bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide screen identifies host loci that modulate Mycobacterium tuberculosis fitness in immunodivergent mice
Authors: Meade Rachel K , Long Jarukit E , Jinich Adrian , Rhee Kyu Y , Ashbrook David G , Williams Robert W , Sassetti Christopher M , Smith Clare M
Published: July 2023

Genetic differences among mammalian hosts and among strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are well-established determinants of tuberculosis (TB) patient outcomes. The advent of recombinant inbred mouse panels and next-generation transposon mutagenesis and sequencing approaches has enabled dissection of complex host–pathogen interactions. To identify host and pathogen genetic determinants of Mtb pathogenesis, we infected members of the highly diverse BXD family of strains with a comprehensive library of Mtb transposon mutants (TnSeq). Members of the BXD family segregate for Mtb-resistant C57BL/6J (B6 or B) and Mtb-susceptible DBA/2J (D2 or D) haplotypes. The survival of each bacterial mutant was quantified within each BXD host, and we identified those bacterial genes that were differentially required for Mtb fitness across BXD genotypes. Mutants that varied in survival among the host family of strains were leveraged as reporters of “endophenotypes,” each bacterial fitness profile directly probing specific components of the infection microenvironment. We conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of these bacterial fitness endophenotypes and identified 140 host–pathogen QTL (hpQTL). We located a QTL hotspot on chromosome 6 (75.97–88.58 Mb) associated with the genetic requirement of multiple Mtb genes: Rv0127 (mak), Rv0359 (rip2), Rv0955 (perM), and Rv3849 (espR). Together, this screen reinforces the utility of bacterial mutant libraries as precise reporters of the host immunological microenvironment during infection and highlights specific host–pathogen genetic interactions for further investigation. To enable downstream follow-up for both bacterial and mammalian genetic research communities, all bacterial fitness profiles have been deposited into GeneNetwork.org and added into the comprehensive collection of TnSeq libraries in MtbTnDB.
A Life of Leisure? Investigating the Differential Impact of Retirement on Leisure Activity
Authors: Tunney Orlaith , Henkens Kène , van Solinge Hanna
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Remaining active in older adulthood is widely endorsed by governments and policy-makers as a way of promoting public health and curbing welfare spending. Despite links between greater leisure activity in older adulthood and better health, cognitive function, and subjective well-being, there is a dearth of research investigating the impact of retirement on leisure activity engagement. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to address this knowledge gap and investigate the impact of retirement on leisure activity engagement.

Methods

Using panel data from 2 waves of a large-scale longitudinal survey of Dutch older workers (N = 4,927), we investigated the impact of retirement on hours spent engaging in physical, social, and self-development activities. We further investigated the differential impact of retirement on leisure activity in retirement based on various sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Although leisure activity increased across all 3 activity domains, conditional change ordinal least square regression models revealed that retirement resulted in significantly greater increases in activity relative to nonretirees. Additional analyses including interaction terms revealed that the impact of retirement on self-development and social activity differed significantly based on gender and education.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates that while time in leisure activity largely increases in response to retirement the nature and magnitude of the impact of retirement on leisure activity is not uniform. From a policy perspective, findings that certain groups, namely men and lower-­educated individuals, may be at greater risk of lower activity levels may help guide interventions promoting active aging and retirement.
A Riemann–Hilbert Approach to the Perturbation Theory for Orthogonal Polynomials: Applications to Numerical Linear Algebra and Random Matrix Theory
Authors: Ding Xiucai , Trogdon Thomas
Published: July 2023

We establish a new perturbation theory for orthogonal polynomials using a Riemann–Hilbert approach and consider applications in numerical linear algebra and random matrix theory. This new approach shows that the orthogonal polynomials with respect to two measures can be effectively compared using the difference of their Stieltjes transforms on a suitably chosen contour. Moreover, when two measures are close and satisfy some regularity conditions, we use the theta functions of a hyperelliptic Riemann surface to derive explicit and accurate expansion formulae for the perturbed orthogonal polynomials. In contrast to other approaches, a key strength of the methodology is that estimates can remain valid as the degree of the polynomial grows. The results are applied to analyze several numerical algorithms from linear algebra, including the Lanczos tridiagonalization procedure, the Cholesky factorization, and the conjugate gradient algorithm. As a case study, we investigate these algorithms applied to a general spiked sample covariance matrix model by considering the eigenvector empirical spectral distribution and its limits. For the first time, we give precise estimates on the output of the algorithms, applied to this wide class of random matrices, as the number of iterations diverges. In this setting, beyond the first order expansion, we also derive a new mesoscopic central limit theorem for the associated orthogonal polynomials and other quantities relevant to numerical algorithms.
Genotype by environment interaction and heteroscedasticity influence the expression of parasite resistance in Katahdin sheep
Authors: Arisman Brian C , Burke Joan M , Morgan James L M , Lewis Ronald M
Published: July 2023

Increasingly, sheep producers are choosing breeds that express resistance to gastrointestinal parasites due to reduced efficacy of anthelminthic drugs. One such breed is Katahdin. Katahdins are raised in various climates and management systems in the United States, which can be combined into eco-management clusters to describe production environments more holistically. The objectives of this study were to determine if genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and heteroscedasticity existed across these eco-management clusters for traits indicative of parasite resistance. Body weights (BW), FAMACHA scores (FAM), and fecal egg counts (FEC) were collected at around 90 d in 3,527 Katahdin lambs delineated into nine eco-management clusters. A tri-variate animal model including birth-rearing type, sex, and dam age (as a quadratic covariate) as fixed effects, and eco-management cluster, direct additive, uncorrelated maternal environmental (for BW), and residual as random effects, was fitted with ASReml. Heritability estimates for BW, FEC, and FAM were 0.36 ± 0.07, 0.31 ± 0.07, and 0.26 ± 0.05, respectively. The genetic (additive) correlation between BW with FEC was −0.26 ± 0.08 and with FAM was −0.16 ± 0.08, and thereby favorable. Heritabilities were also estimated univariately within eco-management clusters and ranged from 0.30 ± 0.05 to 0.37 ± 0.05 for BW, 0.18 ± 0.12 to 0.50 ± 0.13 for FEC, and 0.07 ± 0.06 to 0.40 ± 0.19 for FAM. Significant genetic and phenotypic heteroscedasticity among eco-management clusters was detected in FEC and FAM. A sire by eco-management cluster interaction term was added to the initial model fitted to evaluate G × E. This interaction defined substantial variation (P < 0.01) in all traits and explained 12% (FEC) to 20% (BW) of the phenotypic variation. Accounting for G × E and heteroscedasticity in the design and implementation of breeding programs may introduce operational challenges. Still, doing so would improve the efficacy of selection programs to improve parasite resistance.
∆8-THC-COOH cross-reactivity with cannabinoid immunoassay kits and interference in chromatographic testing methods
Authors: Mullen Lawrance D , Hart E. Dale , Vikingsson Svante , Winecker Ruth E , Hayes Eugene , Flegel Ron
Published: July 2023

Because of structural similarities, the presence of 11-Nor-9-carboxy-∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC-COOH) in a urine specimen might interfere with testing for 11-Nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC-COOH). A set of samples containing ∆8-THC-COOH with concentrations ranging from 10 to 120 ng/mL were tested at cut-offs of 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL using cannabinoid immunoassay reagents from three different manufacturers. Cross-reactivities ranged from 87% to 112% for ∆8-THC-COOH at the cut-off of 50 ng/mL for the three different platforms. Additionally, samples containing both ∆8-THC-COOH and ∆9-THC-COOH were fortified by the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)–Certified Laboratories tested the samples to determine the interference of ∆8-THC-COOH on confirmatory tests commonly used in workplace drug testing laboratories for the confirmation and quantification of ∆9-THC-COOH. When evaluating confirmation and quantification of ∆9-THC-COOH in the presence of ∆8-THC-COOH, unreportable results for ∆9-THC-COOH were observed because of chromatographic interference or mass ratio failures. However, there were no false-positive ∆9-THC-COOH reports from any HHS-certified laboratory.
On The Problem of Defending Basic Equality: Natural Law and The Substance View
Authors: Friberg-Fernros Henrik
Published: July 2023

While most theorists agree with the claim that human beings have high and equal moral standing, there are strong disagreements about how to justify this claim. These disagreements arise because there are different ways of managing the difficulty of finding a basis for this claim, which is sufficiently substantial to do this justifying work, but not vary in degree in order to not give rise to inequality of moral considerability. The aim of this paper is to review previous attempts to address this difficulty and to demonstrate why they fail and then to defend another way of dealing with this challenge by applying two views: the substance view on the human person and the natural-law account of morality. My claim is that this approach has comparative advantages because it provides a binary and a normatively significant basis of justification for equality without being implausibly inclusive.
Neuroendocrine-induced hyponatremia in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiology, factors and prognosis
Authors: Phiri Emmanuel Chileshe , Tango Tamara , Olobatoke Tunde A , Maroo Bhavya Ratan , Mpokota Racheal , Bouche Djatche Wesley Harrisson , Mukambo Emmanuel , Chiazo Ugwoke Franklin , Mugenyi Nathan , Mduma Emmanuel , Kyaruzi Victor Meza , Shimber Emnet Tesfaye , Gankpe Fortune G , Esene Ignatius , Hassen Getaw
Published: July 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common brain dysfunction due to an external force as opposed to disease-induced brain damage. TBI is a leading global cause of high morbidity and mortality rates in the neurosurgical department. It contributes to ~30% of deaths related to brain damage. A common complication of TBIs is hyponatremia secondary to neuroendocrine causes, including syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), cerebral salt wasting syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. Most recent studies suggest SIADH as the main cause of hyponatremia in TBI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of neuroendocrine-induced hyponatremia on the prognosis of TBI, demonstrate the epidemiology of hyponatremia in patients with TBI, assess all possible etiologies of hyponatremia in TBI, determine the prognostic outcomes of hyponatremia in TBI and determine the effect of hyponatremia on the prognosis of severe and moderate TBI. This study is in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guideline. A 10-year retrospective analysis of original published studies from January 2013 to January 2023 will be performed. This study will include the adult TBI patients (age ≥ 18 years old) who developed neuroendocrine-induced hyponatremia and original studies, randomized control trials, case controls, cohort studies and studies in English language. This study excludes the pediatric population and animal studies. For information sources, several electronic databases, including EMBASE, Pubmed, SCOPUS and Cochrane, will be searched. No ethical approval is required since the study does not involve human subject participation. However, the study findings will be applied for dissemination at scientific conferences and the manuscript will be submitted for publication to a reputable peer review journal. The research protocol is registered with PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023391854 and is available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023391854.
The Case for Developing a Movement System Framework for Older Adults
Authors: Lusardi Michelle M , Hartley Gregory W , Leach Susan J , Gras Laura Z , Larkin Marni , Miller Kenneth L , Quiben Myles
Published: July 2023

Leaders and scholars from multiple academies of the American Physical Therapy Association are developing and defining movement system diagnoses to guide practice. However, there is no consensus on the need for or content of such frameworks. This Perspective describes current thought about movement system diagnoses in physical therapy and summarizes the work of the Academy of Geriatrics (APTA Geriatrics) Movement System Diagnosis Task Force (GMS-TF) as it contributes to the movement system diagnosis discussion within the profession. Initially convened to define movement system diagnostic labels unique to older adults, the GMS-TF’s developmental process identified the need for a clearer diagnostic framework onto which specific diagnoses will later be added. Although The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model is a strong foundation for the patient–client management model, the GMS-TF proposes formal incorporation of the Geriatric 5Ms (mobility, medications, memory, multi-complexity, and “what matters most”) into a movement system framework for older adults. The GMS-TF concurs with the APTA Academy of Neurology Movement System Task Force proposal that observation and analysis of key functional tasks are the foundation of any examination of older adults. The GMS-TF suggests adding several additional movement tasks that are important for older adults. The GMS-TF believes that this strategy highlights the health care needs of older adults and prioritizes physical therapist care for older adults with complex needs. This Perspective is the foundation for a future movement system diagnosis model for older adults that will complement and facilitate the development of models of care to be applied across the lifespan.
Protective impacts of Withania somnifera leaf extract from Taif area against diclofenac induced hepato-renal toxicity: role of antioxidants, inflammation, apoptosis, and anti-oxidative stress biomarkers
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Elshehawei Ahmed M , Althobaiti Saed , Sayed Samy M
Published: July 2023

Current study examined the boosting impacts of Withania somnifera leaf extract from Taif area (high-altitude area) against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by diclofenac in experimental rats. Withania is highly grown on Taif area as environmental herb with multiple functions. Diclofenac is non-steroidal medication used for treatment of pain but over dose has severe side effects. Thirty-two adult Wistar rats of male type were subdivided into 4 groups. The control rats (group 1) received saline. Second group received diclofenac (50 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally) at days 4 and 5. Third group received W. somnifera leaf extract (250 mg /kg body weight) for 6 days. The fourth protective group, received W. somnifera leaf extract plus diclofenac for 6 days as shown in groups 2 and 3. Diclofenac significantly increased serum AST, ALT, and decreased albumin and total proteins levels. It also increased serum concentrations of uric acid and creatinine. In addition, it increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. Diclofenac increased inflammatory cytokines secretion and up-regulated hepatic oxidative stress genes (HO-1; hemoxygenase-1 and Nrf2nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and renal inflammatory transcriptional markers (TGF-β1; transforming growth factor-beta1 and COX-2; cycloxygenas-2). In parallel, hepatic caspase-3 expression was up-regulated as an apoptotic marker, while Bcl2; (B-cell lymphoma 2) mRNA expression was down regulated as anti-apoptotic marker. W. somnifera pre-administration in the protective group ameliorated the altered parameters induced by diclofenac. In conclusion, W. somnifera leaf extract has the potential to antagonize side effects of diclofenac by regulating the pathways of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis/antiapoptosis.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Patient's Perception of Nurse-Patient Relationship as Healing Transformations Scale (RELATE Scale)
Authors: Rosa Katherine C.
Published: July 2023

A 3-phase study was conducted to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Patients' Perceptions of their Nurse-Patient Relations as Healing Transformations (RELATE) Scale. There is a lack of tools measuring nurse-patient relationship dynamics from a unitary-transformative paradigm to evaluate the patient's experience of what works to enhance their well-becoming. The 35-item scale was completed by 311 adults with chronic illness. The Cronbach α for the 35-item scale was 0.965 suggesting good internal consistency. Principal components analyses yielded a 17-item, 2-component solution explaining 60.17% of the total variance. This theoretically driven and psychometrically sound scale will contribute to quality-of-care data.
Efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients on Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Kaplan Tyler M. , Hammer Jon D. , Kohli Darrel , Pacheco Johann M. , Hodge David O. , Khanna Cheryl L. , Sit Arthur J. , Roddy Gavin W.
Published: July 2023

Précis:

When comparing patients on systemic immunosuppressive therapy to those without, there was no difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) early after SLT; however, at 1 year following SLT, IOP was higher in the immunosuppression group compared with controls.

Purpose:

To determine whether patients taking systemic immunosuppressive medications have a different IOP-lowering response to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) compared with a control group of patients.

Methods:

All patients who underwent SLT at Mayo Clinic 2017–2021 were identified. Patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications at the time of SLT were compared with control patients not receiving systemic immunosuppressive medications. The primary endpoints of this study were the percentage IOP reduction at 1 to 2, 3 to 6, and 12 months. Additional analyses included the percentage of patients who did not require additional therapy at each time point.

Results:

There were 108 eyes of 72 patients that underwent SLT in the immunosuppressed group and 1997 eyes of 1417 patients in the control group. There was no significant difference in age-adjusted change in IOP between groups at the first postoperative visit 1 to 2 months following SLT (−18.8±20.7% vs. −16.0±16.5%, P=0.256) or 3–6 months following SLT (−15.2±21.6% vs. −18.3±23.2%, P=0.062). However, at 12 months following SLT, the IOP reduction in the immunosuppressive therapy group was significantly less compared with the control group (−15.1±21.2% vs. −20.3±22.9%, P=0.045). There was no difference between groups in the number of additional treatments during the study intervals.

Conclusion:

Patients in the systemic immunosuppressive therapy group showed equivalent early IOP-lowering after SLT compared with a control group, but the treatment response was diminished at 1 year. Further studies investigating IOP regulation after SLT in immunosuppressed patients are needed.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccine Failure in Portugal: A Nationwide Multicenter Pediatric Survey
Authors: Marques José Gonçalo , Inácio Cunha Florbela Maria , Bajanca-Lavado Maria Paula ,   on behalf of the Portuguese Study Group on Haemophilus influenzae Invasive Disease in Children
Published: July 2023

Background:

Despite the high effectiveness of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in preventing invasive disease (ID) in children, Hib vaccine failures (VFs) cases may still occur. This study aimed to characterize the Hib-VF cases in Portugal in a 12-year period and trying to identify the possible associated risk factors.

Methods:

Prospective descriptive nationwide surveillance study. Bacteriologic and molecular studies were performed at the same Reference Laboratory. Clinical data were collected by the referring pediatrician.

Results:

Hib was identified in 41 children with ID and 26 (63%) were considered VF. Nineteen (73%) cases occurred in children less than 5 years old; 12 (46%) occurred before the Hib vaccine booster dose at 18 months of age. Comparing the first and the last 6-year periods of the study, the incidence rate of Hib, VF and total H. influenzae (Hi) ID significantly raised (P < 0.05). VF cases corresponded, respectively, to 13.5% (7/52) and 22% (19/88) of total Hi-ID cases (P = 0.232). Two children died due to epiglottitis and 1 acquired sensorineural hearing loss. Only 1 child had an inborn error of immunity. The immunologic workup performed in 9 children revealed no significant abnormalities. All 25 Hib-VF strains analyzed belonged to the same clonal complex 6.

Conclusions:

In Portugal, more than 95% of children are vaccinated against Hib, but severe Hib-ID cases still occur. No predisposing factors were clearly identified to justify the increased number of VF in recent years. Along with continued Hi-ID surveillance, Hib colonization and serologic studies should be implemented.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Children With Nonsevere Tuberculosis in Spain
Authors: Hernanz-Lobo Alicia , Noguera-Julian Antoni , Minguell Laura , López-Suárez Andrea , Soriano-Arandes Antoni , Espiau Maria , Colino Gil Elena , López Medina Eva María , Bustillo-Alonso Matilde , Aguirre-Pascual Elisa , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Calavia Garsaball Olga , Gomez-Pastrana David , Falcón-Neyra Lola , Santiago-García Begoña
Published: July 2023

Background:

To assess the prevalence and characteristics of nonsevere TB among children in Spain. It has been recently demonstrated that these children can be treated with a 4-month regimen instead of the classical 6-month treatment regimen, with the same effectivity and outcomes, decreasing toxicity and improving adherence.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a cohort of children ≤16 years of age with TB. Nonsevere TB cases included smear-negative children with respiratory TB confined to 1 lobe, with no significant airway obstruction, no complex pleural effusion, no cavities and no signs of miliary disease, or with peripheral lymph-node disease. The remaining children were considered to have severe TB. We estimated the prevalence of nonsevere TB and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between children with nonsevere and severe TB.

Results:

A total of 780 patients were included [46.9% males, median age 5.5 years (IQR: 2.6–11.1)], 477 (61.1%) of whom had nonsevere TB. Nonsevere TB was less frequent in children <1 year (33% vs 67%; P < 0.001), and >14 years of age (35% vs 65%; P = 0.002), mostly diagnosed in contact tracing studies (60.4% vs 29.2%; P < 0.001) and more frequently asymptomatic (38.3% vs 17.7%; P < 0.001). TB confirmation in nonsevere disease was less frequent by culture (27.0% vs 57.1%; P < 0.001) and by molecular tests (18.2% vs 48.8%; P < 0.001). Sequelae were less frequent in children with nonsevere disease (1.7 vs 5.4%; P < 0.001). No child with nonsevere disease died.

Conclusions:

Two-thirds of children had nonsevere TB, mostly with benign clinical presentation and negative microbiologic results. In low-burden countries, most children with TB might benefit from short-course regimens.
Pott’s Puffy Tumor in Pediatric Patients: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Klivitsky Amir , Erps Amir , Regev Asaf , Ashkenazi-Hoffnung Liat , Pratt Li-tal , Grisaru-Soen Galia
Published: July 2023

Background:

Pott’s puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare complication of frontal sinusitis. Although it may occur at any age, the incidence is higher during adolescence.

Methods:

We report a series of 10 pediatric patients (9–17 years of age) who presented with PPT in 2 tertiary care pediatric hospitals in central Israel between January 2018 and August 2022 and review the published literature on pediatric PPT.

Results:

The most common clinical presentations included headache (10 cases), frontal swelling (6 cases) and fever (5 cases). Symptom duration before admission was between 1 and 28 days (median 10 days). The diagnosis of PPT was made by imaging studies at a median of 1 day after admission. All 10 patients underwent computed tomography studies, and 6 patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The overall rate of intracranial complications was 70%. All 10 children were treated with systemic antibiotics and surgical interventions. Streptococcus constellatus group was the most common causal bacteria. All 10 patients recovered uneventfully.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that a high index of suspicion for PPT should be applied to adolescents presenting with prolonged headache and frontal swelling. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is an appropriate first tool for the evaluation; however, an magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to determine the necessity of intracranial interventional treatments if there is any suspicion of intracranial involvement. Complete recovery can be expected with appropriate antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention in most of the cases.
Herpes Pseudotumor Mimicking Cervical Cancer With Lymph Node Metastasis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Wuori Dane , Skala Stephanie L. , Chapel David B.
Published: July 2023

Anogenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can rarely manifest as a pseudotumor, which some have termed “hypertrophic herpes.” Almost all cases are in immunocompromised patients, typically with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This presentation often mimics malignancy clinically. We present a case of cervical HSV pseudotumor with associated lymphadenopathy in an immunocompetent woman, mimicking locally advanced cervical cancer. The lesion resolved with acyclovir therapy. We emphasize that (1) clinically suspected malignancy must be confirmed by pathologic examination; (2) infectious mimics must be considered when microscopic examination fails to confirm a clinically suspected anogenital malignancy, particularly in patients with compromised or unknown immune status; (3) morphologic hallmarks of infection may be focal; (4) co-infection with multiple sexually transmitted infections can occur, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and HSV or other infection does not per se exclude concurrent human papillomavirus–associated neoplasia; and (5) anogenital HSV pseudotumor should prompt clinical evaluation for human immunodeficiency virus or other immunosuppression.
Performance Trajectory Related to Age, Classification, and Sex in Elite Kayak Para Canoe Athletes
Authors: Ribeiro Neto Frederico , Fernandes Vara Maria de Fátima , Rodrigues Dorneles Jefferson , Gomes Costa Rodrigo Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to verify the performance trajectory related to age, classification (KL: kayak level; M: male; F: female), and sex of elite kayak Para canoe athletes.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Results

Race results and athletes' data were retrieved from publicly available online databases for 17 competitions and 102 finals between 2015 and 2022. Race time reduced over the years except for KL3-M class. There was a reduction in the relative difference between KL2-M and KL3-M over the years (r = −0.83, 95% confidence interval = −0.34 to −0.97, P ≤ 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were found in race times relative differences between KL2-F and KL3-F over the years. Although the correlation between age and performance was only found to be statistically significant in the KL3-F class, the ages of all classes (35.2, 32.6, 29.5, 34.6, 37.6, and 30.6 yrs for males and females KL1, KL2, and KL3, respectively) were higher than those in Olympic canoeing (27.8 yrs).

Conclusions

Race times have improved overall since 2015, but not for the KL3-M class. Nevertheless, because of the stochastic ages of the finalist athletes, it was not possible to determine the age at which peak performance is achieved in all classes. Kayak Para canoe classes should be monitored in the coming years to determine whether interventions are necessary to improve differentiation.
Gender and Racial Representation of Invited Speakers From The Aesthetic Society Annual Meetings Over a 5-Year Period
Authors: Finkelstein Emily R. , Ha Michael , Anderson Jonathan , Akhavan Arya Andre , Yoon Joshua , Furnas Heather , Slezak Sheri , Rasko Yvonne M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Increased representation from both women and non-White ethnicities remains a topic of discussion in plastic surgery. Speakers at academic conferences are a form of visual representation of diversity within the field. This study determined the current demographic landscape of aesthetic plastic surgery and evaluated whether underrepresented populations receive equal opportunities to be invited speakers at The Aesthetic Society meetings.

Methods

Invited speaker's names, roles, and allotted time for presentation were extracted from the 2017 to 2021 meeting programs. Perceived gender and ethnicity were determined by visual analysis of photographs, whereas parameters of academic productivity and professorship were collected from Doximity, LinkedIn, Scopus, and institutional profiles. Differences in opportunities to present and academic credentials were compared between groups.

Results

Of the 1447 invited speakers between 2017 and 2021, 20% (n = 294) were women and 23% (n = 316) belonged to a non-White ethnicity. Representation from women significantly increased between 2017 and 2021 (14% vs 30%, P < 0.001), whereas the proportion of non-White speakers did not (25% vs 25%, P > 0.050) despite comparable h-indexes (15.3 vs 17.2) and publications (54.9 vs 75.9) to White speakers. Non-White speakers oftentimes had more academic titles, significant in 2019 (P < 0.020).

Conclusions

The proportion of female invited speakers has increased, with room for further improvement. Representation from non-White speakers has not changed. However, significantly more non-White speakers holding assistant professor titles may indicate increased ethnicity diversity in years to come. Future efforts should focus on improving diversity in positions of leadership while promoting functions that target young minority career individuals.
Physical Exercise and Serum BDNF Levels: Accounting for the Val66Met Polymorphism in Older Adults
Authors: Bugge Kambestad Oda , Sirevåg Kristine , Mrdalj Jelena , Hovland Anders , Bruun Endal Trygve , Andersson Eva , Sjøbø Trond , Haukenes Stavestrand Silje
Published: July 2023

Background:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which can be measured in blood serum, has been found to increase with aerobic exercise. The link between BDNF level, physical exercise, and genetic status (Val66Met polymorphism) has not been well researched in older adults.

Objective:

To investigate the possible link between BDNF expression, acute aerobic exercise, and the Val66Met polymorphism in older adults.

Method:

Twenty-three healthy older adults participated in one session of acute aerobic exercise. Their serum BDNF levels were measured both at baseline and post exercise. Saliva samples were collected to identify each individual’s genetic status.

Results:

At baseline, the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level was 16.03 ng/mL (Val66Val = 15.89 ng/mL; Val66Met = 16.34 ng/mL); post exercise, the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level was 16.81 ng/mL (Val66Val = 16.14 ng/mL; Val66Met = 18.34 ng/mL).

Conclusion:

One session of acute aerobic exercise significantly increased the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level. Males had higher BDNF levels than females. There was a significant interaction between gender and BDNF expression post exercise and a significant between-group effect of gender. The Val66Met carriers had a more positive response to the acute aerobic exercise compared with the Val66Val carriers, although without a significant difference between the two groups.
Morphoelastic modelling of pattern development in the petal epidermal cell cuticle
Authors: Lugo Carlos A. , Airoldi Chiara , Chen Chao , Crosby Alfred J. , Glover Beverley J.
Published: July 2023

We use the model system
Hibiscus trionum
as a vehicle to study the origin and propagation of surface nano-ridges in plant petal epidermal cells by tracking the development of the cell shape and the cuticle. In this system, the cuticle develops two distinct sub-layers, (i) an uppermost layer which increases in thickness and in-plane extension and (ii) a substrate, composed of cuticular and cell wall material. We quantify the pattern formation and geometrical changes and then postulate a mechanical model assuming that the cuticle behaves as a growing bi-layer. The model is a quasi-static morphoelastic system and it is numerically investigated in two- and three-dimensional settings, using different laws of film and substrate expansion and boundary conditions. We recreate several features of the observed developmental trajectories in petals. We establish the respective roles of the layers’ stiffness mismatch, the underlying cell-wall curvature, the cell in-plane expansion and the thickness growth rates of the layers in determining the observed pattern features, such as the variance observed in the amplitude and wavelength of the cuticular striations. Our observations provide evidence which justifies the growing bi-layer description, and provide valuable insights into why some systems develop surface patterns and others do not.
Rate-induced tipping to metastable Zombie fires
Authors: O’Sullivan Eoin , Mulchrone Kieran , Wieczorek Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Zombie firesin peatlands disappear from the surface, smoulder underground during the winter, and ‘come back to life’ in the spring. They can release hundreds of megatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere per year and are believed to be caused by surface wildfires. Here, we propose rate-induced tipping (R-tipping) to a subsurface hot metastable state in bioactive peat soils as a main cause of Zombie fires. Our hypothesis is based on a conceptual soil-carbon model subjected to realistic changes in weather and climate patterns, including global warming scenarios and summer heatwaves. Mathematically speaking, R-tipping to the hot metastable state is a genuine nonautonomous instability, due to crossing an elusive quasi-threshold, in a multiple-timescale dynamical system. To explain this instability, we provide a framework combining a special compactification technique with concepts from geometric singular perturbation theory. This framework allows us to reduce an R-tipping problem due to crossing a quasi-threshold to a heteroclinic orbit problem in a singular limit. We identify generic cases of tracking–tipping transitions via: (i) unfolding of a codimension-twoheteroclinic folded-saddle-node type-I singularityfor global warming and (ii) analysis of a codimension-onesaddle-to-saddle hetroclinic orbitfor summer heatwaves, in turn revealing new types of excitability quasi-thresholds.
Divorce rate in monogamous birds increases with male promiscuity and migration distance
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Lin Xi , Song Zitan , Liu Yang
Published: July 2023

Socially monogamous birds may break up their partnership by a so-called ‘divorce’ behaviour. Divorce rates vary immensely across avian taxa that have a predominantly monogamous social mating system. Although various factors associated with divorce have been tested, broad-scale drivers of divorce rate remain contentious. Moreover, the influence of sexual roles in divorce still needs further investigation because of the conflicting interests of males and females over mating and fertilization. Here, we applied phylogenetic comparative methods to analyse one of the largest datasets ever compiled that included divorce rates from published studies of 186 avian species from 25 orders and 61 families. We tested correlations between divorce rate and a group of factors: ‘promiscuity’ of both sexes (propensity to polygamy), migration distance and adult mortality. Our results showed that only male promiscuity, but not female promiscuity, had a positive relationship with divorce rate. Furthermore, migration distance was positively correlated with divorce rate, whereas adult mortality rate showed no direct relationship with divorce rate. These findings indicated that divorce might not be a simple adaptive (by sexual selection) or non-adaptive strategy (by accidental loss of a partner) in birds but it could be a mixed response to sexual conflict and stress from the ambient environment.
Individual life histories: neither slow nor fast, just diverse
Authors: Van de Walle Joanie , Fay Rémi , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Pelletier Fanie , Hamel Sandra , Gamelon Marlène , Barbraud Christophe , Blanchet F. Guillaume , Blumstein Daniel T. , Charmantier Anne , Delord Karine , Larue Benjamin , Martin Julien , Mills James A. , Milot Emmanuel , Mayer Francine M. , Rotella Jay , Saether Bernt-Erik , Teplitsky Céline , van de Pol Martijn , Van Vuren Dirk H. , Visser Marcel E. , Wells Caitlin P. , Yarrall John , Jenouvrier Stéphanie
Published: July 2023

The slow–fast continuum is a commonly used framework to describe variation in life-history strategies across species. Individual life histories have also been assumed to follow a similar pattern, especially in the pace-of-life syndrome literature. However, whether a slow–fast continuum commonly explains life-history variation among individuals within a population remains unclear. Here, we formally tested for the presence of a slow–fast continuum of life histories both within populations and across species using detailed long-term individual-based demographic data for 17 bird and mammal species with markedly different life histories. We estimated adult lifespan, age at first reproduction, annual breeding frequency, and annual fecundity, and identified the main axes of life-history variation using principal component analyses. Across species, we retrieved the slow–fast continuum as the main axis of life-history variation. However, within populations, the patterns of individual life-history variation did not align with a slow–fast continuum in any species. Thus, a continuum ranking individuals from slow to fast living is unlikely to shape individual differences in life histories within populations. Rather, individual life-history variation is likely idiosyncratic across species, potentially because of processes such as stochasticity, density dependence, and individual differences in resource acquisition that affect species differently and generate non-generalizable patterns across species.
Transitions in cognitive evolution
Authors: Barron Andrew B. , Halina Marta , Klein Colin
Published: July 2023

The evolutionary history of animal cognition appears to involve a fewmajor transitions:major changes that opened up new phylogenetic possibilities for cognition. Here, we review and contrast current transitional accounts of cognitive evolution. We discuss how an important feature of an evolutionary transition should be that it changes what is evolvable, so that the possible phenotypic spaces before and after a transition are different. We develop an account of cognitive evolution that focuses on how selection might act on the computational architecture of nervous systems. Selection for operational efficiency or robustness can drive changes in computational architecture that then make new types of cognition evolvable. We propose five major transitions in the evolution of animal nervous systems. Each of these gave rise to a different type of computational architecture that changed the evolvability of a lineage and allowed the evolution of new cognitive capacities. Transitional accounts have value in that they allow a big-picture perspective of macroevolution by focusing on changes that have had major consequences. For cognitive evolution, however, we argue it is most useful to focus on evolutionary changes to the nervous system that changed what is evolvable, rather than to focus on specific cognitive capacities.
Temperature and turbidity interact synergistically to alter anti-predator behaviour in the Trinidadian guppy
Authors: Zanghi Costanza , Munro Milly , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: July 2023

Due to climate change, freshwater habitats are facing increasing temperatures and more extreme weather that disrupts water flow. Together with eutrophication and sedimentation from farming, quarrying and urbanization, freshwaters are becoming more turbid as well as warmer. Predators and prey need to be able to respond to one another adaptively, yet how changes in temperature and turbidity interact to affect predator–prey behaviour remains unexplored. Using a fully factorial design, we tested the combined effects of increased temperature and turbidity on the behaviour of guppy shoals (
Poecilia reticulata
) in the presence of one of their natural cichlid predators, the blue acara (
Andinoacara pulcher
). Our results demonstrate that the prey and predator were in closest proximity in warmer, turbid water, with an interaction between these stressors showing a greater than additive effect. There was also an interaction between the stressors in the inter-individual distances between the prey, where shoal cohesion increased with temperature in clear water, but decreased when temperature increased in turbid water. The closer proximity to predators and reduction in shoaling in turbid, warmer water may increase the risk of predation for the guppy, suggesting that the combined effects of elevated temperature and turbidity may favour predators rather than prey.
Comparative analysis of virulence factors at the genomic level in SARS-CoV and COVID 19
Authors: Chipurupalli Alikya , Rathore Rohit , Kusradze Ia , Karumidze Natia
Published: July 2023

The COVID 19 pandemic has been a catastrophic incidence in the year 2020. This will be remembered in the history of mankind. The rate at which the viral infection has spread is remarkable and needs control. It has been noted to spread even in the asymptomatic phase of the disease and has been tilted towards the older genre. Previously SARS-CoV belonging to the same family had emerged in 2003, but this time a more infectious strain has arisen which led to more than 7.5 million cases and 425 thousand deaths. What must have been the adaptations of the novel coronavirus for the zoonotic spillover? The question of the exact origin remains unanswered. Even after so many advancements in medical science, the vaccine is yet in the trial phase. The main causative factor cannot be limited to the genetic mutations but also to the environmental factors which have led to the development of increased virulence. This paper presents the main differences between the major pathogenic proteins between SARS-CoV and SARS –CoV 2 and formulates a hypothesis of why these two being closely related are still not the same and therefore these small differences need to be taken into account for vaccine development or for targeting drugs. It has been a trend to see a pandemic every 100 years. These small differences might predict future changes and may lead to concrete investigations in terms of the exact mechanisms of most of the proteins with unknown functions.
Lifestyle activities in mid-life contribute to cognitive reserve in middle-aged individuals at risk for late-life Alzheimer’s disease, independent of education and occupation
Authors: Deng Feng , El-Sherbiny Sandra , Dounavi Maria-Eleni , Ritchie Karen , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Malhotra Paresh , Ritchie Craig W , Lawlor Brian , Naci Lorina
Published: July 2023

It is now acknowledged that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology starts decades before the onset of clinical symptoms, but it remains unknown whether modifiable lifestyle factors can protect against these incipient AD processes, early, in mid-life. Cognitive reserve can explain cognitive preservation in some older adults despite ageing or dementia symptoms, but it is not known whether it can protect against neurodegeneration in mid-life. We asked whether modifiable lifestyle activities contribute to cognitive reserve in mid-life, and whether it can offset the risk of AD in individuals who are cognitively healthy. Cognition, structural, and functional brain health measures were assessed at baseline and two years follow-up, in a cohort of middle-aged participants (N = 210; 40–59 years). Mid-life activities were measured using the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire. We assessed the impact of lifestyle activities and known risk factors for sporadic late-onset AD (i.e., the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Aging and Dementia [CAIDE] score) on measures of cognition and brain health. Multivariable linear regression found that mid-life activities made a unique contribution to cognition, independent of education and occupation. Crucially, mid-life activities moderated the relationship between cognitive ability (verbal and visuospatial functions, and conjunctive short-term memory binding) and brain health. Cognitive ability of people with higher mid-life activities, particularly those with high dementia risk scores, was less dependent on their brain functional architecture. Impaired visuospatial function is one of the earliest cognitive deficits in AD and has previously been associated with increased AD risk in this cohort. Additionally, conjunctive memory functions have been found impaired in the pre-symptomatic stages of AD. These findings suggest that modifiable activities contribute uniquely to cognitive reserve in midlife, and may offset the risk of AD. The modifiability of these activities supports their targeting by public health initiatives aimed at dementia prevention.