bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First detection and eradication of a structural infestation by western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), in Australia
Authors: Horwood Martin , Lo Nathan
Published: July 2022

The western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, is one of the most economically damaging termites in the United States of America. Although native to the southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico, it has spread widely across the USA and to other countries including China and Japan. The first structural infestation by I. minor in Australia was detected in the timber roofing of a house in Sydney, NSW, in July 2019. Imported exotic timbers, including Douglas fir from the USA, installed approximately 20 years prior to the detection, were the likely source of the infestation. Measures undertaken to eradicate I. minor were (1) ‘tent’ fumigation of the house with sulphuryl fluoride; (2) trap deployment for termite alates; and (3) delimiting surveillance in nearby homes. No I. minor termites were detected outside the infested premises. The haplotype observed by way of DNA sequencing was similar to those of I. minor specimens collected from Louisiana, USA, and Japan. Given the potential economic impacts of I. minor, should it establish in Australia, along with other drywood termites, especially West Indian drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis, government biosecurity organisations should devote more resources to the design and implementation of drywood termite management systems for new and existing buildings.
The Turkish version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly: A validity and reliability study
Authors: Güzel Aysun
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The present study attempted to adapt and validate the Turkish version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE‐T).

Methods

The data of this methodological study were collected from 610 older people who volunteered between September 10 and December 15, 2019. The SPSS 20 and LISREL software were used to perform reliability (internal reliability, parallel forms reliability/equivalent forms, and test–retest reliability) and validity (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis) analyses for the CANE‐T.

Results

The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test revealed the sampling adequacy to be 0.72. After deleting four items (psychological distress, behavior, alcohol, and money) with a factor loading below 0.30 from the dataset, it was found that the scores on the scale explained 55% of the total variance. Besides, the confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following fit indices: p < 0.05, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.08, root mean square residuals (RMR) = 0.07, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.07, goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI) = 0.88, and adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index (AGFI) = 0.84. Concerning reliability, Cronbach's α values were calculated to be 0.78 for ‘Physical Needs’, 0.74 for ‘Psychophysiological Needs’, 0.75 for ‘Security Needs’, 0.75 for ‘Social Needs’, and 0.75 for ‘Health Needs’.

Conclusions

Overall, it was concluded that the 20‐item five‐factor CANE‐T is a valid and reliable tool to measure the needs of older adults in the Turkish context.
A prospective cohort study comparing neonatal outcomes of waterbirth and land birth in an Australian tertiary maternity unit
Authors: Seed Emma , Kearney Lauren , Weaver Edward , Ryan Elizabeth G. , Nugent Rachael
Published: July 2022

Background

Maternal preference for warm water immersion (WWI) and waterbirth is increasing, but adoption into obstetric guidelines and clinical practice remains limited. Concerns regarding safety and a paucity of evidence have been cited as reasons for the limited adoption and uptake.

Aim

The aim was to investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes after WWI and/or waterbirth compared with land birth.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in an Australian public maternity hospital between 2019 and 2020. Maternal and neonatal outcomes for 1665 women who had a vaginal birth were studied.

Primary outcome was admission to the neonatal unit (NNU). Secondary outcomes included neonatal antibiotic administration, maternal intrapartum fever, epidural use and perineal injury. Multivariate logistical regression analyses compared the outcomes between three groups: waterbirth, WWI only and land birth.

Results

NNU admissions for a suspected infectious condition were significantly higher in the land birth group (P = 0.035). After accounting for labour duration, epidural use and previous birth mode, no significant difference was detected between groups in the odds of NNU admission (P = 0.167). No babies were admitted to NNU with water inhalation or drowning. Women birthing on land were more likely to be febrile (2 vs 0%; P = 0.007); obstetric anal sphincter injury and postpartum haemorrhage were similar between groups. Regional analgesia use was significantly lower in the WWI group compared to the land birth group (21.02 vs 38.58%; P = <0.001). There was one cord avulsion in the waterbirth group (0.41%).

Conclusion

Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between groups, with no increased risk evident in the waterbirth and WWI groups.
Association of non‐invasive electrocardiographic risk factors with left ventricular systolic function in post‐myocardial infarction patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction: Insights from the PRESERVE‐EF study
Authors: Tsimos Konstantinos P. , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Arsenos Petros , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Krikonis Konstantinos , Sideris Skevos , Dilaveris Polychronis , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Kanoupakis Emmanuel , Fragakis Nikolaos , Sideris Antonios , Trachanas Konstantinos , Iliodromitis Efstathios , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Kolettis Theofilos M. , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Electrocardiographic non‐invasive risk factors (NIRFs) have an important role in the arrhythmic risk stratification of post‐myocardial infarction (post‐MI) patients with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, their specific relation to left ventricular systolic function remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between NIRFs and LVEF in the patients included in the PRESERVE‐EF trial.

Methods

We studied 575 post‐MI ischemia‐free patients with LVEF≥40% (mean age: 57.0 ± 10.4 years, 86.2% men). The following NIRFs were evaluated: premature ventricular complexes, non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), late potentials (LPs), prolonged QTc, increased T‐wave alternans, reduced heart rate variability, and abnormal deceleration capacity with abnormal turbulence.

Results

There was a statistically significant relationship between LPs (Chi‐squared = 4.975; p < .05), nsVT (Chi‐squared = 5.749, p < .05), PVCs (r= −.136; p < .01), and the LVEF. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that LPs (p = .001) and NSVT (p < .001) were significant predictors of the LVEF. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that LPs (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.02–3.05; p = .004) and NSVT (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.18–5.04; p = .001) were independent predictors of the mildly reduced LVEF: 40%–49% versus the preserved LVEF: ≥50%.

Conclusion

Late potentials and NSVT are independently related to reduced LVEF while they are independent predictors of mildly reduced LVEF versus the preserved LVEF. These findings may have important implications for the arrhythmic risk stratification of post‐MI patients with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF.
Three neotropical bird species shift nest‐site preferences from swollen‐thorn acacias to other sites in human‐altered habitats
Authors: Amador‐Vargas Sabrina , Porras‐Brenes Katherine
Published: July 2022

Nest location is a decision that presumably affects predation probability, thus, it directly impacts offspring survival. Those locations could be near animals that deter potential nest predators, like acacia ants. We tested whether the preference of three neotropical bird species (Icterus pustulatus, Tolmomyias sulphurescens and Pitangus sulphuratus) for nesting in swollen‐thorn acacias (Vachellia) shifted in human‐modified landscapes. Because natural predators deterred by ant‐defended acacias in protected forest may decrease or be replaced by other predators in human‐modified landscapes, we predicted a potential loss of preference for swollen‐thorn acacias in those landscapes. Swollen‐thorn acacias can be inhabited by defending Pseudomyrmex ants (ant‐defended acacias) or by non‐defending ants (non‐defended acacias). Hence, a preference for nesting on ant‐defended acacias was expected in natural habitats but not in anthropogenic habitats. All three bird species preferred to nest in swollen‐thorn acacias in forests, but only P. sulphuratus showed a preference for ant‐defended acacias. However, this nesting preference of all three species was lost in human‐modified landscapes, where birds switched to large trees, and included utility poles or power lines, although acacias remained a common species. The preference of P. sulphuratus for ant‐defended acacias in the forests was also lost in anthropic areas. The habitat‐dependent shift in preference for nesting trees indicates a potential change in the benefits of tree traits and the selective forces (e.g., predators) at those sites. Our results demonstrate that birds who seem strongly dependent on a tree when studied in natural habitats may shift their preferences in altered habitats.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Assessment of diversity in skin colour in dermatology medical education resources
Authors: Shah Sonali , Arbuiso Sophia , Gorgy Merit , Cline Abigail , Moy Janet
Published: July 2022

One hundred and fifty-three patient images from the general resources and 3583 images from Dermatology were evaluated. The majority of images were Fitzpatrick Type II (54%), followed by Type III (27%). Our findings demonstrate the lack of skin diversity continues across many medical school resources, with fair skin (Fitzpatrick Type II) accounting for the majority of images.
Disease perception impacts quality of life and fatigue in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Silva Ana Rita , Felgueiras Helena , Gonçalves Ana Isabel , Fernandes Andreia , Meira Bruna , Melância Diana , Rosa José , Silvério Maria Teresa , Macedo Ana
Published: July 2022

Objective

There is little research on the relationship between self‐concept, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We assessed the impact of disease perception (expectation and knowledge) on these metrics according to time from diagnosis.

Methods

This was an observational, cross‐sectional, multicenter study. Group 1 included patients up to 3 months from MS diagnosis, whereas group 2 included patients with MS diagnosis established for >12 months and <36 months. A 19‐item true/false questionnaire developed by the investigators to assess disease perception, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Fatigue Severity Scale and three‐level level version of EQ‐5D questionnaires were used.

Results

A total of 90 patients from six centers were included (38 in group 1). A total of 80% had a good disease knowledge, whereas just 48% reported positive expectations. There were no differences in disease knowledge, disease expectations, HADS, Fatigue Severity Scale and EQ‐5D. We found an inverse correlation between disease knowledge and problems in self‐care (P = 0.018) and fatigue (P = 0.032). Patients with the worst expectations about the disease were more anxious (P = 0.012 on HADS and P < 0.001 on EQ‐5D). They also reported more problems in mobility (P = 0.002), self‐care (P = 0.005), usual activities (p = 0.009) and pain (P = 0.001), and a worst health status compared with the past 12 months (P < 0.001) and with the best imaginable status (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study showed no association between disease duration and disease perception. Patients with less disease knowledge reported more problems in self‐care and higher fatigue scores. Patients with the worst disease expectations were more anxious and reported a worse health status. More attention should be paid to perceived health status in MS patients.
Generalization of threats attributed to large carnivores in areas of high human–wildlife conflict
Authors: Ashish Kumar , Ramesh Tharmalingam , Kalle Riddhika , Arumugam Rathinasamy
Published: July 2022

Fear‐induced generalization of threats to noninimical stimuli is a behavioral tendency of humans to minimize exposure to potential threats. In human–carnivore conflict zones, people often generalize their fear of predation by obligate carnivores to nonobligate carnivores despite differences in species’ predation rates. We investigated the effect of a perceived threat of large obligate carnivores to livestock on tolerance and perception of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in an area of high human–carnivore conflict. We surveyed 197 households through asemistructured questionnaire to determine people's perception and tolerance of striped hyenas in Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves after identification of the current distribution range of hyena determined through camera trap and sign surveys. Through the random forest algorithm, we modeled the level of tolerance of striped hyena as a function of loss of livestock to predation and from disease, the perceived threat of predation by hyena, and other socioeconomic attributes. Animal husbandry was a major source of income but was severely affected by livestock loss due to predation and disease. Sixty‐nine percent of people were uncertain about predatory behavior of hyena; out of that, 23% reported a negative conservation attitude. Only 6 instances of hyena depredation on livestock and 2 on dogs were reported. Our model confirmed that economic instability associated with increased loss to predation and disease, livestock dependency, and a decrease in family annual income negatively affected people's tolerance of hyena. Perceptual uncertainty related to predatory behavior of hyena also negatively affected people's tolerance. In our study area, economic instability and perceptual uncertainty led to generalization of fear of large carnivores to a nonobligate predator. Such generalization may affect the attitude of people toward many other species. Understanding the role of economic instability and perceptual uncertainty should facilitate conservation of species, such as the hyena, that are vulnerable to false generalization.
In situ treatment of juvenile frogs for disease can reverse population declines
Authors: Cook Kimberly , Pope Karen , Cummings Adam , Piovia‐Scott Jonah
Published: July 2022

Effective management of wildlife populations threatened by disease requires accurate predictions about the consequences of intervention. However, generating such predictions is challenging, especially for organisms with complex life histories that are also threatened by climate change, such as montane amphibians. Cascades frogs (Rana cascadae) in northern California have experienced dramatic declines associated with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and remnant populations are also threatened by changing climate conditions. We evaluated the population‐level impacts of treating Cascades frog metamorphs with the antifungal chemical itraconazole using a field experiment and population simulations. We explored the influence of larval habitat on these treatment effects by including metamorphs from different larval habitat types. We found that frogs treated with itraconazole were more than four times more likely to survive their first winter than untreated controls and had reduced Bd infection intensity compared to other surviving frogs from the same cohort in the following year. We also found an effect of larval habitat type on Bd infection in recently metamorphosed frogs, with the lowest levels of infection occurring in frogs emerging from larval habitats that tend to be intermediate in temperature and drying rate. Applying the differential apparent overwinter survival of treated and untreated metamorphs to population projections suggests that intermittent antifungal treatment of metamorphs has the potential to restore population viability. Our results indicate that in situ treatment of individual hosts may be a useful component of a comprehensive management strategy to reduce the risk of pathogen‐mediated population declines and extirpations.
Frequency‐ and phase‐dependent effects of auditory entrainment on attentional blink
Authors: Kawashima Tomoya , Shibusawa Shuka , Amano Kaoru
Published: July 2022

Attentional blink (AB) is the impaired detection of a second target (T2) after a first target has been identified. In this paper, we investigated the functional roles of alpha and theta oscillations on AB by determining how much preceding rhythmic auditory stimulation affected the performance of AB. Healthy young adults participated in the experiment online. We found that when two targets were embedded in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of distractors at 10 Hz (i.e., alpha frequency), the magnitude of AB increased with auditory stimuli. The increase was limited to the case when the frequency and phase of auditory stimuli matched the following RSVP stream. On the contrary, when only two targets were presented without distractors, auditory stimuli at theta, not alpha, increased the AB magnitude. These results indicate that neural oscillations at two different frequencies, namely, alpha and theta, are involved in attentional blink.
Optimising soil P levels reduces N2O emissions in grazing systems under different N fertilisation
Authors: O’Neill Rosie Mary , Gebremichael Amanuel Woldeselassie , Lanigan Gary J. , Renou‐Wilson Florence , Müller Christoph , Richards Karl G.
Published: July 2022

The effect of long‐term soil phosphorus (P) on in situ nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from temperate grassland soil ecosystems is not well understood. Grasslands typically receive large nitrogen (N) inputs both from animal deposition and fertiliser application, with a large proportion of this N being lost to the environment. Understanding optimum nutrient stoichiometry by applying N fertilisers in a relative balance with P will help to reduce N losses by enabling maximum N‐uptake by plants and microbes. This study investigates the N2O response from soils of long‐term high and low P management receiving three forms of applied N at two different rates: a nitrate‐based fertiliser (KNO3) and an ammonium‐based fertiliser ([NH4]2SO4) (both at 40 Kg N ha−1), and a synthetic urine (750 Kg N ha−1). Low soil P significantly increased N2O emissions from KNO3 and (NH4)2SO4 fertilisers by over 50% and numerically increased N2O from urine by over 20%, which is suggested to be representative of the lack of significant effect of N fertilisation on N‐uptake observed in the low P soils. There was a significant positive effect of soil P on grass N‐uptake observed in the synthetic urine and KNO3 treatments, but not in the (NH4)2SO4 treatment. Low P soils had a significantly lower pH than high P soilss and responded differently to applied synthetic urine. There was also a significant effect of P level on potential nitrification which was nearly three times that of low P, but no significant difference between potential denitrification and P level. The results from this study highlight the importance of synergy between relative nutrient applications as a deficiency of one nutrient, such as P in this case, could be detrimental to the system as a whole. Optimising soil P can result in greater N uptake (over 12, 23 and 66% in (NH4)2SO4, KNO3 and synthetic urine treatments, respectively) and in reduced emissions by up to 50% representing a win‐win scenario for farmers.

Highlights

P deficiency in grassland soils causes greater N2O emissions.

Insufficent soil P inhibits N‐uptake, regardless of rate or form of N.

Optimising soil P levels can reduce N2O emissions and improve overall NUE.
Distinct activities of Vδ1+ T‐cells upon different cytomegalovirus reactivation status after haematopoietic transplantation
Authors: Liu Ruoyang , Wu Ning , Gao Haitao , Liang Shuang , Yue Keli , Dong Tianhui , Dong Xinyu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Jiangying , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: July 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is the most frequent viral infectious complication correlating to non‐relapse mortality after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). The intrinsic anti‐CMV immunity has not been completely elucidated. γδ T‐cells have drawn increasing attentions due to their distinct biological features and potential ability against viral infections. Previous studies reported a general association of γδ T‐cells or Vδ2‐negative γδ T‐cells with CMV reactivation. Whereas researches for the direct responses and specific functions of γδ T subsets remain limited, especially in the scenario of alloHCT. Herein, we initially demonstrated that Vδ1+ T‐cells directly and independently recognized cell‐free CMV and CMV‐infected target cells, and inhibited CMV replication in vitro. The anti‐CMV effect of Vδ1+ T‐cells was partially through TCRγδ, TLR2 and NKG2D receptor pathways. Further investigation about the anti‐CMV characteristics of Vδ1+ T‐cells was performed in a clinical cohort with different CMV reactivation status after alloHCT. We found that occasional CMV reactivation remarkably increased the recovery levels and stimulated the functional activity of Vδ1+ T‐cells. Whereas disability of Vδ1+ T‐cells was observed upon refractory CMV reactivation indicating the differential responses of Vδ1+ T‐cells under different CMV reactivation status. CXCL10 and IFN‐β that were dramatically induced by occasional CMV reactivation could re‐activate the deficient Vδ1+ T‐cells from recipients with refractory CMV reactivation. These findings unveiled the distinct activities of Vδ1+ T‐cells in anti‐CMV immunity after alloHCT and may help develop novel strategies for the treatment of CMV infectious diseases.
A Clinical Support App for routine wound management: reducing practice variation, improving clinician confidence and increasing formulary compliance
Authors: Moore Zena E H , Aynge Georgina E , Carr Caryn G , Horton Aundrea J , Jones Hayley A , Murphy Nina S , Payne Matthew R , McCarthy Catherine H , Murdoch Julie M.
Published: July 2022

Wounds continue to be of a global concern. Therefore, a more focussed, evidence‐based approach to wound assessment and management is required. The WOUND COMPASS™ Clinical Support App (CSA) is designed to support the health care professional with wound assessment and management at the point of care. This real‐world pilot study aimed to determine the utility of the CSA during routine wound management, in multiple care settings. A non‐interventional, real‐world pilot programme of the CSA was conducted at four sites. Patients received routine wound management. The CSA was programmed to replicate the site's formulary for evidence‐based wound management. Anonymised pre‐ and post‐pilot clinician opinion surveys on useability and impact of the CSA were collected and reported. Wound Specialists (n = 7 [100%]) and Non‐Wound Specialists (NWS) (n = 58 [82%]) indicated that competence and confidence in wound assessment were enhanced with use of the CSA (100%; 82%). Furthermore, practice variation was reduced because of a greater compliance to their local formulary (n = 7 [100%]; 79% [54%]). This real‐world pilot shows the positive impact of the CSA, and the improvements that can be potentially realised via reduction in practice variation, improvement in NWSs confidence when managing wounds and increased formulary compliance.
Factors associated with concurrent malignancy risk among patients with incidental solitary pulmonary nodule: A systematic review taskforce for developing rapid recommendations
Authors: Zhu Yuqi , Yang Lan , Li Qianrui , Chen Bojiang , Hao Qiukui , Sun Xin , Tan Jing , Li Weimin
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess the association between prespecified factors and the malignancy risk of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) to support the development of rapid recommendations for daily use in the Chinese setting.

Methods

The expert panel for the rapid recommendations voted for 12 candidate factors based on published guidelines, selected publications, and clinical experiences. We then searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science up to October 17, 2021, for studies investigating the association between these factors and the diagnosis of malignant SPNs in patients with CT‐identified SPNs through multivariable regression analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Checklist. We pooled adjusted odds ratios (aOR) between candidate factors and the diagnosis of the malignant SPNs.

Results

A total of 32 cross‐sectional studies were included. Nine factors were statistically associated with malignant SPNs: age (aOR 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.07), smoking history (2.83, 1.84–4.36), history of extrathoracic malignancy (5.66, 2.80–11.46), history of malignancy (4.64, 3.37–6.39), family history of malignancy (3.11, 1.66–5.83), nodule diameter (1.23, 1.17–1.31), spiculation (3.41, 2.64–4.41), lobulation (3.85, 2.47–6.01), and mixed ground‐glass opacity (mGGO) density of the nodule (5.56, 2.47–12.52). No statistical association was found between family history of lung cancer, emphysema, nodule border, and malignant SPNs.

Conclusion

Nine prespecified factors were associated with the concurrent malignancy risk among patients with SPNs. Risk stratification for SPNs is warranted in clinical practice.
Optimal Taxes under Private Information: The Role of Inflation
Authors: GOMIS‐PORQUERAS PEDRO , WALLER CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2022

Once explicit information available to the taxing authority and incentives associated with private information problems are explicitly taken into account, only a limited set of policy instruments are consistent with agents not engaging in side trades. Within this spirit, we study the role of taxes and inflation in minimizing the dead‐weight loss associated with the provision of good incentives and other market imperfections when fiat money is essential. When the government has a rich information set and can observe savings, effort, and consumption in frictionless markets, the constrained efficient allocation can be achieved with affine history‐dependent consumption taxes. Thus, monetary policy is redundant. In contrast, when the government observes sales, rather than actual consumption, a tax arbitrage exists. Uniform affine consumption taxes prevent side trades. We also find that a deviation from the Friedman rule is optimal as it helps induce truth‐telling and alleviate a pecuniary externality. However, optimal monetary and fiscal policies in this setting cannot implement the constrained efficient allocation.
Developing and validating SARS‐CoV‐2 assays for nonhuman primate surveillance
Authors: Yee JoAnn , Carpenter Amanda , Nham Peter , Halley Bryson , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Roberts Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

Introduction

In early 2020, the California National Primate Research Center implemented surveillance to address the threat of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in its nonhuman primate colony.

Materials/Methods

To detect antiviral antibodies, multi‐antigen assays were developed and validated on enzyme immunoassay and multiplex microbead immunofluorescent assay (MMIA) platforms. To detect viral RNA, RT‐PCR was also performed.

Results/Conclusion

Using a 4plex, antibody was identified in 16/16 experimentally infected animals; and specificity for spike, nucleocapsid, receptor binding domain, and whole virus antigens was 95.2%, 93.8%, 94.3%, and 97.1%, respectively on surveillance samples. Six laboratories compared this MMIA favorably with nine additional laboratory‐developed or commercially available assays. Using a screen and confirm algorithm, 141 of the last 2441 surveillance samples were screen‐reactive requiring confirmatory testing. Although 35 samples were reactive to either nucleocapsid or spike; none were reactive to both. Over 20 000 animals have been tested and no spontaneous infections have so far been confirmed across the NIH sponsored National Primate Research Centers.
Ultrasound evaluation of fetal bone development in the collared (Pecari tajacu) and white‐lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)
Authors: Pereira Thyago Habner de Souza , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros , Pereira da Silva Gessiane , Rodrigues de Matos Sandy Estefany , El Bizri Hani Rocha , Valsecchi João , Bodmer Richard E. , Pérez Peña Pedro , Coutinho Leandro Nassar , López Plana Carlos , Mayor Pedro
Published: July 2022

The study of fetal development allows for evaluating the different strategies adopted by mammal species to maximize neonatal survival. Autonomous locomotion is fundamental for newborns to perform foraging activities and increases newborn survival from predation. In this study, we assess the gestational bone development of 53 collared (CP, Pecari tajacu) and 61 white‐lipped (WLP, Tayassu pecari) peccaries, collected through the collaboration of subsistence hunters in the Amazon. The bone mineralization and biometry of the axial and appendicular skeleton were assessed by ultrasound examinations, and the timing of the main bone developmental events was calculated in relation to the total dorsal length (TDL) and the percentage of the total gestational period (GP). The first US signs of mineralization of the axial skeleton in CP and WLP were observed in fetuses with 3.4 cm (42 gestation days, 30% GPCP) and 5.1 cm (51 gestation days, 32% GPWLP). The early development of the appendicular skeleton was observed by the synchronic appearance of the mineralized scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, ilium, ischium, femur, tibia, and fibula at 36% GPCP (50 gestation days), and 35% GPWLP (56 gestation days). The pubis was mineralized in fetuses at 55% GPCP (75 gestation days) and 59% GPWLP (94 gestation days). The mineralization was observed in all autopod bones at 79% GPCP (109 gestation days) and 67% GPWLP (106 gestation days). All primary ossification centers in long bones of thoracic and pelvic limbs were mineralized in advanced fetuses (GPCP and GPWLP ≥75%). The mineralized patella was not observed in advanced fetuses in either species. Secondary ossification centers first appeared at the distal epiphysis of the femur in the CP (99 gestation days, 72% GPCP) and the distal epiphysis of the radius, femur, and tibia in the WLP (106 gestation days, 67% GPWLP). Advanced fetuses of CP and WLP presented 60% (15/25) and 68% (17/25) of the total secondary ossification centers observed present in the adult domestic pig, while newborns from the domestic pig presented 52% (13/25). The early intrauterine development of the skeletal system in both peccary species suggests a precocial development strategy, which likely correlates with neonatal ability to escape predators and reduces the dependence on parental care.
Direct versus iterated multiperiod Value‐at‐Risk forecasts
Authors: Ruiz Esther , Nieto María Rosa
Published: July 2022

Since the late nineties, the Basel Accords require financial institutions to measure their financial risk by reporting daily predictions of Value at Risk (VaR) based on 10‐day returns. However, a vast part of the related literature deals with VaR predictions based on one‐period returns. Given its relevance for practitioners, in this paper, we survey the literature on available procedures to estimate VaR over an h‐period. First, to convert 1 day into 10‐day VaR, it is popular to use the square‐root‐of‐time (SRoT) rule, which is only satisfied under very restrictive and unrealistic properties of returns. Alternatively, direct (based on h‐period returns) and iterated (based on one‐period returns) two‐step procedures can be implemented to obtain 10‐period VaR. We also illustrate and compare the performance of these procedures in the context of popular conditionally heteroscedastic models for returns using both simulated and real data. We show that, under realistic assumptions on the distribution of returns, multiperiod VaR predictions based on iterating an asymmetric GJR model with normal or bootstrapped errors are usually preferred. We also show that, in general, direct methods could be not only biased but also inefficient.
Primula chishuiensis (Primulaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: Xu Yuan , Liu Tong‐Jian , Hu Chi‐Ming , Hao Gang
Published: July 2022

Primula chishuiensis C.M. Hu, G. Hao & Y. Xu sp. nov. (Primulaceae) is described and illustrated from Guizhou, China. It is morphologically belonging to P. sect. Monocarpicae and allied to P. centellifolia and P. scopulicola, but can be distinguished by its homostylous flowers and broadly campanulate calyx which split to 3/4 of its length, and the broadly lanceolate lobes.
Climate drives rhizosphere microbiome variation and divergent selection between geographically distant Arabidopsis populations
Authors: Durán Paloma , Ellis Thomas James , Thiergart Thorsten , Ågren Jon , Hacquard Stéphane
Published: July 2022

Disentangling the contribution of climatic and edaphic factors to microbiome variation and local adaptation in plants requires an experimental approach to uncouple their effects and test for causality.

We used microbial inocula, soil matrices and plant genotypes derived from two natural Arabidopsis thaliana populations in northern and southern Europe in an experiment conducted in climatic chambers mimicking seasonal changes in temperature, day length and light intensity of the home sites of the two genotypes.

The southern A. thaliana genotype outperformed the northern genotype in the southern climate chamber, whereas the opposite was true in the northern climate chamber. Recipient soil matrix, but not microbial composition, affected plant fitness, and effects did not differ between genotypes. Differences between chambers significantly affected rhizosphere microbiome assembly, although these effects were small in comparison with the shifts induced by physicochemical differences between soil matrices.

The results suggest that differences in seasonal changes in temperature, day length and light intensity between northern and southern Europe have strongly influenced adaptive differentiation between the two A. thaliana populations, whereas effects of differences in soil factors have been weak. By contrast, below‐ground differences in soil characteristics were more important than differences in climate for rhizosphere microbiome differentiation.
Can delaying germination reduce barriers to successful emergence for early‐germinating, fall‐sown native bunchgrass seeds in cold deserts?
Authors: Baughman Owen W. , Kerby Jay D. , Boyd Chad S. , Madsen Matthew D. , Svejcar Tony J.
Published: July 2022

Efforts to restore semiarid wildlands in the western United States predominantly use fall seeding. Fall conditions are more amenable to seeding, and successfully over‐wintered seeds or plants are poised to take full advantage of spring moisture. However, over‐winter mortality can be a barrier to seeding success. One solution to avoid winter mortality without sacrificing the benefits of fall seeding is to delay germination of fall‐sown seeds. At six northern Great Basin field sites over three planting years (18 trials), we tested whether a hydrophobic seed coating reliably delayed germination and increased seedling establishment of a native bunchgrass. Despite considerable variation among sites and years, seed treatment successfully reduced pre‐winter germination by 84% compared to untreated, but also consistently reduced final germination by 23%. Still, treatment resulted in an average of 2.1‐fold higher emerged seedling density in seven trials, six of which were among the eight trials where more than 50% of untreated seeds germinated pre‐winter. Emergence was greater for untreated seed in five trials, all of them in the same year, and all but one of them with below‐average total germination. Our treatment consistently reduced pre‐winter germination, but only improved emergence when pre‐winter germination of untreated seeds was high. Continued research is merited with germination‐delaying treatments and to experimentally define—and develop models that predict—winter‐related mortality barriers. We also suggest future exploration of bet‐hedging strategies that mix treated and untreated seeds where fall seeding is required and significant but variable risk of over‐winter seedling mortality exists.
X-Ray Induced Chemical Reaction Revealed by In Situ X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning X-Ray Microscopy in 15 nm Resolution
Authors: Ge Mingyuan , Liu Wenjun , Bock David C. , De Andrade Vincent , Yan Hanfei , Huang Xiaojing , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Xin Huolin , Chu Yong S.
Published: July 2022

The detection sensitivity of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques has been largely improved due to the ever-increasing source brightness, which has significantly advanced ex situ and in situ research for energy materials such as lithium-ion batteries. However, the strong beam–material interaction arising from the high beam flux can substantially modify the material structure. The beam-induced parasitic effect inevitably interferes with the intrinsic material property, making the interpretation of the experimental results difficult and requiring comprehensive assessments. Here, we present a quantitative study of the beam effect on an electrode material Ag2VO2PO4 using four different X-ray characterization methods with different radiation dose rates. The material system exhibits interesting and reversible radiation-induced thermal and chemical reactions, further evaluated under electron microscopy to illustrate the underlying mechanism. The work will provide a guideline for using synchrotron X-rays to distinguish the intrinsic behavior from extrinsic structure change of materials induced by X-rays.
New findings of oribatid mites of the genera Rhinoppia and Suctobelbella (Acari: Oribatida) from Korea
Authors: Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Bae Yang-Seop
Published: July 2022

Both genera studied here, Rhinoppia and Suctobelbella are diversely represented in the northern hemisphere, but in Korea, only three species of the second genus are known. We propose a new species, Rhinoppia properecta sp. nov., and provide supplementary descriptions of seven species of Suctobelbella, i.e., S. acutidens (Forsslund, 1941), S. arcana Moritz, 1970, S. longidentata Chinone, 2003, S. subcornigera (Forsslund, 1941), S. (Flagrosuctobelba) kantoensis Chinone, 2003, S. (F.) lata Chinone, 2003, and S. (Ussuribata) latirostris (Strenzke, 1950), which are reported from Korea for the first time. The distribution and diversity of each genus are discussed, and habitat ecology of species reported is given. Furthermore, a key for the identification of adults of the known species of Suctobelbella in Korea, is provided.
Automatic segmentation and classification of mice ultrasonic vocalizations
Authors: Pessoa Diogo , Petrella Lorena , Martins Pedro , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Teixeira César
Published: July 2022

This paper addresses the development of a system for classifying mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) present in audio recordings. The automatic labeling process for USVs is usually divided into two main steps: USV segmentation followed by the matching classification. Three main contributions can be highlighted: (i) a new segmentation algorithm, (ii) a new set of features, and (iii) the discrimination of a higher number of classes when compared to similar studies. The developed segmentation algorithm is based on spectral entropy analysis. This novel segmentation approach can detect USVs with 94% and 74% recall and precision, respectively. When compared to other methods/software, our segmentation algorithm achieves a higher recall. Regarding the classification phase, besides the traditional features from time, frequency, and time-frequency domains, a new set of contour-based features were extracted and used as inputs of shallow machine learning classification models. The contour-based features were obtained from the time-frequency ridge representation of USVs. The classification methods can differentiate among ten different syllable types with 81.1% accuracy and 80.5% weighted F1-score. The algorithms were developed and evaluated based on a large dataset, acquired on diverse social interaction conditions between the animals, to stimulate a varied vocal repertoire.
Conformational selection guides β-arrestin recruitment at a biased G protein–coupled receptor
Authors: Kleist Andrew B. , Jenjak Shawn , Sente Andrija , Laskowski Lauren J. , Szpakowska Martyna , Calkins Maggie M. , Anderson Emilie I. , McNally Lisa M. , Heukers Raimond , Bobkov Vladimir , Peterson Francis C. , Thomas Monica A. , Chevigné Andy , Smit Martine J. , McCorvy John D. , Babu M. Madan , Volkman Brian F.
Published: July 2022

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) recruit β-arrestins to coordinate diverse cellular processes, but the structural dynamics driving this process are poorly understood. Atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) are intrinsically biased GPCRs that engage β-arrestins but not G proteins, making them a model system for investigating the structural basis of β-arrestin recruitment. Here, we performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on
13
CH
3
-ε–methionine–labeled ACKR3, revealing that β-arrestin recruitment is associated with conformational exchange at key regions of the extracellular ligand-binding pocket and intracellular β-arrestin–coupling region. NMR studies of ACKR3 mutants defective in β-arrestin recruitment identified an allosteric hub in the receptor core that coordinates transitions among heterogeneously populated and selected conformational states. Our data suggest that conformational selection guides β-arrestin recruitment by tuning receptor dynamics at intracellular and extracellular regions.
“Arch”-etyping vertebrates
Authors: Miyashita Tetsuto
Published: July 2022

Cellular details of gill arches in Cambrian fossils reignite a centuries-old debate
Dengue and zika viruses turn people into mosquito bait
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: July 2022

To spread, pathogens drive mice, people to make odorant
Lessons Learned and Yet-to-Be Learned on the Importance of RNA Structure in SARS-CoV-2 Replication
Authors: Bassett Maclean , Salemi Marco , Rife Magalis Brittany
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is a member of the virus family
Coronaviridae
, known for relatively extensive (~30-kb) RNA genomes that not only encode for numerous proteins but are also capable of forming elaborate structures. As highlighted in this review, these structures perform critical functions in various steps of the viral life cycle, ultimately impacting pathogenesis and transmissibility.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. Strain KAN5, an Agar-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from the Gut of an Alga-Eating Fish
Authors: Kawase Yuka , Tanabe Takuma , Kawamukai Makoto , Yoshida Masa-aki
Published: July 2022

A strain of
Pseudoalteromonas
that degrades agar was isolated from the intestines of an alga-eating fish (
Andamia tetradactyla
). We named the strain KAN5 and report on the genome sequenced with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The 3.8-Mbp genome contains 3,428 protein-coding genes, and the genes involved in agar degradation were confirmed.
Surface Motility Favors Codependent Interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Morin Charles , Landry May , Groleau Marie-Christine , Déziel Eric
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Burkholderia cenocepacia
are important opportunistic pathogens often found together in the airways of persons with cystic fibrosis. Laboratory cocultures of both species often ends with one taking over the other.
Tight Complex Formation of the Fumarate Sensing DcuS-DcuR Two-Component System at the Membrane and Target Promoter Search by Free DcuR Diffusion
Authors: Gencheva Stefaniya , Dersch Simon , Surmann Kristin , Wernet Mathias , Antelo Luis , Hammer Elke , Graumann Peter L. , Hellmann Nadja , Unden Gottfried
Published: July 2022

Complex formation of membrane-bound sensor kinases with the response regulators represents an inherent step of signaling from the membrane to the promoters on the DNA. In the C4-dicarboxylate-sensing DcuS-DcuR two-component system, complex formation is strengthened by activation (phosphorylation)
in vitro
and
in vivo
, with trapping of the response regulator DcuR at the membrane.
Long-Term Effects of Developmental Exposure to Oxycodone on Gut Microbiota and Relationship to Adult Behaviors and Metabolism
Authors: Lyu Zhen , Schmidt Robert R. , Martin Rachel E. , Green Madison T. , Kinkade Jessica A. , Mao Jiude , Bivens Nathan J. , Joshi Trupti , Rosenfeld Cheryl S.
Published: July 2022

This is the first work to show in a rodent model that
in utero
exposure to an opioid drug can lead to longstanding effects on the gut microbiota when examined at adulthood. Further, such bacterial changes are associated with metabolic host responses. Given the similarities between rodent and human microbiomes, it raises cause for concern that similar effects may become evident in children born to mothers taking oxycodone and other opioid drugs.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analysis of Fusarium solani-melongenae Causing Fusarium Root and Stem Rot in Sweetpotatoes
Authors: Xie Shu-Yan , Ma Tingting , Zhao Nan , Zhang Xinxin , Fang Boping , Huang Lifei
Published: July 2022

Fusarium root and stem rot in sweetpotato are prevalent in the main sweetpotato-growing areas in China, and fungal isolation, morphological characteristics, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the disease causal agent (
F. solani-melongenae
isolate CRI 24-3) were systematically studied. The genome sequence of
F. solani-melongenae
isolates CRI 24-3 was first reported, which should provide a basis for genome assembly of other closely related
Fusarium
species.
Evolution of Chlorhexidine Susceptibility and of the EfrEF Operon among Enterococcus faecalis from Diverse Environments, Clones, and Time Spans
Authors: Pereira Ana P. , Antunes Patrícia , Willems Rob , Corander Jukka , Coque Teresa M. , Peixe Luísa , Freitas Ana R. , Novais Carla
Published: July 2022

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a disinfectant and antiseptic used since the 1950s and included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It has been widely applied in hospitals, the community, the food industry, animal husbandry and pets.
Diversity of Astrovirus in Goats in Southwest China and Identification of Two Novel Caprine Astroviruses
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Xu Chenxia , Zeng Mengting , Tang Cheng
Published: July 2022

Caprine astrovirus is a newly emerging virus, and information regarding its prevalence and molecular characteristics remains limited. In this study, six genotypes of astrovirus, including
MAstV–13
and
MAstV–24
, were identified in goats, adding two novel caprine astrovirus genotypes to the four previously known genotypes, thereby enriching the diversity of the caprine astrovirus.
NupR Responding to Multiple Signals Is a Nucleoside Permease Regulator in Bacillus thuringiensis BMB171
Authors: Qin Jiaxin , Cao Zhanglei , Cai Xia , Fang Yu , An Baoju , Li Xuelian , Zhang Yizhuo , Tian Hongwei , Hu Wenzhuo , Yan Bing , Cai Jun
Published: July 2022

The transport of nucleosides and their homeostasis within the cell are essential for growth and proliferation. Here, we have identified a novel transcription factor, NupR, which, to our knowledge, is the first GntR family transcription factor primarily involved in the regulation of nucleoside transport.