bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize β-amylase7 encodes 2 proteins using alternative transcriptional start sites: Nuclear BAM7 and plastidic BAM2
Authors: Ozcan Kenan E , Monroe Jonathan D
Published: April 2023

An unusual β-amylase7 (BAM7) gene in some angiosperms, including grasses such as maize (Zea mays), appears to encode 2 functionally distinct proteins: a nuclear-localized transcription factor (BAM7) and a plastid-localized starch hydrolase (BAM2). In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), these 2 proteins are encoded by separate genes on different chromosomes but their physiological functions are not well established. Using the maize BAM7 gene as a model, we detected 2 populations of transcripts by 5′-RACE which encode the predicted proteins. The 2 transcripts are apparently synthesized independently using separate core promoters about 1 kb apart, the second of which is located in the first intron of the full-length gene. The N-terminus of the shorter protein, ZmBAM7-S, begins near the 3′ end of the first intron of ZmBAM7-L and starts with a predicted chloroplast transit peptide. We previously showed that ZmBAM7-S is catalytically active with properties like those of AtBAM2. Here, we report that ZmBAM7-S targets green fluorescent protein to plastids. The transcript encoding the longer protein, ZmBAM7-L, encodes an additional DNA-binding domain containing a functional nuclear localization signal. This putative dual-function gene originated at least 400 Mya, prior to the emergence of ferns, and has persisted in some angiosperms that lack a separate BAM2 gene. It appears to have been duplicated and subfunctionalized in at least 4 lineages of land plants, resulting in 2 genes resembling Arabidopsis BAM2 and BAM7. Targeting of 2 products from a single gene to different subcellular locations is not uncommon in plants, but it is unusual when they are predicted to serve completely different functions in the 2 locations.
TACH101, a first-in-class pan-inhibitor of KDM4 histone demethylase
Authors: Chandhasin Chandtip , Dang Van , Perabo Frank , Del Rosario Joselyn , Chen Young K. , Filvaroff Ellen , Stafford Jeffrey A. , Clarke Michael
Published: April 2023

Histone lysine demethylase 4 (KDM4) is an epigenetic regulator that facilitates the transition between transcriptionally silent and active chromatin states by catalyzing the removal of methyl groups on histones H3K9, H3K36, and H1.4K26. KDM4 overamplification or dysregulation has been reported in various cancers and has been shown to drive key processes linked to tumorigenesis, such as replicative immortality, evasion of apoptosis, metastasis, DNA repair deficiency, and genomic instability. KDM4 also plays a role in epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cell renewal and has been linked to more aggressive disease and poorer clinical outcomes. The KDM4 family is composed of four main isoforms (KDM4A-D) that demonstrate functional redundancy and cross-activity; thus, selective inhibition of one isoform appears to be ineffective and pan-inhibition targeting multiple KDM4 isoforms is required. Here, we describe TACH101, a novel, small-molecule pan-inhibitor of KDM4 that selectively targets KDM4A-D with no effect on other KDM families. TACH101 demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity in cancer cell lines and organoid models derived from various histologies, including colorectal, esophageal, gastric, breast, pancreatic, and hematological malignancies. In vivo, potent inhibition of KDM4 led to efficient tumor growth inhibition and regression in several xenograft models. A reduction in the population of tumor-initiating cells was observed following TACH101 treatment. Overall, these observations demonstrate the broad applicability of TACH101 as a potential anticancer agent and support its advancement into clinical trials.
Kruppel-like factor 5 enhances proliferation, lipid droplet formation and oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer by promoting fatty acid binding protein 6 transcription
Authors: Zuo Qi , Xu Qimei , Li Zhen , Luo Dixian , Peng Hanwu , Duan Zhi
Published: April 2023

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a standard agent for colorectal cancer (CRC) adjuvant chemotherapy. However, acquired and intrinsic OXA resistance is a primary challenge for CRC treatment. This study investigates the function of the Kruppel-like factor 5/fatty acid binding proteins 6 (KLF5/FABP6) axis in CRC proliferation, lipid droplet formation and OXA resistance. OXA-resistant CRC cell lines were constructed, and FABP6 and KLF5 expression was assessed in parental and OXA-resistant CRC cells. Subsequent to gain- and loss-of-function experiments, CRC cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays, the intracellular lipid synthesis by oil red O staining and the protein expression of lipid metabolism genes by western blot. OXA resistance of CRC cells was assessed by CCK-8 assay. The binding of KLF5 to FABP6 was analyzed by the dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays. A tumorigenicity assay in nude mice was adopted to examine the impact of KLF5 on CRC tumor growth and OXA resistance in vivo. FABP6 and KLF5 expression was high in CRC cell lines. Downregulation of FABP6 or KLF5 restrained CRC cell proliferation and lipid droplet formation in vitro. FABP6 and KLF5 expression was elevated in OXA-resistant CRC cells. Downregulation of FABP6 or KLF5 repressed the OXA resistance of OXA-resistant CRC cells. Mechanistically, KLF5 facilitated the transcription of FABP6. FABP6 overexpression counteracted the suppressive effects of KLF5 downregulation on CRC cell growth, lipid droplet formation and OXA resistance. KLF5 downregulation restrained CRC tumor growth and OXA resistance in vivo. In conclusion, KLF5 knockdown reduced FABP6 transcription to protect against proliferation, lipid droplet formation and OXA resistance in CRC.
The global fatty liver disease Sustainable Development Goal country score for 195 countries and territories
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Han Hannah , Mark Henry E. , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Soriano Joan B. , White Trenton M. , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Dirac M. Ashworth ,   on behalf of the GBD Fatty Liver Disease Sustainable Development Goal Collaborators
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:

Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent, resulting in overarching wellbeing and economic costs. Addressing it requires comprehensive and coordinated multisectoral action. We developed a fatty liver disease Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) country score to provide insights into country-level preparedness to address fatty liver disease through a whole-of-society lens.

Approach and Results:

We developed 2 fatty liver disease–SDG score sets. The first included 6 indicators (child wasting, child overweight, noncommunicable disease mortality, a universal health coverage service coverage index, health worker density, and education attainment), covering 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2017. The second included the aforementioned indicators plus an urban green space indicator, covering 60 countries and territories for which 2017 data were available. To develop the fatty liver disease–SDG score, indicators were categorized as “positive” or “negative” and scaled from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better preparedness levels. Fatty liver disease–SDG scores varied between countries and territories (n = 195), from 14.6 (95% uncertainty interval: 8.9 to 19.4) in Niger to 93.5 (91.6 to 95.3) in Japan; 18 countries and territories scored > 85. Regionally, the high-income super-region had the highest score at 88.8 (87.3 to 90.1) in 2017, whereas south Asia had the lowest score at 44.1 (42.4 to 45.8). Between 1990 and 2017, the fatty liver disease–SDG score increased in all super-regions, with the greatest increase in south Asia, but decreased in 8 countries and territories.

Conclusions:

The fatty liver disease–SDG score provides a strategic advocacy tool at the national and global levels for the liver health field and noncommunicable disease advocates, highlighting the multisectoral collaborations needed to address fatty liver disease, and noncommunicable diseases overall.
Escaping the Long Shadow Cast by Agranulocytosis
Authors: de Leon Jose , Arrojo-Romero Manuel , Verdoux Hélène , Ruan Can-Jun , Schoretsanitis Georgios , Rohde Christopher , Cohen Dan , Schulte Peter F.J. , Kim Se Hyun , Cotes Robert O. , Leung Jonathan G. , Otsuka Yuji , Kirilochev Oleg O. , Baptista Trino , Grover Sandeep , Every-Palmer Susanna , Clark Scott R. , McGrane Ian R. , Motuca Mariano , Olmos Ismael , Wilkowska Alina , Sagud Marina , Anil Yağcioğlu A. Elif , Ristic Dragana Ignjatovic , Lazary Judit , Sanz Emilio J. , De Las Cuevas Carlos
Published: April 2023

Purpose/Background

A recent article in this journal presented a US perspective regarding the modernization of clozapine prescription and proposed an escape from the long shadow cast by agranulocytosis.

Methods

Here, an international group of collaborators discusses a point of view complementary to the US view by focusing on worldwide outcomes of clozapine usage that may be uneven in terms of frequency of clozapine adverse drug reactions.

Findings/Results

Studies from the Scandinavian national registries (Finland and Denmark) did not find increased mortality in clozapine patients or any clear evidence of the alleged toxicity of clozapine. Data on clozapine-associated fatal outcomes were obtained from 2 recently published pharmacovigilance studies and from the UK pharmacovigilance database. A pharmacovigilance study focused on physician reports to assess worldwide lethality of drugs from 2010 to 2019 found 968 clozapine-associated fatal outcomes in the United Kingdom. Moreover, the United Kingdom accounted for 55% (968 of 1761) of worldwide and 90% (968 of 1073) of European fatal clozapine-associated outcomes. In a pharmacovigilance study from the UK database (from 2008 to 2017), clozapine was associated with 383 fatal outcomes/year including all reports from physicians and nonphysicians. From 2018 to 2021, UK clozapine-associated fatal outcomes increased to 440/year.

Implications/Conclusions

The interpretation of fatal outcomes in each country using pharmacovigilance databases is limited and only allows gross comparisons; even with those limitations, the UK data seem concerning. Pneumonia and myocarditis may be more important than agranulocytosis in explaining the uneven distribution of fatal outcomes in clozapine patients across countries.
Web Search Query Volume Correlates With Prescription Volumes of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in the Netherlands and United Kingdom
Authors: Van Haaren Paul Cornelis Franciscus , Tijdink Joeri , Gerritse Frank L.
Published: April 2023

Background

The significant increase in Internet availability has resulted in a rise in search queries on health-related topics. Previous research has demonstrated the potential for analyzing web search query volume for nonpsychotropic prescription drugs, while studies on psychotropic drugs remain scarce. The aims of this study were to expand upon this scarce knowledge by investigating the relationship between web search query volumes and prescription volumes of antidepressants and antipsychotics in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and to gain insight in topics of concern, such as withdrawal symptoms and discontinuation.

Methods

Data were obtained for the United Kingdom and the Netherlands from January 2010 until January 2021. Prescription volume data for 5 antidepressants (paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, venlafaxine) and 5 antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, aripiprazole, and risperidone) were obtained. Web search query volumes and data on related search queries of these substances were acquired from Google Trends. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were performed.

Results

A strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation between web search query volume and prescription volume was observed for most included substances in both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The search queries related to the included antidepressants and antipsychotics indicate important topics of concern for specific substances, such as withdrawal symptoms and discontinuation.

Conclusions

Web search data from Google Trends could potentially be used as a proxy for prescribing trends of antidepressants and antipsychotics and to gain insight in topics of concern of users of these substances. These findings highlight the importance of providing reliable patient information, particularly regarding adverse effects, withdrawal, and discontinuation.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and Infections in Schizophrenia
Authors: Malham Kali M. , Miller Brian J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Antipsychotics, particularly long-acting injectable (LAI) agents, are associated with decreased all-cause mortality. Antipsychotics are also associated with an increased prevalence of infections. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of infections in patients with schizophrenia treated with LAIs versus placebo.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Food and Drug Administration package inserts for placebo-controlled studies of LAI antipsychotic use in schizophrenia. Random effects meta-analysis calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for any and site-specific infections were performed.

Results

The total study sample consisted of 2559 subjects with schizophrenia, with 867 receiving placebo and 1692 LAI antipsychotics. Long-acting injectable antipsychotic use was associated with a significant 1.75-fold increased odds of any infection versus placebo (2.4% vs 1.5%; odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.66; P = 0.008), although findings for specific infections did not reach statistical significance. The association between LAIs and infection was unrelated to study duration, age, sex, body mass index, and total psychopathology.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that LAIs are associated with a small, but significant, increased risk of infections. This association may be due to immunomodulatory effects of antipsychotics.
Multiple Giant Molluscum Contagiosum Mimicking Epidermal Cysts in an HIV-Positive Patient with Miliary Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Ye Wen-Zheng , Fang Mu-Ping
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is a benign cutaneous viral infection caused by a double-stranded DNA virus of the family poxviridae. In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, lesions often spread widely, atypical and don't show signs of self-healing.

Here we report a case of multiple giant Molluscum Contagiosum in an HIV-positive patient with miliary tuberculosis.

Case presentation:

A 26-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of symmetrical exophytic lesions，physical examination showed that these lesions distributed over the bilateral thighs, and some giant papules reached 2 cm in diameter. He had a dry cough with little phlegm production, a low-grade fever, and fatigue for 8 months. The patient was finally diagnosed with MC, miliary tuberculosis and HIV infection. He was given anti-tuberculosis and antiviral treatment，the effect of cryotherapy on MC was unsatisfactory and the patient was lost to follow-up.

Discussion:

Molluscum contagiosum is a kind of infectious disease, which is easy to be diagnosed by clinical manifestations and laboratory examination. It is self-healing in patients with normal immunity, but in patients with immunodeficiency, the rash is often atypical and difficult to treat, and patients are also easy to merge with other microbial infections.

Conclusion:

Clinicians must bear in mind that patients with multiple giant molluscum contagiosum infections need to be excluded of HIV and other infectious diseases to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Molecular tools for diagnosing diseases of the adrenal cortex
Authors: Faucz Fabio R. , Maria Andrea G. , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

The adrenal glands produce some of the most essential for life hormones, including cortisol and other steroids, and catecholamines. The former is produced from the adrenal cortex, whereas the latter is from the medulla. The two parts are anatomically and functionally distinct and it would be impossible in the context of one short article to cover all molecular updates on both the cortex and the medulla. Thus, in this review, we focus on the molecular tools available for diagnosing adrenocortical diseases, such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing and Conn syndromes, and their potential for advancing medical care and clinical outcome.

Recent findings

The advent of next generation sequencing opened doors for finding genetic diseases and signaling pathways involved in adrenocortical diseases. In addition, the combination of molecular data and clinicopathologic assessment might be the best approach for an early and precise diagnosis contributing to therapeutic decisions and improvement of patient outcomes.

Diagnosing adrenocortical diseases can be challenging; however, the progress of molecular tools for adrenocortical disease diagnosis has greatly contributed to early detection and to meliorate patient outcomes.
Using the Kitagawa Decomposition to Measure Overall—and Individual Facility Contributions to—Within-facility and Between-facility Differences
Authors: Shwartz Michael , Rosen Amy K. , Beilstein-Wedel Erin , Davila Heather , Harris Alex HS , Gurewich Deborah
Published: April 2023

Background:

Identifying whether differences in health care disparities are due to within-facility or between-facility differences is key to disparity reductions. The Kitagawa decomposition divides the difference between 2 means into within-facility differences and between-facility differences that are measured on the same scale as the original disparity. It also enables the identification of facilities that contribute most to within-facility differences (based on facility-level disparities and the proportion of patient population served) and between-facility differences.

Objectives:

Illustrate the value of a 2-stage Kitagawa decomposition to partition a disparity into within-facility and between-facility differences and to measure the contribution of individual facilities to each type of difference.

Subjects:

Veterans receiving a new outpatient consult for cardiology or orthopedic services during fiscal years 2019–2021.

Measures:

Wait time for a new-patient consult

Methods:

In stage 1, we predicted wait time for each Veteran from a multivariable model; in stage 2, we aggregated individual predictions to determine mean adjusted wait times for Hispanic, Black, and White Veterans and then decomposed differences in wait times between White Veterans and each of the other groups.

Results:

Noticeably longer wait times were experienced by Hispanic Veterans for cardiology (2.32 d, 6.8% longer) and Black Veterans for orthopedics (3.49 d, 10.3% longer) in both cases due entirely to within-facility differences. The results for Hispanic Veterans using orthopedics illustrate how positive within-facility differences (0.57 d) can be offset by negative between-facility differences (−0.34 d), resulting in a smaller overall disparity (0.23 d). Selecting 10 facilities for interventions in orthopedics based on the largest contributions to within-in facility differences instead of the largest disparities resulted in a higher percentage of Veterans impacted (31% and 12% of Black and White Veterans, respectively, versus 9% and 10% of Black and White Veterans, respectively) and explained 21% of the overall within-facility difference versus 11%.

Conclusions:

The Kitagawa approach allows the identification of disparities that might otherwise be undetected. It also allows the targeting of interventions at those facilities where improvements will have the largest impact on the overall disparity.
Influence on voxel-based dosimetry: noise effect on absorbed dose dosimetry at single time-point versus sequential single-photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Fonda Uysha de S. , Leitão André L.A. , Paiva Marcia M.D.P. , Willegaignon José , Josefsson Anders , Buchpiguel Carlos A. , Sapienza Marcelo T.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how statistical fluctuation in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images propagate to absorbed dose maps.

Methods

SPECT/computed tomography (CT) images of iodine-131 filled phantoms, using different acquisition and processing protocols, were evaluated using STRATOS software to assess the absorbed dose distribution at the voxel level. Absorbed dose values and coefficient of variation (COV) were analyzed for dosimetry based on single time-point SPECT images and time-integrated activities of SPECT sequences with low and high counts.

Results

Considering dosimetry based on a single time-point, the mean absorbed dose was not significantly affected by total counts or reconstruction parameters, but the uniformity of the absorbed dose maps had an almost linear correlation with SPECT noise. When high- and low-count SPECT sequences were used to generate an absorbed dose map, the absorbed dose COV for each of the temporal sequences was slightly lower than the absorbed dose COV based on the single SPECT image with the highest count included in the sequence.

Conclusion

The impact of changes in SPECT counts and reconstruction parameters is almost linear when dosimetry is based on isolated SPECT images, but less pronounced when dosimetry is based on sequential SPECTs.
The Epidemiology of Takayasu Arteritis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Vieira Matheus , Ochtrop Manuella L. G. , Sztajnbok Flávio , Souto Oliveira Elias Camila , Verztman José Fernando , Bica Blanca E. R. G. , Ciconelli Rozana M. , de Souza Alexandre Wagner S.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Few population-based studies for Takayasu arteritis (TAK) have been performed, and Latin America prevalence/incidence data are unavailable. We aimed to understand TAK epidemiology in Rio de Janeiro City in 2020 (i.e., 6,747,815 inhabitants).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional fieldwork study where physicians who regularly followed TAK patients in public or private practices from Rio de Janeiro were invited to complete a REDCap survey. Patients should fulfill internationally accepted criteria for TAK and be living in the city. The 2020 prevalence was calculated as cases per 1,000,000 inhabitants (106). National government databases were analyzed for comparative prevalence assessment. The incidence rate was estimated using retrospective sections of cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2019; relative incidence risk was assessed by Poisson regression models with robust variance.

Results

Between May 2020 and May 2021, 114 patients were analyzed. Ninety-seven (85.1%) were female, and the most frequent races were White (44.7%), Mestizo (33.3%), and Black (16.7%). Takayasu arteritis 2020 prevalence was 16.9 cases/106 (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1–20.3 cases/106); female patients and Black Brazilians had higher prevalence rates at 27.0 (95% CI, 22.2–33.3) and 25.1 cases/106 (95% CI, 16.1–39.3 cases/106), respectively. Government databases' analyses generated a lower prevalence (7.26 cases/106; 95% CI, 5.49–9.60 cases/106). The 2010–2019 mean incidence rate was 0.94 cases/106 per year (95% CI, 0.73–1.21 cases/106). Female patients had a higher risk than male patients of having TAK between 2010 and 2019 (relative risk, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.59–4.55; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In the largest population-based fieldwork to date and the first Latin American study on TAK prevalence, Rio de Janeiro City in 2020 showed an intermediate prevalence between Europe and Asia. Female patients and Black Brazilians were more affected than the general population.
Effect of Mechanical Tension on the Long-Chain Noncoding RNA Expression Profile of Human Skin Regeneration
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Min , Dou Jing , Jin Shengyang , Wang Lianzhao , Jiang Haiyue
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the potential gene regulation of long-chain noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during skin regeneration by analyzing the changes in the lncRNA expression profile during skin regeneration under mechanical tension. Through the effect of mechanical tension on human skin tissue, the authors observed that after the accelerated differentiation and proliferation of skin epidermal cells, the lncRNA expression profile was compared with that of normal epidermal cells, and differential expression of lncRNA in skin tissue was found. Fifty-three lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the experimental and control groups, and compared with the control group, 22 lncRNAs were upregulated and 31 lncRNAs were downregulated in the experimental group. In addition, through the annotation of the functions of gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, it was further clarified that the main signaling pathway of lncRNAs in the process of skin tissue expansion is involved in the regulation of skin tissue regeneration, and the regulatory network of lncRNAs and microRNAs was established. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism of lncRNA regulation of skin regeneration, and changes in the lncRNA expression profile can also provide clues for the study of the biological regulation mechanism of skin regeneration.
The Characteristics and Ethics of Sham Surgeries
Authors: Hetzler Peter T. , Berger Lauren E. , Huffman Samuel S. , Lee Margaret , Park Ryan , Song David H. , Dugdale Lydia S.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To better characterize these ethical considerations, we sought to perform a large-scale systematic review across all sham-controlled studies currently present in the literature.

Background:

Innovative surgical procedures are often introduced to the clinical setting without the robust clinical trials performed for medicinal treatments. Sham surgeries serve as placebos by performing all steps of a surgical intervention aside from those deemed therapeutically necessary. Yet, sham trials are underutilized due ethical controversy.

Methods:

Ovid MEDLINE was queried through April 2022 with combinations of the Medical Subject (MeSH) headings and keywords including, but not limited to, “surgery”, “endoscopy”, “randomized controlled trial”, and “sham procedure”. Primary outcomes were surgical indications and characteristics, outcome measurements, and whether the investigational treatment was offered to the sham cohort.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-two articles fit our inclusion criteria, with gastrointestinal pathologies being the most common surgical indication. Participants, personnel, and outcome assessment were all blinded in 8.7% of trials (n=15). Study populations included adult subjects (age ≥18) in 170 studies (98.8%), and two involved children. The most common level of dissection and type of anesthesia were deep (n=66, 38.4%) and general (n=49, 28.5%), respectively. An open surgical approach was utilized in 20.9% of studies (n=36). Primary outcomes were objective in 75 studies (43.6%), and subjective in 97 (56.4%), 62 of which employed validated outcome measures (36.0%). Four trials explicitly did not offer the surgery to the sham arm (2.3%), while 106 had no mention of whether the intervention was offered (61.6%).

Conclusions:

Our systematic review of 172 randomized, sham controlled trials highlights the ethical considerations that must be considered in these studies, namely the importance of transparent study design and objective outcome reporting, the difficulty of informed consent, and the inherent risks associated with surgical interventions.
Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes
Authors: Carlson Nora V. , Freeberg Todd M. , Goodale Eben , Theo Anne Heloise
Published: April 2023

Mixed-species groups of birds, fishes and mammals have traditionally been described in taxa-specific journals. However, mixed-species systems are actually more widely found when one includes aggregative (non-moving) systems, such as those common in amphibians and invertebrates. The objective of this special issue is to dispel the idea that mixed-species phenomena are a ‘niche topic’ to ecology and instead explore how taking a mixed-species perspective can change our conception of important ecological patterns and processes. A mixed-species perspective starts by understanding the relative abundance and positioning of individuals of different species and their behavioural synchrony; it is enriched by understanding differences between species in their vulnerability/attractiveness to predators, their potential for competing with other group participants and their use as a source of public information. Contributions to the special issue show how the mixed-species perspective can change our ideas about invasion ecology, island biogeography, keystone species, mimicry, predator eavesdropping and more. Rather than seeking synthesis, the special issue celebrates the taxonomic and conceptual breadth of the field of mixed-species groups, with detailed descriptions of many distinctive systems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Mixed-species groups and the question of dominance in the social ecosystem
Authors: Coppinger B. A. , Carlson N. V. , Freeberg T. M. , Sieving K. E.
Published: April 2023

Dominance interactions and hierarchies are of long-standing interest in the field of animal behaviour. Currently, dominance hierarchies are viewed as complex social structures formed by repeated interactions between individuals. Most studies on this phenomenon come from single-species groups. However, animals are constantly surrounded by and interact with individuals of other species. Behaviour and social interactions of individuals can be shaped by the presence or behaviour of other species in their social ecosystem, which has important implications for social behaviour in groups. Given how ubiquitous mixed-species animal groups are, deeper study of the relationships between mixed-species group (MSG) structure and dominance will be key to understanding constraints on individual behaviour and decision making. Here we call for more research into dominance interactions among individuals in MSGs. Greater understanding of the dynamics of dominance relationships among individuals in MSGs, whose size and composition can change considerably over shorter and longer term time frames, will be crucial to understanding their structure and functioning.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Network structure of avian mixed-species flocks decays with elevation and latitude across the Andes
Authors: Montaño-Centellas Flavia A. , Muñoz Jenny , Mangini Gabriela Giselle , Ausprey Ian J. , Newell Felicity L. , Jones Harrison H. , Fanjul M. Elisa , Tinoco Boris A. , Colorado Z. Gabriel J. , Cahill Jennifer R. A. , Arbeláez-Cortés E. , Marin-Gómez Oscar H. , Astudillo Pedro X. , Guevara Esteban A. , Ippi Silvina , McDermott Molly E. , Rodewald Amanda D. , Matthysen Erik , Robinson Scott K.
Published: April 2023

Birds in mixed-species flocks benefit from greater foraging efficiency and reduced predation, but also face costs related to competition and activity matching. Because this cost–benefit trade-off is context-dependent (e.g. abiotic conditions and habitat quality), the structure of flocks is expected to vary along elevational, latitudinal and disturbance gradients. Specifically, we predicted that the connectivity and cohesion of flocking networks would (i) decline towards tropical latitudes and lower elevations, where competition and activity matching costs are higher, and (ii) increase with lower forest cover and greater human disturbance. We analysed the structure of 84 flock networks across the Andes and assessed the effect of elevation, latitude, forest cover and human disturbance on network characteristics. We found that Andean flocks are overall open-membership systems (unstructured), though the extent of network structure varied across gradients. Elevation was the main predictor of structure, with more connected and less modular flocks upslope. As expected, flocks in areas with higher forest cover were less cohesive, with better defined flock subtypes. Flocks also varied across latitude and disturbance gradients as predicted, but effect sizes were small. Our findings indicate that the unstructured nature of Andean flocks might arise as a strategy to cope with harsh environmental conditions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
California sea lions interfere with striped marlin hunting behaviour in multi-species predator aggregations
Authors: Hansen M. J. , Kurvers R. H. J. M. , Licht M. , Häge J. , Pacher K. , Dhellemmes F. , Trillmich F. , Elorriaga-Verplancken F. R. , Krause J.
Published: April 2023

The open ocean offers a suite of ecological conditions promoting the occurrence of multi-species predator aggregations. These mixed predator aggregations typically hunt large groups of relatively small and highly cohesive prey. However, the mechanisms and functions of these mixed predator aggregations are largely unknown. Even basic knowledge of whether the predator species' interactions are mutualistic, commensal or parasitic is typically missing. Moreover, recordings of attack and capture rates of marine multi-species predator aggregations, which are critical in understanding how and why these interactions have evolved, are almost completely non-existent owing to logistical challenges. Using underwater video, we quantified the attack and capture rates of two high-trophic level marine predators, California sea lions (
Zalophus californianus
) and striped marlin (
Kajikia audax
) attacking schools of fishes in the Southern California Current System, offshore the Baja California Peninsula. Recording over 5000 individual attacks across 13 fish schools, which varied in species, size and predator composition, we found that sea lions kleptoparasitized striped marlin hunts and reduced the frequency of marlin attacks and captures via interference competition. We discuss our results in the context of the phenotypic differences between the predator species and implications for a better understanding of multi-species predator aggregations.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Do mixed-species groups of capuchin (
Sapajus apella
) and squirrel monkeys (
Saimiri sciureus
) synchronize their behaviour?
Authors: Daoudi-Simison Sophia , O'Sullivan Eoin , Moat Genevieve , Lee Phyllis C. , Buchanan-Smith Hannah M.
Published: April 2023

In the wild, coordinated behaviour across group members is essential for maintaining spatial coherence, with potential implications for individual fitness. Such coordination often leads to behavioural synchrony (performing the same behaviour at the same time). Tufted capuchins (
Sapajus apella
) and squirrel monkeys (
Saimiri sciureus
) are known to form mixed-species groups (MSGs), travelling and foraging together. Yet, it is unclear if it is necessary to synchronize behaviours in captivity when ecological pressures are minimal compared to the wild. We investigated the extent to which two MSGs of capuchins (
N =
35) and squirrel monkeys (
N
= 26) synchronized their behaviour with conspecifics and heterospecifics at the Living Links to Human Evolution Research Centre, RZSS, Edinburgh Zoo, UK. Group activities were sampled by instantaneous scans of all visible individuals. Scans (
n
= 180) were analysed for five most frequently observed behaviours. Intraspecies synchrony was calculated using Simpson's Diversity Index, and interspecies synchrony was measured using cross-correlations. Intraspecific synchrony was significantly greater compared to randomly aggregated data, while cross-correlations indicated interspecific asynchrony. Living together did not lead to interspecific synchrony as may be expected given the coordination and behaviour described in the wild, and shared husbandry in captivity. Overall, our findings highlight differences in the behavioural structure of single- versus MSGs.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Can convergence in mixed-species flocks lead to evolutionary divergence? Evidence for and methods to test this hypothesis
Authors: Kimball Rebecca T. , Braun Edward L. , Liu Yang , Zhou Liping , Goodale Eben , Zhou Wenyi , Robinson Scott K.
Published: April 2023

One of the most fundamental goals of modern biology is to achieve a deep understanding of the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. It has been observed that in some mixed-species animal societies, there appears to be a drive towards some degree of phenotypic trait matching, such as similar coloration or patterning. Here we build on these observations and hypothesize that selection in mixed-species animal societies, such as mixed-species bird flocks, may drive diversification, potentially leading to speciation. We review evidence for possible convergent evolution and even outright mimicry in flocks from southwestern China, where we have observed several cases in which species and subspecies differ from their closest relatives in traits that match particular flock types. However, understanding whether this is phenotypic matching driven by convergence, and whether this divergence has promoted biodiversity, requires testing multiple facets of this hypothesis. We propose a series of steps that can be used to tease apart alternative hypotheses to build our understanding of the potential role of convergence in diversification in participants of mixed-species societies. Even if our social convergence/divergence hypothesis is not supported, the testing at each step should help highlight alternative processes that may affect mixed-species flocks, trait evolution and possible convergence.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Mixed-species flock composition matters: interspecific influences on finding novel food in North American parids
Authors: Freeberg Todd M. , Coppinger Brittany A. , Eppert Shannon K.
Published: April 2023

Individuals of a wide range of species are sensitive to the presence of other species, and can often benefit from associations with other species in mixed-species groups (MSGs) through food-finding or avoiding predation. In an earlier field study, we found that both Carolina chickadees,Poecile carolinensis,and tufted titmice,Baeolphus bicolor, were better able to solve a novel feeder task when their MSGs were more diverse in terms of species composition. Like most studies of MSGs, however, that earlier study did not experimentally manipulate MSG size and composition. We did that manipulation here, providing experimental flocks of chickadees and titmice with three novel feeder tasks in semi-natural aviary environments. We found that successful titmouse flocks generally had a higher proportion of titmice in them, going against the findings of our earlier field study. Conversely, successful chickadee flocks solved one of the novel feeder tasks more quickly with a higher proportion of titmice in them, corroborating the findings of our earlier field study. We now need to assess socio-ecological influences on MSG size and composition, and how those relate to individual behaviour.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes’.
Antarcticirhabdus aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic gravel soil
Authors: Du Jie , Zhang Ying , Xin Di , Xin Yuhua , Zhang Jianli
Published: April 2023

Strain R10T was isolated from a gravel soil sample obtained from Deception Island, Antarctica. The isolate was a Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped bacterium, and its colonies were orange yellow in colour. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain R10T belonged to the family

Aurantimonadaceae

and shared highest sequence similarity with

Jiella aquimaris

LZB041T (96.3 % sequence similarity),

Aurantimonas aggregata

R14M6T (96.0 %) and

Aureimonas frigidaquae

JCM 14755T (96.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain R10T affiliated with members of the family

Aurantimonadaceae

and represented an independent lineage. Growth occurred at 10–37 °C (optimum, 28–32 °C), up to 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %) and pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). The major respiratory quinone of strain R10T was Q-10. Its major fatty acids were C18 : 1
ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile of strain R10T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unknown phospholipids and two unknown aminophospholipids. The genome of strain R10T was 5.92 Mbp with a G+C content of 69.1 % based on total genome calculations. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between R10T and other related species of the family

Aurantimonadaceae

were found to be low (ANIm <87.0 %, ANIb <75.0 % and OrthoANIu <77.0 %). Furthermore, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain R10T and the closely related species ranged from 19.5–20.6% and from 60.6–64.0 %, respectively. Based on the results of our phylogenetic, phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, it is concluded that strain R10T represents a novel genus and species of the family

Aurantimonadaceae

, for which the name Antarcticirhabdus aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R10T (=KCTC 72466T=CGMCC 1.17155T).
Whole-genome sequencing of Paracoccus species isolated from the healthy human eye and description of Paracoccus shanxieyensis sp. nov
Authors: Dong Kui , Pu Ji , Yang Jing , Zhou Guohong , Gao Yuqian , Kang Zhiming , Lei Wenjing , Ji Xuan , Min Guowen , Li Hong , Li Junqin , Sun Bin , Xu Jianguo
Published: April 2023

Currently, the genus

Paracoccus

comprises 76 recognized species. Members of

Paracoccus

are mostly isolated from environmental, animal, and plant sources. This report describes and proposes a novel species of

Paracoccus

isolated from clinical specimens of the human ocular surface. We isolated two aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, coccoid or short rod-shaped, and non-motile strains (designated DK398T and DK608) from conjunctival sac swabs of two healthy volunteers. The results showed that the strains grew best under the conditions of 28°C, pH 7.0, and 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Sequence analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that strains DK398T and DK608 were members of

Paracoccus

, most similar to

Paracoccus laeviglucosivorans

43PT (98.54 and 98.62 %),

Paracoccus litorisediminis

GHD-05T (98.34 and 98.41 %), and Paracoccus limmosus NB88T (98.21 and 98.29 %). Phenotypic analysis showed that DK398T and DK608 were positive for catalase and oxidase, negative for producing N-acetyl-β-glucosaminic acid, arginine dihydrolase, and β-glucuronidase but positive for leucine arylamidase. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10, and the major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids (>10%) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 0. The meso-diaminopimelic acid was found in the cell wall peptidoglycan of DK398T. The major cell wall sugars were ribose and galactose. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, low (<83.22 %) average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (<26.0%), chemotaxonomic analysis, and physiological properties, strain DK398T represents a novel species of the genus

Paracoccus

, for which the name Paracoccus shanxieyensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DK398T (=CGMCC 1.17227T=JCM 33719T).
Profile of Patients with Sleep Complaints in a Secondary Care Health Institution in the City of Campinas, São Paulo State
Authors: Mei Paulo Afonso
Published: April 2023

Objective

We report data of the profile of patients who sought our outpatient clinic for sleep disorders of the Faculty of Medicine of São Leopoldo Mandic Medical School, during the Week of Sleep, that took place in March, 2022.

Methods

All participants responded to a form designed by the researcher, as well as to commonly used questionnaires in Sleep Research, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the STOP-BANG questionnaire for screening of apnea, and the WHO Quality of Life abbreviated questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results

30 patients were evaluated, mean age 51.8 (± 14), 63% women. Main complaints were insomnia (63%), snore/apnea (23%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (10%). ESS scores were significantly higher among men, daytime nappers and alarm clock users. ISI scores were importantly associated with those who woke 2 or more times per night, while physically active, non-obese, normotensive people and those with Modified Mallampatti (MM) classes I and II scored significantly less in STOP-BANG. Obese, MM classes III-IV and people with abnormal cervical and abdominal circumferences performed markedly worse in Domain 1, while women, older people and alarm clock users went worse in Domain 4 of WHOQOL-BREF.

Discussion

One or more sleep disturbances were detected in all seekers of Sleep Care, emphasizing the importance of these types of action.
Monosomy 7/del(7q) Cause Sensitivity to Inhibitors of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Eldfors Samuli , Saad Joseph , Ikonen Nemo , Malani Disha , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore , Kontro Mika , Porkka Kimmo , Heckman Caroline A.
Published: April 2023

Monosomy 7 and del(7q) (-7/-7q) are frequent chromosomal abnormalities detected in up to 10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Despite unfavorable treatment outcomes, no approved targeted therapies exist for patients with -7/-7q. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in AML with -7/-7q. Through an analysis of data from ex vivo drug screens in 270 primary AML samples, we discovered that -7/-7q AML cells are highly sensitive to the inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). NAMPT is a rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD+ salvage pathway. Mechanistically, theNAMPTgene is located at 7q22.1, and deletion of one copy due to -7/-7q results inNAMPThaploinsufficiency. This leads to reduced gene expression and a therapeutically targetable vulnerability to the inhibition of NAMPT. Our results show that in -7/-7q AML, differentiated CD34+CD38+ progenitor cells are the most sensitive to the inhibition of NAMPT. In addition, we found that the combination of BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax and a NAMPT inhibitor efficiently eradicated undifferentiated AML blasts with -7/-7q. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that AML samples with -7/-7q are highly sensitive to NAMPT inhibition, suggesting that NAMPT inhibitors have the potential to be an effective targeted therapy for patients with monosomy 7 or del(7q).

KEY POINTS

Monosomy 7 and del(7q) result in a one-copy deletion of the NAMPT gene at 7q22.1

NAMPT haploinsufficiency causes a vulnerability to the inhibition of NAMPT