bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admix-kit: an integrated toolkit and pipeline for genetic analyses of admixed populations
Authors: Hou Kangcheng , Gogarten Stephanie , Kim Joohyun , Hua Xing , Dias Julie-Alexia , Sun Quan , Wang Ying , Tan Taotao ,   Polygenic Risk Methods in Diverse Populations (PRIMED) Consortium Methods Working Group, Adebamowo Sally , Adeyemo Adebowale , Auer Paul , Bensellak Taoufik , Berndt Sonja , Bhukar Rohan , Cao Hongyuan , Cario Clinton , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Chen Jiawen , Chikowore Tinashe , Choudhury Ananyo , Conomos Matthew , Conti David , Cullina Sinead , Darst Burcu , Ding Yi , Dong Ruocheng , Duan Rui , Fakim Yasmina , Franceschini Nora , Ge Tian , Ghoorah Anisah W , Gignoux Chris , Gogarten Stephanie , Hanchard Neil , Hanisch Rachel , Hauser Michael , Hazelhurst Scott , Hirbo Jibril , Hornsby Whitney , Hou Kangcheng , Hua Xing , Huerta Alicia , Hysong Micah , Jin Jin , Johar Angad , Judd Jon , Kachuri Linda , Kamiza Abram Bunya , Kenny Eimear , Khan Alyna , Kharitonova Elena , Kim Joohyun , Konigsberg Iain , Kooperberg Charles , Kosel Matt , Kullo Iftikhar , Lange Ethan , Li Yun , Li Qing , Liivrand Maria , Lohmueller Kirk , Lu Kevin , Mandla Ravi , Manning Alisa , Martin Iman , Martin Alicia , McDonnell Shannon , Mechanic Leah , Mercader Josep , Mester Rachel , Ng Maggie , Nguyen Kevin , Norland Kristján , Ockerman Franklin , Loohuis Loes Olde , Onyenobi Ebuka , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Patel Aniruddh , Petter Ella , Rice Kenneth , Rothstein Joseph , Rowan Bryce , Rowley Robb , Ruan Yunfeng , Sankararaman Sriram , Sartori Ambra , Schaid Dan , Shemirani Ruhollah , Shortt Jonathan , Sim Xueling , Smith Johanna L , Stanislawski Maggie , Stram Daniel , Sun Quan , Tayo Bamidele , Truong Buu , Tsuo Kristin , Urbut Sarah , Wang Ying , Wang Wallace Minxian , Wilson Riley , Witte John , Wojcik Genevieve , Zhang Jingning , Zhang Ruyue , Zhang Haoyu , Zhang Yuji , Zhong Michael , Zhou Laura , Atkinson Elizabeth G , Martin Alicia , Shortt Jonathan , Hirbo Jibril , Li Yun , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Zhang Haoyu
Published: March 2024

Admixed populations, with their unique and diverse genetic backgrounds, are often underrepresented in genetic studies. This oversight not only limits our understanding but also exacerbates existing health disparities. One major barrier has been the lack of efficient tools tailored for the special challenges of genetic studies of admixed populations. Here, we present admix-kit, an integrated toolkit and pipeline for genetic analyses of admixed populations. Admix-kit implements a suite of methods to facilitate genotype and phenotype simulation, association testing, genetic architecture inference, and polygenic scoring in admixed populations.

Availability and implementation

Admix-kit package is open-source and available at https://github.com/KangchengHou/admix-kit. Additionally, users can use the pipeline designed for admixed genotype simulation available at https://github.com/UW-GAC/admix-kit_workflow.
Nestling size and ornamentation interact to shape early development in house sparrow families
Authors: Border Shana E , Dugas Matthew B
Published: March 2024

In many nuclear families, dependent offspring receive unequal shares of parental investment. Initial overproduction can be adaptive from the perspective of parents, but parents must be able to identify appropriate candidates for favourite status. We studied early nestling development in house sparrows (Passer domesticus), a species in which the loss of some brood members is common, testing the prediction that body mass and carotenoid-rich flange colours are important to nestling success. There was substantial variation in both traits within broods, even only 1 day after hatching. Nestlings low in the within-brood mass hierarchy gained more mass if they displayed more carotenoid-rich flanges than broodmates. Position in the colour hierarchy did not, however, predict mass gain for individuals that were heavier than their broodmates. Nestlings that were heavier or had more carotenoid-rich mouths were also less likely to be the victim of brood reduction. Our results suggest that house sparrow parents use both nestling body size and mouth colour when making allocation decisions. Understanding both how and when offspring traits and parental preferences function is key to understanding how selective pressures act on offspring–parent communication.
A direct spinal cord–computer interface enables the control of the paralysed hand in spinal cord injury
Authors: Oliveira Daniela Souza , Ponfick Matthias , Braun Dominik I , Osswald Marius , Sierotowicz Marek , Chatterjee Satyaki , Weber Douglas , Eskofier Bjoern , Castellini Claudio , Farina Dario , Kinfe Thomas Mehari , Del Vecchio Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Paralysis of the muscles controlling the hand dramatically limits the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, with a non-invasive neural interface, we demonstrate that eight motor complete SCI individuals (C5–C6) are still able to task-modulate in real-time the activity of populations of spinal motor neurons with residual neural pathways.

In all SCI participants tested, we identified groups of motor units under voluntary control that encoded various hand movements. The motor unit discharges were mapped into more than 10 degrees of freedom, ranging from grasping to individual hand-digit flexion and extension. We then mapped the neural dynamics into a real-time controlled virtual hand. The SCI participants were able to match the cue hand posture by proportionally controlling four degrees of freedom (opening and closing the hand and index flexion/extension).

These results demonstrate that wearable muscle sensors provide access to spared motor neurons that are fully under voluntary control in complete cervical SCI individuals. This non-invasive neural interface allows the investigation of motor neuron changes after the injury and has the potential to promote movement restoration when integrated with assistive devices.
Hippocampal hyperphosphorylated tau-induced deficiency is rescued by L-type calcium channel blockade
Authors: Crossley Chelsea A , Omoluabi Tamunotonye , Torraville Sarah E , Duraid Sarah , Maziar Aida , Hasan Zia , Rajani Vishaal , Ando Kanae , Hell Johannes W , Yuan Qi
Published: March 2024

Aging and Alzheimer’s disease are associated with chronic elevations in neuronal calcium influx via L-type calcium channels. The hippocampus, a primary memory encoding structure in the brain, is more vulnerable to calcium dysregulation in Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research has suggested a link between L-type calcium channels and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, the precise mechanism of L-type calcium channel-mediated tau toxicity is not understood. In this study, we seeded a human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites in rat hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 region to mimic soluble pretangle tau. Impaired spatial learning was observed in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats as early as 1–3 months and worsened at 9–10 months post-infusion. Rats infused with wild-type human tau exhibited milder behavioural deficiency only at 9–10 months post-infusion. No tangles or plaques were observed in all time points examined in both human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites and human tau-infused brains. However, human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused hippocampus exhibited a higher amount of tau phosphorylation at S262 and S356 than the human tau-infused rats at 3 months post-infusion, paralleling the behavioural deficiency observed in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats. Neuroinflammation indexed by increased Iba1 in the cornu ammonis 1 was observed in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats at 1–3 but not 9 months post-infusion. Spatial learning deficiency in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats at 1–3 months post-infusion was paralleled by decreased neuronal excitability, impaired NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation and augmented L-type calcium channel-dependent long-term potentiation at the cornu ammonis 1 synapses. L-type calcium channel expression was elevated in the soma of the cornu ammonis 1 neurons in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats. Chronic L-type calcium channel blockade with nimodipine injections for 6 weeks normalized neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity and rescued spatial learning deficiency in human tau pseudophosphorylated at 14 amino acid sites-infused rats. The early onset of L-type calcium channel-mediated pretangle tau pathology and rectification by nimodipine in our model have significant implications for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease prevention and intervention.
Lifetime prevalence and associated factors of itch with skin conditions: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and dry skin in individuals aged > 50 years
Authors: Bollemeijer Juliette F , Zheng Kang J , van der Meer Alexandra M , Ikram M Kamran , Kavousi Maryam , Brouwer Willem P , Luik Annemarie I , Chaker Layal , Xu Yanning , Gunn David A , Nijsten Tamar E C , Pardo Luba M
Published: March 2024

Background

Itch, common in dermatological conditions, is often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced quality of life. However, research on the prevalence and associated factors of itch with skin conditions in general populations is limited.

Objectives

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence of itch with skin conditions and to identify its associated factors in individuals aged > 50 years.

Methods

Participants from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort, were interviewed to assess whether they had ever had an itchy skin condition, defining lifetime itch with skin conditions. Over 20 demographic, lifestyle, dermatological and nondermatological factors were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis explored associations between these factors and itch with skin conditions, reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

In total, 5246 eligible participants were included (age range 51–100 years, median age 67; 56.0% women). The results revealed a ­lifetime prevalence of 33.7% for itch with skin conditions. Factors significantly associated with itch were female sex (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43), body mass index (1.02, 1.01–1.03), self-reported atopic dermatitis (4.29, 3.74–4.92), presence of atopic dermatitis (1.97, 1.60–2.43), self-­reported psoriasis (2.31, 1.77–3.01), presence of psoriasis (2.11, 1.55–2.87), self-reported dry skin (1.95, 1.73–2.20), self-reported asthma (1.40, 1.08–1.83), renal impairment (1.45, 1.17–1.79), and clinically relevant depressive (1.85, 1.52–2.25) and anxiety symptoms (1.36, 1.11–1.66).

Conclusions

This study reveals a substantial one-third lifetime prevalence of itch with skin conditions in individuals aged > 50 years. Significant associations with diverse lifestyle, demographic, dermatological and, intriguingly, nondermatological factors, including renal impairment, imply additional contributors to induction or persistence of itch in individuals with skin conditions.
Silver-catalyzed carbon dioxide incorporation into propargylic amides
Authors: Uema Seiya , Kojima Nao , Yamada Tohru
Published: March 2024

A method for the synthesis of oxazolidine-2,4-diones by silver-catalyzed CO2 incorporation into propargylic amides under base-free mild reaction conditions was developed. These conditions were applied to a variety of aryl- and alkyl-substituted propargylic amides to afford the corresponding oxazolidine-2,4-diones in high yields. Combined with iodination during the CO2 incorporation reaction, the present reaction was successfully applied to the synthesis of the pesticide pentoxazone.
Additive intercropping system or acaricides: which one is more efficient to prevent population buildup of two-spotted spider mite?
Authors: Rahimi Vahab , Madadi Hossein
Published: March 2024

Habitat manipulation such as intercropping can be used as a simple and common cultural practice in pest management. This method is based on the principle of reducing pest populations by increasing the diversity of an ecosystem. This study has been carried out to evaluate the influence of additive series intercropping common bean with some aromatic plants (AP), and 2 acaricides on the different life stages (egg, immature mobile stages, and adult) of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), over 2 yr of experimentation (2020 and 2021). This experiment was conducted following a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments including common bean monoculture, common bean sprayed by spiromesifen or Dayabon, and common bean + companion plants (coriander, ajwain, basil, or dill). Each treatment was replicated 3 replicates. The lowest and highest number of eggs, immature mobile stages, and adults were observed in common bean + spiromesifen and the common bean monoculture, respectively. Additionally, the common bean + Dayabon supported significantly different T. urticae life stage densities compared to common bean monoculture. Also, among intercropped treatments, common bean + basil showed the lowest number of T. urticae (eggs, immature mobile stages, and adults). The highest yield and land equivalent ratio were recorded in common bean + basil and common bean + spiromesifen, respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that additive intercropping with these AP can effectively decrease the T. urticae population density, which is useful for the safe production of common bean.
Comparative prognostic importance of measures of left atrial structure and function in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hammersley Daniel J , Mukhopadhyay Srinjay , Chen Xiuyu , Cheng Leanne , Jones Richard E , Mach Lukas , Curran Lara , Yazdani Momina , Iacob Alma , Lota Amrit S , Khalique Zohya , De Marvao Antonio , Baruah Resham , Guha Kaushik , Ware James S , Gregson John , Zhao Shihua , Pennell Dudley J , Tayal Upasana , Prasad Sanjay K , Halliday Brian P
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study aimed to compare the association between measures of left atrial (LA) structure and function, derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with cardiovascular death or non-fatal heart failure events in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods and results

CMR studies of 580 prospectively recruited patients with DCM in sinus rhythm [median age 54 (interquartile range 44–64) years, 61% men, median left ventricular ejection fraction 42% (30–51%)] were analysed for measures of LA structure [LA maximum volume index (LAVImax) and LA minimum volume index (LAVImin)] and function (LA emptying fraction, LA reservoir strain, LA conduit strain (LACS), and LA booster strain]. Over a median follow-up of 7.4 years, 103 patients (18%) met the primary endpoint. Apart from LACS, each measure of LA structure and function was associated with the primary endpoint after adjusting for other important prognostic variables. The addition of each LA metric to a baseline model containing the same important prognostic covariates improved model discrimination, with LAVImin providing the greatest improvement [C-statistic improvement: 0.702–0.738; χ2 test comparing likelihood ratio P < 0.0001; categorical net reclassification index: 0.210 (95% CI 0.023–0.392)]. Patients in the highest tercile of LAVImin had similar event rates to those with persistent atrial fibrillation. Measures of LA strain did not enhance model discrimination above LA volumetric measures.

Conclusion

Measures of LA structure and function offer important prognostic information in patients with DCM and enhance the prediction of adverse outcomes. LA strain was not incremental to volumetric analysis for risk prediction.
Marine particle microbiomes during a spring diatom bloom contain active sulfate-reducing bacteria
Authors: Siebers Robin , Schultz Doreen , Farza Mohamed S , Brauer Anne , Zühlke Daniela , Mücke Pierre A , Wang Fengqing , Bernhardt Jörg , Teeling Hanno , Becher Dörte , Riedel Katharina , Kirstein Inga V , Wiltshire Karen H , Hoff Katharina J , Schweder Thomas , Urich Tim , Bengtsson Mia M
Published: March 2024

Phytoplankton blooms fuel marine food webs with labile dissolved carbon and also lead to the formation of particulate organic matter composed of living and dead algal cells. These particles contribute to carbon sequestration and are sites of intense algal-bacterial interactions, providing diverse niches for microbes to thrive. We analyzed 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequences obtained from 51 time points and metaproteomes from 3 time points during a spring phytoplankton bloom in a shallow location (6-10 m depth) in the North Sea. Particulate fractions larger than 10 µm diameter were collected at near daily intervals between early March and late May in 2018. Network analysis identified two major modules representing bacteria co-occurring with diatoms and with dinoflagellates, respectively. The diatom network module included known sulfate-reducing Desulfobacterota as well as potentially sulfur-oxidizing Ectothiorhodospiraceae. Metaproteome analyses confirmed presence of key enzymes involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction, a process known to occur in sinking particles at greater depths and in sediments. Our results indicate the presence of sufficiently anoxic niches in the particle fraction of an active phytoplankton bloom to sustain sulfate reduction, and an important role of benthic-pelagic coupling for microbiomes in shallow environments. Our findings may have implications for the understanding of algal-bacterial interactions and carbon export during blooms in shallow-water coastal areas.
Giants among Cnidaria: Large Nuclear Genomes and Rearranged Mitochondrial Genomes in Siphonophores
Authors: Ahuja Namrata , Cao Xuwen , Schultz Darrin T , Picciani Natasha , Lord Arianna , Shao Shengyuan , Jia Kejue , Burdick David R , Haddock Steven H D , Li Yuanning , Dunn Casey W
Published: March 2024

Siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) are abundant predators found throughout the ocean and are important constituents of the global zooplankton community. They range in length from a few centimeters to tens of meters. They are gelatinous, fragile, and difficult to collect, so many aspects of the biology of these roughly 200 species remain poorly understood. To survey siphonophore genome diversity, we performed Illumina sequencing of 32 species sampled broadly across the phylogeny. Sequencing depth was sufficient to estimate nuclear genome size from k-mer spectra in six specimens, ranging from 0.7 to 2.3 Gb, with heterozygosity estimates between 0.69% and 2.32%. Incremental k-mer counting indicates k-mer peaks can be absent with nearly 20× read coverage, suggesting minimum genome sizes range from 1.4 to 5.6 Gb in the 25 samples without peaks in the k-mer spectra. This work confirms most siphonophore nuclear genomes are large relative to the genomes of other cnidarians, but also identifies several with reduced size that are tractable targets for future siphonophore nuclear genome assembly projects. We also assembled complete mitochondrial genomes for 33 specimens from these new data, indicating a conserved gene order shared among nonsiphonophore hydrozoans, Cystonectae, and some Physonectae, revealing the ancestral mitochondrial gene order of siphonophores. Our results also suggest extensive rearrangement of mitochondrial genomes within other Physonectae and in Calycophorae. Though siphonophores comprise a small fraction of cnidarian species, this survey greatly expands our understanding of cnidarian genome diversity. This study further illustrates both the importance of deep phylogenetic sampling and the utility of k-mer–based genome skimming in understanding the genomic diversity of a clade.
Domestic violence: prevention past due
Authors: Chang Debbie I
Published: March 2024

In May 2023, the White House released the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which includes intimate partner or domestic violence (DV). Based on 20 years of experience in California, this commentary provides detailed examples of 2 DV prevention strategies: interrupting intergenerational transmission and addressing macrolevel drivers. Family-strengthening approaches to prevention and justice and increasing economic security are key. Insight into regional policies and programs can inform implementation of the national plan and DV prevention in other states and localities.
Front-line guardian of the status quo: Japan under the Kishida government
Authors: Singh Bhubhindar
Published: March 2024

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his government have implemented bold defence, diplomatic and economic policies against the challenges to the status quo order posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased Chinese assertiveness. What do these policies unveil about Japan's strategy and response to the transformed strategic environment? This article argues that the Kishida government has upgraded Japan to a front-line guardian of the status quo order. To achieve its front-line role, the Kishida government has consolidated Japan's deterrence policy, namely focusing on two main pillars—military and rules. To ensure Japan's frontline role is sustainable, this policy paper makes three recommendations: Japan must develop strategic clarity and clear operational plans on how to respond to a regional contingency, such as the Taiwan Strait; Japan must resolve domestic problems that prevent the increase in defence spending to 2 per cent in the period to 2027. Japan's role as a front-line state to protect the status quo order is very much dependent on the availability of resources that would be provided by this increase in defence spending; Japan should re-energize its efforts towards east Asia through a sustained diplomatic, economic and security means. This is important in securing support for Japan's preferred vision of regional and global order from not only like-minded partners and friends in east Asia, but also China. Japan's approach should underscore how the extant status quo order benefits all states, including China, especially in terms of spreading economic prosperity, development and connectivity.
Gender in European Union Asylum Law: The Istanbul Convention as a Game Changer?
Authors: Warin Catherine
Published: March 2024

The European Union (EU) has historically been a proactive player in advancing equality between women and men, and fighting gender-based discrimination. The past two decades have also seen the EU becoming a major actor in asylum law, with several EU secondary law instruments and a large amount of case law in EU Member States relating to the application of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Yet, these two areas of EU legislation – gender equality and asylum – have yet to become consistently connected. Similarly, judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union addressing gender-related elements of asylum cases are scarce. Could the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) help bridge the gap? The Istanbul Convention identifies gender-based violence as an extreme form of discrimination and contains a whole chapter dedicated to women in the context of migration. This article sheds light on the yet-to-be-realized potential of the Istanbul Convention to amplify the protective power of the Refugee Convention in the EU. While at present neither the Common European Asylum System, nor its new iteration in the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, fully meets the standards of the Istanbul Convention, it may be expected that the EU’s accession to the treaty will further encourage a gender-sensitive approach in EU asylum law. The Istanbul Convention may well be a game changer for the protection of female asylum seekers, and possibly also for asylum seekers with other gender identities.
Impact of the phenotypic expression of temocillin resistance in Escherichia coli on temocillin efficacy in a murine peritonitis model
Authors: Mallart Elise , Guerin François , Amoura Ariane , Le Scouarnec Matthieu , Hamon Antoine , El Meouche Imane , Chau Françoise , Lefort Agnès , Fantin Bruno , Cattoir Vincent , de Lastours Victoire
Published: March 2024

Background

Temocillin is a narrow spectrum β-lactam active against MDR Enterobacterales. Mechanisms of acquired resistance to temocillin are poorly understood. We analysed resistance mechanisms in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and evaluated their impact on temocillin efficacy in vitro and in a murine peritonitis model.

Methods

Two sets of isogenic clinical E. coli strains were studied: a susceptible isolate (MLTEM16S) and its resistant derivative, MLTEM16R (mutation in nmpC porin gene); and temocillin-resistant derivatives of E. coli CFT073: CFT-ΔnmpC (nmpC deletion), CFTbaeS-TP and CFTbaeS-AP (two different mutations in the baeS efflux-pump gene).

Fitness cost, time–kill curves and phenotypic expression of resistance were determined. Temocillin efficacy was assessed in a murine peritonitis model.

Results

MICs of temocillin were 16 and 64 mg/L for MLTEM16S and MLTEM16R, respectively, and 8, 128, 256 and 256 mg/L for E. coli-CFT073, CFT-ΔnmpC, CFTbaeS-TP and CFTbaeS-AP, respectively. No fitness cost of resistance was evidenced. All resistant strains showed heteroresistant profiles, except for CFTbaeS-AP, which displayed a homogeneous pattern. In vitro, temocillin was bactericidal against MLTEM16R, CFT-ΔnmpC, CFTbaeS-TP and CFTbaeS-AP at 128, 256, 512 and 512 mg/L, respectively.

In vivo, temocillin was as effective as cefotaxime against MLTEM16R, CFT-ΔnmpC and CFTbaeS-TP, but inefficient against CFTbaeS-AP (100% mortality).

Conclusions

Heteroresistant NmpC porin alteration and active efflux modification do not influence temocillin efficacy despite high MIC values, unfavourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic conditions and the absence of fitness cost, whereas homogeneously expressed BaeS efflux pump alteration yielding similar MICs leads to temocillin inefficacy. MIC as sole predictor of temocillin efficacy should be used with caution.
Evolution of wing shape in geometrid moths: phylogenetic effects dominate over ecology
Authors: Ude Kadri , Õunap Erki , Kaasik Ants , Davis Robert B , Javoiš Juhan , Nedumpally Vineesh , Foerster Stenio I A , Tammaru Toomas
Published: March 2024

Locomotory performance is an important determinant of fitness in most animals, including flying insects. Strong selective pressures on wing morphology are therefore expected. Previous studies on wing shape in Lepidoptera have found some support for hypotheses relating wing shape to environment-specific selective pressures on aerodynamic performance. Here, we present a phylogenetic comparative study on wing shape in the lepidopteran family Geometridae, covering 374 species of the northern European fauna. We focused on 11 wing traits including aspect ratio, wing roundness, and the pointedness of the apex, as well as the ratio of forewing and hindwing areas. All measures were taken from images available on the internet, using a combination of tools available in Fiji software and R. We found that wing shape demonstrates a phylogenetically conservative pattern of evolution in Geometridae, showing similar or stronger phylogenetic signal than many of its potential predictors. Several wing traits showed statistically significant associations with predictors such as body size, phenology, and preference for forest habitats. Overall, however, all of these associations remained notably weak, with no wing shape being excluded for any value of the predictors, including body size. We conclude that, in geometrids, wing traits do not readily respond to selective pressures optimizing aerodynamic performance of the moths in different environments. Selection on wing shape may nevertheless operate through other functions of the wings, with the effectiveness of crypsis at rest being a promising candidate for further studies.
The invasive ambrosia beetle, Gnathotrichus materiarius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Central Europe
Authors: Fiala Tomáš , Holuša Jaroslav , Resnerová Karolina , Foit Jiří , Lakatos Ferenc , Mazur Andrzej , Procházka Jiří , Witkowski Radoslaw , Pyszko Petr , Holzschuh Carolus
Published: March 2024

Gnathotrichus materiarius Fitch, 1858 is an invasive bark beetle that colonizes conifers and has spread widely in Europe. The beetle was introduced from North America to Western Europe, where it was first detected in France in 1933. In countries of Western and Northern Europe, the first detections were found at ports or airports, which probably served as sources of further spread. Gnathotrichus materiarius spread eastward to the Czech Republic and other countries in Central Europe from Germany and Poland and spread northward from Italy to Slovenia. The presence of wilting spruces, outbreaks dominated by Ips typographus Linnaeus, 1758, and the subsequent transport of timber have probably accelerated the spread of G. materiarius. It is possible that G. materiarius was imported with timber to Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Although G. materiarius has been present in Europe for almost 100 yr, and even though its host trees include Picea and Pinus spp., which are abundant in Central European forests, no significant damage caused by this beetle has been detected or reported. Gnathotrichus materiarius is a typical secondary pest in that it multiplies on decaying trees or trees already infested and killed by other bark beetle species. It has 2 generations a year in Central Europe. The beetles of G. materiarius occur the whole year, but the flight of adults starts in early May and the offspring beetles emerge in mid-July. The adults of F2 generation overwinter in wood. The best method for monitoring and detecting the presence of G. materiarius is the use of ethanol-baited traps.
Surgical treatment of patients with chronic rupture of the pectoralis major muscle tendon. Prospective comparative study with 2 years of follow-up
Authors: de Castro Pochini Alberto , Ejnisman Benno , Andreoli Carlos V , Yamada Andre F , Godoy Ivan R B , Cohen Moises , Seixas Maria T , Belangero Paulo S , Hipolide Debora C
Published: March 2024

To compare outcomes between autologous fascia lata and autologous hamstring grafts for chronic pectoralis major muscle (PMM) rupture repair, and perform histological, and imaging analyses. Forty male patients with chronic PMM ruptures (time since injury ranging from >3 months to 5 years) and a mean age of 37.3 years (SD = 9.7 years) were evaluated. One group (20 patients) received an autologous semitendinosus graft, and another group (20 patients) received an autologous fascia lata graft for PMM reconstruction. These patients with fascia lata grafts by Bak 2criterium 60% of the patients presented excellent results, 20% presented good results, 15% presented fair results, and 5% presented poor results. In the hamstring group 65% of the patients presented excellent results, 30% presented good results, and 5% presented fair results. In this comparative study, no difference was observed regarding the functional result, image, and histology between groups.
Distal rupture of the biceps brachii tendon in a female mixed martial arts athlete: a case report
Authors: Bernardo Franciele S , Dada Neto Francisco , Lima Ewerton B D S , Lara Paulo H S , Pochini Alberto D C , Andreoli Carlos V , Belangero Paulo S , Ejnisman Benno
Published: March 2024

The distal rupture of the biceps brachii muscle tendon (DBT) accounts for 3% of biceps ruptures. Diagnosis typically relies on high clinical suspicion and complementary imaging studies, with >90% of cases documented in males between the fourth and sixth decades of life. Reports of DBT ruptures in females are scarce, mostly involving partial and degenerative injuries. Here, we present an unprecedented case of a 28-year-old female professional mixed martial arts athlete with a total traumatic DBT rupture. The athlete underwent surgical repair using anchor reattachment technique. No complications were observed, and the athlete showed satisfactory outcomes, being cleared for physiotherapy after 2 weeks and returning to sports after a 3-month postoperative period.
A rare case of eosinophilic jejunitis: diagnosis and management strategies
Authors: Aaboudech T Y , Zouaidia F , Znati K , Bernoussi Z , Jahid A
Published: March 2024

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease with an unknown cause, which can manifest independently or as part of a hyper-eosinophilic syndrome. The severity of the condition depends on the extent of eosinophilic infiltration and damage to the digestive tract. Diagnosis relies on histological examination, which reveals a significant presence of eosinophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the digestive wall. The authors present a new case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in a 28-year-old patient who exhibited obstructive symptoms but lacked peripheral eosinophilia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed no abnormalities, but barium transit imaging revealed gastro-duodeno-jejunal dilation upstream of a tight jejunal stenosis. Surgical examination of the affected area confirmed a diffuse and transparietal eosinophilic infiltrate, with no evidence of parasitic or granulomatous lesions. Fortunately, the patient had a swift recovery following surgery. Biopsies conducted at other locations, including the gastric, hepatic, and medullary levels, produced negative results, indicating the localized nature of the condition.
Traumatic air embolism; a case report and literature review of this rare complication of trauma
Authors: Morreau Jonty H
Published: March 2024

Trauma management forms a significant component of any health system. It can affect any body system, and as such knowledge of the wide possible presentations and sequalae are critical. Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare presentation in trauma, though it can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 23-year-old gentleman with isolated penetrating trauma to the chest who developed widespread neurological insult as a result of SAE, and review historical and proposed contemporary management of SAE.
There is a place for every animal, but not in my back yard: a survey on attitudes towards urban animals and where people want them to live
Authors: Sweet Fabio S T , Mimet Anne , Shumon Md Noor Ullah , Schirra Leonie P , Schäffler Julia , Haubitz Sophia C , Noack Peter , Hauck Thomas E , Weisser Wolfgang W
Published: March 2024

Animals are a constant presence in urban environments. While there is a handful of studies that have addressed which urban animals people like, there is little knowledge on where in the city people want them to be. There is the risk of a misalignment between human urban inhabitants’ specific desires for more nature in cities and the results of urban renaturing initiatives. We conducted an online survey on inhabitants of Munich (Germany) to investigate their attitudes towards 32 different urban animals and where they want them to occur. These places ranged from their own home or garden, to different places within the city, and to outside of the city. In total, 10 000 flyers were distributed in houses surrounding 40 city squares, and 305 people participated. We found that people rather placed animals further away than close to home. There were clear differences between different animal species in where they were placed by people, from species being placed close to home, to species wanted only outside the city. There were also clear differences in attitude towards the different animals, and participants on averaged placed animals closer to home if they liked them more. People have clear preferences for the placing of different animals in an urban context. Knowledge on these preferences can help to design targeted conservation actions and environmental education programs.
A tomato B-box protein regulates plant development and fruit quality through the interaction with PIF4, HY5, and RIN transcription factors
Authors: Shiose Lumi , Moreira Juliene dos Reis , Lira Bruno Silvestre , Ponciano Gabriel , Gómez-Ocampo Gabriel , Wu Raquel Tsu Ay , dos Santos Júnior José Laurindo , Ntelkis Nikolaos , Clicque Elke , Oliveira Maria José , Lubini Greice , Floh Eny Iochevet Segal , Botto Javier Francisco , Ferreira Marcelo José Pena , Goossens Alain , Freschi Luciano , Rossi Magdalena
Published: March 2024

During the last decade, knowledge about BBX proteins has greatly increased. Genome-wide studies identified the BBX gene family in several ornamental, industry, and food crops; however, reports regarding the role of these genes as regulators of agronomically important traits are scarce. Here, by phenotyping a knockout mutant, we performed a comprehensive functional characterization of the tomato locus Solyc12g089240, hereafter called SlBBX20. The data revealed the encoded protein as a positive regulator of light signaling affecting several physiological processes during the life span of plants. Through inhibition of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (SlPIF4)–auxin crosstalk, SlBBX20 regulates photomorphogenesis. Later in development, it controls the balance between cell division and expansion to guarantee correct vegetative and reproductive development. In fruits, SlBBX20 is transcriptionally induced by the master transcription factor RIPENING INHIBITOR (SlRIN) and, together with ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (SlHY5), up-regulates flavonoid biosynthetic genes. Finally, SlBBX20 promotes the accumulation of steroidal glycoalkaloids and attenuates Botrytis cinerea infection. This work clearly demonstrates that BBX proteins are multilayer regulators of plant physiology because they affect not only multiple processes during plant development but they also regulate other genes at the transcriptional and post-translational levels.
Public versus Private Care in the Military Health System: Evidence From Low Back Pain Patients
Authors: Leggett Christopher G , Schmidt Rachel O , Skinner Jonathan , Lurie Jon D , Luan William Patrick
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There is a longstanding debate about whether health care is more efficiently provided by the public or private sector. The debate is particularly relevant to the Military Health System (MHS), which delivers care through a combination of publicly funded federal facilities and privately contracted providers. This study compares outcomes, treatments, and costs for MHS patients obtaining care for low back pain (LBP) from public versus private providers.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was completed using TRICARE Prime claims data from April 2015 to December 2018. The cohort was identified using International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision diagnostic codes and then followed for 12 months after the index diagnosis to assess treatments, outcomes, and costs. Claims were classified as originating from either public or private providers. The primary outcome measure was resolution of LBP, defined as an absence of LBP diagnoses during the 6-to-12-month window following the index event. Instrumental variable models were used to assess the impact of care setting (i.e., private versus public), conditioning on the covariates. A regional measure of the fraction of private care was used as an instrument.

Results

Resolution of LBP was achieved for 79.7% of 144,866 patients in the cohort. No significant association was found between resolution of LBP and fraction of privately provided care. Higher fraction of private care was associated with a greater likelihood of opioid treatments (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02-1.46) and a lower likelihood of benzodiazepine (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45-0.70) and physical therapy (odds ratio 0.55; 95% CI, 0.42-0.74) treatments; manual therapy was not significantly associated with the fraction of private care. There was a significant negative association between the fraction of private care and cost (coefficient −0.27; 95% CI, −0.44, −0.10).

Conclusion

This study found that privately provided care was associated with significantly higher opioid prescribing, less use of benzodiazepines and physical therapy, and lower costs. No systematic differences in outcomes (as measured by resolved cases) were identified. The findings suggest that publicly funded health care within the MHS context can attain quality comparable to privately provided care, although differences in treatment choices and costs point to possibilities for improved care within both systems.
Detection and genotyping of zoonotic microsporidia in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Authors: Ávalos Gabriel , Caballero-Gómez Javier , Matas-Méndez Pablo , Castro-Scholten Sabrina , Jiménez-Martín Débora , Köster Pamela C , Santín Mónica , Bailo Begoña , Cano-Terriza David , González-Barrio David , Mateo Marta , García-Bocanegra Ignacio , Dashti Alejandro , Nájera Fernando , Carmena David
Published: March 2024

Microsporidia is a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming parasites that infect a wide range of animals. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most frequently reported species in humans. Limited information is available about the presence and molecular diversity of microsporidian species in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was investigated by molecular methods in wild and captive Iberian lynxes from Spain. Overall, E. bieneusi was detected in 3.2% (8/251) of the animals examined. None of the samples tested were positive for Encephalitozoon spp. Four known (D, EbfelA, PigEBITS7, and Type IV) and a novel (named as LynxSpEb1) E. bieneusi genotypes were identified. All the genotypes found belonged to the zoonotic Group 1 of E. bieneusi. This study provides the first genotyping data of E. bieneusi in Iberian lynx in Spain. Our result indicate that the Iberian lynx does not seem to play a relevant role in the epidemiology of Encephalitozoon spp., and that this endangered felid is likely acting as spillover host rather than a true reservoir of E. bieneusi. Additional studies should be conducted to assess the impact of this parasite in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.
Cliff collapse on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko – II. Imhotep and Hathor
Authors: Davidsson Björn J R
Published: March 2024

Cliff collapses on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko expose relatively pristine nucleus matter and offer rare opportunities to characterize ice-rich comet material. Here, Microwave Instrument for Rosetta Orbiter (MIRO) observations of two collapsed or crumbling cliffs in the Imhotep and Hathor regions have been assembled. The empirical diurnal antenna temperature curves are analysed with thermophysical and radiative transfer models in order to place constraints on the physical properties and degrees of stratification in the near-surface material. The Imhotep site consists of an exposed dust/water-ice mixture with thermal inertia 100–$160\, \mathrm{J\, m^{-2}\, K^{-1}\, s^{-1/2}}$, having sublimating CO2 ice located $11\pm 4\, \mathrm{cm}$ below the surface. Its estimated age is consistent with an outburst observed on 2014 April 27–30. The Hathor site has a $0.8\pm 0.2\, \mathrm{cm}$ dust mantle, a thermal inertia of $40\pm 20\, \mathrm{J\, m^{-2}\, K^{-1}\, s^{-1/2}}$, no CO2 ice to within $1.0\, \mathrm{m}$ depth, and a mantle bulk density of $340\pm 80\, \mathrm{kg\, m^{-3}}$ that is higher than the theoretically expected $180\pm 10\, \mathrm{kg\, m^{-3}}$, suggesting that compression has taken place.
The bright black hole X-ray binary 4U 1543-47 during 2021 outburst. A clear state transition from super-Eddington to sub-Eddington accretion revealed by Insight-HXMT
Authors: Jin Pei , Zhang Guobao , Zhang Yuexin , Méndez Mariano , Qu Jinlu , Russell David M , Wang Jiancheng , Zhang Shuangnan , Yang Yi-Jung , Jia Shumei , Yang Zixu , Liu Hexin
Published: March 2024

We present a detailed analysis of the observations with the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope of the black hole X-ray transient 4U 1543-47 during its outburst in 2021. We find a clear state transition during the outburst decay of the source. Using previous measurements of the black hole mass and distance to the source, the source luminosity during this transition is close to the Eddington limit. The light curves before and after the transition can be fitted by two exponential functions with short (∼16 d) and long (∼130 d) decay time-scales, respectively. We detect strong reflection features in all observations that can be described with either the relxillns or reflionx_bb reflection models, both of which have a black-body incident spectrum. In the super-Eddington state, we observe a Comptonized component characterized by a low electron temperature of approximately 2.0 keV. We suggest that this component appears exclusively within the inner radiation-pressure-dominated region of the supercritical disc as a part of the intrinsic spectrum of the accretion disc itself. This feature vanishes as the source transitions into the sub-Eddington state. The emissivity index of the accretion disc in the reflection component is significantly different before and after the transition, ∼3.0–5.0 and ∼7.0–9.0 in the super- and sub-Eddington states, respectively. Based on the reflection geometry of returning disc radiation, the geometrically thicker the accretion disc, the smaller the emissivity index. Therefore, we propose that the transition is primarily driven by the change of the accretion flow from a supercritical to a thin disc configuration.
Observational properties of active galactic nucleus obscuration during the peak of accretion growth
Authors: Vijarnwannaluk Bovornpratch , Akiyama Masayuki , Schramm Malte , Ueda Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Yoshiki , Toba Yoshiki , Matsumoto Naoki , Ruiz Angel , Georgantopoulos Ioannis , Pouliasis Ektoras , Koulouridis Elias , Ichikawa Kohei , Sawicki Marcin , Gwyn Stephen
Published: March 2024

We investigated the gas obscuration and host galaxy properties of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) during the peak of cosmic accretion growth of supermassive black holes at redshift 0.8–1.8 using X-ray-detected AGNs with mid-infrared and far-infrared detection. The sample was classified as type-1 and type-2 AGNs using optical spectral and morphological classification while the host galaxy properties were estimated with multiwavelength spectral energy distribution fitting. For type-1 AGNs, the black hole mass was determined from MgII emission lines while the black hole mass of type-2 AGNs was inferred from the host galaxy’s stellar mass. Based on the derived parameters, the distribution of the sample in the absorption hydrogen column density (NH) versus Eddington ratio diagram is examined. Among the type-2 AGNs, 28 ± 5 per cent are in the forbidden zone, where the obscuration by dust torus cannot be maintained due to radiation pressure on dusty material. The fraction is higher than that observed in the local universe from the Burst Alert Telescope AGN Spectroscopic Survey data release 2 (BASS DR2) (11 ± 3 per cent). The higher fraction implies that the obscuration of the majority of AGNs is consistent with the radiation pressure regulated unified model but with an increased incidence of interstellar matter (ISM)-obscured AGNs. We discuss the possibility of dust-free absorption in type-1 AGNs and heavy ISM absorption in type-2 AGNs. We also find no statistical difference in the star-formation activity between type-1 and type-2 AGNs which may suggest that obscuration triggered by a gas-rich merging is not common among X-ray detected AGNs in this epoch.