bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The establishment of a collaborative surveillance program with indigenous hunters to characterize primate health in Southern Guyana
Authors: Milstein Marissa S. , Shaffer Christopher A. , Suse Phillip , Marawanaru Elisha , Shoni Romel , Suse Steven , Issacs Bemner , Larsen Peter A. , Travis Dominic A. , Terio Karen A. , Wolf Tiffany M.
Published: April 2024

The consumption of primates is integral to the traditional subsistence strategies of many Indigenous communities throughout Amazonia. Understanding the overall health of primates harvested for food in the region is critical to Indigenous food security and thus, these communities are highly invested in long‐term primate population health. Here, we describe the establishment of a surveillance comanagement program among the Waiwai, an Indigenous community in the Konashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA). To assess primate health in the KAPA, hunters performed field necropsies on primates harvested for food and tissues collected from these individuals were analyzed using histopathology. From 2015 to 2019, hunters conducted 127 necropsies across seven species of primates. Of this sample, 82 primates (between 2015 and 2017) were submitted for histopathological screening. Our histopathology data revealed that KAPA primates had little evidence of underlying disease. Of the tissue abnormalities observed, the majority were either due to diet (e.g., hepatocellular pigment), degenerative changes resulting from aging (e.g., interstitial nephritis, myocyte lipofusion), or nonspecific responses to antigenic stimulation (renal and splenic lymphoid hyperplasia). In our sample, 7.32% of individuals had abnormalities that were consistent with a viral etiology, including myocarditis and hepatitis. Internal parasites were observed in 53.66% of individuals and is consistent with what would be expected from a free‐ranging primate population. This study represents the importance of baseline data for long‐term monitoring of primate populations hunted for food. More broadly, this research begins to close a critical gap in zoonotic disease risk related to primate harvesting in Amazonia, while also demonstrating the benefits of partnering with Indigenous hunters and leveraging hunting practices in disease surveillance and primate population health assessment.
Expanding the Hydrophobic Cavity Surface of Azocalix[4]arene to Enable Biotin/Avidin Affinity with Controlled Release
Authors: Chen Fang‐Yuan , Li Cheng‐Zhi , Han Han , Geng Wen‐Chao , Zhang Shu‐Xin , Jiang Ze‐Tao , Zhao Qing‐Yu , Cai Kang , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: April 2024

The development of artificial receptors that combine ultrahigh‐affinity binding and controllable release for active guests holds significant importance in biomedical applications. On one hand, a complex with an exceedingly high binding affinity can resist unwanted dissociation induced by dilution effect and complex interferents within physiological environments. On the other hand, stimulus‐responsive release of the guest is essential for precisely activating its function. In this context, we expanded hydrophobic cavity surface of a hypoxia‐responsive azocalix[4]arene, affording Naph‐SAC4A. This modification significantly enhanced its aqueous binding affinity to 1013 M−1, akin to the naturally occurring strongest recognition pair, biotin/(strept−)avidin. Consequently, Naph‐SAC4A emerges as the first artificial receptor to simultaneously integrate ultrahigh recognition affinity and actively controllable release. The markedly enhanced affinity not only improved Naph‐SAC4A′s sensitivity in detecting rocuronium bromide in serum, but also refined the precision of hypoxia‐responsive doxorubicin delivery at the cellular level, demonstrating its immense potential for diverse practical applications.
The recent development of β‐cyclodextrin‐based catalysts system in Suzuki coupling reactions
Authors: Payamifar Sara , Abdouss Majid , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad
Published: April 2024

β‐Cyclodextrin has drawn significant attention as a special class of cyclic oligomers over the past few decades. They have been employed in many organic conversions as green alternative catalysts to perform satisfactorily in catalytic activity and modify the efficiency of organic reactions. Its availability, nontoxicity, low cost, renewability, and high performance in organic transformations are several benefits of cyclodextrins that have captured the interest of many research groups worldwide. In recent decades, great progress has been made in developing metal‐catalyzed coupling reactions to create carbon–carbon bonds. For the transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling, using modified β‐cyclodextrin derivatives as catalysts is much more pleasant due to the obvious advantages such as valuable catalytic properties and the capability to create an inclusion complex with different metals. The particular purpose of this review is to summarize the application of β‐cyclodextrin‐based catalyst systems in Suzuki coupling reaction for the synthesis of biaryl compounds covering the years 2019–2023.
Local governmentsʼ accountability and public trust in Nepal: Does participation make a difference?
Authors: Han Yousueng , Aryal Narayan , Hwang Kwangseon
Published: April 2024

This study developed an analytical framework enabling a better understanding of the relationship between accountability and public trust through the moderation effect of public participation. To test the relationship empirically, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three local governments of two provinces in Nepal. The results demonstrated that the constructs of transparency, responsiveness, and public participation were significant predictors of public trust in Nepal, whereas liability and controllability were not significant predictors. These findings suggest that trust in the government depended on the governmentʼs performance and cultural aspects of people in Nepal, with performance aspects being more influential. These findings have theoretical and practical implications. The study contributes to the “performance‐trust model” presented in the existing literature by adding the moderating effect of perceived public participation.
More than 11% of high school seniors use delta‐8, the unregulated THC
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

About 11% of 12th graders have used delta‐8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the past year, according to an analysis of last year's Monitoring the Future Study, which is conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
The importance of parental education and cultural humility when addressing co‐sleeping with infants
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: April 2024

Last October, an Indiana woman was charged with two felonies for her infant's death related to co‐sleeping, after she had lost another infant to the same cause in 2020. The rationale for her indictment was that she should have been cognizant of the risk. This was also the case with an Ohio woman early this year for the same set of tragedies, and a FL woman in January as well, also two infants. A quick search yields a concerning number of these cases, and indeed the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that approximately 3500 infants die annually of sleep related factors (Moon et al, 2022).
A rare presentation of triple‐barrel aortic dissection in a Ghanaian male
Authors: Coleman Nana Adjoa M. , Folson Aba A. , Bekui Mawufemor A. , Owusu Bennett
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Acute aortic dissection in unusual/rare circumstances may become chronic and multi lumen. A high clinical acumen, examination and investigations in the acute setting, may help reduce late/misdiagnosis and complications in low resource settings.
U.S. Black adults' estate planning: The role of financial planner use, inheritance receipt, and life insurance ownership
Authors: Watkins Kimberly , Choi Shinae L. , Reiter Miranda , McCoy Megan , Smodic Shelitha , Thompson Cory , White Kenneth , Muruthi Bertranna
Published: April 2024

While an emerging body of research has documented the significance of estate planning, there remains limited understanding regarding the extent of Black adults' engagement with estate planning in the United States. The objectives of this study were to examine whether the utilization of financial planners, the status of inheritance receipt, and religion are associated with engagement in estate planning among U.S. Black adults, and how these associations vary based on life insurance policy ownership. Participants for this study were 673 U.S. Black adults aged 25 and older who completed an online survey in July 2021. We estimated logistic regression models to predict Black adults' engagement in estate planning. Results indicated that in fully adjusted models, Black adults who used the services of a financial planner had significantly higher odds of executing a valid will or trust than those who did not seek assistance from a financial planner. The status of inheritance receipt, frequency of attendance at religious services, and ownership of life insurance policies were positively and significantly associated with engagement in estate planning among Black adults. However, as a moderator, patterns did not differ significantly depending on whether they owned life insurance policies. These findings may assist professionals and other stakeholders in financial planning to develop strategies or interventions to enhance estate planning for U.S. Black households.
An Enantioselective Aminocatalytic Cascade Reaction Affording Bioactive Hexahydroazulene Scaffolds
Authors: Faghtmann Jonas , Eugui Macarena , Nygaard Lamhauge Johannes , Sofie Pladsbjerg Andresen Signe , Rask Østergaard Anne , Bjerregaard Svenningsen Esben , B. Poulsen Thomas , Anker Jørgensen Karl
Published: April 2024

A novel cascade reaction initiated by an enantioselective aminocatalysed 1,3‐dipolar [6+4] cycloaddition between catalytically generated trienamines and 3‐oxidopyridinium betaines is presented. The [6+4] cycloadduct spontaneously undergoes an intramolecular enamine‐mediated aldol, hydrolysis, and E1cb sequence, which ultimately affords a chiral hexahydroazulene framework. In this process, three new C−C bonds and three new stereocenters are formed, enabled by a formal unfolding of the pyridine moiety from the dipolar reagent. The hexahydroazulenes are formed with excellent diastereo‐, regio‐ and periselectivity (>20 : 1), up to 96 % ee, and yields up to 52 %. Synthetic elaborations of this scaffold were performed, providing access to a variety of functionalised hydroazulene compounds, of which some were found to display biological activity in U‐2OS osteosarcoma cells in cell painting assays.
Separation of enantiomers of chiral fullerene derivatives through enantioselective encapsulation within an adaptable helical cavity of syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) with helicity memory
Authors: Taura Daisuke , Minami Akiko , Mamiya Fumihiko , Ousaka Naoki , Itami Kenichiro , Yashima Eiji
Published: April 2024

Optically active left (M)‐ and right (P)‐handed helical syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)s (M‐ and P‐st‐PMMAs) with a helicity memory enantioselectively encapsulated the racemic C60 derivatives, such as 3,4‐fulleroproline tert‐butyl ester (rac‐1) and tetraallylated C60 (rac‐2), as well as the C60‐bound racemic 310‐helical peptides (rac‐3) within their helical cavities to form peapod‐like inclusion complexes and a unique “helix‐in‐helix” superstructure, respectively. The enantiomeric excess (ee) and separation factor (enantioselectivity) (α) of the analyte 1 (ee = 23%–25% and α = 2.35–2.50) encapsulated within the helical cavities of the M‐ and P‐st‐PMMAs were higher than those of the analytes 2 and 3 (ee = 4.3%–6.0% and α = 1.28–1.50). The optically pure (S)‐ and (R)‐1 were found to more efficiently induce an excess one‐handed helical conformation in the st‐PMMA backbone than the optically pure (S)‐ and (R)‐1‐phenylethylamine, resulting in intense mirror‐image vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra in the PMMA IR regions. The excess one‐handed helices induced in the st‐PMMAs complexed with (S)‐ and (R)‐1 were memorized after replacement with the achiral C60, and the complexes exhibited induced electric CDs in the achiral C60 chromophore regions.
Joint optimal beam forming and resource allocation in intelligent reflecting surface aided wireless power transfer rate splitting multiple access system
Authors: Naresh M. , Pradeep Kumar G. V. , Sireesha V. , Satyanarayana Tallapragada V. V.
Published: April 2024

The intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) has recently become the most promising technology to achieve maximum beam‐forming gain with a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system. Many existing studies perform a single IRS deployment or utilize space division multiple access (SDMA) and non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes. However, the existing schemes face high time complexity and block signal transmission for larger indoor communications. Hence, this article introduces a dual IRS‐aided multiuser SWIPT system by implementing rate‐splitting multiple access (RSMA) systems. To enhance the minimum achievable rate and ensure the minimum harvesting energy (HE), this study proposes a joint successive convex approximation with an integrated optimization algorithm (SCA‐IOA). The proposed algorithm jointly optimizes the reflecting beam forming and power splitting (PS) coefficient of all the users effectively. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques and produce an outstanding performance for deploying dual IRS and implementing RSMA compared to traditional SDMA and NOMA systems.
Investigation of the Structural, Mechanical, Electronic, Magnetic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Half Heusler Alloys ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te): A DFT‐Based Simulation
Authors: Karimullah Thamanna Begum , D Shobana Priyanka , M Srinivasan , N Punithavelan
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the structural, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te) half Heusler alloys using spin‐polarized density functional theory (SPDFT) with WIEN2K code using full potential linearized augmented plane wave(FP‐ LAPW) technique. Results indicate the ferromagnetic phase’s stability over the non‐magnetic phase in all three alloys. Band structures and density of states highlight the half‐metallic nature of ZrMnX. These alloys exhibit mechanical stability, ductility, and directional properties. Magnetic moments align with the Slater–Pauling rule. Thermoelectric properties, including Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric figure of merit, are evaluated using semi‐classical Boltzmann theory. The Seebeck coefficient values for ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te) are 144.7, 123.3, and −182.6 µV K−1, respectively at 1200 K with corresponding highest figure of merit 1.0, 0.7, and 1.78. These findings suggest the suitability of these alloys for spintronic devices and high‐temperature thermoelectric applications due to their observed spin‐polarized character and high figure of merit.
Influence of tree cover on carcass detection and consumption by facultative vertebrate scavengers
Authors: Wenting Elke , Jansen Patrick A. , Pattipeilohy Luke , van Lunteren Peter , Siepel Henk , van Langevelde Frank
Published: April 2024

Scavenging mammals and vultures can exploit and deplete carcasses much faster than other birds and invertebrates. Vultures are strongly influenced by habitat type, e.g. tree cover, since they rely on their eyesight to detect carcasses. It remains unclear whether and how facultative scavengers – both other birds and mammals – are influenced by tree cover and how that affect carcass decomposition time, which in turn affects biodiversity and ecological processes, including the cycle of energy and nutrients. We studied whether the carcass detection and consumption, hence carcass decomposition speed, by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers varies with tree cover in areas without vultures. Fresh mammal carcasses were placed in different landscapes across the Netherlands at locations that widely varied in tree cover. Camera traps were used to record carcass exploitation by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers and to estimate carcass decomposition time. We found that carcass detection and consumption by birds, wild boar, and other mammals varied between locations. Carcass decomposition speed indeed increased with carcass detection and exploitation by mammals, especially by wild boar. However, this variation was not related to tree cover. We conclude that tree cover is not a major determinant of carcass exploitation by facultative scavengers in areas without obligate scavengers and large carnivores.
Verified hypotheses on the “nurse” and “burial” effects on introduced Quercus rubra regeneration in a mesic Scots pine forest
Authors: Woziwoda Beata , Dyderski Marcin K. , Gręda Anastazja , Frelich Lee E.
Published: April 2024

A previous study on the encroachment of North American northern red oak Quercus rubra L. into the mesic Scots pine forest (in central Poland) revealed high abundances of seedlings and saplings under shrubs, with lower abundances in open areas or clumps of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. It was unclear whether the regeneration success of Q. rubra is enhanced by the presence of shrubs due to their “nurse effect”, and how burying acorns of different sizes in soil or moss affects the survival of oak seeds and seedlings (a “burial effect”). Results of a previous observational study were verified in an experimental study: a pool of 900 large‐, medium‐, and small‐sized acorns was sown under moss cover in open areas and within bilberry clumps and in soil under shrubs in 2018 and monitored for 3 years in natural conditions. The majority of sown acorns were lost, mainly due to acorn pilferage, lack of germination and the death of sprouting acorns. However, acorn and seedling survival depended significantly on acorn size and differed among the microsites studied. Viable seedlings were twice as likely to develop from large‐ and medium‐sized as from small‐sized acorns, and they grew mainly from acorns sown under moss cover, confirming a positive “burial effect.” Seedling survival was three times higher in bilberry and open areas, than under shrubs; however, seedlings “nursed” by shrubs were less threatened by large ungulates. Only a small part of the pool of sown acorns contributes to the reproductive success of Q. rubra in the mesic Scots pine forest. Microsites characteristic to this type of forest are suitable for northern red oak regeneration; however, bilberry favors acorn survival and germination and early seedling growth, moss cover favors acorn survival and germination, while shrubs protect surviving seedlings from herbivory.
Multiple invasions and predation: The impact of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus on invasive and native snails
Authors: Baudry Thomas , Millet Lola , Jarne Philippe , David Patrice , Grandjean Frédéric
Published: April 2024

The pace of biological invasions has increased in recent decades, leading to multiple invasions and the potential dominance of invasive species, destabilizing local ecological networks. This provides opportunities to study new ecological species interactions, including predation. Tropical freshwaters have been particularly concerned by aquatic invasions and we focused here on the Martinique island (Lesser Antilles). We examined the predator–prey relationships involving invasive Thiarid snails (Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata) and the native Neritina punctulata, both confronted with a newcomer predator, the redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). We conducted several mesocosm experiments to assess the impact of crayfish predation on snail survival and the passive and active antipredator responses of snails. A first experiment indicated snail survival rates between 50% and 80%, depending on crayfish size and sex. Notably, there was a negative correlation between snail survival and male crayfish size and the predation method (shell crushing vs. “body sucking”) varied with crayfish size. The second experiment suggested no refuge size for snails, with both very small (<5 mm) and very large (>5 mm) unable to escape predation, regardless of crayfish size (from 77 to 138 mm) or sex. Finally, we investigated the escape behavior of Thiarids regarding three crayfish cues. Melanoides tuberculata tend to bury in the substrate and T. granifera to climb up aquarium walls, what was expected from their shell morphologies, and both responding to crayfish cues within minutes. Overall, C. quadricarinatus proves to be an efficient snail predator with limited escape options for snails, potentially contributing to the decline of certain snail populations in Martinique. This omnivorous predator might impact other native species across different groups, including shrimps and fish. Our study underscores the urgent need for monitoring efforts, solidifying the redclaw crayfish reputation as a dangerous invasive species for freshwater macrobenthic faunas worldwide.
Baseline glucocorticoids alone do not predict reproductive success across years, but in interaction with enzymatic antioxidants
Authors: Mentesana Lucia , Casagrande Stefania , Hau Michaela
Published: April 2024

Glucocorticoids are known to adjust organismal functions, such as metabolism, in response to environmental conditions. Therefore, these hormones are thought to play a key role in regulating the metabolically demanding aspects of reproduction, especially in variable environments. However, support for the hypothesis that variation in glucocorticoid concentrations predicts reproductive success is decidedly mixed. Two explanations may account for this discrepancy: (i) Glucocorticoids might not act independently but could interact with other physiological traits, jointly influencing reproduction, and (ii) such an association could become apparent primarily in challenging environments when glucocorticoid concentrations increase. To address these two possibilities, we determined natural variation in circulating baseline glucocorticoid concentrations in parental great tits (Parus major) alongside two physiological systems known to be related with an individual's metabolism: oxidative status parameters (i.e., concentrations of pro‐oxidants, dietary, and enzymatic antioxidants) and body condition. These systems interact with glucocorticoids and can also influence reproductive success. We measured these variables in two breeding seasons that differed in environmental conditions. When accounting for the interaction of baseline glucocorticoids with other physiological traits, we found a positive relationship between baseline glucocorticoids and the number of fledglings in adult great tits. The strength of this relationship was more pronounced for those individuals who also had high concentrations of the enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. When studied independently, glucocorticoids were not related to fitness proxies, even in the year with more challenging environmental conditions. Together, our study lend to support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids do not influence fitness alone, but in association with other physiological systems.
Population genomics provide insight into ancestral relationships and diversity of the feral horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Authors: Thompson Melissa A. , McCann Blake E. , Rhen Turk , Simmons Rebecca
Published: April 2024

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) manages a herd of feral horses (Equus caballus) which was present on the landscape prior to the establishment of the park. The population presents a unique scenario in that it has experienced fairly intensive and well‐documented management since the park's establishment, including herd size reductions, intentional introduction of diversity, and subsequent attempts to remove introduced lineages. This provides an interesting case study on the genetic effects of diverse evolutionary forces on an isolated feral population. To explore the effects of these forces and clarify the relationship of this feral herd with other horses, we used genome‐wide markers to examine the population structure of a combined dataset containing common established breeds. Using the Illumina Equine 70k BeadChip, we sampled SNPs across the genome for 118 TRNP horses and evaluated the inbreeding coefficient f and runs of homozygosity (RoH). To identify breed relationships, we compared 23 representative TRNP samples with 792 horses from 35 different breeds using genomic population structure analyses. Mean f of TRNP horses was 0.180, while the mean f for all other breeds in the dataset was 0.116 (SD 0.079). RoH analysis indicates that the TRNP population has experienced recent inbreeding in a timeframe consistent with their management. With Bayesian clustering, PCA, and maximum likelihood phylogeny, TRNP horses show genetic differentiation from other breeds, likely due to isolation, historical population bottlenecks, and genetic drift. However, maximum likelihood phylogeny places them with moderate confidence (76.8%) among draft breeds, which is consistent with the known history of breeds used on early North Dakota ranches and stallions subsequently introduced to the park herd. These findings will help resolve speculation about the origins of the herd and inform management decisions for the TRNP herd.
Field and laboratory microplastics uptake by a freshwater shrimp
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Nkosi Masimini S. , Dalu Tatenda
Published: April 2024

Microplastics are widespread pollutants, but few studies have linked field prevalence in organisms to laboratory uptakes. Aquatic filter feeders may be particularly susceptible to microplastic uptake, with the potential for trophic transfer to higher levels, including humans. Here, we surveyed microplastics from a model freshwater shrimp, common caraidina (Caridina nilotica) inhabiting the Crocodile River in South Africa to better understand microplastic uptake rates per individual. We then use functional response analysis (feeding rate as a function of resource density) to quantify uptake rates by shrimps in the laboratory. We found that microplastics were widespread in C. nilotica, with no significant differences in microplastic abundances among sampled sites under varying land uses, with an average abundance of 6.2 particles per individual. The vast majority of microplastics found was fibres (86.1%). Shrimp microplastic accumulation patterns were slightly higher in the laboratory than the field, where shrimp exhibited a hyperbolic Type II functional response model under varying exposure concentrations. Maximum feeding rates of 20 particles were found over a 6 h feeding period, and uptake evidenced at even the lowest laboratory concentrations (~10 particles per mL). These results highlight that microplastic uptake is widespread in field populations and partly density dependent, with field concentrations corroborating uptake rates recorded in the laboratory. Further research is required to elucidate trophic transfer from these taxa and to understand potential physiological impacts.
Niche analyses and the potential distribution of four invasive bumblebees worldwide
Authors: López‐Aguilar Tania Paola , Montalva Jose , Vilela Bruno , Arbetman Marina P. , Aizen Marcelo A. , Morales Carolina L. , Silva Daniel de Paiva
Published: April 2024

The introduction of bees for agricultural production in distinct parts of the world and poor management have led to invasion processes that affect biodiversity, significantly impacting native species. Different Bombus species with invasive potential have been recorded spreading in different regions worldwide, generating ecological and economic losses. We applied environmental niche and potential distribution analyses to four species of the genus Bombus to evaluate the similarities and differences between their native and invaded ranges. We found that B. impatiens has an extended environmental niche, going from dry environmental conditions in the native range to warmer and wetter conditions in the invaded range. Bombus ruderatus also exhibited an extended environmental niche with drier and warmer conditions in the invaded range than in its native range. Bombus subterraneus expanded its environmental niche from cooler and wetter conditions in the native range to drier and warmer conditions in the invaded range. Finally, B. terrestris showed the most significant variation in the environmental niche, extending to areas with similar and different environmental conditions from its native range. The distribution models agreed with the known distributions for the four Bombus species, presenting geographic areas known to be occupied by each species in different regions worldwide. The niche analysis indicate shifts in the niches from the native to the invaded distribution area of the bee species. Still, niche similarities were observed in the areas of greatest suitability in the potential distribution for B. ruderatus, B. subterraneus, and B. terrestris, and to a lesser degree in the same areas with B. impatiens. These species require similar environmental conditions as in their native ranges to be established in their introduced ranges. Still, they can adapt to changes in temperature and humidity, allowing them to expand their ranges into new climatic conditions.
Dynamic nesting of Anaplasma marginale in the microbial communities of Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Piloto‐Sardiñas Elianne , Abuin‐Denis Lianet , Maitre Apolline , Foucault‐Simonin Angélique , Corona‐González Belkis , Díaz‐Corona Cristian , Roblejo‐Arias Lisset , Mateos‐Hernández Lourdes , Marrero‐Perera Roxana , Obregon Dasiel , Svobodová Karolína , Wu‐Chuang Alejandra , Cabezas‐Cruz Alejandro
Published: April 2024

Interactions within the tick microbiome involving symbionts, commensals, and tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) play a pivotal role in disease ecology. This study explored temporal changes in the microbiome of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important cattle tick vector, focusing on its interaction with Anaplasma marginale. To overcome limitations inherent in sampling methods relying on questing ticks, which may not consistently reflect pathogen presence due to variations in exposure to infected hosts in nature, our study focused on ticks fed on chronically infected cattle. This approach ensures continuous pathogen exposure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the nesting patterns of A. marginale in the R. microplus microbiome. Using next‐generation sequencing, microbiome dynamics were characterized over 2 years, revealing significant shifts in diversity, composition, and abundance. Anaplasma marginale exhibited varying associations, with its increased abundance correlating with reduced microbial diversity. Co‐occurrence networks demonstrated Anaplasma's evolving role, transitioning from diverse connections to keystone taxa status. An integrative approach involving in silico node removal unveils the impact of Anaplasma on network stability, highlighting its role in conferring robustness to the microbial community. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay between the tick microbiome and A. marginale, shedding light on potential avenues for controlling bovine anaplasmosis through microbiome manipulation.
Effects of chronic daily headache with subclinical depression on brain volume: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lung , Lane Hsien‐Yuan , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Chen Meng‐Hsiang , Lee Chiao‐Yu , Li Lin , Lee Jia‐Jie , Yeh Pin‐Yang
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

The relationship between chronic daily headache (CDH), depression symptoms, and brain volume remains unclear.

Methods

To investigate the effects of CDH on brain volume and the impact of depressive symptoms (DSs) as well as the effects of demography and medication overuse, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using appropriate keyword strings to retrieve observational studies from inception to May 2023.

Results

Two distinct comparisons were made in CDH patients: (1) those with DSs versus their pain‐free counterparts and (2) those without DSs versus pain‐free controls. The first comprised nine studies enrolling 225 CDH patients with DSs and 234 controls. Beck depression inventory, Hamilton depression scale, and Hospital anxiety/depression scale were used to assess DSs, revealing significantly more DSs in CDH patients with DSs compared to their controls (all p < 0.05). Besides, the second analysed four studies involving 117 CDH patients without DSs and 155 comparators. Compared to CDH patients without DSs, those with DSs had a smaller brain volume than controls (p = 0.03). Furthermore, CDH patients with DSs who did not overuse medications showed a smaller right cerebral cortical volume than overusers (p = 0.003). A significant inverse correlation between female prevalence and brain volume (p = 0.02) was revealed using regression analysis.

Conclusions

Pain‐induced persistent depressive symptoms not only incur structural alterations but also encompass affective‐motivational changes, involving medication use and gender‐specific health concerns.

Significance

This study highlighted the importance of an integrated CDH treatment, emphasizing psychological interventions for the affective‐motivational component alongside pain management.
Genesis of the Yu'erya gold deposit, East Hebei, China: Insights from geology and fluid inclusions
Authors: Wang Xin , Deng Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Jing , He Xi‐Heng , Aibai Abulimiti
Published: April 2024

The Yu'erya gold deposit is a large‐scale gold deposit in eastern Hebei. However, the ore genesis is controversial because the gold orebody is closely related to biotite granite in time and space. The hydrothermal processes of the Yu'erya gold deposit can be divided into early quartz (Q1)‐pyrite stage, middle quartz (Q2)‐sulphide stage and late quartz (Q3)‐calcite stage. The Q1 is subdivided into Q1‐1 and Q1‐2 generations by SEM‐CL images, and Q2 is subdivided into Q2‐1 and Q2‐2 generations. Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs), including aqueous‐carbonic type (C‐type), aqueous‐rich type (W‐type) and vapour‐rich type (V‐type), were observed in the Yu'erya gold deposit. The Q1‐1 is dominated by C‐type inclusions, and the other quartz is dominated by W‐type inclusions. Laser Raman analysis shows that the initial ore‐forming fluids mainly belong to the CO2‐H2O‐NaCl system and gradually transferred to the H2O‐NaCl system. The C‐type inclusions of Q1‐1 show the salinity of 3.1–10.1 (av. 6.9 ± 1.7) wt.% NaCl eqv., and the total homogenization temperature (Th) of 305–391°C. The homogenization temperature decreases gradually from the early to the late stage, with insignificant change in salinity, indicating that fluid cooling is the main precipitation mechanism. Trapping pressures of C‐type FIs are estimated at 206–284 MPa and 203–211 MPa for the early and middle stages, corresponding to the mineralization depths of 7.2–9.9 km and 7.1–7.4 km, respectively. The FIs in the early stage indicate that the initial ore‐forming fluids are characterized by low salinity and CO2 richness, which are different from those of the intrusion‐related gold deposits, but consistent with the orogenic gold deposits.
Comparison of the diagnostic and prognostic abilities of flexible laryngoscopy and dynamic digital radiography for vocal cord paralysis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shibuya Yukimi , Hirano Koichi , Miyamoto Makoto , Mitsuma Tomoya , Nakazato Yoko , Matsutani Noritsugu , Tanaka Ryota , Machida Haruhiko , Kondo Haruhiko
Published: April 2024

Background

Although flexible laryngoscopy (FL) is the reference modality for diagnosing vocal cord paralysis (VCP), FL involves patient discomfort and insertion intolerance. Dynamic digital radiography (DDR) with high spatial and temporal resolution is easier to use and less invasive when evaluating VCP.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients underwent FL and DDR before and after neck surgery. Qualitative and quantitative vocal cord movement (VCM) evaluations were conducted. Patients with postoperative VCP were followed‐up regularly.

Results

DDR exhibited diagnostic performance with 67% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The cutoff for VCM was 2.4 mm, with DDR exhibiting 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity. All cords with transient VCP had positive VCM at both 3 weeks and 2 months. Additionally, 50% and 75% of cords with permanent VCP had negative VCM at 3 weeks and 2 months, respectively.

Conclusions

DDR is promising for the diagnosis of postoperative VCP and early prediction of permanent postoperative VCP.
Clinical and demographic characteristics associated with nail involvement in alopecia areata: A cross‐sectional study of 197 patients
Authors: Shakoei Safoura , Seifi Golnoosh , Ghanami Farbod , Ghandi Narges , Hamzelou Shahin , Nasimi Maryam , Etesami Ifa
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune‐mediated nonscarring alopecia. Nail changes are a common disfiguring feature of AA with an average prevalence of 30%. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of different types of nail changes and determine demographic and clinical associations.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 197 AA patients. Demographic and clinical variables including the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, type of AA, and nail changes were evaluated.

Results

Among 197 AA patients with a mean age of 28.95 ± 14.45 years, 50.3% were female. Nail changes were detected in 165 patients (83.8%). The most frequent nail abnormalities were pitting (53.3%), linear line (46.7%), and distal notching (26.9%). AA patients with nail abnormalities were significantly younger than patients without nail changes (25.31 ± 14.96 vs. 32.22 ± 9.77 years; p < 0.001). Considering age groups, younger children (less than 10 years) were more likely to have nail changes than adults (97.1% vs. 76.5%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of linear line (69.6%) and distal notching (46.4%) were significantly higher in the universalis variant compared to other variants (p < 0.001). Pitting (54.5%), distal notching (43.9%), and koilonychia (12.1%) were the most common nail changes in severe forms compared to mild‐to‐moderate forms (p < 0.009).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that young patients with severe disease are prone to nail abnormalities. Pitting, distal notching, and linear line were the most common nail changes. Of note, koilonychia, leukonychia, and red spots lunula are more expected in more severe AA.
Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Ali Abraish , Khan Muhammad Sohaib , Khan Vareesha , Fareed Areeba , Saleem Syed Zia , Mumtaz Munazza , Ahsan Muhammad Nadeem , Iqbal Sadia , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib
Published: April 2024

Background

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, are highly prevalent and burdensome for women experiencing menopausal transition. Fezolinetant, a selective neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist, is a potential therapeutic option for mitigating VMS.

Objectives

Our aim is to assess the efficacy and evaluate the safety profile of fezolinetant compared with placebo in post‐menopausal women suffering from VMS, by pooling all the relevant data and reflecting the most current evidence.

Search Strategy/Selection Criteria

An extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from inception until June 2023 to identify relevant trials.

Data Collection and Analysis

Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software.

Main Results

A total of six randomized controlled trials were added. For the frequency of daily VMS, the combined pooled result favored the fezolinetant group over placebo (MD –2.38, 95% CI –2.64 to −2.12; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For the severity of daily VMS, fezolinetant was again found to be superior to the placebo group (MD –0.40, 95% CI –0.51 to −0.29; P < 0.001, I2 = 70%). Fezolinetant (120 mg) consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of daily moderate/severe VMS compared with other doses at both 4 and 12 weeks. Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), PROMIS the Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b and Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) scores indicated significant improvement with fezolinetant. No significant difference in efficacy of fezolinetant at 4 and 12 weeks were observed in any outcome. As for safety, no significant differences in the treatment emergent adverse events at 12 weeks were found between fezolinetant and placebo.

Conclusions

Our study significantly favors fezolinetant over placebo regarding the primary efficacy outcomes of daily moderate to severe VMS frequency and severity, including PROs, while both the groups are comparable in terms of treatment emergent adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Effect of anti‐Müllerian hormone on early pregnancy loss in hormone replacement therapy–frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles: An analysis including 6597 pregnant patients undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle
Authors: Xie Huanhuan , Cheng Tiantian , Yuan Fang , Zhang Cuilian , He Qiaohua
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and early pregnancy loss in patients who underwent their first embryo transfer by hormone replacement therapy–frozen–thawed embryo transfer (HRT‐FET) and analyze the threshold effect.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on pregnant women undergoing HRT‐FET at the Reproductive Medical Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. The patients were divided into four groups based on AMH concentration according to the Poseidon criteria: group A (≤1 μg/L), group B (1–≤2 μg/L), group C (2–≤6 μg/L), and group D (>6 μg/L). Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were applied to investigate the influence of AMH on the outcome of early pregnancy loss in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and HRT‐FET cycles.

Results

Of the 6597 pregnant women, early pregnancy loss occurred in 893, giving an early pregnancy loss rate of 13.54%. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that age, female body mass index, AMH, antral follicle count, endometrial thickness at endometrial transformation day, total retrieved oocyte number, number of pregnancies, duration of infertility, type of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred were all factors influencing the early pregnancy loss rate (P < 0.050). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounders, further stratified the analysis of patients of different ages. With group A as the control group, the results showed that when age was younger than 35 years, the pregnancy loss rates in groups B, C, and D were lower than that in group A, with statistical significance (P < 0.050); when age was 35 years or older, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome indicators between the groups (P > 0.050). A threshold effect analysis revealed that the AMH threshold was 2.83 μg/L. When the AMH concentration was less than 2.83 μg/L, the early pregnancy loss rate decreased significantly with increasing AMH concentration; the early pregnancy loss rate decreased by 21% for each unit increase in AMH (odds ratio 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.88; P < 0.001); when the AMH concentration was 2.83 μg/L or more, there was no statistical difference in the change in early pregnancy loss rate (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.99–1.03; P = 0.383).

Conclusion

For pregnant women after their first embryo transfer, there is a curvilinear relationship between the influences of AMH levels on early pregnancy loss rates in patients younger than 35 years. When the AMH level was less than 2.83 μg/L, the early pregnancy loss rate declined significantly with increasing AMH levels.
Fault monitoring method for misalignment replacement operation error of electricity acquisition system based on internet of things engineering evaluation
Authors: Lu Yinghui , Zhu Jiyang
Published: April 2024

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, electricity collection systems have been widely used in various fields. It can connect various items to the internet and achieve remote monitoring and maintenance of devices. During the operation of the electricity collection system, there may be issues such as misalignment due to various reasons, which can lead to errors in data collection and affect the accuracy and stability of the system. How to timely monitor the operational errors of the system and replace and repair them has become an urgent problem to be solved. The fault location algorithm can accurately diagnose the cause of the fault and provide corresponding repair suggestions, thereby reducing maintenance costs and optimizing the efficiency of the electricity collection system. This article would analyze the monitoring method for the misalignment replacement operation error of the power acquisition system based on IoT engineering analysis, and used fault location algorithms to locate its misalignment. The research results indicated that, under the same other conditions, the total satisfaction score of the X system was 253 points, and the total satisfaction score of the Y system was 141 points. The score of the X system was much higher than that of the Y system. The results indicated that IoT engineering analysis could optimize the monitoring method for operational errors caused by inaccurate replacement of electricity acquisition systems, and there was a positive relationship between the two.
Comparison of the sensitivity of histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses and blood hormone levels for early detection of antithyroid effects in rats treated with thyroid peroxidase inhibitors
Authors: Akane Hirotoshi , Toyoda Takeshi , Matsushita Kohei , Morikawa Tomomi , Kosaka Tadashi , Tajima Hitoshi , Aoyama Hiroaki , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: April 2024

Although measurements of blood triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in rodent toxicity studies are useful for detection of antithyroid substances, assays for these measurements are expensive and can show high variability depending on blood sampling conditions. To develop more efficient methods for detecting thyroid disruptors, we compared histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in the thyroid and pituitary glands with blood hormone levels. Six‐week‐old male and female Sprague–Dawley rats (five rats per group) were treated with multiple doses of the thyroid peroxidase inhibitors propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole by gavage for 28 days. Significant decreases in serum T3 and T4 and increases in TSH were observed in the ≥1 mg/kg PTU and ≥3 mg/kg methimazole groups. An increase in TSH was also detected in male rats in the 0.3 mg/kg PTU group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that follicular cell hypertrophy and decreased T4 and T3 expressions in the thyroid gland were induced at doses lower than doses at which significant changes in serum hormone levels were observed, suggesting that these findings may be more sensitive than blood hormone levels. Significant increases in thyroid weights, Ki67‐positive thyroid follicular cell counts, and TSH‐positive areas in the pituitary gland were detected at doses comparable with those at which changes in serum T4 and TSH levels were observed, indicating that these parameters may also be useful for evaluation of antithyroid effects. Combining these parameters may be effective for detecting antithyroid substances without relying on hormone measurements.