bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive representations of sound for automatic insect recognition
Authors: Faiß Marius , Stowell Dan
Published: October 2023

Insect population numbers and biodiversity have been rapidly declining with time, and monitoring these trends has become increasingly important for conservation measures to be effectively implemented. But monitoring methods are often invasive, time and resource intense, and prone to various biases. Many insect species produce characteristic sounds that can easily be detected and recorded without large cost or effort. Using deep learning methods, insect sounds from field recordings could be automatically detected and classified to monitor biodiversity and species distribution ranges. We implement this using recently published datasets of insect sounds (up to 66 species of Orthoptera and Cicadidae) and machine learning methods and evaluate their potential for acoustic insect monitoring. We compare the performance of the conventional spectrogram-based audio representation against LEAF, a new adaptive and waveform-based frontend. LEAF achieved better classification performance than the mel-spectrogram frontend by adapting its feature extraction parameters during training. This result is encouraging for future implementations of deep learning technology for automatic insect sound recognition, especially as larger datasets become available.
Elevated levels of sphingolipid MIPC in the plasma membrane disrupt the coordination of cell growth with cell wall formation in fission yeast
Authors: Willet Alaina H. , Wos Marcin , Igarashi Maya G. , Ren Liping , Turner Lesley A. , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: October 2023

Coupling cell wall expansion with cell growth is a universal challenge faced by walled organisms. Mutations in Schizosaccharomyces pombe css1, which encodes a PM inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase C, prevent cell wall expansion but not synthesis of cell wall material. To probe how Css1 modulates cell wall formation we used classical and chemical genetics coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry. We found that elevated levels of the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway’s final product, mannosylinositol phosphorylceramide (MIPC), specifically correlated with the css1-3 phenotype. We also found that an apparent indicator of sphingolipids and a sterol biosensor accumulated at the cytosolic face of the PM at cell tips and the division site of css1-3 cells and, in accord, the PM in css1-3 was less dynamic than in wildtype cells. Interestingly, disrupting the protein glycosylation machinery recapitulated the css1-3 phenotype and led us to investigate Ghs2, a glycosylated PM protein predicted to modify cell wall material. Disrupting Ghs2 function led to aberrant cell wall material accumulation suggesting Ghs2 is dysfunctional in css1-3. We conclude that preventing an excess of MIPC in the S. pombe PM is critical to the function of key PM-localized proteins necessary for coupling growth with cell wall formation.
Functional dissection and assembly of a small, newly evolved, W chromosome-specific genomic region of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Cauret Caroline M. S. , Jordan Danielle C. , Kukoly Lindsey M. , Burton Sarah R. , Anele Emmanuela U. , Kwiecien Jacek M. , Gansauge Marie-Theres , Senthillmohan Sinthu , Greenbaum Eli , Meyer Matthias , Horb Marko E. , Evans Ben J.
Published: October 2023

Genetic triggers for sex determination are frequently co-inherited with other linked genes that may also influence one or more sex-specific phenotypes. To better understand how sex-limited regions evolve and function, we studied a small W chromosome-specific region of the frog Xenopus laevis that contains only three genes (dm-w, scan-w, ccdc69-w) and that drives female differentiation. Using gene editing, we found that the sex-determining function of this region requires dm-w but that scan-w and ccdc69-w are not essential for viability, female development, or fertility. Analysis of mesonephros+gonad transcriptomes during sexual differentiation illustrates masculinization of the dm-w knockout transcriptome, and identifies mostly non-overlapping sets of differentially expressed genes in separate knockout lines for each of these three W-specific gene compared to wildtype sisters. Capture sequencing of almost all Xenopus species and PCR surveys indicate that the female-determining function of dm-w is present in only a subset of species that carry this gene. These findings map out a dynamic evolutionary history of a newly evolved W chromosome-specific genomic region, whose components have distinctive functions that frequently degraded during Xenopus diversification, and evidence the evolutionary consequences of recombination suppression.
Long-term responses of Icelandic Arctic foxes to changes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Berthelot Fanny , Unnsteinsdóttir Ester R. , Carbonell Ellgutter Jennifer A. , Ehrich Dorothee
Published: October 2023

The long-term dynamics of predator populations may be driven by fluctuations in resource availability and reflect ecosystem changes such as those induced by climate change. The Icelandic Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population has known major fluctuations in size since the 1950s. Using stable isotopes analysis of bone collagen over a long-time series (1979–2018), we aimed at identifying the main resources used by Icelandic Arctic foxes during periods of growth and decline to assess if the variations in their population size are linked to fluctuations in the availability of resources. We hypothesized that (1) the decline in Seabird abundance was responsible for the decrease in the fox population; and (2) that the growth in the fox population combined to fluctuations in main resources would lead to an increase in intra-specific competition, ultimately leading to variations in their isotopic niches at the population scale. The isotopic composition of Arctic fox bones differed clearly between inland and coast. Stable isotopes mixing models suggested that marine resources and rock ptarmigans were the most important food source and highlighted a rather stable diet in coastal habitats compared to inland habitats where more fluctuations in dietary composition were observed. Coastal foxes had a broader niche than inland foxes, and there was more variation in niche size in the inland habitat. Our results tend to confirm that a general decline in seabird populations drove the decline in Arctic foxes, especially in coastal habitats. For the inland foxes, our results suggest that the lack of marine resources might have led to an increased use of ptarmigans especially during the most recent period.
Integration of serial self-testing for COVID-19 as part of contact tracing in the Brazilian public health system: A pragmatic trial protocol
Authors: Green Rebecca K. , Manchola Camilo , Gerth-Guyette Emily , Oliveira Silva Michelle , Stephanie Raissa , dos Santos Soares Tainá , Bastos Gottin Luiza , Coelho Milena , Green Kimberly E. , Dias Tavares Costa Alexandre , Batista Pereira Dhélio
Published: October 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unprecedented public health crisis. Insufficient testing continues to limit the effectiveness of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular testing methods such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) continue to be highly centralized and are a sub-optimal option for population surveillance. Rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs) offer multiple benefits including low costs, high flexibility to conduct tests in a wide variety of settings, and faster return of results. Self-test Ag-RDTs (STs) have gained approval in several markets and offer the possibility to expand testing, reaching at-risk populations. While STs have the potential to assist the COVID-19 response, test result integrity, reporting, and appropriate linkage to care continue to hinder the widespread implementation of self-testing programs. This protocol presents a mixed-methods pragmatic trial (ISRCTN91602092) to better understand the feasibility of self-testing as part of a contact tracing strategy within the Brazilian public health system. Approximately 604 close contacts of 150 index cases testing positive for COVID-19 will be enrolled. Index cases will be randomized for their close contacts to participate in either serial (daily) self-testing over a 10-day follow-up period or a more traditional approach to contact tracing with a professional Ag-RDT at one time point post-exposure. Usability workshops and focus group discussions will also be conducted. This study protocol presents a comprehensive plan to assess the effectiveness, operational feasibility, and stakeholder preferences of a serial self-testing strategy for contact tracing within the Brazilian public health system. Our results will contribute to better understanding of the feasibility of a self-testing strategy within the public sector. Potential risks and limitations are discussed. Our findings will have important implications as governments continue working to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, particularly in the context of where to direct limited resources for testing and healthcare infrastructure.

Registration: This trial is registered at ISCTRN (ISRCTN91602092).
Negative regulation of angiogenesis and the MAPK pathway may be a shared biological pathway between IS and epilepsy
Authors: Fu Longhui , Yu Beibei , Lv Boqiang , Tian Yunze , Zhang Yongfeng , Chen Huangtao , Yang Shijie , Hu Yutian , Ren Pengyu , Li Jianzhong , Gong Shouping
Published: October 2023

Ischemia stroke and epilepsy are two neurological diseases that have significant patient and societal burden, with similar symptoms of neurological deficits. However, the underlying mechanism of their co-morbidity are still unclear. In this study, we performed a combined analysis of six gene expression profiles (GSE58294, GSE22255, GSE143272, GSE88723, GSE163654, and GSE174574) to reveal the common mechanisms of IS and epilepsy. In the mouse datasets, 74 genes were co-upregulated and 7 genes were co-downregulated in the stroke and epilepsy groups. Further analysis revealed that the co-expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in negative regulation of angiogenesis and the MAPK signaling pathway, and this was verified by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of human datasets and single cell RNA sequence of middle cerebral artery occlusion mice. In addition, combining DEGs of human and mouse, PTGS2, TMCC3, KCNJ2, and GADD45B were identified as cross species conserved hub genes. Meanwhile, molecular docking results revealed that trichostatin A and valproic acid may be potential therapeutic drugs. In conclusion, to our best knowledge, this study conducted the first comorbidity analysis of epilepsy and ischemic stroke to identify the potential common pathogenic mechanisms and drugs. The findings may provide an important reference for the further studies on post-stroke epilepsy.
QTL mapping of oleic acid content in modern VNIIMK sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) lines by using GBS-based SNP map
Authors: Gubaev Rim , Boldyrev Stepan , Martynova Elena , Chernova Alina , Kovalenko Tatyana , Chebanova Yuliya , Peretyagina Tatyana , Goryunova Svetlana , Goryunov Denis , Mukhina Zhanna , Ben Cecile , Gentzbittel Laurent , Khaitovich Philipp , Demurin Yakov
Published: October 2023

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid increasing oil oxidative stability. High content of oleic acid is thus a valuable trait in oilseed crops. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) normally accumulates linoleic acid as a major fatty acid, but a mutant expressing a high oleic phenotype form was previously obtained by chemical mutagenesis and mapped on the sunflower genome. Several studies suggest the presence of additional genes involved in the control of the high content of oleic acid, with their expression possibly depending on the genetic background. To test this hypothesis, we performed a QTL mapping of the high oleic acid trait within two independent F2 crosses involving lines with contrasting oleic acid content from the Pustovoit All-Russia Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK) collection. We applied genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to construct single nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic maps and performed QTL mapping using quantitative and qualitative encoding for oleic acid content. Our results support the finding that the oleic acid content in the assessed crosses is controlled by one major effect locus. However, different dominant/recessive effects of the major locus were reported for both crosses. Additionally, a possible translocation between chromosome 7 and 14 was reported in one assessed cross. We defined a set of single nucleotide polymorphism markers for each cross which could be used for marker-assisted selection.
Sympathetic innervation of the supraclavicular brown adipose tissue: A detailed anatomical study
Authors: Mori Shumpei , Beyer Ryan S. , Bernardes de Souza Breno , Sorg Julie M. , Hoover Donald B. , Sacks Harold S. , Fishbein Michael C. , Chang Grace , Peacock Warwick J. , St. John Maie A. , Law James , Symonds Micheal E. , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Srikanthan Preethi
Published: October 2023

Background

The supraclavicular fossa is the dominant location for human brown adipose tissue (BAT). Activation of BAT promotes non-shivering thermogenesis by utilization of glucose and free fatty acids and has been the focus of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for modulation in order to improve body weight and glucose homeostasis. Sympathetic neural control of supraclavicular BAT has received much attention, but its innervation has not been extensively investigated in humans.

Methods

Dissection of the cervical region in human cadavers was performed to find the distribution of sympathetic nerve branches to supraclavicular fat pad. Furthermore, proximal segments of the 4th cervical nerve were evaluated histologically to assess its sympathetic components.

Results

Nerve branches terminating in supraclavicular fat pad were identified in all dissections, including those from the 3rd and 4th cervical nerves and from the cervical sympathetic plexus. Histology of the proximal segments of the 4th cervical nerves confirmed tyrosine hydroxylase positive thin nerve fibers in all fascicles with either a scattered or clustered distribution pattern. The scattered pattern was more predominant than the clustered pattern (80% vs. 20%) across cadavers. These sympathetic nerve fibers occupied only 2.48% of the nerve cross sectional area on average.

Conclusions

Human sympathetic nerves use multiple pathways to innervate the supraclavicular fat pad. The present finding serves as a framework for future clinical approaches to activate human BAT in the supraclavicular region.
Lifestyle parameters of Japanese agricultural and non-agricultural workers aged 60 years or older and less than 60 years: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Kinoshita Fumie , Yoshida Kei , Fujitani Masaya , Imai Yuta , Kobayashi Yumiko , Ito Tomoya , Okumura Yuto , Sato Hiroyuki , Mikami Tatsuya , Jung Songee , Hirakawa Akihiro , Nakatochi Masahiro
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Improving the lifestyle of occupational workers is essential for extending healthy life expectancy. We investigated various lifestyle-related items in a rural Japanese population and compared them between agricultural and non-agricultural workers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the “Iwaki Health Promotion Project.” Lifestyle-related items such as sleep, work hours, nutrition, health-related quality of life, and proportion of time spent performing each daily activity were compared between agricultural and non-agricultural workers in the ≥60 years (n = 251) and <60 years (n = 560) age groups.

Results

Agricultural workers had significantly lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total scores than non-agricultural workers in the <60 years group. The proportion of participants with more than 5 weekly working days was high among agricultural workers in both groups. Additionally, the proportion of people who worked more than 8 h per day was high among agricultural workers in both age groups. Energy intake per day was high among agricultural workers in the <60 years group. In both age groups, agricultural workers slept and woke up approximately 40 min earlier than did non-agricultural workers.

Conclusions

Agricultural workers have better sleep habits but work longer than non-agricultural workers, with some differences in energy intake and proportion of time spent on each daily activity. These differences should be considered when planning lifestyle intervention programs for agricultural workers.
Fertilization using manure minimizes the trade-offs between biodiversity and forage production in agri-environment scheme grasslands
Authors: Villa-Galaviz Edith , Smart Simon M. , Ward Susan E. , Fraser Mariecia D. , Memmott Jane
Published: October 2023

A common practice used to restore and maintain biodiversity in grasslands is to stop or decrease the use of fertilizers as they are a major cause of biodiversity loss. This practice is problematic for farmers who need fertilizers to increase forage and meet the nutritional needs of livestock. Evidence is needed that helps identify optimal fertilizer regimes that could benefit biodiversity and livestock production simultaneously over the long-term. Here, we evaluated the impact of different fertilizer regimes on indicators related to both biodiversity (plant, pollinator, leaf miners and parasitoid Shannon-Weiner diversity, bumblebee abundance, nectar productivity and forb species richness), and forage production (ash, crude protein, ruminant metabolizable energy and dry matter). To this end, we used data from a grassland restoration experiment managed under four nutrient inputs schemes for 27 years: farmyard manure (FYM; 72 kg N ha-1 yr-1), artificial nitrogen-phosphorus and potassium (NPK; 25 kg N ha-1 yr-1), FYM + NPK (97 kg N ha-1 yr-1) and no-fertilizer. Results showed strong trade-offs between biodiversity and forage production under all treatments even in applications lower than the critical load in the EU. Overall, farmyard manure was the fertilizer that optimized production and biodiversity while 97 kg N ha-1 yr-1 of fertilizer addition (FYM+NPK) had the most negative impact on biodiversity. Finally, forage from places where no fertilizer has been added for 27 years did not meet the nutritional requirements of cattle, but it did for sheep. Rethinking typical approaches of nutrient addition could lead to land management solutions suitable for biological conservation and agriculture.
Target trial emulation: Do antimicrobials or gastrointestinal nutraceuticals prescribed at first presentation for acute diarrhoea cause a better clinical outcome in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK?
Authors: Pegram Camilla , Diaz-Ordaz Karla , Brodbelt Dave C. , Chang Yu-Mei , Tayler Sarah , Allerton Fergus , Prisk Lauren , Church David B. , O’Neill Dan G.
Published: October 2023

Target trial emulation applies design principles from randomised controlled trials to the analysis of observational data for causal inference and is increasingly used within human epidemiology. Veterinary electronic clinical records represent a potentially valuable source of information to estimate real-world causal effects for companion animal species. This study employed the target trial framework to evaluate the usefulness on veterinary observational data. Acute diarrhoea in dogs was used as a clinical exemplar. Inclusion required dogs aged ≥ 3 months and < 10 years, presenting for veterinary primary care with acute diarrhoea during 2019. Treatment strategies were: 1. antimicrobial prescription compared to no antimicrobial prescription and 2. gastrointestinal nutraceutical prescription compared to no gastrointestinal nutraceutical prescription. The primary outcome was clinical resolution (defined as no revisit with ongoing diarrhoea within 30 days from the date of first presentation). Informed from a directed acyclic graph, data on the following covariates were collected: age, breed, bodyweight, insurance status, comorbidities, vomiting, reduced appetite, haematochezia, pyrexia, duration, additional treatment prescription and veterinary group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance covariates between the treatment groups for each of the two target trials. The risk difference (RD) of 0.4% (95% CI -4.5% to 5.3%) was non-significant for clinical resolution in dogs treated with antimicrobials compared with dogs not treated with antimicrobials. The risk difference (RD) of 0.3% (95% CI -4.5% to 5.0%) was non-significant for clinical resolution in dogs treated with gastrointestinal nutraceuticals compared with dogs not treated with gastrointestinal nutraceuticals. This study successfully applied the target trial framework to veterinary observational data. The findings show that antimicrobial or gastrointestinal prescription at first presentation of acute diarrhoea in dogs causes no difference in clinical resolution. The findings support the recommendation for veterinary professionals to limit antimicrobial use for acute diarrhoea in dogs.
Plant, pigment, and bone processing in the Neolithic of northern Arabia–New evidence from Use-wear analysis of grinding tools at Jebel Oraf
Authors: Lucarini Giulio , Guagnin Maria , Shipton Ceri , Radini Anita , Alsharekh Abdullah M. , Petraglia Michael
Published: October 2023

Archaeological sites with surface hearths are a ubiquitous feature across the arid zones of the Arabian interior. At Jebel Oraf, in the Jubbah basin of the Nefud Desert of northern Arabia, numerous grinding stone fragments were found in association with hearths, though the original purpose of these stones was unclear owing to the poor preservation of faunal and botanic remains. Here we describe results from use-wear analysis on five grinding tools at Jebel Oraf, demonstrating that such artefacts were used during the Neolithic for plant processing, bone processing, and pigment production. Grinding stones were often broken up after initial use and fragments were subsequently re-used for alternative purposes, before finally being placed on hearths or discarded. More specifically, plants were ground or prepared and possibly cooked in the hearths, and bones were processed as well. The analyses also highlight the importance of pigment processing at Neolithic sites and provide a link to painted rock art. The frequent use of pigment in the archaeological record suggests that pigment was widely used, and that Neolithic painted art may have been more common than the surviving images suggest.
The effect of 3D stereopsis and hand-tool alignment on learning effectiveness and skill transfer of a VR-based simulator for dental training
Authors: Kaluschke Maximilian , Yin Myat Su , Haddawy Peter , Suebnukarn Siriwan , Zachmann Gabriel
Published: October 2023

Recent years have seen the proliferation of VR-based dental simulators using a wide variety of different VR configurations with varying degrees of realism. Important aspects distinguishing VR hardware configurations are 3D stereoscopic rendering and visual alignment of the user’s hands with the virtual tools. New dental simulators are often evaluated without analysing the impact of these simulation aspects. In this paper, we seek to determine the impact of 3D stereoscopic rendering and of hand-tool alignment on the teaching effectiveness and skill assessment accuracy of a VR dental simulator. We developed a bimanual simulator using an HMD and two haptic devices that provides an immersive environment with both 3D stereoscopic rendering and hand-tool alignment. We then independently controlled for each of the two aspects of the simulation. We trained four groups of students in root canal access opening using the simulator and measured the virtual and real learning gains. We quantified the real learning gains by pre- and post-testing using realistic plastic teeth and the virtual learning gains by scoring the training outcomes inside the simulator. We developed a scoring metric to automatically score the training outcomes that strongly correlates with experts’ scoring of those outcomes. We found that hand-tool alignment has a positive impact on virtual and real learning gains, and improves the accuracy of skill assessment. We found that stereoscopic 3D had a negative impact on virtual and real learning gains, however it improves the accuracy of skill assessment. This finding is counter-intuitive, and we found eye-tooth distance to be a confounding variable of stereoscopic 3D, as it was significantly lower for the monoscopic 3D condition and negatively correlates with real learning gain. The results of our study provide valuable information for the future design of dental simulators, as well as simulators for other high-precision psycho-motor tasks.
Association between pertussis vaccination in infancy and childhood asthma: A population-based record linkage cohort study
Authors: Pérez Chacón Gladymar , Fathima Parveen , Jones Mark , Estcourt Marie J. , Gidding Heather F. , Moore Hannah C. , Richmond Peter C. , Snelling Tom
Published: October 2023

Background

Asthma is among the commonest noncommunicable diseases of childhood and often occurs with other atopic comorbidities. A previous case-control study found evidence that compared to children who received acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines in early infancy, children who received one or more doses of whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine had lower risk of developing IgE-mediated food allergy. We hypothesized that wP vaccination in early infancy might protect against atopic asthma in childhood.

Methods

Retrospective record-linkage cohort study of children between 5 and < 15 years old and born between January 1997, and December 1999, in the Australian states of Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW), receiving wP versus aP vaccine as the first pertussis vaccine dose. The main outcome and measures were first and recurrent hospitalizations for asthma; hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by means of Cox and Andersen and Gill models.

Results

274,405 children aged between 5 and < 15 years old (78.4% NSW-born) received a first dose of either wP (67.8%) or aP vaccine before 4 months old. During the follow-up period, there were 5,905 hospitalizations for asthma among 3,955 children. The incidence rate for first hospitalization was 1.5 (95% CI 1.4–1.5) per 1,000 child-years among children receiving wP vaccine as a first dose, and 1.5 (95% CI 1.4–1.6) among those vaccinated with aP vaccine as a first dose. The adjusted HRs for those who received wP vaccine versus aP vaccine as the first dose were 1.02 (95% CI 0.94–1.12) for first hospitalizations and 1.07 (95% CI 0.95–1.2) for recurrent hospitalizations for asthma.

Conclusions

We found no convincing evidence of a clinically relevant association between receipt of wP versus aP vaccines in early infancy and hospital presentations for asthma in childhood.
Human occupations of upland and cold environments in inland Spain during the Last Glacial Maximum and Heinrich Stadial 1: The new Magdalenian sequence of Charco Verde II
Authors: Aragoncillo-del Río Javier , Alcolea-González José-Javier , Luque Luis , Castillo-Jiménez Samuel , Jiménez-Gisbert Guillermo , López-Sáez José-Antonio , Maíllo-Fernández José-Manuel , Ruiz-Alonso Mónica , Triguero Ignacio , Yravedra José , Alcaraz-Castaño Manuel
Published: October 2023

The settlement of cold and arid environments by Pleistocene hunter-gatherers has been a heated topic in Paleolithic Archaeology and the Quaternary Sciences for years. In the Iberian Peninsula, a key area for studying human adaptations to such environments is composed by the large interior and upland regions of the northern and southern plateaus (Mesetas) and bordering areas. As, traditionally, these regions have been relatively under-investigated compared to the ecologically more favored coastal areas of the peninsula, our knowledge of the human settlement of the whole Iberian hinterland remains scarce for the Last Glacial. In this paper we present the discovery and first geoarcheological, paleoenvironmental and chronometric evidence obtained at Charco Verde II, a new site close to the southwestern foothills of the Iberian system range (Guadalajara province, Spain), bearing a sequence of Magdalenian human occupations starting at least at 20.8–21.4 ka cal BP during the Last Glacial Maximum, and covering Greenland Stadial 2 until ∼15.1–16.6 ka cal BP, including Heinrich stadial 1. As this site is located in an upland region which today faces one of the harshest climates in Iberia, such occupation sequence, occurred during some of the coldest and most arid phases of the Last Glacial, has relevant implications for our understanding of human-environment-climate interactions and population dynamics in Iberia and Western Europe. These findings support the hypothesis that the Iberian hinterland was not avoided by Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherers due to ecological constraints, but it hosted a complex and relatively dense settlement at least in some areas, even during cold periods. This suggest, one more time, that the historical scarcity of Upper Paleolithic sites in inland Iberia is, to a significant extent, an artifact of research bias.
Prescription of anti-influenza drugs in Japan, 2014–2020: A retrospective study using open data from the national claims database
Authors: Sako Akahito , Gu Yoshiaki , Masui Yoshinori , Yoshimura Kensuke , Yanai Hidekatsu , Ohmagari Norio
Published: October 2023

Background

Both physicians and patients are proactive towards managing seasonal influenza in Japan and six drugs are approved. Although many countries have national influenza surveillance systems, data on nationwide prescription practices of anti-influenza drugs are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the status of anti-influenza drug use in Japan by analyzing real-world data.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed open data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups, which covers most claims data from national health insurance. We estimated the annual number of patients prescribed anti-influenza drugs, which drugs they were prescribed, the patients’ age and sex distribution, drug costs, and regional disparities for the period 2014–2020.

Results

For 2014–2019, an estimated 6.7–13.4 million patients per year were prescribed anti-influenza drugs, with an annual cost of 22.3–48.0 billion JPY (Japanese Yen). In addition, 21.1–32.0 million rapid antigen tests were performed at a cost of 30.1–47.1 billion JPY. In 2017, laninamivir was the most frequently prescribed anti-influenza drug (48%), followed by oseltamivir (36%), while in 2018, the newly introduced baloxavir accounted for 40.8% of prescriptions. After the emergence of COVID-19, the estimated number of patients prescribed anti-influenza drugs in 2020 dropped to just 14,000. In 2018, 37.6% of prescriptions were for patients aged < 20 years compared with 12.2% for those aged ≥ 65 years. Prescriptions for inpatients accounted for 1.1%, and the proportion of prescriptions for inpatients increased with age, with men were more likely than women to be prescribed anti-influenza drugs while hospitalized.

Conclusions

Based on our clarification of how influenza is clinically managed in Japan, future work should evaluate the clinical and economic aspects of proactively prescribing anti-influenza drugs.
The effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Yu , Zheng QingXiang , Huang Ling , Jiang XiuMin , Gao XiaoXia , Li JiaNing , Liu RuLin
Published: October 2023

Background

The worldwide prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant health challenge. Plant-based dietary patterns are a series dietary habits that emphasized foods derived from plant sources more and from animal foods less. Now, no consensus exists on the effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the incident of GDM.

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the risk of developing GDM.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following the checklist of PRISMA. Six electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database were searched from inception to November 20, 2022. A fixed or random effect model was used to synthesize results of included studies. Then, subgroup analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to assure the reliability and stability of the results.

Results

Ten studies including 32,006 participants were identified. The results of this study showed that the better adherence to the plant-based dietary patterns was related to the lower risk of developing GDM (RR = 0.88[0.81 to 0.96], I2 = 14.8%). The slightly stronger association between plant-based diets and the risk of developing GDM was found when healthy plant-based dietary pattern index was included in pooled estimate (RR = 0.86[0.79 to 0.94], I2 = 8.3%), compared with that unhealthy one was included (RR = 0.90[0.82 to 0.98], I2 = 8.3%).

Conclusion

The plant-based dietary patterns are associated with a lower risk of developing GDM. Furthermore, healthy plant-based dietary patterns are more recommended than unhealthy one. It is significant to help medical staff to guide pregnant women to choose reasonable diets.
The most polyphagous insect herbivore? Host plant associations of the Meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.)
Authors: Thompson Vinton , Harkin Claire , Stewart Alan J. A.
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive list of all known host plant species utilised by the Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius (L.)) is presented, compiled from published and unpublished sources. P. spumarius feeds on 1311 host plants in 631 genera and 117 families. This appears, by a large margin, to be the greatest number of host species exploited by any herbivorous insect. The Asteraceae (222 species) and Rosaceae (110) together account for 25% of all host species. The Fabaceae (76) and Poaceae (73), are nearly tied for third and fourth place and these four families, combined with the Lamiaceae (62), Apiaceae (50), Brassicaceae (43) and Caprifoliaceae (34), comprise about half of all host species. Hosts are concentrated among herbaceous dicots but range from ferns and grasses to shrubs and trees. Philaenus spumarius is an “extreme polyphage”, which appears to have evolved from a monophage ancestor in the past 3.7 to 7.9 million years. It is also the primary European vector of the emerging plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. Its vast host range suggests that it has the potential to spread X. fastidiosa among multiple hosts in any environment in which both the spittlebug and bacterium are present. Fully 47.9% of all known hosts were recorded in the Xylella-inspired BRIGIT citizen science P. spumarius host survey, including 358 hosts new to the documentary record, 27.3% of the 1311 total. This is a strong demonstration of the power of organized amateur observers to contribute to scientific knowledge.
Does green credit policy affect corporate innovation performance?—A quasi-natural experiment based on Green Credit Guidelines
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Tang Qingxing , Yang Yi
Published: October 2023

For urgent need to the transition to sustainable development, it is of great significance to explore the driving role of green credit policies in innovation performance. This study uses a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2004 to 2019 and constructs a quasi-natural experiment based on the Green Credit Guidelines issued by the China Banking Regulatory Commission in 2012. PSM-DID method is employed to examine the innovation impact of green credit policies in both green credit-restricted and non-restricted industries, thereby exploring the its mechanism of influence on firm innovation performance. The results show that after the implementation of Guidelines, it promotes a company’s innovation output, significantly enhances its innovation performance, especially in terms of quantity-based incentives. However, the incentive effect on quality-based incentives is relatively limited. Secondly, by increasing the level of risk-taking within the enterprise and strengthening external environmental regulations, the green credit policy can further enhance its promotion effect on corporate innovation performance. Finally, the promotion effect of green credit policies is more significant for state-owned enterprises and large-scale enterprises. The research results help to break through the bottleneck of corporate innovation with the coordination of environmental protection and economy, which further improve the sustainability of economic development.
Genetic diversity analysis in the Brazilian Amazon reveals a new evolutionary lineage and new karyotype for the genus Mesomys (Rodentia, Echimyidae, Eumysopinae)
Authors: Dias de Oliveira Leony , Oliveira da Silva Willam , Rodrigues da Costa Marlyson Jeremias , Carneiro Jeferson Costa , Sampaio Iracilda , da Silva Juliane Saldanha , Rossi Rogério Vieira , Mendes-Oliveira Ana Cristina , Pieczarka Julio Cesar , Nagamachi Cleusa Yoshiko
Published: October 2023

Morphological, molecular and chromosomal studies in the generaLonchothrixandMesomyshave contributed to a better understanding of taxonomic design, phylogenetic relationships and karyotypic patterns. Recent molecular investigations have shown a yet undescribed diversity, suggesting that these taxa are even more diverse than previously assumed. Furthermore, some authors have questioned the limits of geographic distribution in the Amazon region for the speciesM.hispidusandM.stimulax. In this sense, the current study sought to understand the karyotypic evolution and geographic limits of the genusMesomys, based on classical (G- and C-banding) and molecular cytogenetic analysis (FISH using rDNA 18S and telomeric probes) and through the sequencing of mitochondrial genes Cytochrome b (Cytb) and Cytochrome Oxidase—Subunit I (CO using phylogeny, species delimitation and time of divergence, from samples of different locations in the Brazilian Amazon. The speciesM.stimulaxandMesomyssp. presented 2n = 60/FN = 110, whileM.hispiduspresented 2n = 60/FN = 112, hitherto unpublished. Molecular dating showed thatMesomysdiversification occurred during the Plio-Pleistocene period, withM.occultusdiverging at around 5.1 Ma, followed byMesomyssp. (4.1 Ma) and, more recently, the separation betweenM.hispidusandM.stimulax(3.5 Ma). The ABGD and ASAP species delimiters support the formation of 7 and 8 potential species of the genusMesomys, respectively. Furthermore, in both analyzesMesomyssp. was recovered as a valid species. Our multidisciplinary approach involving karyotypic, molecular and biogeographic analysis is the first performed inMesomys, with the description of a new karyotype forM.hispidus, a new independent lineage for the genus and new distribution data forM.hispidusandM.stimulax.
Non-canonical functions of a mutant TSC2 protein in mitotic division
Authors: Chalkley Mary-Bronwen L. , Mersfelder Rachel B. , Sundberg Maria , Armstrong Laura C. , Sahin Mustafa , Ihrie Rebecca A. , Ess Kevin C.
Published: October 2023

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a debilitating developmental disorder characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations. TSC is caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode the hamartin/tuberin proteins respectively. These proteins function as a heterodimer that negatively regulates the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1). TSC research has focused on the effects of mTORC1, a critical signaling hub, on regulation of diverse cell processes including metabolism, cell growth, translation, and neurogenesis. However, non-canonical functions of TSC2 are not well studied, and the potential disease-relevant biological mechanisms of mutations affecting these functions are not well understood. We observed aberrant multipolar mitotic division, a novel phenotype, in TSC2 mutant iPSCs. The multipolar phenotype is not meaningfully affected by treatment with the inhibitor rapamycin. We further observed dominant negative activity of the mutant form of TSC2 in producing the multipolar division phenotype. These data expand the knowledge of TSC2 function and pathophysiology which will be highly relevant to future treatments for patients with TSC.
"Factors associated with provider unwillingness to perform induced abortion in Argentina: A cross-sectional study in four provinces following the legalization of abortion on request"
Authors: Vázquez Paula , Nigri Carolina , Pingray Verónica , Gibbons Luz , Formia Sandra , Messina Analía , Castro Claudia , Jacobi Cintia , Martiarena Adriana , Velazco Susana , Langer Ana , Gausman Jewel , Jolivet R. Rima , Williams Caitlin R. , Berrueta Mabel
Published: October 2023

Background

The 2020 Law on Access to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy is a landmark piece of legislation regarding access to abortion in Argentina. Under the new law, abortion is legal up to 14 weeks and 6 days gestation, with exceptions made to the gestational age limit to save a woman´s life, to preserve a woman´s health, and in case of rape. However, widespread refusal to provide care by authorized health providers (due to conscientious objection or lack of awareness of the new law) could hinder access to legal abortion. This study aimed to assess knowledge of the current legal framework and willingness to perform abortions by authorized professionals in Argentina, to compare perceptions about any requirements necessary to perform abortions on legal grounds between willing and unwilling providers and to explore factors associated with refusal to provide care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered, anonymous survey to authorized abortion providers in public health facilities in four provinces of Argentina.

Findings

Most authorized providers knew the grounds upon which it is currently legal to perform abortions; however, almost half reported being unwilling to perform abortions, mainly due to conscientious objection. Both willing and unwilling providers believed there were additional requirements not actually stipulated by law. Using logistic regression, we found that province where providers serve, working in a tertiary level facility, and older age were factors associated with unwillingness to provide care.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that, even in a favorable legal context, barriers at the provider level may hinder access to abortion in Argentina. They help to demonstrate the need for specific actions that can improve access such as training, further research and public policies that guarantee facilities have sufficient professionals willing to provide abortion care.
Older adults’ suggestions of research topics on ageing well in urban environments – A participatory study
Authors: Oeser Philip , Bruckmann Nora , Gellert Paul , Herrmann Wolfram J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Ageing societies and urbanization are global phenomena that pose new challenges for care delivery. It is important to create a scientific evidence base to prepare for these changes. Hence, the aim of our study was to assess which research agenda older adults living in an urban environment in Germany suggest.

Methods

A total of 1000 participants aged 65 years or older from five different neighborhoods of Berlin were randomly chosen and were sent a single item questionnaire allowing them to freely propose research topics regarding ageing well in the city. Codes were developed inductively and clustered into categories. In a second stage, these results were discussed with the participants and local stakeholders in a workshop and video calls.

Results

102 persons suggested 18 research topics in 6 categories: health, living environment, social issues, mobility, and accessibility to information and communication. Proposed research topics ranged from accessibility of health care, green spaces and recreational means to social involvement and loneliness.

Conclusion

There is a substantial interest of older adults for research regarding their living situation. Research projects and local urban planning committees are encouraged to invite older adults to participate and integrate their perspectives suggested by older adults.
Lymphatic filariasis in Zambia: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Shirley Hugh , Orriols Adrienne , Hogan Dylan , Chimfwembe Kingford , Balya Alinaswe , Sibbuku Kaala , Lardizabal Janelle , Tillotson Sophie , Coombs Philip Espinola , Wamai Richard
Published: October 2023

Background

Zambia is among the countries making major progress in limiting cases of the neglected tropical disease lymphatic filariasis on the path to reaching global elimination targets. For this trend to continue, it is essential for strategies and policies targeting the disease in Zambia to be based on the most recent and relevant literature. The scope of research on lymphatic filariasis in the Zambian context is currently poorly understood. Therefore, this study describes a scoping review protocol which will be used to analyze the body of literature on lymphatic filariasis in Zambia.

Methods

The scoping review protocol was developed following the PRISMA reporting guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group’s guidance on conducting scoping reviews. In consultation with a research librarian, these guidelines will be applied to a literature search of articles from peer-reviewed journals, or government and international regulatory bodies using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, WHO ICTRP, Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Each record will be screened at the abstract and full-text level by two independent reviewers, and results reported via summary statistics.

Discussion

Understanding the current state of research on lymphatic filariasis in Zambia will identify major knowledge and intervention gaps in this context, and serve as a source of information for surrounding countries in the region. As the disease prevalence drops, efforts for elimination will require carefully targeted strategies which can be informed from the literature identified in this protocol.
DNA extraction from recently fertilised Atlantic salmon embryos for use in microsatellite validation of triploidy
Authors: Howard Callum , Taggart John B. , Bradley Caroline R. , Gutierrez Alejandro P. , Taylor John F. , Prodöhl Paulo A. , Migaud Herve , Bekaert Michaël
Published: October 2023

The current methods used for producing triploid Atlantic salmon are generally reliable but not infallible, and each batch of triploids must be validated to ensure consumer trust and licensing compliance. Microsatellites have recently been shown to offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative to traditional flow cytometry for triploidy validation in a commercial setting. However, incubating eggs to at least the eyed stage for microsatellite validation poses challenges, such as reduced quality and performance of triploids produced from later eggs in the stripping season. To address these issues, we propose another option: extracting DNA from recently fertilised eggs for use in conjunction with microsatellite validation. To achieve this, we have developed an optimized protocol for HotSHOT extraction that can rapidly and cheaply extract DNA from Atlantic salmon eggs, which can then be used for triploidy validation through microsatellites. Our approach offers a simpler and more cost-effective way to validate triploidy, without the need for skilled dissection or expensive kits.