bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of foot-toe orthoses on three-dimensional pelvic kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus during gait
Authors: Kim Yongwook
Published: March 2022

Background:

Most previous studies focused on the possible relationship between hallux valgus deformity and biomechanical characteristics in the foot and lower leg. Very few investigated the association of pelvic kinematics and hallux valgus during gait according to various foot-toe orthoses for hallux valgus.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of soft or hard foot-toe orthoses on pelvic kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus deformity during gait.

Study design:

This study has a repeated measures design.

Methods:

Three-dimensional range of motion in the pelvic segment was collected from 22 individuals (18 women and 4 men) aged 21 to 52 years (mean 31.7 years, SD 8.7) with hallux valgus. All participants exhibited a hallux valgus angle of more than 20 degree in both feet. A motion analysis system with eight infrared cameras was used to obtain pelvic kinematic data in the hard plastic orthosis, soft silicone orthosis, and without foot-toe orthosis conditions during gait. The two types of hallux valgus orthoses used in this experiment were commercially available products. The participants performed 8–10 walking trials. The walkway length was 6 m. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of each orthosis condition on the pelvic kinematic values.

Results:

The hard plastic orthosis condition was associated with decreased pelvic motion compared with the soft-type orthosis and no orthosis conditions for depression (F(2,42)= 7.329,P= 0.004), external rotation (F(2,42)= 4.367,P= 0.027), and overall transverse motion (F(2,42)= 4.897,P= 0.019) of the pelvic segment during gait. There were no significant differences in other pelvic motion variables between the without foot-toe orthosis and soft silicone orthosis conditions (P> 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that the hard-type foot-toe orthosis for hallux valgus reduced pelvic motion and contributed to preventing excessive pelvic movement during gait.
Clinical Features of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis in African American Patients in the United States
Authors: Palomino Luis , Gaffo Angelo , Sun Dongmei , Sattui Sebastian E.
Published: March 2022

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features at presentation of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) between African American (AA) and White patients.

Methods

This is a chart review of cases between January 2003 and December 2018. African American patients with AAV were identified and matched in a 1:2 ratio with White comparators based on the year of diagnosis (±4 years). Data on demographics, clinical, and laboratory features and outcomes at presentation were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the characteristics between groups.

Results

Thirty-two of 56 AA patients with AAV had complete data and were included for analysis. When compared with 64 matched White patients with AAV, AA patients were younger (47.5 vs 61.0 years, p = 0.001). Compared with White patients, AA patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (35 vs 55 years, p = 0.0006) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) (55.5 vs 65.0 years, p = 0.05) were younger. African American patients with GPA were more frequently female (p = 0.008), whereas AA patients with MPA were more frequently male (p = 0.03). No differences in disease manifestations, disease activity, and outcomes were observed between AA and White patients with AAV.

Conclusions

In this single-center study, AA patients with AAV were diagnosed at a younger age than Whites; this was found in both the GPA and MPA disease phenotypes. No other significant differences were observed. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings and better describe differences of AAV in racial/ethnic minorities.
A mixed methods end-user assessment to determine the ideal supraglottic airway device for inclusion into the medic's aid bag
Authors: Schauer Steven G. , Tapia Ashley D. , Hudson Ian L. , Jeschke Erika A. , Mendez Jessica , Escandon Mireya A. , Uhaa Nguvan , April Michael D. , De Lorenzo Robert A.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Many advancements in supraglottic airway technology have occurred since the start of the Global War on Terrorism. While the Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines previously recommend the i-gel device, this is based on little data and minimal end-user input.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to use a mixed methods approach to investigate the properties of an ideal device for inclusion into the medic's aid bag.

METHODS

We performed prospective, serial qualitative studies to uncover and articulate themes relative to airway device usability with 68W-combat medics. 68W are trained roughly to the level of a civilian advanced emergency medical technician with a heavier focus on trauma care. Physicians with airway expertise demonstrated the use of each device and provided formal training on all the presented devices. We then administered performed focus groups to solicit end-user feedback along with survey data.

RESULTS

We enrolled 250 medics during the study. The preponderance of medics were of the rank E4 (28%) and E5 (44%). Only 35% reported ever placing a supraglottic airway in a real human. When reporting on usability, the i-gel had the highest median score, ease of manipulation, grip comfort and ease of insertion while also scoring the best in regard to requiring minimal training. The other compared devices had no clear highest score. Qualitative data saturated around a strong preference for the BaskaMask and/or the i-gel airway device, with the least favorite being the AirQ and the LMA Fastrach airway devises. There was a strong qualitative alignment in how both the BaskaMask and i-gel provided ease of use and simplicity of training.

CONCLUSION

There were strong qualitative preferences for two specific airway devices: Baska Mask and i-gel. However, many medics commented on their previous experience with the i-gel compared with the other devices, which may have biased them toward the i-gel. The overall data suggest that medics would prefer a device engineered with features from several devices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management; Level V.
Not all is lost: Functional recovery in older adults following emergency general surgery
Authors: Guttman Matthew P. , Tillmann Bourke W. , Nathens Avery B. , Bronskill Susan E. , Saskin Refik , Huang Anjie , Haas Barbara
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Although functional decline and death are common long-term outcomes among older adults following emergency general surgery (EGS), we hypothesized that patients' postdischarge function may wax and wane over time. Periods of fluctuation in function may represent opportunities to intervene to prevent further decline. Our objective was to describe the functional trajectories of older adults following EGS admission.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of all independent, community-dwelling older adults (age ≥65 years) in Ontario with an EGS admission (2006–2016). A multistate model was used to examine patients' functional trajectories over the 5 years following discharge. Patients were followed as they transitioned back and forth between functional independence, use of chronic home care (in-home assistance for personal care, homemaking, or medical care for at least 90 days), nursing home admission, and death.

RESULTS

We identified 78,820 older adults with an EGS admission (mean age, 77 years; 53% female). In the 5 years following admission, 32% (n = 24,928) required new chronic home care, 21% (n = 5,249) of whom had two or more episodes of chronic home care separated by periods of independence. The average time spent in chronic home care was 11 months, and 50% (n = 12,679) of chronic home care episodes ended with a return to independence. For patients requiring chronic home care at any time, the probability of returning to independent living during the subsequent 5 years ranged from 36% to 43% annually.

CONCLUSION

Not all is lost for older adults who experience functional decline following EGS admission. Half of those who require chronic home care will recover to independence, and one-third will have a durable recovery, remaining independent after 5 years. Fluctuations in function in the years following EGS may represent a unique opportunity for interventions to promote rehabilitation and recovery among older adults.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.
Clinical, Functional, and Mental Health Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients 3 Months After a Diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Duivenvoorden Raphaël , Vart Priya , Noordzij Marlies , Soares dos Santos Augusto C. , Zulkarnaev Alex B. , Franssen Casper F. M. , Kuypers Dirk , Demir Erol , Rahimzadeh Hormat , Kerschbaum Julia , Jager Kitty J. , Turkmen Kultigin , Hemmelder Marc H. , Schouten Marcel , Rodríguez-Ferrero María Luisa , Crespo Marta , Gansevoort Ron T. , Hilbrands Luuk B. ,   ERACODA Collaborators
Published: March 2022

Background.

Kidney transplant patients are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related mortality. However, limited data are available on longer-term clinical, functional, and mental health outcomes in patients who survive COVID-19.

Methods.

We analyzed data from adult kidney transplant patients in the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database who presented with COVID-19 between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021.

Results.

We included 912 patients with a mean age of 56.7 (±13.7) y. 26.4% were not hospitalized, 57.5% were hospitalized without need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 16.1% were hospitalized and admitted to the ICU. At 3 mo follow-up survival was 82.3% overall, and 98.8%, 84.2%, and 49.0%, respectively, in each group. At 3 mo follow-up biopsy-proven acute rejection, need for renal replacement therapy, and graft failure occurred in the overall group in 0.8%, 2.6%, and 1.8% respectively, and in 2.1%, 10.6%, and 10.6% of ICU-admitted patients, respectively. Of the surviving patients, 83.3% and 94.4% reached their pre–COVID-19 physician-reported functional and mental health status, respectively, within 3 mo. Of patients who had not yet reached their prior functional and mental health status, their treating physicians expected that 79.6% and 80.0%, respectively, still would do so within the coming year. ICU admission was independently associated with a low likelihood to reach prior functional and mental health status.

Conclusions.

In kidney transplant recipients alive at 3-mo follow-up, clinical, physician-reported functional, and mental health recovery was good for both nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients. Recovery was, however, less favorable for patients who had been admitted to the ICU.
A survey of physician experience and treatment satisfaction prescribing once-weekly semaglutide injections for patients with type 2 diabetes in Canada
Authors: Qureshy Kamran , Ross Kirk Andreas , Lyng Wolden Michael , Abbas Mohseni Zonoozi Amir , Liu Aiden
Published: March 2022

We assessed physicians’ experiences of prescribing once-weekly (OW) semaglutide to patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Canada. Physicians who had prescribed OW semaglutide to ≥2 patients with T2D in the past 12 months and had been doing so for ≥3 months were surveyed during 1–17 October 2018. Prescribing reasons, treatment satisfaction and reasons for discontinuation were assessed. Of the 50 participants, 72% and 54% were prescribed OW semaglutide due to its superior glycemic control and effect on weight, respectively. Most physicians were more satisfied with injection frequency (62%), effect on weight (60%), achieving HbA1c target (54%) and therapy simplicity (50%) with OW semaglutide versus other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Treatment discontinuations in 13% of OW semaglutide-treated patients were reported by physicians, primarily due to gastrointestinal symptoms (70%). The survey suggests that physicians are satisfied with the OW semaglutide clinical effects.

Video Abstract: http://links.lww.com/CAEN/A34
Characterization and diversity of native
Azotobacter
spp. isolated from semi-arid agroecosystems of Eastern Kenya
Authors: Wakarera Priscillah Wanjira , Ojola Patroba , Njeru Ezekiel Mugendi
Published: March 2022

Declining food production in African agroecosystems is attributable to changes in weather patterns, soil infertility and limited farming inputs. The exploitation of plant growth-promoting soil microbes could remedy these problems. Such microbes include
Azotobacter
; free-living, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which confer stress tolerance, avail phytohormones and aid in soil bioremediation. Here, we aimed to isolate, characterize and determine the biodiversity of native
Azotobacter
isolates from soils in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Isolation was conducted on nitrogen-free Ashby's agar and the morphological, biochemical and molecular attributes evaluated. The isolates were sequenced using DNA amplicons of 27F and 1492R primers of the 16S rRNA gene loci. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) analysis of their sequences revealed the presence of three main
Azotobacter
species viz.,
Azotobacter vinelandii, Azotobacter salinestris
and
Azotobacter tropicalis
. Kitui County recorded the highest number of recovered
Azotobacter
isolates (45.4%) and lowest diversity index (0.8761). Tharaka Nithi County showed the lowest occurrence (26.36%) with a diversity index of (1.057). The diversity was influenced by the soil pH, texture and total organic content. This study reports for the first time a wide diversity of
Azotobacter
species from a semi-arid agroecosystem in Kenya with potential for utilization as low-cost, free-living nitrogen-fixing bioinoculant.
Isaak Markovich Khalatnikov. 17 October 1919—9 January 2021
Authors: Byalko Alexei V.
Published: March 2022

Isaak Khalatnikov made major contributions to two different branches of theoretical physics: quantum liquids, particularly liquid helium, and general relativity and cosmology. He made outstanding contributions to our theoretical understanding of superfluidity in liquid
4
He and in
3
He–
4
He mixtures. He developed the formulation of the two-fluid hydrodynamic equations, including the proper description of very complex dissipative and nonlinear effects. He also developed the idea, originally due to Landau, that the normal fluid can be described in terms of a gas of weakly-interacting excitations. His work on general relativity and cosmology began with the paper written with E. M. Lifshitz (ForMemRS 1982) in 1963. They extended Lifshitz's pioneering paper of 1946, showing how small departures from homogeneity and isotropy in the early Universe would have grown as the Universe expanded. They also tackled the problem of whether or not the equations of general relativity predict that space-time contains singularities, either in the past or in the future. They initially concluded that more general solutions would not contain singularities, but later work with Belinskiĭ not only showed that general solutions could contain singularities, but also indicated how the Universe would behave near a singularity. Later, Khalatnikov showed that nearly all cosmological solutions with a massive scalar field have a period of exponential or inflationary expansion. He became the founding director of the Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1964. He brought together a powerful group of theoreticians, creating a scientific centre that has played a major role in the development of theoretical physics.
Limits to the evolution of dispersal kernels under rapid fragmentation
Authors: Greenbaum Gili , Dener Efrat , Giladi Itamar
Published: March 2022

Adaptive evolution of dispersal strategies is one mechanism by which species can respond to rapid environmental changes. However, under rapid anthropogenic fragmentation, the evolution of dispersal may be limited, and species may be unable to adequately adapt to fragmented landscapes. Here, we develop a spatially explicit model to investigate the evolution of dispersal kernels under various combinations of fragmentation dynamics and initial conditions. We also study the consequences of modelling an evolutionary process in which dispersal phenotypes continuously and gradually shift in phenotype space in a manner corresponding to a polygenic underlying genetic architecture. With rapid fragmentation rates, we observed the emergence of long-term transient states in which dispersal strategies are not well suited to fragmented landscapes. We also show that the extent and length of these transient states depend on the pre-fragmentation dispersal strategy of the species, as well as on the rate of the fragmentation process leading to the fragmented landscape. In an increasingly fragmented world, understanding the ability of populations to adapt, and the effects that rapid fragmentation has on the evolution of dispersal, is critical for an informed assessment of species viability in the Anthropocene.
Influence of different fluid environments on tactile perception and finger friction
Authors: Zhou Xue , Masen Marc A. , Li Yi Yuan , Yap Kian Kun , Murali Manoj , Jin Zhong Min
Published: March 2022

Human beings often explore and perceive the characteristics of objects by touching with their fingers. During this process, the contact pressure and shear stress acting on the skin also modulate the tactile sensation. The external environment is an important factor that influences tactile perception as well as the finger friction characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fluid environments, such as air, deionized water (DW) and thickened water (TW), on perceived roughness and relevant friction behaviour during finger movement. Two studies were performed to analyse the effect of fluid environment as well as the influence of lubricant viscosity on finger tactile friction behaviour. Participants conducted perception and sliding friction tests with their index finger in air and submerged in DW and TW, respectively. Perception tests were performed using a pairwise comparison, scoring the perceived roughness difference between a reference sample and the test sample. The statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the roughness perception between air and DW, while the sensitivity of perception reduced with increasing lubricant viscosity. An approximate calculation of the film thickness was combined with classical lubrication theory to investigate the relationship between perception and friction. In TW, the thick film formed between the finger and the polytetrafluoroethylene plate changed the contact of the asperities with the skin, thus changing the subjective judgement and friction.
Statistical analysis reveals the onset of synchrony in sparse swarms of
Photinus knulli
fireflies
Authors: Sarfati Raphaël , Gaudette Laura , Cicero Joseph M. , Peleg Orit
Published: March 2022

Flash synchrony within firefly swarms is an elegant but elusive manifestation of collective animal behaviour. It has been observed, and sometimes demonstrated, in a few populations across the world, but exactly which species are capable of large-scale synchronization remains unclear, especially for low-density swarms. The underlying question which we address here is: how does one qualify a collective flashing display as synchronous, given that the only information available is the time and location of flashes? We propose different statistical approaches and apply them to high-resolution stereoscopic video recordings of the collective flashing of
Photinus knulli
fireflies, hence establishing the occurrence of synchrony in this species. These results substantiate detailed visual observations published in the early 1980s and made at the same experimental site: Peña Blanca Canyon, Coronado National Forest, AZ, USA. We also remark that
P. knulli
’s collective flashing patterns mirror those observed in
Photinus carolinus
fireflies in the Eastern USA, consisting of synchronous flashes in periodic bursts with rapid accretion and quick decay.
Institutional incentives for the evolution of committed cooperation: ensuring participation is as important as enhancing compliance
Authors: Han The Anh
Published: March 2022

Both conventional wisdom and empirical evidence suggest that arranginga priorcommitment or agreement before an interaction takes place enhances the chance of reaching mutual cooperation. Yet it is not clear what mechanisms might underlie the participation in and compliance with such a commitment, especially when participation is costly and non-compliance can be profitable. Here, we develop a theory of participation and compliance with respect to an explicit commitment formation process and to institutional incentives where individuals, at first, decide whether or not to join a cooperative agreement to play a one-shot social dilemma game. Using a mathematical model, we determine whether and when participating in a costly commitment, and complying with it, is an evolutionarily stable strategy, resulting in high levels of cooperation. We show that, given a sufficient budget for providing incentives, rewarding of commitment compliant behaviours better promotes cooperation than punishment of non-compliant ones. Moreover, by sparing part of this budget for rewarding those willing to participate in a commitment, the overall level of cooperation can be significantly enhanced for both reward and punishment. Finally, the presence of mistakes in deciding to participate favours evolutionary stability of commitment compliance and cooperation.
The effects of substrate porosity, mechanical substrate properties and loading conditions on the attachment performance of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana)
Authors: Kampowski Tim , Schuler Benedikt , Speck Thomas , Poppinga Simon
Published: March 2022

The ectoparasitic lifestyle of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana) requires reliable functioning of its attachment organs (i.e. anterior and posterior suction discs) on multiple habitat- and host-specific surfaces under both normal and shear stresses. In addition to some intrinsic properties of the attachment devices, however, only a few extrinsic factors (e.g. substrate roughness and porosity) have been considered in previous studies on leech suckers. Using centrifugal force experiments, we analysed the attachment performance ofH. verbanaunder different types of loading on artificial substrates differing in porosity and their mechanical properties. Whereas the substrate porosity significantly influenced leech attachment under normal and shear loading, the different mechanical properties did not noticeably affect attachment within the considered parameter limits. Furthermore, suction was confirmed to be the primary attachment mechanism independent of the prevailing loading condition. The question of whether the suction cups ofH. verbanaare adapted to a specific loading condition could not be answered. In any case, our results again highlight the high functional resilience of leech suckers guaranteeing a successful ectoparasitic lifestyle.
The zinc-binding motif in tankyrases is required for the structural integrity of the catalytic ADP-ribosyltransferase domain
Authors: Sowa Sven T. , Lehtiö Lari
Published: March 2022

Tankyrases are ADP-ribosylating enzymes that regulate many physiological processes in the cell and are considered promising drug targets for cancer and fibrotic diseases. The catalytic ADP-ribosyltransferase domain of tankyrases contains a unique zinc-binding motif of unknown function. Recently, this motif was suggested to be involved in the catalytic activity of tankyrases. In this work, we set out to study the effect of the zinc-binding motif on the activity, stability and structure of human tankyrases. We generated mutants of human tankyrase (TNKS) 1 and TNKS2, abolishing the zinc-binding capabilities, and characterized the proteins biochemically and biophysically
in vitro
. We further generated a crystal structure of TNKS2, in which the zinc ion was oxidatively removed. Our work shows that the zinc-binding motif in tankyrases is a crucial structural element which is particularly important for the structural integrity of the acceptor site. While mutation of the motif rendered TNKS1 inactive, probably due to introduction of major structural defects, the TNKS2 mutant remained active and displayed an altered activity profile compared to the wild-type.
Effect of collagen fibre orientation on the Poisson's ratio and stress relaxation of skin: an
ex vivo
and
in vivo
study
Authors: Dwivedi Krashn Kumar , Lakhani Piyush , Kumar Sachin , Kumar Navin
Published: March 2022

During surgical treatment skin undergoes extensive deformation, hence it must be able to withstand large mechanical stresses without damage. Therefore, understanding the mechanical properties of skin becomes important. A detailed investigation on the relationship between the three-dimensional deformation response of skin and its microstructure is conducted in the current study. This study also discloses the underlying science of skin viscoelasticity. Deformation response of skin is captured using digital image correlation, whereas micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are used for microstructure analysis. Skin shows a large lateral contraction and expansion (auxeticity) when stretched parallel and perpendicular to the skin tension lines, respectively. Large lateral contraction is a result of fluid exudation from the tissue, while large rotation of the stiff collagen fibres in the loading direction explains the skin auxeticity. During stress relaxation, lateral contraction and fluid effluxion from skin reveal that tissue volume loss is the intrinsic science of skin viscoelasticity. Furthermore, the results obtained from
in vivo
study on human skin show the relevance of the
ex vivo
study to physiological conditions and stretching of the skin during its treatments.
Generalization of Duhamel's integral to multi-degree-of-freedom systems
Authors: Emami Mohamad , Eskandari-Ghadi Morteza , Ghorbani-Tanha Amir K.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a generalization to multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems of the classical convolution formula for single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems that is widely known as Duhamel's integral. Remarkably, the extended convolution formula for a MDOF system is ultimately cast directly in terms of the system stiffness, mass and damping matrices in a manner that fully parallels the SDOF case, and without resorting to real or complex modal superposition. Still, although the proof based on the use of the Laplace transform might suggest that the obtained formulae are applicable to any type of viscous damping matrix, a more careful evaluation demonstrates that they contain a rather subtle constraint that implies that damping is of the classical type. The free vibration elicited by non-vanishing initial conditions is also considered. As a result, we ultimately obtain the general solution for MDOF systems with arbitrary dynamic loads and initial conditions. For undamped systems, the equivalence of the classical modal analysis with the direct approach proposed herein is demonstrated analytically. Special closed-form solutions, singular solutions and numerical examples are also investigated to a limited extent so as to further illustrate the application of the proposed formulae in the context of practical problems.
Coevolution of relative brain size and life expectancy in parrots
Authors: Smeele Simeon Q. , Conde Dalia A. , Baudisch Annette , Bruslund Simon , Iwaniuk Andrew , Staerk Johanna , Wright Timothy F. , Young Anna M. , McElreath Mary Brooke , Aplin Lucy
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between longevity and brain size in a variety of taxa. Little research has been devoted to understanding this link in parrots; yet parrots are well-known for both their exceptionally long lives and cognitive complexity. We employed a large-scale comparative analysis that investigated the influence of brain size and life-history variables on longevity in parrots. Specifically, we addressed two hypotheses for evolutionary drivers of longevity: the
cognitive
buffer hypothesis
, which proposes that increased cognitive abilities enable longer lifespans, and the
expensive brain hypothesis
, which holds that increases in lifespan are caused by prolonged developmental time of, and increased parental investment in, large-brained offspring
.
We estimated life expectancy from detailed zoo records for 133 818 individuals across 244 parrot species. Using a principled Bayesian approach that addresses data uncertainty and imputation of missing values, we found a consistent correlation between relative brain size and life expectancy in parrots. This correlation was best explained by a direct effect of relative brain size. Notably, we found no effects of developmental time, clutch size or age at first reproduction. Our results suggest that selection for enhanced cognitive abilities in parrots has in turn promoted longer lifespans.
Ewe are what ewe wear: bigger horns, better ewes and the potential consequence of trophy hunting on female fitness in bighorn sheep
Authors: Deakin Samuel , Festa-Bianchet Marco , Miller Joshua M. , Pelletier Fanie , Coltman David W.
Published: March 2022

In polygynous species, secondary sexual traits such as weapons or elaborate ornaments have evolved through intrasexual competition for mates. In some species, these traits are present in both sexes but are underdeveloped in the sex facing lower intrasexual competition for mates. It is often assumed that these underdeveloped sexually selected traits are a vestige of strong sexual selection on the other sex. Here, we challenge this assumption and investigate whether the expression of secondary sexual traits is associated with fitness in female bighorn sheep. Analyses of 45 years of data revealed that female horn length at 2 years, while accounting for mass and environmental variables, is associated with younger age at primiparity, younger age of first offspring weaned, greater reproductive lifespan and higher lifetime reproductive success. There was no association between horn length and fecundity. These findings highlight a potential conservation issue. In this population, trophy hunting selects against males with fast-growing horns. Intersexual genetic correlations imply that intense selective hunting of large-horned males before they can reproduce can decrease female horn size. Therefore, intense trophy hunting of males based on horn size could reduce female reproductive performance through the associations identified here, and ultimately reduce population growth and viability.
Fungal ectoparasites increase winter mortality of ladybird hosts despite limited effects on their immune system
Authors: Knapp Michal , Řeřicha Michal , Haelewaters Danny , González Ezequiel
Published: March 2022

Winter represents a challenging period for insects inhabiting temperate regions. A plethora of studies have investigated how environmental conditions such as temperature affect insect overwintering success. However, only a few studies have focused on biotic factors and the mechanisms affecting the overwintering performance of insects. Here, we investigated the effects of the parasitic fungus
Hesperomyces virescens
on the overwintering performance and immune system functioning of the invasive ladybird
Harmonia axyridis
. Winter survival was significantly lower for infected than for uninfected ladybirds. Body mass loss during overwintering tends to be higher for infected individuals compared to uninfected ones and for larger ladybirds. In addition, parasitic infection reduced post-winter longevity without food in male but not female ladybirds. Total haemocyte and protein concentration as well as antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli
significantly decreased during ladybird overwintering. However, haemolymph parameters were only poorly affected by
Hesperomyces
infection, with the exception of antimicrobial activity against
E. coli
that tended to be higher in infected ladybirds. Interestingly, none of the pre-winter haemolymph parameters were good predictors of ladybird winter survival. Overall, our results indicate that energy exhaustion unrelated to immune system challenge is the most probable explanation for increased overwintering mortality in infected ladybirds.
Environmental DNA provides quantitative estimates of Pacific hake abundance and distribution in the open ocean
Authors: Shelton Andrew Olaf , Ramón-Laca Ana , Wells Abigail , Clemons Julia , Chu Dezhang , Feist Blake E. , Kelly Ryan P. , Parker-Stetter Sandra L. , Thomas Rebecca , Nichols Krista M. , Park Linda
Published: March 2022

All species inevitably leave genetic traces in their environments, and the resulting environmental DNA (eDNA) reflects the species present in a given habitat. It remains unclear whether eDNA signals can provide quantitative metrics of abundance on which human livelihoods or conservation successes depend. Here, we report the results of a large eDNA ocean survey (spanning 86 000 km2to depths of 500 m) to understand the abundance and distribution of Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), the target of the largest finfish fishery along the west coast of the USA. We sampled eDNA in parallel with a traditional acoustic-trawl survey to assess the value of eDNA surveys at a scale relevant to fisheries management. Despite local differences, the two methods yield comparable information about the broad-scale spatial distribution and abundance. Furthermore, we find depth and spatial patterns of eDNA closely correspond to acoustic-trawl estimates for hake. We demonstrate the power and efficacy of eDNA sampling for estimating abundance and distribution and move the analysis eDNA data beyond sample-to-sample comparisons to management relevant scales. We posit that eDNA methods are capable of providing general quantitative applications that will prove especially valuable in data- or resource-limited contexts.
Coral-reef fishes can become more risk-averse at their poleward range limits
Authors: Coni Ericka O. C. , Booth David J. , Nagelkerken Ivan
Published: March 2022

As climate warms, tropical species are expanding their distribution to temperate ecosystems where they are confronted with novel predators and habitats. Predation strongly regulates ecological communities, and range-extending species that adopt an effective antipredator strategy have a higher likelihood to persist in non-native environments. Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing various proxies of antipredator and other fitness-related behaviours between range-extending tropical fishes and native-temperate fishes at multiple sites across a 730 km latitudinal range. Although some behavioural proxies of risk aversion remained unaltered for individual tropical fish species, in general they became more risk-averse (increased sheltering and/or flight initiation distance), and their activity level decreased poleward. Nevertheless, they did not experience a decline in body condition or feeding rate in their temperate ranges. Temperate fishes did not show a consistently altered pattern in their behaviours across range locations, even though one species increased its flight initiation distance at the warm-temperate location and another one had lowest activity levels at the coldest range location. The maintenance of feeding and bite rate combined with a decreased activity level and increased sheltering may be behavioural strategies adopted by range-extending tropical fishes, to preserve energy and maintain fitness in their novel temperate ecosystems.
Great apes and human children rationally monitor their decisions
Authors: O'Madagain Cathal , Helming Katharina A. , Schmidt Marco F. H. , Shupe Eli , Call Josep , Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2022

Several species can detect when they are uncertain about what decision to make—revealed by opting out of the choice, or by seeking more information before deciding. However, we do not know whether any nonhuman animals recognize when they need more information to make a decision because new evidence contradicts an already-formed belief. Here, we explore this ability in great apes and human children. First, we show that after great apes saw new evidence contradicting their belief about which of two rewards was greater, they stopped to recheck the evidence for their belief before deciding. This indicates the ability to keep track of the reasons for their decisions, or 'rational monitoring' of the decision-making process. Children did the same at 5 years of age, but not at 3 years. In a second study, participants formed a belief about a reward's location, but then a social partner contradicted them, by picking the opposite location. This time even 3-year-old children rechecked the evidence, while apes ignored the disagreement. While apes were sensitive only to the conflict in physical evidence, the youngest children were more sensitive to peer disagreement than conflicting physical evidence.
An investigation of a novel broad autism phenotype: increased facial masculinity among parents of children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Tan Diana Weiting , Gilani Syed Zulqarnain , Alvares Gail A. , Mian Ajmal , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Maybery Murray T.
Published: March 2022

The broad autism phenotype commonly refers to sub-clinical levels of autistic-like behaviour and cognition presented in biological relatives of autistic people. In a recent study, we reported findings suggesting that the broad autism phenotype may also be expressed in facial morphology, specifically increased facial masculinity. Increased facial masculinity has been reported among autistic children, as well as their non-autistic siblings. The present study builds on our previous findings by investigating the presence of increased facial masculinity among non-autistic parents of autistic children. Using a previously established method, a ‘facial masculinity score’ and several facial distances were calculated for each three-dimensional facial image of 192 parents of autistic children (58 males, 134 females) and 163 age-matched parents of non-autistic children (50 males, 113 females). While controlling for facial area and age, significantly higher masculinity scores and larger (more masculine) facial distances were observed in parents of autistic children relative to the comparison group, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium (0.16 ≤d≤ .41), regardless of sex. These findings add to an accumulating evidence base that the broad autism phenotype is expressed in physical characteristics and suggest that both maternal and paternal pathways are implicated in masculinized facial morphology.
Evaluation of developing maize microbiomes and associations among nitrogen cyclers and key fungal taxa
Authors: Gardner Courtney M. , Gerhard William A. , Redfern Lauren K. , Gunsch Claudia K.
Published: March 2022

More sustainable approaches to agriculture are urgently needed to protect existing resources and optimize crop yields and to provide food for a growing global human population. More sustainable agricultural practices that utilize plant–microbe relationships across cultivation are urgently needed. The main objectives of this study were to track the prokaryotic and fungal microbiomes associated with key growth stages of developing maize to evaluate the relationships among nitrogen cycling bacteria and major fungal genera including those known to contain arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and other important taxa. Prokaryotic and fungal microbiomes associated with bulk soils, rhizosphere soils and tissues of developing maize were characterized using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Similarities in microbiome diversity and abundance were compared to sample metadata to explore the influence of external factors on microbiome development. Correlations among target fungal taxa, bulk bacteria and nitrogen cycling bacteria were determined using non-parametric Spearman correlations. Important maize-associated fungal taxa were detected in all samples across growth stages, with Fusarium, Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi comprising up to 4.21, 4.26 and 0.28% of all fungal genera, respectively. Thirteen statistically significant correlations between nitrogen cycling genera and targeted fungal genera were also identified (r
S≥0.70 or r
S≤−0.70; P<0.05). This study is the first to note a strong positive association among several nitrifying bacteria and Fusarium (R=0.71; P=0.0046), Aspergillus (R=0.71; P=0.0055) and Cladosporium spcies (R=0.74; P=0.0038), suggesting the levels of soil nitrate, nitrite or nitrification intermediates may have large roles in the proliferation of important maize-associated fungi.
Oral injury in Kendo players: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Watanabe Koshiro , Tanabe Gen , Churei Hiroshi , Wada Takahiro , Sumita Yuka I , Koda Kunihide , Uehara Kichio , Ueno Toshiaki
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the risk of oral injury in Kendo. We hypothesized that Kendo players in Japan may experience oral injury due to the use of face protector for kendo (men) with inaccurate measurements or wearing it incorrectly. The survey included 400 kendo players (male, 276; female, 174) and covered four areas: the relationship between the characteristics, percentage of oral injury, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and use of men. Based on the who experience of oral injury, participants were classified into ‘trauma’ and ‘non-trauma’ groups. Those who suffered oral injury were 179 (44.8 %; males, n=118; females, n=61). In the past month, 32 (8.2%) Kendo players reported that their matches/training were affected by dental/oral problems. For TMD, 50 participants had a total score >8.5 from four screening questions. For 289 (72.3%) participants, the men they are currently wearing fit well. Of those that reported that their men do not fit properly, 48 (12.0%) felt that their men were too large, and 14 (3.5%) felt that their men were too small. Years of experience and clenching of one’s jaws during an offensive Kendo movement significantly contributed to oral injury. Clenching one’s jaws during a defensive Kendo move, current men fit, sleep bruxism, and morning symptoms from sleep bruxism significantly contributed to TMD. Men with an accurate sizing allows proper field of vision, eliminating head shifting inside men during strikes and movements. This suggests that vision can be secured by adjusting the ties on men, chin movement, and the way one looks through the men. Since Kendo equipment is originally a Japanese craft, it has high artistry. Thus, properly worn Kendo equipment brings higher functionality and esthetic appeal.
Administration approaches of nursing assistants in hospitals: a scoping review
Authors: Zeng Ben-tuo , Jin Ying-hui , Cheng Shu-dong , Ding Yan-ming , Du Ji-wei
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The administration of nursing assistants is closely associated with patient outcomes, but the current situation needs improvement. Studies evaluating intrahospital administration of nursing assistants are limited, and there is a lack of available evidence-based reviews in this field. This study aimed to identify existing literature on intrahospital nursing assistants’ administration approaches.

Design

Scoping review.

Search strategy

We searched fifteen electronic databases for English and Chinese articles published between January 2011 and March 2022. Publications on administration approaches, models and appraisal tools of intrahospital nursing assistants were included.

Results

Thirty-six studies were eligible for the review with acceptable quality. We identified one administration model, nine administration methods, fifteen educational programs, and seven appraisal tools from the included studies. The frequency effect size analysis yielded 15 topics of the main focus at four levels, suggesting that included articles were mainly (33%) focused on the competency of nursing assistants, and the lectures were the most (80%) used strategy in quality improvement projects. Evidence from the studies was of low-to-moderate quality, indicating huge gaps between evidence-based research and management practice.

Conclusions

A series of practical intrahospital administration approaches was revealed, and fifteen primarily focused topics were identified. We should explore this area more thoroughly using structured frameworks and standardized methodology. This scoping review will help managers find more effective ways to improve the quality of care. Researchers may focus more on evidence-based practice in nursing assistant administration using the 15 topics as a breakthrough.

Strengths and limitations

First scoping review of practical administration approaches for nursing assistants in hospitals.

Presenting the main topics and focus of related articles.

Development of the nursing assistant administration was widely varied among countries.

Most of the included studies were of moderate-to-low methodological quality, and a huge gap exists between evidence-based research and management practice.
Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan schools-based vision screening programme
Authors: Allen Luke , Ratshaa Bakgaki , Macleod David , Bolster Nigel , Burton Matthew , Kim Min , Bastawrous Andrew , Ho-Foster Ari , Chroston Hannah , Nkomazana Oathokwa
Published: March 2022

Background

Clinic non-attendance rates are high across the African continent. Emerging evidence suggests that phone-based reminder messages could make a small but important contributing to reducing non-attendance. We used behavioral economics principles to develop an SMS and voice reminder message to improve attendance rates in a school-based eye screening programme in Botswana.

Methods

We will test a new theory-informed SMS and voice reminder message in a national school-based eye screening programme in Botswana. The control will be the standard SMS message used to remind parents/guardians to bring their child for ophthalmic assessment. All messages will be sent three times. The primary outcome is attendance for ophthalmic assessment. We will use an automated adaptive approach, starting with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will not be blinded,

Discussion

As far as we are aware, only one other study has used behavioral economics to inform the development of reminder messages to be deployed in an African healthcare setting. Our study will will use an adaptive trial design, embedded in a national screening programme. Our approach can be used to trial other forms of reminder message in the future.

Trial registration

ISRCTN:96528723. Registered 5th January 2022, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN96528723

Administrative information

Note: the numbers in curly brackets in this protocol refer to SPIRIT checklist item numbers. The order of the items has been modified to group similar items (see http://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/spirit-2013-statement-defining-standard-protocol-items-for-clinical-trials/).