bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the EH CRISPR‐Cas9 system on a metagenome and its application to genome engineering
Authors: Esquerra‐Ruvira Belen , Baquedano Ignacio , Ruiz Raul , Fernandez Almudena , Montoliu Lluis , Mojica Francisco J. M.
Published: April 2023

Non‐coding RNAs (crRNAs) produced from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci and CRISPR‐associated (Cas) proteins of the prokaryotic CRISPR‐Cas systems form complexes that interfere with the spread of transmissible genetic elements through Cas‐catalysed cleavage of foreign genetic material matching the guide crRNA sequences. The easily programmable targeting of nucleic acids enabled by these ribonucleoproteins has facilitated the implementation of CRISPR‐based molecular biology tools for in vivo and in vitro modification of DNA and RNA targets. Despite the diversity of DNA‐targeting Cas nucleases so far identified, native and engineered derivatives of the Streptococcus pyogenes SpCas9 are the most widely used for genome engineering, at least in part due to their catalytic robustness and the requirement of an exceptionally short motif (5′‐NGG‐3′ PAM) flanking the target sequence. However, the large size of the SpCas9 variants impairs the delivery of the tool to eukaryotic cells and smaller alternatives are desirable. Here, we identify in a metagenome a new CRISPR‐Cas9 system associated with a smaller Cas9 protein (EHCas9) that targets DNA sequences flanked by 5′‐NGG‐3′ PAMs. We develop a simplified EHCas9 tool that specifically cleaves DNA targets and is functional for genome editing applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells.
Discovery of a bifunctional xylanolytic enzyme with arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase‐d3 and endo‐xylanase activities and its application in the hydrolysis of cereal arabinoxylans
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Zhang Yu , Liu Liang , Yang Jinshui , Yuan Hongli
Published: April 2023

Xylanolytic enzymes, with both endo‐xylanase and arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase (AXH) activities, are attractive for the economically feasible conversion of recalcitrant arabinoxylan. However, their characterization and utilization of these enzymes in biotechnological applications have been limited. Here, we characterize a novel bifunctional enzyme, rAbf43A, cloned from a bacterial consortium that exhibits AXH and endo‐xylanase activities. Hydrolytic pattern analyses revealed that the AXH activity belongs to AXHd3 because it attacked only the C(O)‐3‐linked arabinofuranosyl residues of double‐substituted xylopyranosyl units of arabinoxylan and arabinoxylan‐derived oligosaccharides, which are usually resistant to hydrolysis. The enzyme rAbf43A also liberated a series of xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOSs) from beechwood xylan, xylohexaose and xylopentaose, indicating that rAbf43A exhibited endo‐xylanase activity. Homology modelling based on AlphaFold2 and site‐directed mutagenesis identified three non‐catalytic residues (H161, A270 and L505) located in the substrate‐binding pocket essential for its dual‐functionality, while the mutation of A117 located in the −1 subsite to the proline residue only affected its endo‐xylanase activity. Additionally, rAbf43A showed significant synergistic action with the bifunctional xylanase/feruloyl esterase rXyn10A/Fae1A from the same bacterial consortium on insoluble wheat arabinoxylan and de‐starched wheat bran degradation. When rXyn10A/Fae1A was added to the rAbf43A pre‐hydrolyzed reactions, the amount of released reducing sugars, xylose and ferulic acid increased by 9.43% and 25.16%, 189.37% and 93.54%, 31.39% and 32.30%, respectively, in comparison with the sum of hydrolysis products released by each enzyme alone. The unique characteristics of rAbf43A position it as a promising candidate not only for designing high‐performance enzyme cocktails but also for investigating the structure–function relationship of GH43 multifunctional enzymes.
Sexual dimorphism in the peripheral metabolic homeostasis and behavior in the TgF344‐AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Srivastava Hemant , Lasher Alexander Tate , Nagarajan Akash , Sun Liou Y.
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prevalent form of dementia, is characterized by the decline of cognitive abilities with age. Available treatment options for AD are limited, making it a significant public health concern. Recent research suggests that metabolic dysfunction plays a role in the development of AD. In addition, insulin therapy has been shown to improve memory in patients with cognitive decline. In this study, we report the first examination of body composition, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance in relation to behavioral assessments of learning, memory, and anxiety in the TgF344‐AD rat model of AD. Results from glucose and insulin tolerance tests show that female TgF344‐AD rats exhibit impaired glucose clearance and reduced insulin sensitivity at both 9 and 12 months of age, while males display no differences at 9 months and even improved glucose clearance at 12 months. Results from the Morris Water Maze assessment of learning and memory reveal that male TgF344‐AD rats display impairments at both 9 and 12 months of age, while female TgF344‐AD rats only show impairments at 12 months. Furthermore, results from open field and elevated plus maze tests suggest that female TgF344‐AD rats display increased anxiety at 9 months of age; however, no differences were detected in males or at 12 months of age. Overall, our findings suggest that impairments in metabolism, commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, occur before or simultaneously with cognitive decline and anxiety in a sexually dimorphic manner in the TgF344‐AD rat model.
Debonding of LDSVs utilising Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with fractional technique: an in vitro study
Authors: Al‐Karadaghi SS , Jawad Hussein A.
Published: April 2023

Background

The removal of porcelain laminate veneers with rotary instruments could be accompanied by microfractures because differentiation of the veneer from the dental structure and resin cement is not a highly selective procedure. This can lead to scratches and overheating of the enamel and patient discomfort. Therefore, this in vitro research aimed to examine the effectiveness of the 2790 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser utilizing a fractional technique to debond lithium disilicate veneer.

Methods

Six groups of 30 extracted permanent bovine mandibular incisors were selected. Twenty‐five samples, G1–5, (n = 5) laser‐irradiated groups, and the last five samples (C) were considered the control group. The tested groups were irradiated with 3–5 W output power of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for time intervals of 50 s. During irradiation, the temperature in the pulp chamber was monitored using a thermocouple connected to a digital multilogger thermometer inside the sample's pulp chamber. Subsequently, the shear bond strength was measured for all groups. Furthermore, the remaining adhesive index was measured using a stereomicroscope, the area was analysed, and then transformed into scores. Finally, one untreated sample and two samples of the highest power value from laser‐treated groups were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for their surface morphology.

Results

All debonding protocols were safe regarding intrapulpal temperature increment. The highest temperature elevation was recorded at 5 W, which increased by 1.7 °C. Considering the shear bond strength measurement, there was a significant reduction after laser irradiation for G1–5 compared with group C.

Conclusions

Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a fractional technique can be used successfully for veneer removal. Besides safe temperature rising, veneers can be reused because there was neither a fractured specimen during the whole study nor major irregularities or cracks shown in SEM pictures analysis for the veneer surfaces; thus, they can be removed quickly, safely, and comfortably using Er,Cr:YSGG. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Antithrombotic drug use does not affect the fecal immunochemical test PPV for colorectal cancer, but warfarin may have an impact in a Japanese cohort
Authors: Sakamoto Tatsuya , Nishida Tsutomu , Nakamatsu Dai , Watanabe Asuka , Kitanaka Takao , Minoura Yutaro , Hosokawa Kana , Okabe Satoru , Sakamoto Naohiro , Fujii Yoshifumi , Osugi Naoto , Sugimoto Aya , Matsumoto Kengo , Hayashi Shiro , Nakajima Sachiko , Yamamoto Masashi
Published: April 2023

Background

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Patients on antithrombotic drugs (ATs) are often screened for CRC, but the effect of ATs on FIT results is controversial.

Methods

We divided individuals with FIT‐positive results into two groups, patients treated with and without ATs, and retrospectively compared invasive CRC rates, advanced neoplasia detection rates (ANDRs), adenoma detection rates (ADRs), and polyp detection rates (PDRs) between the two groups. We evaluated the factors influencing the FIT positive predictive value (PPV) using propensity matching, adjusting for age, sex, and bowel preparation.

Results

We enrolled 2327 individuals (54.9% male; mean age, 66.7  ±  12.7 years). We grouped 463 individuals into the AT user group and 1864 into the nonuser group. Patients in the AT user group were significantly older and more likely to be male. After propensity score matching for age, sex, and Boston bowel preparation scale, the ADR and PDR in the AT user group were significantly lower than those in the nonuser group. Univariate logistic analysis revealed that multiple AT use (odds ratio [OR]: .39, p < 0.001) had the lowest OR for FIT PPV, followed by age‐ and sex‐adjusted factors for the ADR and any AT use (OR: .67, p = 0.0007). No significant factors related to AT use were observed among age‐adjusted predictive factors for invasive CRC, but warfarin use was a borderline significant positive predictive factor (OR: 2.23, p = 0.059).

Conclusion

AT use may not affect the PPV for detecting invasive CRC in patients with positive FIT results, but warfarin may have an impact.
The first steps for adapting an artificial intelligence emotion expression recognition software for emotional management in the educational context
Authors: Fernández Herrero Jorge , Gómez Donoso Francisco , Roig Vila Rosabel
Published: April 2023

To test the suitability of an automatic system for emotional management in the classroom following the control‐value theory of achievement emotions (CVT) framework, the performance of an emotional expression recognition software of our creation is evaluated in an online synchronous context. Sixty students from the Faculty of Education at the University of Alicante participated in 16 educational activities recording close‐ups of their faces and completing the AEQ emotional self‐report, as well as detailed reports from the subsequent review of their videos. In addition, they completed the VCQ‐36 test to measure their volitional competencies and relate their influence on their emotional response. The results indicate a high coherence between the emotional expressions detected by the automatic system and the detailed emotional self‐reports, but insufficient precision to meet the CVT requirements. On the other hand, both the AEQ test results and the emotion expression recognition software suggest students' preference for participative activities as opposed to passive ones. Meanwhile, statistical analysis results indicate that volitional competencies seem to influence the emotional response of students in the educational context, although the AI system does not show sufficient sensitivity in this field. Implications and limitations of this study for future work are discussed.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Student motivation and involvement in the learning process are highly related to appropriate emotional regulation, which can be associated with particular educational activities, strategies and methodologies.

Deep learning technology based on convolutional neural networks feeds automatic systems focused on facial expression recognition from image analysis.

What this paper adds

There is high coherence between the emotional expressions detected by the AI system and the students' emotional self‐reports, but the AI system provides just emotional valences, insufficient to meet the CVT framework.

Both emotional self‐reports and the emotion recognition software suggest students' preference for active educational activities as opposed to passive ones.

Volitional competencies seem to influence the emotional response of students in the educational context.

Implications for practice and/or policy

It is possible to use automatic systems to effectively monitor the emotional response of students in the learning process.

Only if sensitivity improved, a real‐time, easy‐to‐interpret emotional expression recognition software interface could be implemented to assist teachers with the emotional management of their classes within the CVT framework, maximizing their motivation and engagement.
A meta‐analysis of human disturbance effects on glucocorticoid hormones in free‐ranging wild vertebrates
Authors: Pérez‐Ortega Betzi , Hendry Andrew P.
Published: April 2023

Free‐ranging wild vertebrates need to cope with natural and anthropogenic stressors that cause short and/or long‐term behavioural and physiological responses. In areas of high human disturbance, the use of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones as biomarkers to measure stress responses is an increasingly common tool for understanding how animals cope with human disturbance. We conducted a meta‐analysis to investigate how human disturbances such as habitat conversion, habitat degradation, and ecotourism influence baseline GC hormones of free‐ranging wild vertebrates, and we further test the role of protected areas in reducing the impact of such disturbances on these hormones. A total of 58 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing 152 data points for comparing levels of GC hormones under disturbed and undisturbed conditions. The overall effect size suggests that human disturbance does not cause a consistent increase in levels of GC hormones (Hedges' g = 0.307, 95% CI = −0.062 to 0.677). However, when the data were analysed by disturbance type, living in unprotected areas or in areas with habitat conversion were found to increase GC hormone levels compared to living in protected or undisturbed areas. By contrast, we found no evidence that ecotourism or habitat degradation generates a consistent increase in baseline GC hormone levels. Among taxonomic groups, mammals appeared more sensitive to human disturbance than birds. We advocate the use of GC hormones for inferring major human‐caused contributors to the stress levels of free‐ranging wild vertebrates – although such information needs to be combined with other measures of stress and interpreted in the context of an organism's life history, behaviour, and history of interactions with human disturbance.
TAF1D promotes proliferation by transcriptionally activating G2/M phase‐related genes in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhan Shijia , Guan Xiaoxing , Zhang Yanli , Lu Jie , Yu Yongbo , Jin Yaqiong , Yang Yeran , Chu Ping , Hong Enyu , Yang Hui , Ren Huimin , Geng Di , Wang Yadi , Zhou Pingping , Guo Yongli , Chang Yan
Published: April 2023

High‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NB) is an aggressive childhood cancer that responds poorly to currently available therapies and is associated with only about a 50% 5‐year survival rate. MYCN amplification is a critical driver of these aggressive tumors, but so far there have not been any approved treatments to effectively treat HR‐NB by targeting MYCN or its downstream effectors. Thus, the identification of novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies to treat children diagnosed with HR‐NB represents an urgent unmet medical need. Here, we conducted a targeted siRNA screening and identified TATA box‐binding protein‐associated factor RNA polymerase I subunit D, TAF1D, as a critical regulator of the cell cycle and proliferation in HR‐NB cells. Analysis of three independent primary NB cohorts determined that high TAF1D expression correlated with MYCN‐amplified, high‐risk disease and poor clinical outcomes. TAF1D knockdown more robustly inhibited cell proliferation in MYCN‐amplified NB cells compared with MYCN‐non‐amplified NB cells, as well as suppressed colony formation and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model of MYCN‐amplified NB. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that TAF1D knockdown downregulates the expression of genes associated with the G2/M transition, including the master cell‐cycle regulator, cell‐cycle‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), resulting in cell‐cycle arrest at G2/M. Our findings demonstrate that TAF1D is a key oncogenic regulator of MYCN‐amplified HR‐NB and suggest that therapeutic targeting of TAF1D may be a viable strategy to treat HR‐NB patients by blocking cell‐cycle progression and the proliferation of tumor cells.
Epidemiology of skin cancer based on Japan's National Cancer Registry 2016–2017
Authors: Ogata Dai , Namikawa Kenjiro , Nakano Eiji , Fujimori Maiko , Uchitomi Yosuke , Higashi Takahiro , Yamazaki Naoya , Kawai Akira
Published: April 2023

Skin cancer is most frequently diagnosed in the White population. However, its subtypes and epidemiology in Japan are understudied. We aimed to elucidate skin cancer incidence in Japan based on the National Cancer Registry, a new nationwide integrated population‐based registry. Data from patients diagnosed with skin cancer in 2016 and 2017 were extracted and classified by cancer subtypes. Data were analyzed using the World Health Organization and General Rules tumor classifications. Tumor incidence was calculated as the number of new cases divided by the corresponding total person‐years. Overall, 67,867 patients with skin cancer were included. The percentage of each subtype was as follows: basal cell carcinoma, 37.2%; squamous cell carcinoma, 43.9% (18.3% of which, in situ); malignant melanoma, 7.2% (22.1% of which, in situ); extramammary Paget's disease, 3.1% (24.9% of which, in situ); adnexal carcinoma, 2.9%; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 0.9%; Merkel cell carcinoma, 0.6%; angiosarcoma, 0.5%; and hematologic malignancies, 3.8%. The overall age‐adjusted incidence of skin cancer was 27.89 for the Japanese population model and 9.28 for the World Health Organization (WHO) model. The incidences of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the highest (3.63 and 3.40 per 100,000 persons, respectively, in the WHO model) among skin cancers, whereas the incidences of angiosarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma were the lowest (0.026 and 0.038 per 100,000 persons, respectively, in the WHO model). This is the first report to provide comprehensive information on the epidemiological status of skin cancers in Japan using population‐based NCR data.
A unified view of homology
Authors: Ballego‐Campos Igor , Bonifácio Stéphani K. V. , Assis Leandro C. S.
Published: April 2023

As it spread through time and into distinct areas of science—from comparative anatomy to evolutionary biology, cladistics, developmental and molecular biology—the homology concept has changed considerably, presenting various meanings. Despite many attempts at developing a comprehensive understanding of the concept, this context‐sensitive notion of homology has been a subject of an ongoing debate. Inspired by that and following Kevin de Queiroz and Richard Mayden's view on species concept and delimitation, we presented in this article an attempt to systematize and advance the understanding of the homology problem. Our main goals were: (i) to present a comprehensive checklist of ‘concepts of homology’; (ii) to identify which are really concepts with ontological definitions (theoretically rooted in structural correspondence and common ancestry), and which are, in fact, not concepts, but epistemological (empirical and methodological) criteria of homology delimitation; (iii) to provide a synonymy of the concepts and criteria of homology delimitation; (iv) to present a hierarchy of homology concepts within Hennig's hologenetic system; and (v) to endorse the adoption of a unified view of homology by treating homology as a correspondence of spatio‐temporal properties (genetic, epigenetic, developmental and positional) at the level of the individual, species or monophyletic group. We found 59 ‘concepts of homology’ in the literature, from which 34 were categorically treated as concepts, 17 as criteria of homology delimitation, Four were excluded from our treatment, and Müller’s five concepts were rather treated as approaches to homology. Homology concepts and criteria were synonymized based on structural correspondence, replicability, common ancestry, genetic and epigenetic developmental causes, position and optimization. Regarding the synonymy, we conclusively recognized 21 different concepts of homology, and five empirical and four methodological criteria. Hierarchical ontological aspects of homology were systematized under Hennig's hologenetic system, based on the existence of ontogenetic, tokogenetic and phylogenetic levels of homology. The delimitation of tokogenetic and phylogenetic homologies depends on optimization criteria. The unified view of homology is discussed in the context of the ancestral angiosperm flower.
Machine Impostors Can Avoid Human Detection and Interrupt the Formation of Stable Conventions by Imitating Past Interactions: A Minimal Turing Test
Authors: Müller Thomas F. , Brinkmann Levin , Winters James , Pescetelli Niccolò
Published: April 2023

Interactions between humans and bots are increasingly common online, prompting some legislators to pass laws that require bots to disclose their identity. The Turing test is a classic thought experiment testing humans’ ability to distinguish a bot impostor from a real human from exchanging text messages. In the current study, we propose a minimal Turing test that avoids natural language, thus allowing us to study the foundations of human communication. In particular, we investigate the relative roles of conventions and reciprocal interaction in determining successful communication. Participants in our task could communicate only by moving an abstract shape in a 2D space. We asked participants to categorize their online social interaction as being with a human partner or a bot impostor. The main hypotheses were that access to the interaction history of a pair would make a bot impostor more deceptive and interrupt the formation of novel conventions between the human participants. Copying their previous interactions prevents humans from successfully communicating through repeating what already worked before. By comparing bots that imitate behavior from the same or a different dyad, we find that impostors are harder to detect when they copy the participants’ own partners, leading to less conventional interactions. We also show that reciprocity is beneficial for communicative success when the bot impostor prevents conventionality. We conclude that machine impostors can avoid detection and interrupt the formation of stable conventions by imitating past interactions, and that both reciprocity and conventionality are adaptive strategies under the right circumstances. Our results provide new insights into the emergence of communication and suggest that online bots mining personal information, for example, on social media, might become indistinguishable from humans more easily.
Chinese expert consensus on interventional diagnosis and management of acquired digestive‐respiratory tract fistulas (second edition)
Authors: Wang Hongwu , Li Wen , Wang Zikai , Chen Liangan , Lai Guoxiang , Jin Faguang , Ke Mingyao , Sun Jiayuan , Zhang Jie , Xie Baosong , Zhang Nan , Li Wangping , Zhou Hongmei , Wang Xiaoping , Lin Dianjie , Zhou Yunzhi , Zhang Huaping , Li Dongmei , Wang Changhui , Song Xiaolian , Wang Juan , Wu Shiman , Yang Junyong , Zhang Lei , Tao Meimei , Zeng Yiming , Zou Heng , Li Hui , Song Fujie , Sha Zhengbu , Tan Qiang , Cong Minghua , Shi Hanping , Wang Zhina , Han Xinwei , Luo Lingfei , Ma Hongming , Wu Gang , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Xiaochuan , Wu Weiping , Zhang Lishan , Ye Yongan , Zhu Guangying
Published: April 2023

Acquired digestive‐respiratory tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the respiratory tract and digestive tract caused by a variety of benign or malignant diseases, leading to the alimentary canal contents in the respiratory tract. Although various departments have been actively exploring advanced fistula closure techniques, including surgical methods and multimodal therapy, some of which have gotten good clinical effects, there are few large‐scale evidence‐based medical data to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines update the etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of acquired digestive‐respiratory tract fistulas. It has been proved that the implantation of the respiratory and digestive stent is the most important and best treatment for acquired digestive‐respiratory tract fistulas. The guidelines conduct an in‐depth review of the current evidence and introduce in detail the selection of stents, implantation methods, postoperative management and efficacy evaluation.
Practicing mindfulness in addressing the biodiversity crisis
Authors: Gerber Leah R. , Reeves‐Blurton Zachary , Gueci Nika , Iacona Gwenllian D. , Beaudette J. A. , Pipe Teri
Published: April 2023

In an era of climate change, biodiversity loss, and a global pandemic, many scientists have experienced grief, anxiety, and despair as they face ongoing ecological challenges. The practice of conservation science has also become contentious in light of increasingly polarized viewpoints and conflicts among stakeholders. These ecological and social challenges may hinder conservation scientists' ability to identify critical science needs that can inform and improve conservation policies, actions, and outcomes. Mindfulness practices provide a centering framework that supports scientists in addressing these challenges while also fostering meaningful collaborations with other conservation scientists and practitioners. In this paper, we synthesize theories from mindfulness and attitudinal foundations that offer practical steps toward the kind of resilient mindset needed to address challenges flexibly and from a solutions‐driven perspective. By cultivating equanimity, gratitude and hope, mindfulness practices bring understanding and empathy to collaborative activities, improving our collective ability to generate meaningful science that addresses pressing environmental challenges.
Severe wildfires promoted by climate change negatively impact forest amphibian metacommunities
Authors: Beranek Chad T. , Hamer Andrew J. , Mahony Stephen V. , Stauber Andrew , Ryan Shelby A. , Gould John , Wallace Samantha , Stock Sarah , Kelly Oliver , Parkin Thomas , Weigner Rudolf , Daly Garry , Callen Alex , Rowley Jodi J. L. , Klop‐Toker Kaya , Mahony Michael
Published: April 2023

Aim

Changes to the extent and severity of wildfires driven by anthropogenic climate change are predicted to have compounding negative consequences for ecological communities. While there is evidence that severe weather events like drought impact amphibian communities, the effects of wildfire on such communities are not well understood. The impact of wildfire on amphibian communities and species is likely to vary, owing to the diversity of their life‐history traits. However, no previous research has identified commonalities among the amphibians at most risk from wildfire, limiting conservation initiatives in the aftermath of severe wildfire. We aimed to investigate the impacts of the unprecedented 2019–2020 black summer bushfires on Australian forest amphibian communities.

Location

Eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We conducted visual encounter surveys and passive acoustic monitoring across 411 sites within two regions, one in northeast and one in southeast New South Wales. We used fire severity and extent mapping in two multispecies occupancy models to assess the impacts of fire on 35 forest amphibian species.

Results

We demonstrate a negative influence of severe fire extent on metacommunity occupancy and species richness in the south with weaker effects in the north—reflective of the less severe fires that occurred in this region. Both threatened and common species were impacted by severe wildfire extent. Occupancy of burrowing species and rain forest specialists had mostly negative relationships with severe wildfire extent, while arboreal amphibians had neutral relationships.

Main Conclusion

Metacommunity monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies are needed to account for common species after severe climatic events. Ecological, morphological and life‐history variation drives the susceptibility of amphibians to wildfires. We document the first evidence of climate change‐driven wildfires impacting temperate forest amphibian communities across a broad geographic area, which raises serious concern for the persistence of amphibians under an increasingly fire‐prone climate.
Effects of human disturbance on risk‐taking behavior in painted turtles
Authors: Turcotte Audrey , Garant Dany , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel
Published: April 2023

Animals are exposed to high levels of anthropogenic disturbance, which has profound consequences for population persistence. Individuals can adjust their behavior plastically when faced with perturbations in their environment and may show consistent differences in the way they perceive and respond to risky situations. Over time, this variability among individuals in response to risk can affect the dynamics of populations exposed to human disturbance. Thus, understanding how animals cope behaviorally with human disturbance is important, especially for species vulnerable to human perturbations, such as turtles. In this context, we evaluated whether risk‐taking behaviors are consistent within individual painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) and assessed how these behaviors are related to the extent of human disturbance along the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada. Specifically, we conducted repeated measurements of the number of active defensive behaviors used during handling and the time taken to escape a floating platform for 730 painted turtles (1117 observations) from 22 sites varying in human disturbance along the canal. We also quantified the emergence of the turtles from the water after escaping the platform. First, individual painted turtles showed consistent differences in all risk‐taking behaviors. Second, painted turtles in areas with high boat activity displayed more active defensive behaviors, while turtles from sites in proximity to more houses with access to the canal used fewer. Our study highlights the importance of studying animal behavior to better understand the impact of human activities on animal populations.
A role of cryptochrome for magnetic field‐dependent improvement of sleep quality, lifespan, and motor function in Drosophila
Authors: Kawasaki Haruhisa , Okano Hideyuki , Ishiwatari Hiromi , Kishi Tetsuo , Ishida Norio
Published: April 2023

Understanding the molecular genetic basis of animal magnet reception has been one of the big challenges in molecular biology. Recently it was discovered that the magnetic sense of Drosophila melanogaster is mediated by the ultraviolet (UV)‐A/blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome (Cry). Here, using the fruit fly as a magnet‐receptive model organism, we show that the magnetic field exposure (0.4–0.6 mT) extended lifespan under starvation, but not in cryptochrome mutant flies (cryb). The magnetic field exposure increases motor function in wild type and neurodegenerative disease model flies. Furthermore, the magnetic field exposure improved sleep quality at night‐time specific manner, but not in cryb. We also showed that repeated AC magnetic field exposure increased climbing activity in wild‐type Drosophila, but not in cryb. The data suggests that magnetic field‐dependent improvement of lifespan, sleep quality, and motor function is mediated through a cry‐dependent pathway in Drosophila.
A global assessment of the ‘island rule’ in bats based on functionally distinct measures of body size
Authors: Molinari Jesús
Published: April 2023

Aim

The ‘island rule’ postulates that on islands large continental animals become smaller, and small continental animals become larger. Its generality has been supported by some studies but contested by others. Bats are cosmopolitan and speciose mammals thus are ideal to test ecogeographic patterns. Based on three functionally distinct measures of body size, I compare mainland and island variation in bats at the order to subspecies level.

Location

Globally.

Taxon

Chiroptera.

Methods

I compiled information from literature on the skull length, forearm length, and body mass of 251 bat species in 840 locations. For conspecific bats from different locations, I calculated size divergences, and categorized them as within‐mainland (M–M), mainland‐to‐island (M–I), or island‐to‐island (I–I). I used a modified size ratio to quantify divergences, analysis of variance, non‐parametric tests, and effect sizes to complement statistical significances.

Results

On islands, cranial size increases, wing length becomes more uniform, and body mass decreases more often than not. The first trend would support the island rule, but had a small effect size. Families differ considerably in how they vary geographically. Species are ranked very differently based on functionally distinct size measures. Divergences are uniform across M–M, M–I, and I–I ranges, and large between bats of different subspecies.

Main Conclusions

Likely owing to limitations imposed by flight and echolocation, bats do not follow the island rule. The absence of correlation between how bats are ranked based on them indicates that functionally distinct size measures are not necessarily coadaptive. High vagilities may lead to low local differentiation, but interfamilial variation shows this differentiation to also depend on other factors. Body sizes converge to species‐specific optima, not to supraspecific optima as predicted by theoretical studies. Size differences are reflected in taxonomy more often if observed across M–I ranges.
Mediation of 6‐year mid‐childhood follow‐up outcomes after pre‐school social communication (PACT) therapy for autistic children: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Carruthers Sophie , Pickles Andrew , Charman Tony , McConachie Helen , Le Couteur Ann , Slonims Vicky , Howlin Patricia , Collum Rachel , Salomone Erica , Tobin Hannah , Gammer Isobel , Maxwell Jessica , Aldred Catherine , Parr Jeremy , Leadbitter Kathy , Green Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Background

There are very few mechanistic studies of the long‐term impact of psychosocial interventions in childhood. The parent‐mediated Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) RCT showed sustained effects on autistic child outcomes from pre‐school to mid‐childhood. We investigated the mechanism by which the PACT intervention achieved these effects.

Methods

Of 152 children randomised to receive PACT or treatment as usual between 2 and 5 years of age, 121 (79.6%) were followed 5–6 years after the endpoint at a mean age of 10.5 years. Assessors, blind to the intervention group, measured Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale Calibrated Severity Score (ADOS CSS) for child autistic behaviours and Teacher Vineland (TVABS) for adaptive behaviour in school. Hypothesised mediators were child communication initiations with caregivers in a standard play observation (Dyadic Communication Measure for Autism, DCMA). Hypothesised moderators of mediation were baseline child non‐verbal age equivalent scores (AE), communication and symbolic development (CSBS) and ‘insistence on sameness’ (IS). Structural equation modelling was used in a repeated measures mediation design.

Results

Good model fits were obtained. The treatment effect on child dyadic initiation with the caregiver was sustained through the follow‐up period. Increased child initiation at treatment midpoint mediated the majority (73%) of the treatment effect on follow‐up ADOS CSS. A combination of partial mediation from midpoint child initiations and the direct effect of treatment also contributed to a near‐significant total effect on follow‐up TVABS. No moderation of this mediation was found for AE, CSBS or IS.

Conclusions

Early sustained increase in an autistic child's communication initiation with their caregiver is largely responsible for the long‐term effects from PACT therapy on autistic and adaptive behaviour outcomes. This supports the theoretical logic model of PACT therapy but also illuminates fundamental causal processes of social and adaptive development in autism over time: early social engagement in autism can be improved and this can have long‐term generalised outcome effects.
Practitioner Review: Differential susceptibility theory: might it help in understanding and treating mental health problems in youth?
Authors: Assary Elham , Krebs Georgina , Eley Thalia C.
Published: April 2023

Diathesis‐stress models conceptualise individual differences in propensity for psychopathology as an interaction between environmental risk factors and intra‐individual vulnerabilities. In contrast, the differential susceptibility theory and related frameworks view intra‐individual differences as variations in sensitivity to the environments rather than merely vulnerability to them. Specifically, they suggest that more sensitive individuals are more affected by the quality of their context, whether positive or negative, than others who are less sensitive. Empirical research over the last two decades has found support for this notion in that greater sensitivity is associated with a greater risk of psychopathology in adverse contexts, but also with lower risk in positive environments. However, despite growing academic and public interest in this field, it is currently unclear to what extent the differential susceptibility model is relevant, or applicable, to clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to focus on the differential susceptibility theory as an alternative explanation of individual differences in mental health and examine its relevance in the treatment of mental health problems in young people. We provide an overview of differential susceptibility and related theories, and current relevant research in the field. We identify potential implications of differential susceptibility models for understanding and treating mental health problems in young people, whilst also highlighting important gaps in research that limit their application at present. Finally, we suggest directions for future research that will assist in the translation of differential susceptibility theories into clinical practice.
The (negative) effects of inequality on Social Capital
Authors: Xu Yilong , Marandola Ginevra
Published: April 2023

Inequality is perhaps one of the most challenging issues of our time. Empirical literature, using observational data, indicates that higher inequality is associated with lower social capital. Oftentimes, however, the causal effects of inequality are difficult to establish based on survey and empirical observations. To this end, we review a large body of experimental literature and assess the causal effects of inequality on experimental proxies for social capital. We find compelling evidence that inequality undermines trust, discourages cooperation, and encourages unethical behaviors. The overall effect on generosity is, however, less clear.
Saksenaea vasiformis infection: Extensive abdominal wall necrotizing fasciitis with systematic review and analysis of 65 cases
Authors: Singh Shreya , Kanaujia Rimjhim , Kumar Mani Bhushan , Naga Santhosh Irrinki R. N. , Satish S. N. , Choudhary Hansraj , Kaur Harsimran , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Saksenaea vasiformis is a rarely reported Mucorales causing mucormycosis in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Due to few reported cases, the clinical characteristics and optimal management strategy for this rare agent are not clearly described.

Methods

We systematically reviewed Medline, EmBase and CINHAL for studies on S. vasiformis infections reported until 1 January 2022 and 57 studies (63 patients) were retrieved. Additionally, one more case of extensive abdominal wall necrotizing fasciitis managed by our team was also included. The clinical and demographic characteristics and outcomes were extracted and analysed.

Results

Out of the 65 included cases, the majority were reported from India (26.6%). The most common risk factors for infection were accidental trauma wounds (31.3%), health‐care‐related wounds (14.1%) and animal/insect bites (12.5%). Most common clinical presentation was subcutaneous mucormycosis (60.9%) followed by rhino‐orbito cerebral mucormycosis (14%), necrotizing fasciitis (10%), disseminated infection (9.3%), pulmonary mucormycosis (3.2%) and osteomyelitis (1.6%). Mortality was observed in 24 (37.5%) patients and health care related injuries were significantly associated with higher mortality (p = .001). The use of posaconazole (p = .019) and the use of surgical management (p = .032) was associated with significantly better survival.

Discussion

In this study, we describe the largest compendium of mucormycosis due to S. vasiformis, which can be useful in increasing awareness regarding this rare Mucorales and guiding patient management.
Conflict + Anxiety = Turmoil! Introducing a Measure of Conflict Response Derailers
Authors: Coleman Peter T. , Chan Anthea
Published: April 2023

Experiences of social conflict often trigger anxiety, which is associated with more reactive, extreme, and problematic responses to conflict. However, individuals respond to conflict anxiety in different ways. This article presents the findings from a series of scale development studies that sought to create and test a measure for assessing common behavioral response tendencies in interpersonal conflict. The Conflict Anxiety Response Scale (CARS) is based on a theoretical framework proposed by Morton Deutsch—a pioneering conflict research scholar and clinical practitioner—that outlines a set of tendencies identified as common manifestations of anxiety management in conflict. The present line of research aims to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess respondents on these inclinations and explore their consequences. Ultimately, we seek to offer a practical assessment tool of conflict anxiety responses to enhance self‐awareness, professional development, and well‐being.
Epigenetic control is involved in molecular dialogue in plant–microbe symbiosis
Authors: Zimmermann Sabine D. , Gaillard Isabelle
Published: April 2023

This article is a Commentary on Vigneaud et al. (2023), 238: 2561–2577.
Skewed morph ratios lead to lower genetic diversity of the heterostylousPrimula verisin fragmented grasslands
Authors: Kaldra M. , Träger S. , Reinula I. , Keller B. , Conti E. , Aavik T.
Published: April 2023

Populations of heterostylous plant species are ideally composed of equal frequencies of two (distylous) or three (tristylous) morphologically different floral morphs. Intra‐morph incompatibility helps to avoid inbreeding and to maintain genetic diversity, supporting plant fitness and long‐term viability. Habitat fragmentation can lead to skewed morph ratios and thereby reduce the abundance of compatible mates. This, in turn, can result in a loss of genetic diversity. We tested whether the genetic diversity of heterostylous plants is affected by morph ratio bias using populations of the distylous grassland plantPrimula verisin recently fragmented grasslands.

We recorded morph frequencies and population sizes in 30 study populations ofP. verison two Estonian islands characterised by different degrees of habitat fragmentation. Examining variation of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and heterostyly‐specific genetic markers, we quantified overall and morph‐specific genetic diversity and differentiation in these populations.

Morph frequencies deviated more in smaller populations. Skewed morph ratios had a negative effect on the genetic diversity ofP. verisin more fragmented grasslands. In the populations of better‐connected grassland systems, genetic differentiation among S‐morphs was higher than among L‐morphs.

Our study shows that deviations from morph balance are stronger in small populations and have a negative impact on the genetic diversity of the distylous plantP. veris. Together with the direct negative effects of habitat loss and decreased population size on the genetic diversity of plants, morph ratio bias may intensify the process of genetic erosion, thus exacerbating the local extinction of heterostylous species.
Lassa fever vaccine candidates: A scoping review of vaccine clinical trials
Authors: Sulis Giorgia , Peebles Alexandra , Basta Nicole E.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Lassa fever (LF) is caused by a viral pathogen with pandemic potential. LF vaccines have the potential to prevent significant disease in individuals at risk of infection, but no such vaccine has been licensed or authorised for use thus far. We conducted a scoping review to identify and compare registered phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trials of LF vaccine candidates, and appraise the current trajectory of LF vaccine development.

Method

We systematically searched 24 trial registries, PubMed, relevant conference abstracts and additional grey literature sources up to 27 October 2022. After extracting key details about each vaccine candidate and each eligible trial, we qualitatively synthesised the evidence.

Results

We found that four LF vaccine candidates (INO‐4500, MV‐LASV, rVSV∆G‐LASV‐GPC, and EBS‐LASV) have entered the clinical stage of assessment. Five phase 1 trials (all focused on healthy adults) and one phase 2 trial (involving a broader age group from 18 months to 70 years) evaluating one of these vaccines have been registered to date. Here, we describe the characteristics of each vaccine candidate and trial and compare them to WHO's target product profile for Lassa vaccines.

Conclusion

Though LF vaccine development is still in early stages, current progress towards a safe and effective vaccine is encouraging.
An R‐R‐type MYB transcription factor promotes non‐climacteric pepper fruit carotenoid pigment biosynthesis
Authors: Song Jiali , Sun Binmei , Chen Changming , Ning Zuoyang , Zhang Shuanglin , Cai Yutong , Zheng Xiongjie , Cao Bihao , Chen Guoju , Jin Dan , Li Bosheng , Bian Jianxin , Lei Jianjun , He Hang , Zhu Zhangsheng
Published: April 2023

Carotenoids are major accessory pigments in the chloroplast, and they also act as phytohormones and volatile compound precursors to influence plant development and confer characteristic colours, affecting both the aesthetic and nutritional value of fruits. Carotenoid pigmentation in ripening fruits is highly dependent on developmental trajectories. Transcription factors incorporate developmental and phytohormone signalling to regulate the biosynthesis process. By contrast to the well‐established pathways regulating ripening‐related carotenoid biosynthesis in climacteric fruit, carotenoid regulation in non‐climacteric fruit is poorly understood. Capsanthin is the primary carotenoid of non‐climacteric pepper (Capsicum) fruit; its biosynthesis is tightly associated with fruit ripening, and it confers red pigmentation to the ripening fruit. In the present study, using a coexpression analysis, we identified an R‐R‐type MYB transcription factor, DIVARICATA1, and demonstrated its role in capsanthin biosynthesis. DIVARICATA1 encodes a nucleus‐localised protein that functions primarily as a transcriptional activator. Functional analyses showed that DIVARICATA1 positively regulates carotenoid biosynthetic gene (CBG) transcript levels and capsanthin levels by directly binding to and activating CBG promoter transcription. Furthermore, an association analysis revealed a significant positive association between DIVARICATA1 transcription level and capsanthin content. ABA promotes capsanthin biosynthesis in a DIVARICATA1‐dependent manner. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of DIVARICATA1 in Solanaceae plants showed that its function likely differs among species. Moreover, the pepper DIVARICATA1 gene could be regulated by the ripening regulator MADS‐RIN. The present study illustrates the transcriptional regulation of capsanthin biosynthesis and offers a target for breeding peppers with high red colour intensity.