bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Effects of N-95 Respirator vs Surgical Mask Use on Resting Metabolic and Respiratory Changes
Authors: Rothstein Alexander , Hirsch Jessie , Hillian Alyssa , DiFrancisco-Donoghue Joanne
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare physiological changes when wearing a N95 and surgical mask at rest.

METHODS

42 subjects aged 18-55 (19 males; age 22.98 ± 3.83) were recruited. Respiratory and metabolic data were collected using indirect calorimetry under a hood. VO2, VCO2, and RER were measured. RR, MV, and HR were recorded using Hexoskin Smart Shirt apparatus. Testing consisted of 3 15-minute trials: no mask, surgical mask, and a N95 respirator. RPE was assessed. Results were analyzed using separate repeated measures ANOVAs.

RESULTS

RER, MV, and RPE were significantly higher in both conditions. Highest RPE reported while wearing the N95 mask.

CONCLUSION

The use of a surgical or N95 face mask can cause small metabolic, respiratory, and RPE changes. Minor physiological changes were observed but remained within normally expected physiological parameters at rest.
Epidemiologic survey for work-related idiopathic interstitial pneumonias focusing on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Korea, 2010-2022
Authors: Kang WonYang , Kim Daeho , Kim Mi-Yeon , Kim Eun Young , Choi Sungwon , Cha Wonseok , Choi Byung-Soon
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to share the process of epidemiologic survey and demonstrate the decisive factors for evaluating work-related Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) in Korea.

Methods

Data and reports of epidemiologic surveys were investigated and completed during 2010–2022.

Results

A total of 228 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases requested for an epidemiologic survey, of which 153 (67.1%) were work-related. The level of exposure intensity was more than intermediate and the exposure duration was more than 10 years in the work-related IPF, so the decisive factors for work-related IPF were exposure substances, intensity and duration.

The main factors for work-related acute interstitial pneumonia or cryptogenic organising pneumonia were exposure latency and exposure intensity.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated the process of the epidemiologic survey and important factors for evaluating work-related IIPs.
Implicit and Explicit Race and Weight Biases Among Physician Assistant Preceptors and Trainees
Authors: Sabin Janice , Nagasawa Pamela , Guenther Grace , Kett Paula , Williams-York Bernadette , Naidu Amee , Frogner Bianca K.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As new equity, diversity, and inclusion programs emerge in physician assistant/associate (PA) education, there is a need to assess baseline levels of implicit and explicit biases among PA preceptors’ and trainees. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure implicit and explicit race (Black/White) and weight (fat/thin) biases among PA preceptors and trainees and (2) to identify potential gaps in PA preceptor and trainee education.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of PA preceptors and trainees from one program operating in several US states; implicit and explicit race and antifat biases and receipt of prior education were measured.

Results

Preceptor response rate was 6.4% (N = 78) from an eligible population of 1222, and trainee response rate was 25.7% (n = 43) from an eligible population of 167. Sixty-eight preceptor participants (87.2%) and 23 trainees (53.5%) identified as White. Preceptors held strong (Cohen d = 0.81), and trainees held moderate (Cohen d = 0.43) pro-White implicit bias. Overall, preceptors and trainees held little and no explicit race bias (Cohen d = 0.18 and d = 0.0, respectively). Preceptors and trainees held strong implicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 1.24 and Cohen d = 0.76). Preceptors held moderate explicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 0.65); trainees held strong explicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 0.95). Trainees received significantly more education on working with diverse populations compared with preceptors (100% vs. 57.7%, P < 0.001) and working with patients who are overweight (74.4% vs. 41.0%, P < 0.001).

Discussion

Implicit race and antifat bias exists among our sample of PA preceptors and trainees. A gap in education for preceptors on working with diverse populations and patients who are overweight was identified. Future research should address both.
Bridging the Gap: Implementing an Adjunct Faculty as a Remediation Specialist in a Physician Assistant/Associate Program
Authors: Chalmers Erin E. , Malcom Daniel R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Creating a successful remediation plan for physician assistant/associate students comes with its challenges, particularly because of the limited time available for both faculty and students. In an accelerated 24-month program, the pace of the curriculum leaves little time to fall behind in mastering knowledge and skills. One possible solution is appointing an adjunct faculty member to serve as a dedicated Remediation Specialist (RS) to focus solely on student remediation.

Methods

The RS reviews assessments of failing students and develops a review session based on shared areas of weakness among them. This session is promptly offered postassessment to ensure timely review. While required for failing students, the session is open to all didactic students. In addition, students complete a remediation assignment of their choice.

Results

Implementation of a RS demonstrated positive program outcomes. Students requiring remediation receive re-education in areas of deficiency within the curriculum. Furthermore, the time burden is shifted away from the core faculty. Students are remediated in targeted areas.

Discussion

Dedicated remediation specialists are commonly used in health profession education programs. The utilization of these specialists often results in higher examination pass rates, licensure pass rates, and improved clinical skills. While some programs select a candidate training in education and pedagogy, our program's RS is a trained physician assistant/associate and able to provide discipline-specific support.
Prediction Model of the T Cell-mediated Rejection After Liver Transplantation in Children and Adults: A Case-controlled Study
Authors: Ai Chengbo , Song Jiulin , Yuan Chi , Xu Gang , Yang Jian , Lv Tao , Jin Shuguang , Wu Hong , Xiang Bo , Yang Jiayin
Published: January 2025

Objective:

T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) is a major concern following liver transplantation (LT), and identifying its predictors could help improve post-transplant prognosis. This study aimed to develop a model to predict the risk of TCMR in children and adults after LT.

Method:

Pre-transplant demographic characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and especially early post-transplant laboratory data for 1221 LT recipients (1096 adults and 125 children) were obtained from the Hospital, University, between 1 January 2015, and 1 January 2022. These data were analyzed to develop the prediction model.

Result:

The incidence of TCMR was higher in pediatric LT recipients than in adults (17.6% vs. 6.4%, P < 0.001). In adult recipients, seven predictors were identified: donor sex, recipient age, recipient height, and post-transplant levels of serum direct bilirubin, urea, platelets, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. In pediatric recipients, four predictors were identified: post-transplant levels of serum monocyte percentage, direct bilirubin, albumin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The area under the model’s curve incorporating these variables for predicting TCMR after LT was 0.713 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.655–0.770) in adults and 0.786 (95% CI: 0.675–0.896) in children. Decision curve analyses demonstrated the clinical significance of the model.

Conclusion:

This study developed a prediction model that may be useful in identifying high-TCMR-risk populations in both adult and pediatric LT recipients.
Medication non-adherence in acute coronary syndrome patients in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Mohammad Ameen M. , Sulaiman Asmaa M. , Dizaye Kawa F.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Adherence to long-term secondary preventive therapies is vital for improving outcomes in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aims to quantify the extent of non-adherence to these therapies in Iraq and identify the main factors contributing to this issue, addressing a research gap in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024 in Cardiology Ward of Azadi Teaching Hospital and the Duhok Heart Center, Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, enrolling 400 patients diagnosed with (ACS). The Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) was utilized to categorize patients into high, intermediate, or low adherence groups. The study questionnaire comprised three sections including clinicodemographic data, adherence assessment based on the ACDS, and patient-reported reasons for non-adherence.

Results:

The study revealed that the mean age of the participants was 65.78 ± 11.8 years. Within the sample, 24% reported low adherence, 39% reported medium adherence, and only 37% exhibited high adherence. Significant associations were observed between low adherence and older age (P = 0.026), lower education levels (P = 0.0051), and the presence of endocrine disorders (P = 0.029). Conversely, higher adherence was found among patients taking 3–5 different medication classes (P = 0.0003) and those who underwent coronary interventions (P = 0.014). The primary reason for non-adherence was forgetfulness (89.5%).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that a substantial portion of ACS patients in Iraq show low adherence to secondary preventive therapies. To increase adherence among patients with ACS, strategies should be developed to improve medication adherence and promote healthy behaviors simultaneously, Forgetfulness and lack of follow-up are the primary reasons for non-adherence.
SALL4 as a Useful Marker for the Distinction of Various Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Subtypes
Authors: Trecourt Alexis , Donzel Marie , Gaillot-Durand Lucie , Bolze Pierre A. , Golfier François , Descargues Pierre , Hajri Touria , Mauduit Claire , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Allias Fabienne
Published: January 2025

The distinction between choriocarcinoma and residual trophoblastic cell proliferation from a complete hydatidiform mole/invasive mole (CHM/IM) without villi is challenging on curettage materials. We investigated whether SALL4 immunostaining could help differentiate various gestational trophoblastic diseases. Placental site nodules (PSN; n=10), atypical PSN (APSN; n=8), placental site trophoblastic tumors (PSTT; n=9), epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT; n=5), gestational choriocarcinomas (n=31), partial hydatidiform moles (PHM; n=13), CHM/IM (n=47), and nonmolar products of conception (POC) (n=26) were included. SALL4 immunostaining was quantified (0 [1% to 10%], [11% to 100%]) and characterized (scattered single-cell or clustered nuclear positivity) in 2 locations: cytotrophoblast/intermediate trophoblast and villous stromal fibroblasts. A diffuse (11% to 100%) and clustered pattern of SALL4 immunostaining in cytotrophoblast/intermediate trophoblast was statistically associated with choriocarcinomas (74.2%, 23/31) as compared with PSN (0/10; P<0.0001), APSN (0/8; P=0.0002), PSTT (0/9; P<0.0001), ETT (0/5; P=0.0034), PHM (0/13; P<0.0001), CHM/IM (0/47; P<0.0001), and nonmolar POC (0/26; P<0.0001). Most nonchoriocarcinoma samples showed no SALL4 expression; when present, it was of low level (1% to 10%) and with a scattered single-cell staining in 3/9 PSTT (33%), 1/13 PHM (7.7%), 19/47 CHM/IM (40%), and 1/26 nonmolar POC (1.7%). These results were confirmed using a validation cohort. In addition, 66% (31/47) of CHM/IM villous stromal fibroblasts showed SALL4 expression (11% to 100%) (all before 14 gestational weeks), whereas this level of expression was never observed in PHM (0/13), nor in nonmolar POC (0/26; P<0.0001). Finally, a clustered and >10% SALL4 immunostaining in cytotrophoblast/intermediate trophoblast favors choriocarcinoma diagnosis. SALL4 expression in >10% villous stromal fibroblasts before 14 gestational weeks favors CHM/IM rather than PHM and nonmolar POC.
Determining the optimal antibiotic duration for skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Garau Javier
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Optimal duration of therapy in SSTIs – a heterogeneous group of infections – remains unknown. The advances in knowledge of antibiotic duration of treatment in selected SSTIs that can impact clinical practice and published in the last 18 months are reviewed.

Recent findings

Recent evidence indicates that few patients receive guideline concordant empiric antibiotics and appropriate duration in the United States, although this likely can be extrapolated to other countries. One of the most commonly identified opportunities to improve antibiotic stewardship is duration of therapy more than 10 days. The long-standing debate regarding the significance of abscess size and its impact on clinical response to antibiotics, following proper drainage, is increasingly shifting towards the conclusion that abscess size is not directly associated with cure.

In obese patients with SSTI, there is no benefit to longer antibiotic durations for SSTIs in patients with obesity, and it appears that longer antibiotic duration of therapy was associated with increased treatment failure. In diabetic foot infections (DFO), two randomized studies suggest that in the presence of osteomyelitis, the total duration of antibiotic therapy for patients treated nonsurgically does not need to be more than 6 weeks. In a prospective, randomized, noninferiority, pilot trial, patients with DFO who underwent surgical debridement and received either a 3-week or 6-week course of antibiotic therapy had similar outcomes and antibiotic-related adverse events. In patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections, successive observational studies clearly suggest that short duration of antibiotic treatment after NSTI source control is as well tolerated and effective as a longer course. It appears that 48 h would be enough. The possibility of fixed versus individualized approaches to therapy for common bacterial infections, including SSTIs merits to be considered seriously. Fully individualized therapy may be an ideal approach to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of antimicrobials. Much more work is needed before this strategy becomes feasible.

There is increasing evidence that shorter duration of treatment is better in different types of SSTIs. Paradoxically, evaluation of real-life clinical practice indicates that long treatments continue to be commonly given to this population.
A Prototype “Smart” 3-Dimensionally Printed Model Showcasing Interactivity: Implementing Voice Command for the Ventricular and Cisternal Systems
Authors: Fleming Cullen , Mostaghni Navid , Elsayed Iman , Hsiao Sabrina , Taghvaei Raheleh , Arsenault Lauren , Javan Ramin
Published: January 2025

The next step in the evolution of static 3-dimensionally (3D) printed models may be the creation of “smart” models, where subcomponents can be seamlessly interacted with through a feedback mechanism, with potential applications in trainee education and patient counseling. Considering the complexity of the ventricular and cisternal systems, they were chosen for segmentation, using Materialize InPrint with outward hollowing using 2.5-mm wall thickness. After 3D printing, dedicated holes were drilled for placement of wired light emitting diodes (LEDs) in anatomical landmarks and connected to an Arduino Uno microcontroller. This was coupled to a Bluetooth transceiver for communication via an Android cellular device. C++ was used to match each LED to a particular pin number on the Arduino board. When the user verbalizes a structure, the Bluetooth sends a command to the Arduino, where the code looks for the “trigger word,” subsequently sending a signal to illuminate the corresponding LED. The system requires wireless/cellular data for communication with the voice recognition engine on the Google server. The described method may serve as a prototype for when 3D printers are capable of simultaneously printing conductive material or wiring along with the main material within a model to allow for integration of feedback devices.
Combining Low-energy Images in Dual-energy Spectral CT With Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Algorithm to Improve Inferior Vena Cava Image Quality
Authors: Wei Wei , Jia Yongjun , Li Ming , Yu Nan , Dang Shan , Geng Jian , Han Dong , Yu Yong , Zheng Yunsong , Fan Lihua
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To explore the application of low-energy image in dual-energy spectral CT (DEsCT) combined with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) to improve inferior vena cava imaging.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients with inferior vena cava syndrome underwent contrast-enhanced upper abdominal CT with routine dose, and the 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV images in the delayed phase were first reconstructed with the ASiR-V40% algorithm. Image quality was evaluated both quantitatively [CT value, SD, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for inferior vena cava] and qualitatively to select an optimal energy level with the best image quality. Then, the optimal-energy images were reconstructed again using deep learning image reconstruction medium strength (DLIR-M) and DLIR-H (high strength) algorithms and compared with that of ASiR-V40%.

Results:

The objective CT value, SD, SNR, and CNR increased with the decrease in energy level, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The 40 keV images had the highest CT values, SNR, and CNR and good diagnostic acceptability, and 40 keV was selected as the best energy level. Compared with ASiR-V40% and DLIR-M, DLIR-H had the lowest SD, highest SNR and CNR, and subjective score (all P<0.001) with good consistencies between the 2 physicians (all k ≥0.75). The 40 keV images with DLIR-H had the highest overall image quality, showing sharper edges of inferior vena cava vessels and clearer lumen in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Conclusions:

Compared with the ASiR-V algorithm, DLIR-H significantly reduces image noise and provides the highest CNR and best diagnostic image quality for the 40 keV DEsCT images in imaging inferior vena cava.
Validation of a Deep Learning Tool for Detection of Incidental Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Dai Michelle , Tiu Bryan-Clement , Schlossman Jacob , Ayobi Angela , Castineira Charlotte , Kiewsky Julie , Avare Christophe , Chaibi Yasmina , Chang Peter , Chow Daniel , Soun Jennifer E.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study evaluated the performance of a deep learning-based vertebral compression fracture (VCF) detection tool in patients with incidental VCF. The purpose of this study was to validate this tool across multiple sites and multiple vendors.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, multicenter, multinational blinded study using anonymized chest and abdominal CT scans performed for indications other than VCF in patients ≥50 years old. Images were obtained from 2 teleradiology companies in France and United States and were processed by CINA-VCF v1.0, a deep learning algorithm designed for VCF detection. Ground truth was established by majority consensus across 3 board-certified radiologists. Overall performance of CINA-VCF was evaluated, as well as subset analyses based on imaging acquisition parameters, baseline patient characteristics, and VCF severity. A subgroup was also analyzed and compared with available clinical radiology reports.

Results:

Four hundred seventy-four CT scans were included in this study, comprising 166 (35.0%) positive and 308 (65.0%) negative VCF cases. CINA-VCF demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99), accuracy of 93.7% (95% CI: 91.1%-95.7%), sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 90.7%-97.9%), and specificity of 92.9% (95% CI: 89.4%-96.5%). Subset analysis based on VCF severity resulted in a specificity of 94.2% (95% CI: 90.9%-96.6%) for grade 0 negative cases and a specificity of 64.3% (95% CI: 35.1%-87.2%) for grade 1 negative cases. For grades 2 and 3 positive cases, sensitivity was 89.7% (95% CI: 79.9%-95.8%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 94.4%-100.0%), respectively.

Conclusions:

CINA-VCF successfully detected incidental VCF and even outperformed clinical reports. The performance was consistent among all subgroups analyzed. Limitations of the tool included various confounding pathologies such as Schmorl’s nodes and borderline cases. Despite these limitations, this study validates the applicability and generalizability of the tool in the clinical setting.
Parathyroid Adenoma at the Parapharyngeal Space Detected on 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT
Authors: Li Wai Ip , Chan Tak Kwong , Kung Boom Ting
Published: January 2025

A 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, and initial cervical ultrasonography found no parathyroid lesion, and she was referred to the nuclear medicine unit for dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI) scan. The scintigraphy unveiled heterogeneous uptake patterns across bilateral thyroid lobes, corresponding to the thyroid nodules, alongside a marked focal uptake with delayed tracer washout in the right oral region. The SPECT/CT pinpointed a MIBI-avid nodule within the right parapharyngeal space, indicative of parathyroid ectopia. An ectopic parapharyngeal parathyroid adenoma is exceptionally rare. MIBI scan plays a pivotal role in detection of ectopic parathyroid adenoma at unexpected sites.
National Trends in Non-Accidental Pediatric Craniofacial Fractures Requiring Inpatient Admission
Authors: Gomez Diego A. , Green Emily A. , Palmer Skyler K. , Yu Jason W. , Irwin Timothy J. , Porras Antonio R. , French Brooke M. , Nguyen Phuong D. , Khechoyan David Y.
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Pediatric craniofacial trauma, particularly from non-accidental trauma (NAT), is a significant cause of injury with enduring physical and psychological impacts. This study analyzes demographic patterns, injury characteristics, and trends in NAT-related craniofacial injuries to inform early identification, intervention, and prevention efforts.

Methods:

Analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database was performed for the years 2009 to 2019. Patients aged 0 to 17 with craniofacial injuries and a diagnosis of non-accidental trauma were identified based on current procedural codes; demographic and temporal trends were analyzed.

Results:

Overall, 306,115 patients with craniofacial injuries and 20,540 patients with non-accidental trauma (NAT) were identified. Patients with NAT represented 2.6% of all craniofacial injuries, with a greater proportion of males affected. On average, 39% of all NAT cases involved a craniofacial injury. The most common injury patterns were intracranial (50.1%), superficial head injuries (37.7%), and craniofacial fractures (31.9%. Isolated facial fractures were rare, comprising <1% of all cases. Although the average in-hospital mortality was 6.78%, temporal analysis demonstrated significant reductions in in-hospital mortality and length of hospitalization (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Pediatric craniofacial injuries from NAT remain a significant public health concern. However, the observed decrease in both hospitalization length and in-hospital deaths suggests improvements in early intervention and treatment outcomes. Continued efforts to refine diagnostic strategies, enhance provider awareness, and strengthen prevention initiatives are essential to mitigate the devastating impacts of NAT in the pediatric population.
Trends of Staged Versus Single-Stage Operations for Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair: Analysis of a National Database
Authors: Lee Anna D. , Murphy Molly , Tin Giovanni , Alder Catherine , Chaij Jasmine , Porras Antonio , Yu Jason , French Brooke , Lowe Kristen , Nguyen Phuong D. , Mathes David , Khechoyan David
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Single-stage bilateral cleft lip repair may require preoperative naso-alveolar molding (NAM) to decrease cleft widths and reposition the premaxilla. Staged operations may be performed in centers or regions without easy access to NAM. This retrospective study aims to examine the national prevalence of single-stage and staged bilateral cleft lip repairs over the past 23 years.

Methods:

This retrospective study used TriNetX, a national deidentified aggregate database. The study used CPT codes to identify patients younger than 12 months who underwent single-stage (CPT-40701) or staged (CPT-40702) operation for bilateral cleft lip repair between 1/1/2000 to 9/16/2023. Patients were categorized by the year of their cleft lip repair. Patient demographics were analyzed through TriNetX. Linear regression analysis was conducted using PRISM software.

Results:

Of the 1303 patients who underwent bilateral cleft lip repair, 57 patients were billed for both operations and were excluded from the analysis. In the remaining cohort, 1136 (91%) patients had a single-stage, and 110 (9%) had a staged bilateral cleft lip repair. No significant demographic differences were found between the 2 groups.

The incidence of staged operations increased from 0 patients in 2000 to 14 patients in 2022. The incidence of single-stage operations increased from 6 patients in 2000 to 81 patients in 2022. Staged operations were rare in the first decade, accounting for 2% (n=5) of all bilateral cleft lip repairs between 2000 and 2011. The prevalence of staged operations showed a positive linear correlation (R
2=0.75, P<0.0001) over the 23-year period, rising from 0% (n=0) in 2000 to 17% (n=12) in 2023.

Conclusion:

Most bilateral cleft lip repairs have remained single-stage operations; however, staged approaches have also increased in popularity. This could indicate that NAM is less effective in patients with wide, severe bilateral cleft lip and palate, and surgeons may need to rely on a 2-stage approach for these patients.
Do Patients Who Undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy Differ from Those Who Underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass? A Comparison of Eating Disorders Outcomes
Authors: Alharbi Amal , Alfawaz Waad , Al-Musharaf Sara , Aldhwayan Madhawi M.
Published: January 2025

This review compares the incidence of eating disorders (EDs) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and explores the risk factors associated with developing EDs after SG and RYGB and examines the association of EDs after SG and RYGB with weight loss outcomes. Despite the heterogeneity of included studies that differ in assessment tools, study type, and length of follow-up, EDs are prevalent after bariatric surgery. Postoperative risk factors associated with EDs include weight and shape concerns, loss of control of eating, and a history of psychological illness. EDs interfere negatively with weight loss outcomes after SG and RYGB.
Can spatial self-organization inhibit evolutionary adaptation?
Authors: Bera B. K. , Tzuk O. , Bennett J. J. R. , Dieckmann U. , Meron E.
Published: January 2025

Plants often respond to drier climates by slow evolutionary adaptations from fast-growing to stress-tolerant species. These evolutionary adaptations increase the plants’ resilience to droughts but involve productivity losses that bear on agriculture and food security. Plants also respond by spatial self-organization, through fast vegetation patterning involving differential plant mortality and increased water availability to the surviving plants. The manners in which these two response forms intermingle and affect productivity and resilience have not been studied. Here we ask: can spatial patterning inhibit undesired evolutionary adaptation without compromising ecosystem resilience? To address this question, we integrate adaptive dynamics and vegetation pattern-formation theories and show that vegetation patterning can inhibit evolutionary adaptations to less productive, more stress-tolerant species over a wide precipitation range while increasing their resilience to water stress. This evolutionary homeostasis results from the high spatial plasticity of vegetation patterns, associated with patch thinning and patch dilution, which maintains steady local water availability despite decreasing precipitation. Spatial heterogeneity expedites the onset of vegetation patterning and induces evolutionary homeostasis at an earlier stage of evolutionary adaptation, thereby mitigating the productivity loss that occurs while the vegetation remains spatially uniform. We conclude by discussing our results in a broader context of evolutionary retardation.
Capacity and limitations of microfluidic flow to increase solute transport in three-dimensional cell cultures
Authors: Bonneuil Willy V. , Katiyar Neeraj , Tenje Maria , Bagheri Shervin
Published: January 2025

Culturing living cells in three-dimensional environments increases the biological relevance of laboratory experiments, but requires solutes to overcome a diffusion barrier to reach the centre of cellular constructs. We present a theoretical and numerical investigation that brings a mechanistic understanding of how microfluidic culture conditions, including chamber size, inlet fluid velocity and spatial confinement, affect solute distribution within three-dimensional cellular constructs. Contact with the chamber substrate reduces the maximally achievable construct radius by 15%. In practice, finite diffusion and convection kinetics in the microfluidic chamber further lower that limit. The benefits of external convection are greater if transport rates across diffusion-dominated areas are high. Those are omnipresent and include the diffusive boundary layer growing from the fluid–construct interface and regions near corners where fluid is recirculating. Such regions multiply the required convection to achieve a given solute penetration by up to 100, so chip designs ought to minimize them. Our results define conditions where complete solute transport into an avascular three-dimensional cell construct is achievable and applies to real chambers without needing to simulate their exact geometries.
Objects, drawings, and texts as tools of persuasion: the interactions of three Dutch microscopists with the Royal Society around 1670
Authors: Fransen Sietske
Published: January 2025

Three Dutch microscopists, Regnier de Graaf, Johannes Swammerdam and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek all started corresponding with the Royal Society in London around 1670. Their letters were often accompanied by drawings and objects, thus devising inventive ways of using words, images and objects to inform their correspondents of their newly observed discoveries. An examination of this correspondence clearly reveals the value of images; reports on observations could never dispense with textual descriptions yet gained more authority through the inclusion of images. However, on the hierarchy of persuasive tools, the objects themselves stood highest. Specimens were thus sent across the Channel to satisfy the curiosity of Fellows of the early Royal Society.
Targeting of retrovirus-derived
Rtl8a
/
8b
causes late-onset obesity, reduced social response and increased apathy-like behaviour
Authors: Fujioka Yoshifumi , Shiura Hirosuke , Ishii Masayuki , Ono Ryuichi , Endo Tsutomu , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Hirate Yoshikazu , Ito Hikaru , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Kohda Takashi , Kaneko-Ishino Tomoko , Ishino Fumitoshi
Published: January 2025

Retrotransposon Gag-like (RTL) 8A, 8B and 8C are eutherian-specific genes derived from a certain retrovirus. They cluster as a triplet of genes on the X chromosome, but their function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that
Rtl8a
and
Rtl8b
play important roles in the brain: their double knockout (DKO) mice not only exhibit reduced social responses and increased apathy-like behaviour, but also become obese from young adulthood, similar to patients with late Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurodevelopmental genomic imprinting disorder. Mouse RTL8A/8B proteins are expressed in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus and localize to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons, presumably due to the N-terminal nuclear localization signal-like sequence at the N-terminus. An RNAseq study in the cerebral cortex revealed reduced expression of several GABA type A receptor subunit genes in DKO, in particular
Gabrb2,
which encodes its β2 subunit. We confirmed the reduction of GABRB2 protein in the DKO cerebral cortex by western blotting. As GABRB2 has been implicated in the aetiology of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, it is likely that the reduction of GABRB2 is one of the major causes of the neuropsychiatric defects in the DKO mice.
Reconstruction of feeding behaviour and diet in Devonian ctenacanth chondrichthyans using dental microwear texture and finite element analyses
Authors: Greif Merle , Calandra Ivan , Lautenschlager Stephan , Kaiser Thomas M. , Mezane Mohammed , Klug Christian
Published: January 2025

Devonian ctenacanth chondrichthyans reached body sizes similar to modern great white sharks and therefore might have been apex predators of the Devonian seas. However, very little is known about the diet and feeding behaviours of these large ancestral sharks. To reconstruct their ecological properties, teeth of the large Famennian (Late Devonian) chondrichthyan
Ctenacanthus concinnus
from the Anti-Atlas, Morocco, were analysed. The teeth show strong tooth wear with deep horizontal as well as vertical scratches. Dental microwear texture analysis, a well-established method for the reconstruction of diet and commonly used in terrestrial vertebrates, was applied for the first time, to our knowledge, to Palaeozoic vertebrates in this study. Furthermore, finite element analysis was performed to test the biomechanical properties of the teeth. By combining both analyses, as well as palaeoenvironmental data and tooth morphology, we demonstrate that the results from only one method can be insufficient and misleading.
Ctenacanthus concinnus
most likely was an opportunistic feeder like many modern sharks. Direct evidence and the results of our analyses suggest that
Ctenacanthus
fed on ectocochleate cephalopods, other chondrichthyans and further vertebrates using a combination of head movements including lateral head shaking to cut large prey items.
Analysis of over 1600 chemistry YouTube channels from 2005 to 2023
Authors: Gardner Scott , Bezati Gabriela , Godfrey Tristen , Baird Katie , Bilal Usamah , Loudon Emma , Young Rhona , MacKenzie Lewis E.
Published: January 2025

Chemistry has found broad appeal on the freely available global video-sharing platform YouTube, with some YouTube videos even being cited in the peer-reviewed chemistry literature. By applying both manual and semi-automated search methods, we identified, categorized and analysed publicly available data for 1619 chemistry YouTube channels that were available in 2023. Forty-nine per cent of channels were active in 12 months prior to sampling. The majority of channels were produced by independent content creators with no clear affiliation or background and 71% of channels were for the purposes of learning or exam revision. YouTube video production spiked in 2020, coincident with the COVID-19 global pandemic. We also examined the number of videos produced, channel lifespans, the use of features such as playlists and short-form videos, apparent revenue streams (outside of default advertising), the use of other social media and whether or not channels were exclusively producing chemistry content. This study and the associated dataset provide the first large-scale ‘census’ of how YouTube is being used for chemistry communication and education worldwide. We expect our findings to be of interest and use to policy makers, funding agencies, educators, content creators and the public.
Cosmic-ray arrival time indoor navigation
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki K. M.
Published: January 2025

Indoor positioning system (IPS) technologies have a wide range of applications; however, a major limitation associated with currently used IPS technologies is the weak penetration strength of signals, inhibiting the seamless connection of outdoor coordinates to indoor coordinates. In contrast, the muometric positioning system utilizes naturally abundant cosmic-ray signals to compensate for some of these setbacks. However, the main practical challenges of this method are (i) the low signal rate and (ii) its dependence on large reference detectors (greater than 4 m
2
) above the receiver to track cosmic-ray precipitation. In this work, an alternative concept called cosmic-ray arrival time (CAT) navigation, which utilizes the extended air shower (EAS) time structure for higher-rate positioning (without requiring reference detectors), is first proposed and demonstrated. The resultant two-dimensional positioning accuracy is 3–4 m (at 50 m apart). By integrating CAT receivers into global-positioning-system-equipped (GPS-equipped) smartphones, it is anticipated that the GPS/CAT hybrid method will make it possible to seamlessly connect multi-user coordinates from outdoor to indoor environments.
The promise of community-driven preprints in ecology and evolution
Authors: Noble Daniel W. A. , Xirocostas Zoe A. , Wu Nicholas C. , Martinig April Robin , Almeida Rafaela A. , Bairos-Novak Kevin R. , Balti Heikel , Bertram Michael G. , Bliard Louis , Brand Jack A. , Byrne Ilha , Chan Ying-Chi , Clink Dena Jane , Corbel Quentin , Correia Ricardo A. , Crawford-Ash Jordann , Culina Antica , D'Bastiani Elvira , Deme Gideon G. , de Souza Leite Melina , Dhellemmes Félicie , Dimri Shreya , Drobniak Szymek M. , Elsy Alexander D. , Everingham Susan E. , Gascoigne Samuel J. L. , Grainger Matthew J. , Hossack Gavin C. , Hovstad Knut Anders , Ivimey-Cook Edward R. , Jones Matt Lloyd , Kačergytė Ineta , Küstner Georg , Leibold Dalton C. , Mair Magdalena M. , Martin Jake , Mizuno Ayumi , Moodie Iain R. , Moreau David , O'Dea Rose E. , Orr James A. , Paquet Matthieu , Parajuli Rabindra , Pick Joel L. , Pottier Patrice , Purgar Marija , Recio Pablo , Roche Dominique G. , Royauté Raphaël , Shafiei Sabet Saeed , Segovia Julio M. G. , Silva Inês , Sánchez-Tójar Alfredo , Soares Bruno E. , Szabo Birgit , Takola Elina , Thoré Eli S. J. , Timilsina Bishnu , van Dis Natalie E. , Verberk Wilco C. E. P. , Vriend Stefan J. G. , Wild Kristoffer H. , Williams Coralie , Yang Yefeng , Nakagawa Shinichi , Lagisz Malgorzata
Published: January 2025

Publishing preprints is quickly becoming commonplace in ecology and evolutionary biology. Preprints can facilitate the rapid sharing of scientific knowledge establishing precedence and enabling feedback from the research community before peer review. Yet, significant barriers to preprint use exist, including language barriers, a lack of understanding about the benefits of preprints and a lack of diversity in the types of research outputs accepted (e.g. reports). Community-driven preprint initiatives can allow a research community to come together to break down these barriers to improve equity and coverage of global knowledge. Here, we explore the first preprints uploaded to
EcoEvoRxiv
(
n
= 1216), a community-driven preprint server for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, to characterize preprint use in ecology, evolution and conservation. Our perspective piece highlights some of the unique initiatives that
EcoEvoRxiv
has taken to break down barriers to scientific publishing by exploring the composition of articles, how gender and career stage influence preprint use, whether preprints are associated with greater open science practices (e.g. code and data sharing) and tracking preprint publication outcomes. Our analysis identifies areas that we still need to improve upon but highlights how community-driven initiatives, such as
EcoEvoRxiv
, can play a crucial role in shaping publishing practices in biology.
Spatio-temporal patterns of tigers in response to prey species and anthropogenic activities
Authors: Sharma Hari Prasad , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Regmi Sandeep , Shaner Pei-Jen Lee , Bhandari Shivish , Nepali Amrit , Aryal Bishnu , Tamang Krishna , KC Sabin , Karki Ajay , Ram Ashok Kumar , Belant Jerrold L. , Katuwal Hem Bahadur
Published: January 2025

Understanding factors influencing the spatio-temporal patterns of apex predators is prerequisite for their conservation. We studied space use and diel activity of tigers (
Panthera tigris
) in response to prey availability and anthropogenic activities with trail cameras in Nepal during December 2022–March 2023. We used hierarchical occupancy models to evaluate how prey availability (space use of prey species) and anthropogenic activities (number of humans and livestock) contributed to the tigers’ space use, while accounting for landscape effects on their detection probability. We calculated the diel activity overlap between tigers and each prey species, as well as with humans and livestock. Overall, tigers had relatively high space use (0.540 ± 0.092) and detection probability (0.742 ± 0.073), and were most influenced by space use of wild pig (
Sus scrofa
), gaur (
Bos gaurus
) and number of livestock detections. Tigers exhibited extensive temporal overlap with their prey, but not with humans or livestock. Our study demonstrates that humans and tigers can co-occur in a landscape by altering diel activity and potentially moving cryptically in certain landscapes, provided adequate prey is available. Management actions that ensure adequate prey availability can benefit tiger conservation.
Geographic differences in the phenology of gonadal development and moult, but not of egg laying, are genetically based in a small songbird
Authors: Visser Marcel E. , van Oers Kees , Charmantier Anne , Drobniak Szymon M. , Jones Carys V. , Mathyssen Erik , Rowe Melissah , Tomotani Barbara M.
Published: January 2025

To forecast how fast populations can adapt to climate change, it is essential to determine the evolutionary potential of different life-cycle stages under selection. In birds, timing of gonadal development and moult are primarily regulated by photoperiod, while laying date is highly phenotypically plastic to temperature. We tested whether geographic variation in phenology of these life-cycle events between populations of great tits (
Parus major
) has a genetic basis, indicating that contemporary genetic adaptation is possible. We carried out a common garden experiment in which we bred first- and second-generation pairs in captivity originating from eggs from Gotland (Sweden) and Hoge Veluwe (The Netherlands), two populations that showed different temperature sensitivity of laying date in a recent meta-analysis. We recorded the phenology of egg-laying, moult and gonadal size in early spring. We found no significant differences in laying date between the populations, but they did differ in moult timing and testis size. This implies that under climate change the timing of gonadal development and moult, which are mainly regulated by photoperiod, will not respond to increased temperature but can respond by genetic adaptation in response to selection, while the opposite holds for laying date, perhaps indicating that plasticity is constraining genetic adaptation.
A Game of Life with dormancy
Authors: Nevermann Daniel Henrik , Gros Claudius , Lennon Jay T.
Published: January 2025

The factors contributing to the persistence and stability of life are fundamental for understanding complex living systems. Organisms are commonly challenged by harsh and fluctuating environments that are suboptimal for growth and reproduction, which can lead to extinction. Many species contend with unfavourable and noisy conditions by entering a reversible state of reduced metabolic activity, a phenomenon known as dormancy. Here, we develop Spore Life, a model to investigate the effects of dormancy on population dynamics. It is based on Conway’s Game of Life (GoL), a deterministic cellular automaton where simple rules govern the metabolic state of an individual based on the metabolic state of its neighbours. For individuals that would otherwise die, Spore Life provides a refuge in the form of an inactive state. These dormant individuals (spores) can resuscitate when local conditions improve. The model includes a parameter

α
∈

[
0,1
]

that controls the survival probability of spores, interpolating between GoL (

α
=

0

) and Spore Life (

α
=

1

), while capturing stochastic dynamics in the intermediate regime (

0
<

α
<

1

). In addition to identifying the emergence of unique periodic configurations, we find that spore survival increases the average number of active individuals and buffers populations from extinction. Contrary to expectations, stabilization of the population is not the result of a large and long-lived seed bank. Instead, the demographic patterns in Spore Life only require a small number of resuscitation events. Our approach yields novel insight into what is minimally required for the origins of complex behaviours associated with dormancy and the seed banks that they generate.
Active control over exploration improves memory in toddlers
Authors: Li Yi-Lin , Poli Francesco , Ruggeri Azzurra
Published: January 2025

Across two experiments, we implemented a novel gaze-contingent eye-tracking paradigm to investigate the early emergence of memory benefits from active control over exploration and to examine how exploratory behaviours affect memory formation in early development. Toddlers (experiment 1:
n
= 36, 18–36 months; experiment 2:
n
= 41, 23–36 months) were either allowed to actively control their exploration (active condition) or presented with the same information that they could only passively observe (passive condition in experiment 1; yoked condition in experiment 2). They were then tested in a preferential-looking paradigm in which familiar versus novel stimuli were presented in pairs. Evidence from eye-movement patterns indicates that toddlers demonstrate improved recognition memory when given active control over learning. Toddlers’ pace of learning (i.e. visitation rate) explains the recognition improvement in their active exploration. Their memory improvement is also related to individual differences in the systematicity of exploratory behaviour (i.e. sequence entropy). These findings suggest that toddlers exhibit more sophisticated exploratory strategies than previously believed, revealing the early emergence and development of their ability to adapt these strategies to enhance memory and therefore support learning.
Sexual conflict underlying external female genital mutilation in spiders: assessing whether females benefit from multiple matings
Authors: Nakata Kensuke , Shigemiya Yusuke
Published: January 2025

External female genital mutilation (EFGM) is a type of traumatic mating in which males damage female genitalia, resulting in the loss of female re-mating ability. This study examined whether sexual conflict underlies EFGM by examining the possible female reproductive costs from the decreased number of matings in spider,
Cyclosa argenteoalba
. The female typically receives sperm from a male twice during a mating bout. We manipulated both the number of matings and the number of male partners of females and compared their reproductive outputs. The results indicated that females receiving sperm three times—equivalent to one and a half matings from two males—laid more egg sacs with more eggs per egg sac than control females that received sperm twice from one male. The control females laid more egg sacs and fewer eggs per egg sac than females that received sperm once. There was no significant difference in reproductive output between the control females and females that received sperm twice from the two males. These results indicate that females benefit from multiple matings but not from mating with multiple males, supporting the sexual conflict hypothesis. Our study has implications for our understanding of the evolution of harmful mating.