hypertension and high cardiac risks. The target ranges were defined as 110 to 130 mmHg in intensive treatment arm and 120 to 140 mmHg in standard treatment arm, respectively. Time in target range (TTR) was calculated based on SBP measurements recorded during the first 3‐month follow‐up using linear interpolation method. The Fine‐Gray competing risk regression models were used to evaluate the association between TTR and cognitive outcomes.

Results

A total of 7965 patients with the mean (SD) age of 68.0 (9.2) years were included, and 35% were female. Patients with higher TTR were younger, more likely to be male and take <3 BP‐lowering agents. Compared to the last quartile, the first quartile of TTR was significantly associated with a higher risk of probable dementia (HR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.22–2.46; p = 0.002) and the composite of probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.03–1.55; p = 0.025). The risk of probable dementia and the composite outcome increased with per quartile decrease of TTR (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06–1.30; p = 0.002 and HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00–1.14; p = 0.036). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results after adjusting mean SBP during the first 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

In this secondary analysis of SPRINT data, TTR was independently associated with probable dementia among patients with hypertension, suggesting that TTR could be used as a practical metric of BP control to evaluate the risk of dementia in older adults.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT01206062.
Sensitivity of tomato leaf mould–causing Fulvia fulva to seven succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides in Nara Prefecture, Japan and high efficacy of isofetamid in controlling SDHI‐resistant isolates
Authors: Asano Shunsuke , Yoshida Kandai , Hirayama Yoshihiko
Published: November 2023

Leaf mould caused by Fulvia fulva is a major disease of tomato in Japan. Resistance to several types of fungicides, including succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs), has been reported in isolates from Japan. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of F. fulva to SDHI fungicides, SDHI fungicide efficacy in controlling sensitive and resistant isolates, and the presence of mutations in the Sdh B gene, the target site of SDHI fungicides. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of six SDHI fungicides, excluding isofetamid, ranged from 0.1 to >100 μg/mL against mycelial growth of 45 F. fulva isolates collected in Nara prefecture, Japan, whereas that of isofetamid ranged from 0.1 to only 10 μg/mL. The peak MIC distribution of fluopyram and isofetamid was 10 μg/mL, that of inpyrfluxam was 100 μg/mL and was >100 μg/mL for the remaining SDHI fungicides. In a greenhouse inoculation experiment, only isofetamid controlled the highly resistant isolates with an MIC of 10 μg/mL and the remaining fungicides had MIC >100 μg/mL. In addition, moderately and highly resistant isolates were controlled by the application of isofetamid 6 h or 7 days before inoculation or 3 days after inoculation. Mutations in the Sdh B gene were not observed among sensitive, moderately resistant and highly resistant isolates, suggesting that mutations in other Sdh genes and/or changes in efflux pump expression were involved. Our results indicate the presence of cross‐resistance and different levels of sensitivity reduction among SDHI fungicides. Isofetamid showed the lowest resistance development among the tested SDHI fungicides and is considered effective in controlling tomato leaf mould.
‘There's too much power in this number. It's freaking the whole response out’: The views of key informants on evidence and targets to achieve hepatitis C elimination goals in Australia
Authors: Treloar Carla , Rance Jake , Bryant Joanne , Lafferty Lise
Published: November 2023

Enumeration of disease is a key management tool. Setting of targets, like for hepatitis C elimination, have deep meaning and effect. We use the case of elimination in New South Wales (NSW), Australia to examine key informants' understandings of the use of targets, and the evidence that informs them, to drive action in elimination. Twenty‐eight key informants working in NSW, elsewhere in Australia and internationally in high‐income countries participated in a semi‐structured qualitative interview in 2022. Analysis was informed by scholarship calling for examination of the ways in which science constructs what is thought possible in action. Participants pointed to the power of quantified evidence and targets and their complex effects, and questioned the usefulness and certainty derived from these at the “pointy end” of elimination. Although a range of targets exist in global and local strategies, reaching testing targets was the assumed solution to achieving elimination. Achieving elimination was thought to require “off piste” and experimental approaches that went beyond available evidence. The different types of work that participants felt necessary for late‐stage elimination may require additional metrics to explain return on investment ratios. What threshold would be used to reduce efforts in elimination was a major concern. These data indicate that understandings of the evidence underpinning elimination targets and how to achieve them are far from settled. At this point, elimination efforts may need to rely on locally produced and community‐driven evidence and shift from evidence‐based to evidence‐making paradigm.
Impact of hepatitis D reflex testing on the future disease burden: A modelling analysis
Authors: Buti Maria , Domínguez‐Hernández Raquel , Palom Adriana , Esteban Rafael , Casado Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2023

Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) is a severe form of viral hepatitis that leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. CHD is underdiagnosed, and this study aimed to assess the impact of hepatitis D reflex testing in HBsAg‐positive individuals in Spain over the next 8 years. Two scenarios were compared: the current situation (7.6% of HBsAg‐positive patients tested for anti‐HDV) and reflex testing for all positive samples. A decision tree model was designed to simulate the CHD care cascade. Implementing reflex testing would increase anti‐HDV detection to 5498 cases and HDV‐RNA to 3225 cases. Additionally, 2128 more patients would receive treatment, with 213 achieving undetectable HDV‐RNA levels. The cost per anti‐HDV case detected would be €132. In the median time of the analysis, liver complications (decompensated cirrhosis, HCC and liver‐related deaths) would be reduced by 35%–38%, implying an estimated cost savings of 36 million euros associated with the management of such complications. By 2030, implementing anti‐HDV reflex testing would reduce the clinical and economic burden of CHD by 35%–38%.
Genomic divergence and introgression between cryptic species of a widespread North American songbird
Authors: Askelson Kenneth K. , Spellman Garth M. , Irwin Darren
Published: November 2023

Analysis of genomic variation among related populations can sometimes reveal distinct species that were previously undescribed due to similar morphological appearances, and close examination of such cases can provide much insight regarding speciation. Genomic data can also reveal the role of reticulate evolution in differentiation and speciation. White‐breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) are widely distributed North American songbirds that are currently classified as a single species but have been suspected to represent a case of cryptic speciation. Previous genetic analyses suggested four divergent groups, but it was unclear whether these represented multiple reproductively isolated species. Using extensive genomic sampling of over 350 white‐breasted nuthatches from across North America and a new chromosome‐level reference genome, we asked if white‐breasted nuthatches are comprised of multiple species and whether introgression has occurred between divergent populations. Genomic variation of over 300,000 loci revealed four highly differentiated populations (Pacific, n = 45; Eastern, n = 23; Rocky Mountains North, n = 138; and Rocky Mountains South, n = 150) with geographic ranges that are adjacent. We observed a moderate degree of admixture between Rocky Mountain populations but only a small number of hybrids between the Rockies and the Eastern population. The rarity of hybrids together with high levels of differentiation between populations is supportive of populations having some level of reproductive isolation. Between populations, we show evidence for introgression from a divergent ghost lineage of white‐breasted nuthatches into the Rocky Mountains South population, which is otherwise closely related to Rocky Mountains North. We conclude that white‐breasted nuthatches are best considered at least three species and that ghost lineage introgression has contributed to differentiation between the two Rocky Mountain populations. White‐breasted nuthatches provide a dramatic case of morphological similarity despite high genomic differentiation, and the varying levels of reproductive isolation among the four groups provide an example of the speciation continuum.
The first baleen whale marine protected area proposed for Bryde's whales in the Beibu Gulf, China
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Sun Xiaodong , Nong Zhiwen , Chen Mo , Hao Yujiang , Wang Jianghua , Wang Kexiong , Wang Ding , Mei Zhigang
Published: November 2023

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) for cetaceans is an important strategy to mitigate human disturbance and protect biodiversity. Despite abundant cetacean species, there are only a few MPAs dedicated to cetacean conservation in China, all of which are for inshore dolphins. Bryde's whales, the only nearshore baleen whale population in mainland China, are conflicting with intensive human activities, yet an effective conservation strategy is lacking. This study used species distribution models to analyze distribution patterns and suitable habitats of Bryde's whales in the Beibu Gulf and proposes the first baleen whale MPA in China. Our results showed Bryde's whales have a seasonal distribution pattern in the Beibu Gulf, and that the waters around Weizhou Island and the southeastern coast of Vietnam were their core habitats. The seasonal nighttime light data indicated a negative relationship between the number of ship lights and Bryde's whale sightings and suggest that Bryde's whales might be threatened by fisheries. We proposed an MPA based on the results, suggesting that the waters within 20 km around Weizhou Island should be declared a protected area. Furthermore, we recommend that anthropogenic activities in the waters around Weizhou Island are better managed to reduce negative impacts on marine life.
Computer vision‐assisted photogrammetry and one‐image 3D modeling in marine mammals
Authors: Zhang Changqun , Zhou Haojie , Shah Sheel , Davis Randall W , Hao Yujiang , Yung Kaung‐Ti , Wang Kexiong , Wang Ding
Published: November 2023

Image processing using traditional photogrammetric methods is a labor‐intensive process. The collection of photogrammetry images during aerial surveys is expanding rapidly, creating new challenges to analyze images promptly and efficiently, while reducing human error during processing. Computer vision‐assisted photogrammetry, a field of artificial intelligence (AI), can automate image processing, greatly enhancing the efficiency of photogrammetry. Here, we present a practical and efficient program capable of automatically extracting the fine‐scale photogrammetry of East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri). Our results indicated that computer vision‐assisted photogrammetry could achieve the same accuracy as traditional photogrammetry, and the results of the comparisons were validated against the direct measurements. Three‐dimensional (3D) models using computer vision‐assisted photogrammetric morphometrics generated trustworthy body volume estimates. We also explored the one image‐based 3D modeling technique, which is less accurate, but still useful when only one image of the animal is available. Although several limitations exist in the current program, improvements could be made to narrow the virtual‐reality gap when more images are available for machine learning and training. We recommend this program for analyzing images of marine mammals possessing a similar morphological contour.
Good things come to those who wait – a 42‐year study challenges ‘trade‐off’ theories
Authors: Meitzel Tobias
Published: November 2023

This article is a Commentary on Chen et al. (2024), 241: 623–631.
Nodule‐specific Cu+‐chaperone NCC1 is required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula root nodules
Authors: Navarro‐Gómez Cristina , León‐Mediavilla Javier , Küpper Hendrik , Rodríguez‐Simón Mario , Paganelli‐López Alba , Wen Jiangqi , Burén Stefan , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Bokhari Syed Nadeem Hussain , Imperial Juan , Escudero Viviana , González‐Guerrero Manuel
Published: November 2023

Cu+‐chaperones are a diverse group of proteins that allocate Cu+ ions to specific copper proteins, creating different copper pools targeted to specific physiological processes.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation carried out in legume root nodules indirectly requires relatively large amounts of copper, for example for energy delivery via respiration, for which targeted copper deliver systems would be required.

MtNCC1 is a nodule‐specific Cu+‐chaperone encoded in the Medicago truncatula genome, with a N‐terminus Atx1‐like domain that can bind Cu+ with picomolar affinities. MtNCC1 is able to interact with nodule‐specific Cu+‐importer MtCOPT1. MtNCC1 is expressed primarily from the late infection zone to the early fixation zone and is located in the cytosol, associated with plasma and symbiosome membranes, and within nuclei. Consistent with its key role in nitrogen fixation, ncc1 mutants have a severe reduction in nitrogenase activity and a 50% reduction in copper‐dependent cytochrome c oxidase activity.

A subset of the copper proteome is also affected in the ncc1 mutant nodules. Many of these proteins can be pulled down when using a Cu+‐loaded N‐terminal MtNCC1 moiety as a bait, indicating a role in nodule copper homeostasis and in copper‐dependent physiological processes. Overall, these data suggest a pleiotropic role of MtNCC1 in copper delivery for symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Sequential removal of cation/H+ exchangers reveals their additive role in elemental distribution, calcium depletion and anoxia tolerance
Authors: Mathew Iny Elizebeth , Rhein Hormat Shadgou , Yang Jian , Gradogna Antonella , Carpaneto Armando , Guo Qi , Tappero Ryan , Scholz‐Starke Joachim , Barkla Bronwyn J. , Hirschi Kendal D. , Punshon Tracy
Published: November 2023

Multiple Arabidopsis H+/Cation exchangers (CAXs) participate in high‐capacity transport into the vacuole. Previous studies have analysed single and double mutants that marginally reduced transport; however, assessing phenotypes caused by transport loss has proven enigmatic. Here, we generated quadruple mutants (cax1‐4: qKO) that exhibited growth inhibition, an 85% reduction in tonoplast‐localised H+/Ca transport, and enhanced tolerance to anoxic conditions compared to CAX1 mutants. Leveraging inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF), we demonstrate CAX transporters work together to regulate leaf elemental content: ICP‐MS analysis showed that the elemental concentrations in leaves strongly correlated with the number of CAX mutations; SXRF imaging showed changes in element partitioning not present in single CAX mutants and qKO had a 40% reduction in calcium (Ca) abundance. Reduced endogenous Ca may promote anoxia tolerance; wild‐type plants grown in Ca‐limited conditions were anoxia tolerant. Sequential reduction of CAXs increased mRNA expression and protein abundance changes associated with reactive oxygen species and stress signalling pathways. Multiple CAXs participate in postanoxia recovery as their concerted removal heightened changes in postanoxia Ca signalling. This work showcases the integrated and diverse function of H+/Cation transporters and demonstrates the ability to improve anoxia tolerance through diminishing endogenous Ca levels.
Minority faith and environmental justice
Authors: Al‐Kohlani Sumaia A. , Campbell Heather E. , El‐Khatib Stephen Omar
Published: November 2023

Decades of research indicate that most Census‐measured U.S. racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted by environmental disamenities, all else equal; the study of this is referred to as Environmental Justice (EJ) research. Yet both U.S. and world history show that another minoritized group is religious minorities. If so, this has health consequences and policy implications. Houses of worship (HOWs) are visible and physical symbols of religion. We use tax records to locate Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist or Hindu HOWs within census tracts for the entire contiguous United States. We combine these data with EJSCREEN data to analyze whether air pollution risks are greater in their presence. We find that, even holding constant race, ethnicity, and poverty, two non‐census‐measured religious minorities' HOWs are disproportionately impacted by air pollution in the United States: Jews and Muslims. This new knowledge has consequences for EJ policy and social justice‐motivated environmental research.

Related Articles

Ash, John. 2010. “New Nuclear Energy, Risk, and Justice: Regulatory Strategies for an Era of Limited Trust.” Politics & Policy 38(2): 255–84. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00237.x.

Fowler, Luke. 2022. “Searching for Green Elephants and Other Mythical Creatures during the Trump Years: Partisanship and Congressional Voting on Environmental Legislation.” Politics & Policy 50(5): 913–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12499.

Tubadji, Annie. 2023. “You'll Never Walk Alone: Loneliness, Religion, and Politico‐economic Transformation.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 661–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12538.
Experimental and numerical analysis of strength and deformation of large‐scale steel‐composite adhesive joints subjected to fatigue followed by static loading
Authors: Jaiswal Pankaj R. , Kumar Rahul Iyer , Bormann Franz , Juwet Thibault , Luyckx Geert , Mouton Luc , Verhaeghe Cedric , De Waele Wim
Published: November 2023

This work reports a study of the fatigue behaviour and quasi‐static strength of full‐scale adhesively bonded steel‐composite joints. Three joints with an approximately 10‐mm‐thick layer of methyl methacrylate adhesive were manufactured in dockyard conditions. One specimen was tensile tested till failure, while two specimens were subjected to ~3.5 million fatigue cycles, followed by a residual tensile test supported with digital image correlation. The shear, longitudinal and peel strain values within the adhesive bondlines are significantly higher at the gripped sides due to the asymmetrical design of the steel brackets. All specimens showed a significantly higher shear strength than the design values defined by the shipbuilder. Fibre Bragg sensors monitored strains at steel and composite constituents and allowed to detect damage onset and evolution in tensile tested specimens. A finite element model of the joint was developed with material and interface properties based on dedicated small‐scale experiments. The simulation results of strains during a static load test corresponded closely to the DIC measurements. All specimens failed near the composite‐adhesive interface due to delamination of the composite panel.
Way‐finding agendas through Transactions
Authors: Esson James , Breines Markus , Brickell Katherine , Hope Jessica , Koh Sin Yee , Lawrence Anna M. , McFarlane Colin , McLean Jessica , Sparke Matt
Published: November 2023

This is the first in a series of occasional editorials in which we guide our readers through groups of papers that we consider to be ‘way‐finding’ contributions to geographical debates. Our emphasis on ‘way‐finding’ and navigating through scholarly work engages a tension we identified around Transactions' remit of publishing so‐called ‘landmark’ papers which are likely to stimulate and shape research agendas in Geography. We use this editorial as an opportunity to refocus attention away from the landmark paper as a static object of high repute that people come to visit, and towards the active role of landmarks as way‐finders used to navigate and engage with a landscape. The papers spotlighted in the editorial provide noteworthy examples of recent efforts to understand non‐human lifeworlds and the legitimisation of concepts and experiences constructed in/by Majority World scholarship. The papers are also notable for their careful approach to shaping agendas, marked by an awareness of past and present geographical scholarship, while also envisioning the discipline's future.
Spindle‐cell thymoma colliding with a bronchogenic cyst in a Yorkshire terrier
Authors: Kline Stephanie , Manley Sabrina R. , Timothy Clare , Jennings Samuel H. , Nolen‐Walston Rose , Conrado Francisco O.
Published: November 2023

An 8‐year‐old male Yorkshire terrier was presented to the Tufts Veterinary Hospital for evaluation of increased respiratory effort. A mediastinal mass composed of a spindle‐cell thymoma within a bronchogenic cyst was diagnosed with computed tomography thoracic imaging, ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspirate biopsy, and histopathologic evaluation after surgical removal. Histologic evaluation showed a multilocular cyst structure as well as a mass characterized by spindle to polygonal thymic epithelial cells. The cyst was characterized by a lining of ciliated pseudostratified respiratory epithelium. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a spindle‐cell thymoma being associated with a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst in a dog.
Extracardiac adult‐type rhabdomyoma—Report of two cases in dogs
Authors: Paździor‐Czapula Katarzyna , Bhaya Muhammad Nasir , Piotrowska Agnieszka , Otrocka‐Domagała Iwona
Published: November 2023

This report describes the cytologic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features of adult‐type rhabdomyoma located within the subcutaneous tissue in a 14‐year‐old female Border Collie (thigh) and a 13‐year‐old male Mongrel (flank). In both cases, fine‐needle aspiration biopsy revealed cluster‐forming, epithelial‐like polygonal cells with abundant foamy cytoplasm, and moderate to marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis; therefore, an epithelial tumor was suspected. After surgical excision, tumors underwent histopathologic examination with additional immunohistochemistry. Both tumors were well‐demarcated and located within the subcutaneous tissue in the vicinity of the cutaneous muscle. The tumor mass consisted of densely packed round or polygonal cells with distinct vacuolation of the cytoplasm. Tumor cells expressed vimentin, desmin, and NSE and were cytokeratin and α‐SMA negative. Based on histologic features and immunophenotyping, adult‐type rhabdomyoma was diagnosed in both cases. This study highlights that the cytologic features of rhabdomyoma can be misleading and may suggest an epithelial tumor.
Effect of surgical simulator training on student and live animal outcomes in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory
Authors: Aly Ali M. , Hayes Galina M. , Boesch Jordyn Marie , Buote Nicole , Korich Jodi
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of training with a high‐fidelity surgical simulator on outcomes of live animals and students participating in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory.

Study design

Nonrandomized controlled trial.

Sample population

Cats (n = 186) and students (n = 146).

Methods

Live animals were paired with student surgeons. Outcomes for animals and students were evaluated over two consecutive years before (year 1: NO SIM) and after (year 2: SIM) the introduction of a graded student teaching laboratory conducted on a high fidelity surgical simulator. Live animal surgical times and postoperative pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Feline acute pain scale as well as self‐declared student confidence were assessed and the scores of the two groups were compared.

Results

The duration of the live animal surgical procedure was on average 6 min shorter in the SIM group (p = .04). A pain score triggering intervention (> = 5/20) occurred less frequently in the SIM group (n = 1/82) than in the NO‐SIM (n = 16/104) group (p < .01). Similarly, rescue analgesia was administered less frequently (4/82 vs 16/104, p = .03) in the SIM group. Student confidence prior to the live animal procedure was higher (median = 7/10 [IQR = 6–8]) in the SIM group than in the NO‐SIM group (median = 6/10 [IQR = 4–7]) (p < .01).

Conclusion

Surgical simulator training prior to live animal procedures improves live animal outcomes and student confidence.

Clinical significance

Surgical simulator competency should be considered a prerequisite to participation in live animal teaching laboratories. This would improve both animal welfare and the student experience.
The effect of self‐management intervention among type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Polsook Rapin , Aungsuroch Yupin , Thontham Apichaya
Published: November 2023

Background

Using self‐management interventions in type 2 diabetes care helps to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce caregiver burden, improve health outcomes, and improve expense management. Despite these benefits, the efficacy of self‐management interventions for type 2 diabetes care remains uncertain, with studies showing inconclusive results that are open to interpretation.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the available data to determine the effectiveness of self‐management strategies for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The search method was restricted to the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Scopus from January 2012 to December 2022. SPSS version 28 was used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Seven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, with 697 individuals with type 2 diabetes included. Six papers were designed as randomized control trials and one as a quasi‐experimental study. Meta‐analysis showed a significant difference between the self‐management and control groups, with a standardized mean difference (Cohen's d) of −0.40, (95% confidence interval [−0.60 to −0.20]), p = .00.

Linking Evidence to Action

This meta‐analysis showed that self‐management interventions in type 2 diabetes patients successfully reduced HbA1c. Self‐management improves type 2 diabetes treatment by helping people stay healthy and adapt to their illnesses.
Ageing attenuates exercise‐enhanced motor cortical plasticity
Authors: Curtin Dylan , Cadwallader Claire J. , Taylor Eleanor M. , Andrews Sophie C. , Stout Julie C. , Hendrikse Joshua J. , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Coxon James P.
Published: November 2023

Cardiorespiratory exercise is known to modulate motor cortical plasticity in young adults, but the influence of ageing on this relationship is unknown. Here, we compared the effects of a single session of cardiorespiratory exercise on motor cortical plasticity in young and older adults. We acquired measures of cortical excitatory and inhibitory activity of the primary motor cortex using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from 20 young (mean ± SD = 25.30 ± 4.00 years, 14 females) and 20 older (mean ± SD = 64.10 ± 6.50 years, 11 females) healthy adults. Single‐ and paired‐pulse TMS measurements were collected before and after a 20 min bout of high‐intensity interval cycling exercise or an equivalent period of rest, and again after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). In both young (P = 0.027, Cohen's d = 0.87) and older adults (P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.85), there was an increase in glutamatergic excitation and a reduction in GABAergic inhibition from pre‐ to postexercise. However, in contrast to younger adults, older adults showed an attenuated plasticity response to iTBS following exercise (P = 0.011, Cohen's d = 0.85). These results demonstrate an age‐dependent decline in cortical plasticity and indicate that a preceding bout of high‐intensity interval exercise might be less effective for enhancing primary motor cortex plasticity in older adults. Our findings align with the hypothesis that the capacity for cortical plasticity is altered in older age.

image

Key points

Exercise enhances motor cortical plasticity in young adults, but how ageing influences this effect is unknown.

Here, we compared primary motor cortical plasticity responses in young and older adults before and after a bout of high‐intensity interval exercise and again after a plasticity‐inducing protocol, intermittent theta burst stimulation.

In both young and older adults, exercise led to an increase in glutamatergic excitation and a reduction in GABAergic inhibition.

Our key result was that older adults showed an attenuated plasticity response to theta burst stimulation following exercise, relative to younger adults.

Our findings demonstrate an age‐dependent decline in exercise‐enhanced cortical plasticity and indicate that a preceding bout of high‐intensity interval exercise might be less effective for enhancing primary motor cortex plasticity in older adults.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Redundant Parallel Mechanism for Long Bone Fracture Reduction
Authors: Su Tingting , Yuan Quan , Liang Xu , Yan Yuchen , Zhang Haojian , Jian Xianjie , He Guangping , Zhao Quanliang
Published: November 2023

In recent years, parallel robots have become a hot research topic in trauma fracture treatment because of their high precision, high load capacity, and compact structure. However, parallel robots have disadvantages like small workspaces and complex singularity. In this article, a novel redundant parallel mechanism (RPM) for long bone fracture reduction is proposed based on Stewart parallel mechanism (SPM). Six kinematically redundant DOFs (degrees-of-freedom) are added to the RPM. First, the kinematics of the RPM is established, and its workspace is calculated. The analysis results indicate that the position workspace of the RPM is about 19 times larger than that of the SPM. The RPM has a similar range of torsion angles as the SPM, but a more extensive range of tilt angles than the SPM. Second, the singularities of the two parallel mechanisms are compared based on the dimensionally homogeneous Jacobian matrix. The results show that the dexterity of the RPM is much better than the SPM. Third, a multiparameter multi-objective optimization method is proposed to optimize the geometry parameters of the RPM. The statics of the RPM is analyzed by finite element analysis. To further expand the performance of the RPM, the unfixed RPM (URPM) is proposed. The analysis results show that the URPM is superior to the RPM in terms of workspace and dexterity. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods in this article.
Fiber spinning from polymer solutions
Authors: Colby Ralph H.
Published: November 2023

The thinning of a cylinder of a polymer solution in a volatile solvent is argued to be controlled by solvent diffusion through a dense polymer layer at the cylinder surface. This naturally leads to the exponential time dependence of cylinder radius that is observed in experiments using a fast camera, such as capillary breakup extensional rheometry (CaBER). The relaxation time is controlled by the thickness of the dense (and often glassy) polymer layer and the diffusion coefficient of solvent through that layer. If correct, this means that while CaBER is very useful for understanding fiber spinning, the relaxation time does not yield a measure of the extensional viscosity of polymer solutions in volatile solvents.
Herbivory limits success of vegetation restoration globally
Authors: Xu Changlin , Silliman Brian R. , Chen Jianshe , Li Xincheng , Thomsen Mads S. , Zhang Qun , Lee Juhyung , Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Daleo Pedro , Hughes Brent B. , Jones Holly P. , Wang Rong , Wang Shaopeng , Smith Carter S. , Xi Xinqiang , Altieri Andrew H. , van de Koppel Johan , Palmer Todd M. , Liu Lingli , Wu Jihua , Li Bo , He Qiang
Published: November 2023

Restoring vegetation in degraded ecosystems is an increasingly common practice for promoting biodiversity and ecological function, but successful implementation is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the processes that limit restoration success. By synthesizing terrestrial and aquatic studies globally (2594 experimental tests from 610 articles), we reveal substantial herbivore control of vegetation under restoration. Herbivores at restoration sites reduced vegetation abundance more strongly (by 89%, on average) than those at relatively undegraded sites and suppressed, rather than fostered, plant diversity. These effects were particularly pronounced in regions with higher temperatures and lower precipitation. Excluding targeted herbivores temporarily or introducing their predators improved restoration by magnitudes similar to or greater than those achieved by managing plant competition or facilitation. Thus, managing herbivory is a promising strategy for enhancing vegetation restoration efforts.
Supermassive black hole feeding and feedback observed on subparsec scales
Authors: Izumi Takuma , Wada Keiichi , Imanishi Masatoshi , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Kohno Kotaro , Kudoh Yuki , Kawamuro Taiki , Baba Shunsuke , Matsumoto Naoki , Fujita Yutaka , Tristram Konrad R. W.
Published: November 2023

Active galaxies contain a supermassive black hole at their center that grows by accreting matter from the surrounding galaxy. The accretion process in about the central 10 parsecs has not been directly resolved in previous observations because of the small apparent angular sizes involved. We observed the active nucleus of the Circinus Galaxy using submillimeter interferometry. A dense inflow of molecular gas was evident on subparsec scales. We calculated that less than 3% of this inflow is accreted by the black hole, with the rest being ejected by multiphase outflows, providing feedback to the host galaxy. Our observations also reveal a dense gas disk surrounding the inflow that is gravitationally unstable, which drives the accretion into about the central 1 parsec.
Sex-biased gene expression across mammalian organ development and evolution
Authors: Rodríguez-Montes Leticia , Ovchinnikova Svetlana , Yuan Xuefei , Studer Tania , Sarropoulos Ioannis , Anders Simon , Kaessmann Henrik , Cardoso-Moreira Margarida
Published: November 2023

Sexually dimorphic traits are common among mammals and are specified during development through the deployment of sex-specific genetic programs. Because little is known about these programs, we investigated them using a resource of gene expression profiles in males and females throughout the development of five organs in five mammals (human, mouse, rat, rabbit, and opossum) and a bird (chicken). We found that sex-biased gene expression varied considerably across organs and species and was often cell-type specific. Sex differences increased abruptly around sexual maturity instead of increasing gradually during organ development. Finally, sex-biased gene expression evolved rapidly at the gene level, with differences between organs in the evolutionary mechanisms used, but more slowly at the cellular level, with the same cell types being sexually dimorphic across species.
Rethinking reproductive harm
Policing Pregnant Bodies: From Ancient Greece to Post-Roe America
Kathleen M. Crowther
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023. 288 pp.
Authors: Mulder Tara
Published: November 2023

Fears about threats to fetal health have long fallen disproportionately on expectant mothers
Solid electrolytes redefine ion conduction
Authors: Van der Ven Anton
Published: November 2023

A mechanism of ion transport in solid electrolytes can guide the design of lithium batteries
Sex-biased gene expression in mammals
Authors: Sémon Marie
Published: November 2023

Sex differences in gene expression start at puberty and vary across species and organs
Shifts in the coral microbiome in response to
in situ
experimental deoxygenation
Authors: Howard Rachel D. , Schul Monica D. , Rodriguez Bravo Lucia M. , Altieri Andrew H. , Meyer Julie L.
Published: November 2023

Global climate change impacts marine ecosystems through rising surface temperatures, ocean acidification, and deoxygenation. While the response of the coral holobiont to the first two effects has been relatively well studied, less is known about the response of the coral microbiome to deoxygenation. In this study, we investigated the response of the microbiome to hypoxia in two coral species that differ in their tolerance to hypoxia. We conducted
in situ
oxygen manipulations on a coral reef in Bahía Almirante on the Caribbean coast of Panama, which has previously experienced documented episodes of hypoxia. Naïve coral colonies (previously unexposed to hypoxia) of
Siderastrea siderea
and
Agaricia lamarcki
were transplanted to a reef and either enclosed in chambers that created hypoxic conditions or left at ambient oxygen levels. We collected samples of surface mucus and tissue after 48 hours of exposure and characterized the microbiome by sequencing 16S rRNA genes. We found that the microbiomes of the two coral species were distinct from one another and remained so after exhibiting similar shifts in microbiome composition in response to hypoxia. There was an increase in both abundance and number of taxa of anaerobic microbes after exposure to hypoxia. Some of these taxa may play beneficial roles in the coral holobiont by detoxifying the surrounding environment during hypoxic stress or may represent opportunists exploiting host stress. This work describes the first characterization of the coral microbiome under hypoxia and is an initial step toward identifying potential beneficial bacteria for corals facing this environmental stressor.

IMPORTANCE

Marine hypoxia is a threat for corals but has remained understudied in tropical regions where coral reefs are abundant. Though microbial symbioses can alleviate the effects of ecological stress, we do not yet understand the taxonomic or functional response of the coral microbiome to hypoxia. In this study, we experimentally lowered oxygen levels around
Siderastrea siderea
and
Agaricia lamarcki
colonies
in situ
to observe changes in the coral microbiome in response to deoxygenation. Our results show that hypoxia triggers a stochastic change of the microbiome overall, with some bacterial families changing deterministically after just 48 hours of exposure. These families represent an increase in anaerobic and opportunistic taxa in the microbiomes of both coral species. Thus, marine deoxygenation destabilizes the coral microbiome and increases bacterial opportunism. This work provides novel and fundamental knowledge of the microbial response in coral during hypoxia and may provide insight into holobiont function during stress.
Genome sequence of white sturgeon herpesvirus 1 isolated from farmed white sturgeon (
Acipenser transmontanus
)
Authors: Waltzek Thomas B. , Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Doszpoly Andor , Hughes Joseph , Vučak Matej , Davison Andrew J.
Published: November 2023

The genome sequence of white sturgeon herpesvirus 1, which was isolated from farmed white sturgeon (
Acipenser transmontanus
), was determined. Comparative analyses suggest the classification of this virus as a new species in a new genus in the family
Alloherpesviridae
.