bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant species richness, not hygrothermal stress, is the main predictor of gall‐inducing insect richness in Peruvian Amazon forests
Authors: Grandez‐Rios Julio M. , de Araújo Walter S. , Panduro‐Bardales Aarón , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Baker Timothy R. , Martínez Rodolfo Vásquez , Mendoza Abel Monteagudo , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Llampazo Gerardo Flores , Huaymacari José Reyna , Maia Valeria C.
Published: March 2024

Patterns of gall‐inducing insect diversity tend to be influenced by both habitat‐related and plant‐related characteristics. We investigated the distribution patterns of galling insects in four vegetation types (terra firme forest, white‐sand dry forest, white‐sand wet forest and palm swamp forest) of the Peruvian Amazon to test if the insect gall diversity (1) differs among different types of vegetation and (2) depends on host plant richness. In total, we found 11,579 galls belonging to 249 insect gall morphotypes, distributed across 30 botanical families and 75 plant species. Among host plant families, Fabaceae showed the greatest richness of insect gall morphotypes. We found that galling species richness was lower in palm swamp forest than in white‐sand forests, which can be explained by the lower richness of plants in this type of vegetation. However, we found no evidence of greater richness in xeric habitats (e.g., white‐sand dry forest) than in more mesic vegetation (terra firme forest), contradicting the hypothesis of hygrothermal stress. We also found that plant species richness was positively influenced with the richness and abundance of galling species, regardless of vegetation type. Galling insect species composition differed significantly between vegetation types, similarly to the floristic composition. Our findings show that the diversity of galling insects in the tropical rainforests of Peruvian Amazon are mainly influenced by host plant composition and host plant richness.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Serum and tissue metallome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Byeon Sooin , du Toit‐Thompson Taymin , Hipperson Luke , Maloney Sarah , Wenzel Ross , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Mittal Anubhav , Sahni Sumit
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients have late presentation at the time of diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Metal dyshomeostasis is known to play a role in cancer progression. However, the blood and tissue metallome of PDAC patients has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the levels of essential and toxic metals in the serum and pancreatic tissue from PDAC patients. Serum samples were obtained from PDAC patients before surgical resection. Tissue (tumor and adjacent normal pancreas) were obtained from the surgically resected specimen. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis was performed to quantify the levels of 10 essential and 3 toxic metals in these samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify dysregulated metals in PDAC and their role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Significantly decreased serum levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, arsenic, and mercury and increased levels of molybdenum were shown to be associated with PDAC. There were significantly decreased levels of zinc, manganese and molybdenum, and increased levels of calcium and selenium in the pancreatic tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal pancreas. Notably, lower serum levels of calcium, iron, and selenium, and higher levels of manganese, were significantly associated with a poor prognosis (i.e., overall survival) in PDAC patients. In conclusion, this is the first study to comprehensively assess the serum and tissue metallome of PDAC patients. It identified the association of metals with PDAC diagnosis and prognosis.
SMYD4 monomethylates PRMT5 and forms a positive feedback loop to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Chen Zheng , Zhou Qianlei , Meng Shiyu , Shi Juanyi , Mui Sintim , Jiang Hai , Lin Jianhong , He Gui , Li Wenbin , Zhang Jianlong , Wang Jie , He Chuanchao , Yan Yongcong , Xiao Zhiyu
Published: March 2024

Both lysine and arginine methyltransferases are thought to be promising therapeutic targets for malignant tumors, yet how these methyltransferases function in malignant tumors, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has not been fully elucidated. Here, we reported that SMYD4, a lysine methyltransferase, acts as an oncogene in HCC. SMYD4 was highly upregulated in HCC and promoted HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, PRMT5, a well‐known arginine methyltransferase, was identified as a SMYD4‐binding protein. SMYD4 monomethylated PRMT5 and enhanced the interaction between PRMT5 and MEP50, thereby promoting the symmetrical dimethylation of H3R2 and H4R3 on the PRMT5 target gene promoter and subsequently activating DVL3 expression and inhibiting expression of E‐cadherin, RBL2, and miR‐29b‐1‐5p. Moreover, miR‐29b‐1‐5p was found to inversely regulate SMYD4 expression in HCC cells, thus forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, we found that the oncogenic effect of SMYD4 could be effectively suppressed by PRMT5 inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high coexpression of SMYD4 and PRMT5 was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. In summary, our study provides a model of crosstalk between lysine and arginine methyltransferases in HCC and highlights the SMYD4‐PRMT5 axis as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
β‐Sitosterol attenuates anlotinib resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting miR‐181a‐3p/SHQ1 signaling
Authors: Wang Li‐huai , Sun Yin‐hui , Liu Hua , Yang Xiao , Wen Zhi , Tian Xue‐fei
Published: March 2024

Anlotinib is used for the treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer; however, the emergence of drug resistance limits its clinical application. β‐sitosterol may also be used to treat lung cancer, but there have been no studies evaluating β‐sitosterol against anlotinib‐resistant lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which β‐sitosterol enhances the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to anlotinib. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of anlotinib to generate anlotinib‐resistant cells (A549/anlotinib cells). miR‐181a‐3p mimics were transfected into A549/anlotinib cells. A549 and A549/anlotinib cells were treated with β‐sitosterol at various concentrations. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Real‐time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of miR‐181a‐3p. The interaction of miR‐181a‐3p with the H/ACA ribonucleoprotein assembly factor (SHQ1) was predicted using the miRDB and TargetScan Human databases and verified with a luciferase reporter assay. The expression of SHQ1, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were measured by western blot analysis. β‐Sitosterol effectively suppressed A549/anlotinib cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. SHQ1 is a downstream target of miR‐181a‐3p. The expression of miR‐181a‐3p was inhibited; however, SHQ1 expression was increased by β‐sitosterol treatment of A549/anlotinib cells. The inhibition of SHQ1, ATF6, and GRP78 protein expression by β‐sitosterol in A549/anlotinib cells was rescued by increased miR‐181a‐3p. β‐Sitosterol markedly promotes anlotinib‐resistant A549 cell apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation by activating SHQ1/UPR signaling through miR‐181a‐3p inhibition.
No clinically relevant electrocardiogram effects in a randomized TQT study of single therapeutic/supratherapeutic rimegepant doses in healthy adults
Authors: Bhardwaj Rajinder , Hanna Michael S. , Morris Beth A. , Matschke Kyle T. , Bertz Richard , Croop Robert S. , Liu Jing
Published: March 2024

A single‐center, phase I, partially double‐blind (double‐blind regarding doses of rimegepant and placebo, and open label with respect to moxifloxacin), randomized, 12‐sequence, four‐period crossover study of therapeutic (75 mg) and supratherapeutic (300 mg) doses of rimegepant with placebo and moxifloxacin (400 mg) controls was designed to evaluate drug effect on the Fridericia corrected QT (QTcF) interval in healthy fasted adults. A total of 38 participants were randomized and dosed in the study. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data were available from 37 participants in the rimegepant 75‐mg group, 38 participants in the rimegepant 300‐mg group, and 36 participants in the moxifloxacin and placebo groups. Both the 75‐ and 300‐mg doses of rimegepant had no clinically relevant effect on ECG parameters, including QTcF, heart rate, PR and QRS interval, T‐wave morphology, and U‐wave presence. All upper 90% confidence intervals for the QTcF effect with rimegepant were less than or equal to 4.69 ms, well below the 10‐ms threshold for potential clinical significance. Assay sensitivity was demonstrated by the QT effect of moxifloxacin. Using both by‐timepoint and concentration‐QTc analysis, a placebo‐corrected change‐from‐baseline QTcF greater than 10 ms could be excluded for rimegepant plasma concentrations up to ~10,000 ng/mL, representing concentrations at least 10.8‐fold the maximum observed concentration of the 75‐mg therapeutic dose of rimegepant.
Broadening applications of stochastic patch occupancy models over three decades
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Arellano Claudia , Crone Elizabeth E. , Pettorelli Nathalie , Hodgson Jenny A.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Stochastic patch occupancy models (SPOMs) are a type of spatial population simulation. They are arguably well‐suited to guide conservation in human‐altered landscapes, but their appropriateness for a wide range of species and landscape types has often been questioned. Here, we provide an overview of how SPOM research has expanded over the last three decades and discuss the untapped potential for these models to inform current conservation strategies.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of studies that have fitted SPOMs to real species and landscapes. We assessed temporal trends in SPOMs' use in conservation and management studies, their taxonomic and geographic coverage, and the attributes of studied landscapes. We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated whether the authors' modelling choices reflected the perceived advantages and disadvantages of SPOMs.

Results

The proportion of SPOMs used to answer conservation questions has increased over time. Questions of where, when and how to conserve have all been addressed, sometimes considering additional aspects such as cost‐effectiveness and climate change. Taxonomic diversity coverage has increased over time, and SPOMs have been used in landscapes with a higher proportion of suitable habitat. They have, however, been predominantly applied in temperate biomes. Few studies have explored parameter extrapolation in taxonomically and ecologically related species with mixed results.

Main Conclusions

Over the past three decades, authors have exploited the simplicity and flexibility of SPOMs to answer a broad range of questions with practical implications. The use of SPOMs in less fragmented landscapes, and for an increasing range of taxa, suggests that the strictest definitions of their applicability can be challenged. Stochastic patch occupancy models have untapped potential for informing conservation under climate change. Given the urgent need to plan for large numbers of species with limited data for fitting, SPOMs could better fulfil their potential to guide conservation if parameters could be extrapolated to data‐deficient landscapes and species.
Hemostasis for postendoscopic sphincterotomy hemorrhage using a stone exaction balloon filled with ice‐cold water
Authors: Mie Takafumi , Nakagawa Hiroki , Sasaki Takashi
Published: March 2024

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Anchor‐looped‐wire technique using a double lumen catheter to prevent proximal dislocation of a pigtail plastic stent when placing multiple biliary stents
Authors: Hirata Yuichi , Orita Daisuke , Okabe Yoshihiro
Published: March 2024

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Development of a heat‐stable alkaline phosphatase reporter system for cis‐regulatory analysis and its application to 3D digital imaging of Xenopus embryonic tissues
Authors: Sakagami Kiyo , Igawa Takeshi , Saikawa Kaori , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Hossain Nusrat , Kato Chiho , Kinemori Kazuhito , Suzuki Nanoka , Suzuki Makoto , Kawaguchi Akane , Ochi Haruki , Tajika Yuki , Ogino Hajime
Published: March 2024

Xenopus is one of the essential model systems for studying vertebrate development. However, one drawback of this system is that, because of the opacity of Xenopus embryos, 3D imaging analysis is limited to surface structures, explant cultures, and post‐embryonic tadpoles. To develop a technique for 3D tissue/organ imaging in whole Xenopus embryos, we identified optimal conditions for using placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) as a transgenic reporter and applied it to the correlative light microscopy and block‐face imaging (CoMBI) method for visualization of PLAP‐expressing tissues/organs. In embryos whose endogenous alkaline phosphatase activities were heat‐inactivated, PLAP staining visualized various tissue‐specific enhancer/promoter activities in a manner consistent with green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence. Furthermore, PLAP staining appeared to be more sensitive than GFP fluorescence as a reporter, and the resulting expression patterns were not mosaic, in striking contrast to the mosaic staining pattern of β‐galactosidase expressed from the lacZ gene that was introduced by the same transgenesis method. Owing to efficient penetration of alkaline phosphatase substrates, PLAP activity was detected in deep tissues, such as the developing brain, spinal cord, heart, and somites, by whole‐mount staining. The stained embryos were analyzed by the CoMBI method, resulting in the digital reconstruction of 3D images of the PLAP‐expressing tissues. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the PLAP reporter system for detecting enhancer/promoter activities driving deep tissue expression and its combination with the CoMBI method as a powerful approach for 3D digital imaging analysis of specific tissue/organ structures in Xenopus embryos.
Association between sun exposure habits and disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wu Jing , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars , Hedström Anna Karin
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

Higher latitude has been associated with increased occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and with more severe disease. The aim was to study the impact of sun exposure habits on MS disease progression and health‐related quality of life.

Methods

Patients from a population‐based case–control study were categorized based on sun exposure habits at diagnosis and were followed up to 15 years post‐diagnosis through the Swedish MS registry (n = 3314) with regard to changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Linear mixed models were used to analyse long‐term changes, while Cox regression models, with 95% confidence intervals, were used to investigate outcomes, including 24‐week confirmed diasability worsening, EDSS3, EDSS4, and physical worsening as measured by the physical component of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29.

Results

Compared to average sun exposure (median value), low exposure to sunlight was associated with faster EDSS progression, increased risk of confirmed disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, 95% CI 1.21–1.81), increased risk of reaching EDSS 3 (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02–1.79), EDSS 4 (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01–2.20) and self‐reported physical worsening (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.00–1.62). Significant trends revealed a lower risk of unfavourable outcomes with increasing sun exposure.

Conclusions

Very low levels of sun exposure are associated with worse disease progression and health‐related quality of life in patients with MS.
Epilepsy and the risk of COVID‐19‐related hospitalization and death: A population study
Authors: Strafford Huw , Hollinghurst Joe , Lacey Arron S. , Akbari Ashley , Watkins Alan , Paterson Jan , Jennings Daniel , Lyons Ronan A. , Powell H. Robert , Kerr Michael P. , Chin Richard F. , Pickrell William O.
Published: March 2024

Objective

People with epilepsy (PWE) may be at an increased risk of severe COVID‐19. It is important to characterize this risk to inform PWE and for future health and care planning. We assessed whether PWE were at higher risk of being hospitalized with, or dying from, COVID‐19.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using linked, population‐scale, anonymized electronic health records from the SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) databank. This includes hospital admission and demographic data for the complete Welsh population (3.1 million) and primary care records for 86% of the population. We identified 27 279 PWE living in Wales during the study period (March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). Controls were identified using exact 5:1 matching (sex, age, and socioeconomic status). We defined COVID‐19 deaths as having International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10) codes for COVID‐19 on death certificates or occurring within 28 days of a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. COVID‐19 hospitalizations were defined as having a COVID‐19 ICD‐10 code for the reason for admission or occurring within 28 days of a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR test. We recorded COVID‐19 vaccinations and comorbidities known to increase the risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization and death. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios.

Results

There were 158 (.58%) COVID‐19 deaths and 933 (3.4%) COVID‐19 hospitalizations in PWE, and 370 (.27%) deaths and 1871 (1.4%) hospitalizations in controls. Hazard ratios for COVID‐19 death and hospitalization in PWE compared to controls were 2.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78–2.59) and 2.15 (95% CI = 1.94–2.37), respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (adjusted for comorbidities) for death and hospitalization were 1.32 (95% CI = 1.08–1.62) and 1.60 (95% CI = 1.44–1.78).

Significance

PWE are at increased risk of being hospitalized with, and dying from, COVID‐19 when compared to age‐, sex‐, and deprivation‐matched controls, even when adjusting for comorbidities. This may have implications for prioritizing future COVID‐19 treatments and vaccinations for PWE.
Introduction to a special section: Racial disparities in health care
Authors: Wamboldt Marianne Z.
Published: March 2024

Papers in the Special Section on Racial Disparities in Health Care stemmed from. the 60th Anniversary of Family Process Conference, The Heart of the Matter: Systemic Imperatives to Address Health Disparities and Racism in the Time of COVID, which took place in Washington, DC in September 2021. Of the 12 presenters at the conference, these four were asked to recreate their talks into articles. They address key issues that help to explain health disparities in people of color, particularly African Americans, in the United States, as well as suggest innovations to clinical interventions and health care delivery systems to better serve people who have suffered adversity from the racial inequities in the American system.
Association between bone health and dynapenic obesity in postmenopausal women
Authors: Nakano Wataru , Ozaki Etsuko , Kato Michitaka , Tsukamoto Toshiya , Ono Shintaro , Tomida Satomi , Kuriyama Nagato , Koyama Teruhide
Published: March 2024

Aim

The combination of dynapenia (age‐related muscle weakness) and obesity is referred to as dynapenic obesity. We examined the associations between dynapenic obesity and cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone density.

Methods

The participants were 797 community‐dwelling postmenopausal women (with an average age of 62.5 years) who were stratified into normopenia without obesity, dynapenia without obesity (dynapenia), normopenia with obesity (obesity) and dynapenia with obesity (dynapenia obesity) groups based on their grip strength and body fat percentage. Cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone density were measured using ultrasonic bone densitometry. The participants were further divided into those with low cortical bone thickness and low trabecular bone density. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors.

Results

Individuals with dynapenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.68), obesity (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.62–3.75) and dynapenic obesity (OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.44–6.79) all significantly increased the odds of low cortical bone thickness. Conversely, the odds of low trabecular bone density were significantly lower in the obesity group (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.99) and dynapenic obesity group (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.97).

Conclusions

Dynapenic obesity was found to be associated with cortical bone thinning that might compromise bone health. Postmenopausal women with dynapenic obesity might need to be closely monitored for preserving bone health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 378–384.
Test–retest reliability of a mobile application of the patient reported outcomes burdens and experiences (PROBE) study
Authors: Curtis Randall , Wu Joanne , Iorio Alfonso , Frick Neil , Nichol Michael , Noone Declan , O'Mahony Brian , Page David , Stonebraker Jeffrey , Kucher Alexandra , Clearfield Elizabeth , Skinner Mark W. , Germini Federico
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The Patient Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) questionnaire is a patient‐reported outcome tool that assesses quality of life and disease burden in people with haemophilia (PWH).

Aim

To assesses the test–retest reliability of PROBE when completed using the mobile phone application.

Methods

We recruited PWH, including carriers, and individuals with no bleeding disorders who attended haemophilia‐related workshops or via social media. Participants completed PROBE three times (twice on the app: T1 and T2, and once on the web, T3). Test–retest reliability was analysed for T1 versus T2 (app to app, time period one) and T2 versus T3 (app to web, time period two).

Results

We enrolled 48 participants (median age = 56 [range 27–78] years). Eighteen participants (37.5%) were PWH and seven (14.6%) were carriers. On general health domain questions, we found almost perfect agreement, except for a question on the frequency of use of pain medication in the last 12 months [Kappa coefficient (κ) .72 and .37 for time period one and two, respectively] and any use of pain medications (κ .75) for time period two. For haemophilia‐related questions, we found substantial to perfect agreement, except for the questions on the number of joint bleeds in the previous 6 months for time period one (κ .49) and the number of bleeds in the previous two weeks for time period two (κ .34).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the reliability of the PROBE app. The app can be used interchangeably with the paper and web platforms for PROBE administration.
RETRACTED: Effect of two different modalities of hysterectomy on wound infection and wound dehiscence in obese patients
Authors: Long Ling , He Xuan , Liu Yuyang , Lei Cuirong
Published: March 2024

This research intended to investigate the influence of the operation of both kinds of hysterectomies in the risk of wound infection and the degree of wound dehiscence. Both of them were open field and laparoscope. In this research, we looked into four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Research was conducted on various operative methods for hysterectomy in obese patients between 2000 and October 2023. Two independent investigators performed an independent review of the data, established the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and managed the results with Endnote software. It also evaluated the quality of the included literature. Finally, the data were analysed with RevMan 5.3. This study involved 874 cases, 387 cases received laparoscopy and 487 cases received open access operation. Our findings indicate that there is a significant reduction in the rate of post‐operative wound infection among those who have received laparoscopy compared with who have received open surgical procedures (odds ratio [OR], 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.15; p < 0.001); There was no statistical difference between the rate of post‐operative wound dehiscence and those who received laparotomy compared with those who received open surgical procedures (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.10–1.11; p = 0.07); The estimated amount of blood lost during the operation was less in the laparoscopy group compared with the open procedure (mean difference, −123.72; 95% CI, −215.16 to −32.28; p = 0.008). Generally speaking, the application of laparoscopy to overweight women who have had a hysterectomy results in a reduction in the expected amount of bleeding during surgery and a reduction in the risk of post‐operative wound infections.
Phylogenetic origin of an insect fauna at the boundary of the Palaearctic and Oriental realms: Evidence from ‘site‐based’ mitogenomics
Authors: Nie Rui‐E , Li Lu‐Lu , Feijó Anderson , Yang Mei‐Xia , Bai Ming , Creedy Thomas J. , Jin Xu , Hao Jia‐Sheng , Ruan Yong‐Ying , Liu Hua‐Xi , Garner Beulah H. , Bocak Ladislav , Yang Xing‐Ke , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Knowledge of taxonomy and species distributions in highly diverse lineages of invertebrates remains too incomplete for the study of biogeographical patterns at the global scale. This limits the understanding of processes leading to the formation and maintenance of boundaries between major biogeographical realms. Site‐based metagenomic approaches may provide an alternative source of data for inference of historical processes of in situ speciation and interchange among biogeographical regions. We applied the methodology to explore the historical biogeography of the Qinling Mountains at the boundary of the Oriental and Palaearctic regions.

Location

The focal area in the Qinling Mountains; sites in Borneo, Panama, and Spain, representing the Oriental, Neotropical and Palaearctic faunas.

Time Period

Contemporary.

Major Taxa Studied

Chrysomelidae, a group of ~40,000 species with worldwide distribution.

Methods

Mass‐trapped insects were subjected to deep Illumina DNA sequencing and mitochondrial genome assembly, followed by phylogenetic analysis and historical biogeographical inference on a dated tree. The methodology produced 622 mitogenomes (304 newly sequenced) each representing a morphologically distinct species.

Results

Ancestral area reconstruction revealed that the Qinling fauna is a composite of distinct clades that, respectively, have Oriental or Palaearctic ancient origins, while in situ speciation and local clade formation were limited. The global diversity of Chrysomelidae consists of regionalised deep clades at the level of the major zoogeographic realms, which remain recognisable where these realms abut in the Qinling mountains. Yet, the Qinling fauna is clearly distinct from the source areas although local lineage ages are generally <20 Ma.

Main Conclusions

The Qinling fauna is a composite of clades that have either Oriental or Palaearctic origin, indicating the important role of immigration at the realm boundary. Global site‐based phylogenetic analyses based on metagenomic sequencing can address previously intractable questions about the historical biogeography of poorly studied groups even without a fully developed taxonomy.
Time since first naturalization is key to explaining non‐native plant invasions on islands
Authors: Mologni Fabio , Bellingham Peter J. , Cameron Ewen K. , Wright Anthony E.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Investigating the extent of insular invasions by non‐native species (i.e., the number of islands they occupy) is central to island conservation. However, interrelationships among plant life history traits, naturalization histories, and island characteristics in determining island occupancy by non‐native plant species are poorly understood. We investigated whether island occupancy by different non‐native plant species declines in relation to their year of first naturalization and whether periods of first naturalization differ among growth forms, dispersal modes, and biogeographic origins. Then, we asked if non‐native plants that naturalized more recently occur more frequently on islands that are large, less isolated, and close to urban areas. We contrasted trends across growth forms, dispersal modes, and biogeographic origins.

Location

264 offshore islands in northern Aotearoa New Zealand.

Taxa

Vascular plant species.

Methods

We combined field surveys and published data for 767 non‐native plant species on the islands. We categorized each species according to its growth form (n = 3), dispersal mode (n = 4) and biogeographic origin (n = 5) and identified its year of first naturalization in Aotearoa New Zealand. We tested our hypotheses using ANCOVA and generalized linear models (GLMs).

Results

There were similar declines in island occupancy in relation to the year of first naturalization in Aotearoa New Zealand across all trait and biogeographic origin categories. First naturalization times of herbaceous species, those with unspecialized dispersal modes, and those originating from Eurasia and the Mediterranean basin were disproportionately earlier than other categories. Non‐native plants with more recent first naturalization occur more frequently on large islands close to urban areas, but not on less isolated ones. Relationships with island characteristics did not differ among trait and biogeographic origin categories.

Main Conclusions

Overall, time of first naturalization was more important than trait and biogeographic origin categories in explaining non‐native plant invasion patterns on islands. Since there were similar relationships between island occupancy and the year of first naturalization in Aotearoa New Zealand for all categories, management bodies should focus on non‐native plant species of trait and biogeographic origin categories that have naturalized recently (e.g., woody species from other regions within Oceania), and on large islands close to urban areas. Introduction and naturalization histories provide essential context for interpreting the role of plant traits and biogeographic origin in understanding plant invasions on islands.
Hearing the voices of Black Africans: Essential components for culturally relevant marriage enrichment programs in South Africa
Authors: Neswiswa Kabaro Grace , Jacobs Susanne
Published: March 2024

The literature on marriage supports teaching essential skills to enhance relationship quality and prevent divorce. However, limited marriage and relationship curricula tailored for African cultures, especially within the South African context, are currently available. This study aimed to redress gaps in literature and practice, outlining elements for inclusion into a marriage enrichment program (MEP) grounded on PREP 8.0 (Prevention and Relationship Education Program) and current baseline research conducted in South Africa. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was utilized, using face‐to‐face interviews with leaders and social services practitioners (SSPs) and a pilot study with couples, all sampled purposively. Findings show that (1) Black Africans are in high need of MEPs, revealed through intense gratitude and (2) a prerequisite for positive outcomes is the integration of equally necessary traditional contextual components with modern practices, elucidated by practical recommendations. A contextual and culturally relevant MEP is a systematic attempt to improve the functioning of marriage through education, effectively supporting Black Africans to cultivate healthy, stable family relationships.
Recording of suspected adverse drug reaction reporting in veterinary free‐text clinical narratives
Authors: Davies H. , Blackwell E. , Fins I. S. , Noble P. J. M. , Pinchbeck G. , Pirmohamed M. , Killick D. R.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To use text mining approaches to identify instances of suspected adverse drug reactions recorded in first opinion veterinary free‐text clinical narratives, and to evaluate whether these were also reported to either the Veterinary Medicines Directorate or the relevant Marketing Authorisation holder in order to derive an estimate of the suspected adverse drug reaction (sADR) minimum under‐reporting rate. To characterise sADR reports and explore whether particular features are associated with report submission.

Materials and Methods

Two regular expressions were developed to identify mentions of “adverse drug reactions” and “side effects” in the free‐text clinical narratives of electronic health records contained within the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network database. Consultations containing a match for the developed regular expressions were manually reviewed for inclusion and further classified to determine the suspected product, seriousness and expectedness of the event, and an indication of whether the event had been reported. The associations between event characteristics and reporting were explored using Fisher's exact tests.

Results

A total of 10,565 records were manually reviewed from which 827 sADRs were identified. Approximately 90% of these sADRs were not recorded as reported. Suspected adverse drug reactions that were not considered “expected” were recorded as reported more frequently than “expected” sADRs. However, clinical severity did not appear to impact on whether there was a record of reporting.

Clinical Significance

This is the first estimate of under reporting sADRs based on real world evidence from veterinary clinical records. The under‐reporting rate implied by this study highlights that further interventions are required to improve reporting rate within the veterinary profession in order to support pharmacovigilance activities and improve drug safety.
Air pollution, weather and positive airway pressure treatment adherence in adults with sleep apnea: a retrospective community‐based repeated‐measures longitudinal study
Authors: Kendzerska Tetyana , Szyszkowicz Mieczysław , Saymeh Mouaz , Mallick Ranjeeta , Carlsten Christopher , Ayas Najib T. , Laratta Cheryl R. , Orach Juma , Dales Robert
Published: March 2024

We assessed the relation between air pollution, weather, and adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in a retrospective community‐based repeated‐measures study of adults with obstructive sleep apnea who purchased PAP devices from a registered provider between 2013 and 2017 (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and had at least one day of data. Daily PAP‐derived data, air pollution, and weather databases were linked using postal code. The exposures were mean nocturnal (8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) (i) residential concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter <=2.5 μm (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), and (ii) temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. Covariates in the main model were demographics, season, exposure year, and PAP therapy mode. We analysed 8148 adults (median age of 54 years and 61% men) and 2,071,588 days of data. Based on daily data, the median (interquartile range) daily PAP usage was 416 (323–487) min. Using mixed‐effect regression analyses to incorporate daily data and clustering by individuals, we found a statistically significant decrease in adherence for increased levels of NO2, PM2.5, and AQHI. The largest effect was for NO2: a decrease in daily PAP use while comparing the highest versus lowest quartiles (Qs) was 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–3.9) min. Decreased PAP adherence was also associated with increased temperature (Q4 versus Q1: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.5–3.7] min) and decreased barometric pressure (Q1 versus Q4: 2.0 [95% CI 1.5–2.5] min). We observed modest but statistically significant acute effects of air pollution and weather on daily PAP adherence.
Multifactor characterization of space weathering among siliceous asteroids. I: Grain size effects
Authors: MacLennan Eric M. , Emery Joshua P. , McClure Lucas M. , Lucas Michael P. , Lindsay Sean S. , Pinilla‐Alonso Noemi
Published: March 2024

Spacecraft missions to asteroids have revealed surfaces that have variations in albedo and spectral properties. Such variations are also detected across the asteroid population with ground‐based observations, and are controlled by the physical characteristics of the regolith and by processes such as space weathering. Here, we investigate how space weathering and regolith grain size influence the spectra of ordinary chondrite‐like asteroids observed from ground‐based spectroscopy. The estimation of diagnostic band parameters from asteroid visible and near‐infrared reflectance spectra allow us to estimate the degree of space weathering and their compositions, using results from an accompanying study (MacLennan et al., 2024). We use grain size estimations gleaned from the thermal inertia to show that regolith particle size differences have similar effect as space weathering on asteroid spectra. Finally, we quantify changes in spectral slope and band depth among asteroids using the space weathering index developed by MacLennan et al (2024), and reassess the importance of previously‐proposed surface freshening mechanisms.
Fluconazole‐resistant Candida parapsilosis genotypes from hospitals located in five Spanish cities and one in Italy: Description of azole‐resistance profiles associated with the Y132F ERG11p substitution
Authors: Mesquida Aina , Alcoceba Eva , Padilla Eduardo , Ramírez Aída , Merino Paloma , González‐Romo Fernando , De Carolis Elena , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Mantecón‐Vallejo María de los Ángeles , Muñoz‐Algarra María , Durán‐Valle Teresa , Pérez‐Ayala Ana , Gómez‐García‐de‐la‐Pedrosa Elia , del Carmen Martínez‐Jiménez María , Sánchez‐Castellano Miguel Ángel , Quiles‐Melero Inmaculada , Cuétara María Soledad , Sánchez‐García Aída , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús ,   the CANDIMAD study group
Published: March 2024

Background

Fluconazole‐resistant Candida parapsilosis is a matter of concern.

Objectives

To describe fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis genotypes circulating across hospitals in Spain and Rome and to study their azole‐resistance profile associated with ERG11p substitutions.

Patients/Methods

We selected fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (n = 528 from 2019 to 2023; MIC ≥8 mg/L according to EUCAST) from patients admitted to 13 hospitals located in five Spanish cities and Rome. Additionally, we tested voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, amphotericin B, micafungin, anidulafungin and ibrexafungerp susceptibility.

Results

Of the 53 genotypes found, 49 harboured the Y132F substitution, five of which were dominating city‐specific genotypes involving almost half the isolates. Another genotype involved isolates harbouring the G458S substitution. Finally, we found two genotypes with the wild‐type ERG11 gene sequence and one with the R398I substitution. All isolates were fully susceptible/wild‐type to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin and ibrexafungerp. The azole‐resistance patterns found were: voriconazole‐resistant (74.1%) or voriconazole‐intermediate (25.2%), posaconazole‐resistant (10%) and isavuconazole non‐wild‐type (47.5%). Fluconazole‐resistant and voriconazole non‐wild‐type isolates were likely to harbour substitution Y132F if posaconazole was wild type; however, if posaconazole was non‐wild type, substitution G458S was indicated if isavuconazole MIC was >0.125 mg/L or substitution Y132F if isavuconazole MIC was ≤0.125 mg/L.

Conclusions

We detected a recent clonal spread of fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis across some cities in Spain, mostly driven by dominating city‐specific genotypes, which involved a large number of isolates harbouring the Y132F ERG11p substitution. Isolates harbouring substitution Y132F can be suspected because they are non‐susceptible to voriconazole and rarely posaconazole‐resistant.
The time course of complement blockage by ravulizumab in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Amano Ryota
Published: March 2024

The classical 50% hemolytic complement test is commonly used to monitor complement function. However, its use in monitoring the effect of ravulizumab on complement assays is unknown. A 47‐year‐old man with anti‐aquaporin 4 antibody‐positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who was treated with oral prednisolone and azathioprine experienced several episodes of optic neuritis or myelitis. After his latest relapse, ravulizumab was administered to prevent relapse. Serum classical 50% hemolytic complement activity decreased below detectable levels (<10 U/mL) within 1 h of ravulizumab injection. Eighteen weeks later, the patient showed no adverse events or relapse, suggesting that serum classical 50% hemolytic complement activity can monitor ravulizumab effect. In Japan, where 3.5% of the population shows a reduced response to anti‐C5 therapy, serum classical 50% hemolytic complement activity proves useful in confirming ravulizumab efficacy.
Untangling the taxonomy and geographic distribution of Quararibea floribunda (Malvaceae: Malvoideae)
Authors: Ferreira Carlos Daniel M. , Baumgratz José Fernando A. , Bovini Massimo G.
Published: March 2024

Quararibea floribunda, a species endemic to Brazil, is poorly studied taxonomically, and little is known about its ecology and conservation status. Since its publication in 1842, only a few studies have reported on its morphological circumscription, thus remaining as a complex in the taxonomy of Quararibea. In addition, little is known about its geographic distribution, which, according to most authors, is restricted to the Cerrado Biome, characterized mainly by its dry forests. Therefore, we herein review and clarify the morphological circumscription and distribution of Q. floribunda in different vegetation types, designate a lectotype, and recognize its conservation status as vulnerable (VU). The present study is based on analysis of protologues and further pertinent literature. Several herbaria were consulted, both in person and online. Fieldwork was done between 2017 and 2020 in different locations of midwestern and southeastern Brazil, mainly in dry forests of the Cerrado Biome. We confirm that Q. floribunda also occurs in the Atlantic Forest Biome and that it is not exclusive to the Cerrado Biome, as previously thought. All known populations in this biome inhabit humid habitats, and as such, they are closer to the vegetation of the Atlantic Forest Biome than the typical Cerrado dry forests. In addition to assessing the conservation status of Q. floribunda, we evaluate its nomenclatural history, leading to the designation of a lectotype, finally highlighting vegetative and floral diagnostic characters. A distribution map is provided, as well as a morphological comparative analysis between species with foliar domatia in extra‐Amazonian Brazil.
Importance of the Posterior Plate in Three‐Column Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Validation
Authors: Liu Chen‐dong , Hu Sun‐jun , Chang Shi‐Min , Du Shou‐chao , Xiong Wen‐feng , Chu Yong‐qian
Published: March 2024

Objective

Dual‐plate fixation was thought to be the gold standard for treating complicated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, yet it was found to be hard to accommodate the posterior column in three‐column fractures. Currently, column‐specific fixation is becoming more and more recognized, but no comprehensive investigation has been performed to back it up. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate the importance of posterior column fixation in the three‐column tibial fractures by a finite element (FE) analysis and clinical study.

Methods

In FE analysis, three models were developed: the longitudinal triple‐plate group (LTPG), the oblique triple‐plate group (OTPG), and the dual‐plate group (DPG). Three loading scenarios were simulated. The distribution of the displacement and the equivalent von Mises stress (VMS) in each structure was calculated. The comparative measurements including the maximum posterior column collapse (MPCC), the maximum total displacement of the model (MTD), the maximum VMS of cortical posterior column (MPC‐VMS), and the maximum VMS located on each group of plates and screws (MPS‐VMS). The clinical study evaluated the indicators between the groups with or without the posterior plate, including operation time, blood loss volume, full‐weight bearing period, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Scoring system (HSS), Rasmussen score, and common postoperative complications.

Results

In the FE analysis, the MPCC, the MPC‐VMS, and the MTD were detected in much lower amounts in LTPG and OTPG than in DPG. In comparison with DPG, the LTPG and OTPG had larger MPS‐VMS. In the clinical study, 35 cases were included. In the triple‐plate (14) and dual‐plate (21) groups, the operation took 115.6 min and 100.5 min (p < 0.05), respectively. Blood loss in both groups was 287.0 mL and 206.6 mL (p < 0.05), and the full‐weight bearing period was 14.5 weeks and 16.2 weeks (p < 0.05). At the final follow‐up, the HSS score was 85.0 in the triple‐plate group and 77.5 in the dual‐plate (p < 0.05), the Rasmussen score was 24.1 and 21.6 (p < 0.05), there were two cases with reduction loss (9.5%) in the dual‐plate group and one case of superficial incision infection found in the triple‐plate group.

Conclusion

The posterior implant was beneficial in optimizing the biomechanical stability and functional outcomes in the three‐column tibial plateau fractures.
Photosynthetic response of Chara braunii towards different bicarbonate concentrations
Authors: Heise Carolin Magdalene , Hagemann Martin , Schubert Hendrik
Published: March 2024

A variety of inorganic carbon acquisition modes have been proposed in Characean algae, however, a broadly applicable inorganic carbon uptake mechanism is unknown for the genus Chara. In the present study, we analyzed if C. braunii can efficiently use HCO3− as a carbon source for photosynthesis. For this purpose, C. braunii was exposed to different concentrations of NaHCO3− at different time scales. The photosynthetic electron transport through photosystem I (PSI) and II (PSII), the maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax), the efficiency of the electron transport rate (α, the initial slope of the ETR), and the light saturation point of photosynthesis (Ek) were evaluated. Additionally, pigment contents (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) were determined. Bicarbonate addition positively affected ETRmax, after direct HCO3− application, of both PSII and PSI, but this effect seems to decrease after 1 h and 24 h. Similar trends were seen for Ek, but no significant effect was observed for α. Pigment contents showed no significant changes in relation to different HCO3− concentrations. To evaluate if cyclic electron flow around PSI was involved in active HCO3− uptake, the ratio of PSI ETRmax/PSII ETRmax was calculated but did not show a distinctive trend. These results suggest that C. braunii can utilize NaHCO3− in short‐term periods as a carbon source but could rely on other carbon acquisition mechanisms over prolonged time periods. These observations suggest that the minor role of HCO3− as a carbon source for photosynthesis in this alga might differentiate C. braunii from other examined Chara spp.