bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation of shell ornamentation with latitude and water depth—A case study using living brachiopods
Authors: Ye Facheng , Bitner Maria Aleksandra , Shi Guang Rong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs a potential anti‐predatory defensive structure, the shell ornamentation of marine calcifiers is usually used to understand the macro coevolution of the interactions between predators and preys. Marine calcifiers' shell ornamentation complexity is generally believed to vary negatively with latitude and water depth. In this paper, we explored the association between shell ornamentation and latitude/bathymetry using the latest global database of living brachiopods. We found that (1) ~59% of living brachiopods species are characterized by smooth shells and that (2) there is no statistically significant linear trend, either positive or negative, between the ornamentation index and latitudes nor with water depths. Both findings are puzzling for living brachiopods as they are sharply contrasted to the patterns of fossil brachiopods whereby the latter, especially Paleozoic brachiopods, are known to exhibit (1) a much greater ornamentation diversity and (2) (at least for the geological periods that have been studied) a linear latitudinal gradient of ornamentation complexity existed. The reasons why living brachiopods have such a high proportion of smooth or weakly ornamented shells and fail to demonstrate an unequivocal linear latitudinal ornamentation gradient were explored and are linked to a multitude of potential factors rather than uniquely only to the predation pressure. Among these, the most plausible factor seems to be the cryptic (refuge‐type) habitats (e.g., deep waters, cold polar regions, and submarine rock caves) that living brachiopods have been adapted to due to their low metabolism, where predation pressure is low, allowing brachiopods to enact the predator avoidance strategy rather than having to manufacture robust shell ornamentation to survive in an otherwise highly engaged predator–prey global marine ecosystem.
Lower nutritional state and foraging success in an Arctic seabird despite behaviorally flexible responses to environmental change
Authors: Eby Alyssa , Patterson Allison , Sorenson Graham , Lazarus Thomas , Whelan Shannon , Elliott Kyle H. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Love Oliver P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe degree to which individuals adjust foraging behavior in response to environmental variability can impact foraging success, leading to downstream impacts on fitness and population dynamics. We examined the foraging flexibility, average daily energy expenditure, and foraging success of an ice‐associated Arctic seabird, the thick‐billed murre (Uria lomvia) in response to broad‐scale environmental conditions at two different‐sized, low Arctic colonies located <300 km apart. First, we compared foraging behavior (measured via GPS units), average daily energy expenditure (estimated from GPS derived activity budgets), and foraging success (nutritional state measured via nutritional biomarkers pre‐ and post‐ GPS deployment) of murres at two colonies, which differ greatly in size: 30,000 pairs breed on Coats Island, Nunavut, and 400,000 pairs breed on Digges Island, Nunavut. Second, we tested whether colony size within the same marine ecosystem altered foraging behavior in response to broad‐scale environmental variability. Third, we tested whether environmentally induced foraging flexibility influenced the foraging success of murres. Murres at the larger colony foraged farther and longer but made fewer trips, resulting in a lower nutritional state and lower foraging success compared to birds at the smaller colony. Foraging behavior and foraging success varied in response to environmental variation, with murres at both colonies making longer, more distant foraging trips in high ice regimes during incubation, suggesting flexibility in responding to environmental variability. However, only birds at the larger colony showed this same flexibility during chick rearing. Foraging success at both colonies was higher during high ice regimes, suggesting greater prey availability. Overall, murres from the larger colony exhibited lower foraging success, and their foraging behavior showed stronger responses to changes in broad‐scale conditions such as sea ice regime. Taken together, this suggests that larger Arctic seabird colonies have higher behavioral and demographic sensitivity to environmental change.
A homology guide for Pacific salmon genus Oncorhynchus resolves patterns of ohnolog retention, resolution and local adaptation following the salmonid‐specific whole‐genome duplication event
Authors: Dimos Bradford , Phelps Michael 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSalmonid fishes have emerged as a tractable model to study whole‐genome duplications (WGDs) as this group has undergone four rounds of WGDs. While most of the salmonid genome has returned to a diploid state, a significant proportion of genes are maintained as duplicates and are referred to as ohnologs. The fact that much of the modern salmonid gene repertoire is comprised of ohnologs, while other genes have returned to their singleton state creates complications for genetic studies by obscuring homology relationships. The difficulty this creates is particularly prominent in Pacific salmonids belonging to genus Oncorhynchus who are the focus of intense genetics‐based conservation and management efforts owing to the important ecological and cultural roles these fish play. To address this gap, we generated a homology guide for six species of Oncorhynchus with available genomes and used this guide to describe patterns of ohnolog retention and resolution. Overall, we find that ohnologs comprise approximately half of each species modern gene repertoires, which are functionally enriched for genes involved in DNA binding, while the less numerous singleton genes are heavily enriched in dosage‐sensitive processes such as mitochondrial metabolism. Additionally, by reanalyzing published expression data from locally adapted strains of O. mykiss, we show that numerous ohnologs exhibit adaptive expression profiles; however, ohnologs are not more likely to display adaptive signatures than either paralogs or singletons. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our homology guide by investigating the evolutionary relationship among genes highlighted as playing a role in salmonid life‐history traits or gene editing targets.
Insecticide Residues Associated with Apple Orchard Treatments in the Mason Bee, Osmia cornifrons, and their Nests
Authors: Suzuki Takaaki , Ikegami Makihiko , Goka Koichi , Sakamoto Yoshiko 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Declines in bee populations, in part due to pesticides, especially insecticides, are of global concern. Although most studies have investigated insecticide residues in honeybees and bumblebees, few have focused on non-Apis solitary bees, which are considered essential pollinators in the field. Most non-Apis bees are solitary and build their nests in the ground or in tree holes, therefore insecticide exposure pathways would differ from those of honeybees and bumblebees. We analyzed the residues of 20 insecticides in Osmia cornifrons bees and their pollen-provisions and nesting materials, along with adult honeybees, soil, and wildflowers collected in four apple orchards in two regions in Japan. Few insecticides were common among adult bees, pollen-provisions, and wildflowers. Insecticides applied in orchards were detected at high frequency: chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, and diazinon were detected in almost all samples. Insecticides without a known history of application were detected from various samples at frequencies ranging from 0% to 100%. Even in orchards without a known history of insecticide application, clothianidin was detected in many sample types and at high concentration. A purple deadnettle sample had the highest concentration at 17.5 mg/kg. These results highlight the complexity of pathways of insecticide exposure to O. cornifrons in the environment because insecticides may remain in the environment for long periods and wild bees may forage farther than previously known distances. Furthermore, each sample type contained different insecticides, so wild bees may have been exposed to different insecticides at different life stages. Future research should prioritize wide-scale measurements of insecticide residues in field conditions and toxicity testing with multiple exposures at different life stages of target species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1564–1574. © 2023 SETAC
Inorganic Arsenic Concentration in Fish Governed by Trophic Level and Size, not Water Concentration: Implications for Human Health Water Quality Criteria
Authors: Morrison Emily B. , Pappani Jason , Prouty Alan , McChesney Holly M. , Anderson Paul D. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In 2019, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality implemented a paired surface water and fish tissue data collection program to derive a state-specific bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for inorganic arsenic (iAs) as part of the development of new human health water quality criteria (HHWQC). No statistically significant relationship was found between total arsenic (tAs) or iAs in surface water and fish tissue. Fish body weight was the only parameter with a statistically significant effect on iAs concentration in fish tissue. The ratio of iAs to tAs in fish tissue declined significantly with both increasing trophic level and increasing body weight. The decrease in iAs concentration in fish tissue with increasing size and trophic level as well as the decrease in the proportion of tAs that is iAs with increasing trophic level are likely the result of metabolic transformation of iAs to organic As by organisms in each level of the aquatic food web. Although the linear regression–based BAF using the Idaho paired fish and water data best predicted observed iAs fish tissue concentrations compared to several alternative BAFs, it was not statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) and was a poor predictor (R2 = 0.01) of iAs concentrations in fish tissue. These results illustrate that iAs, and possibly other metals, in the natural environment do not conform with commonly used bioaccumulation models and the paradigm used by the US Environmental Protection Agency for determining HHWQC. These results indicate that modifications to the paradigm are necessary, such as a fish tissue criterion as Idaho has proposed, to assure that public health is protected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1542–1552. © 2023 SETAC
Effects of Alkylation on Potency of Benz[a]anthracene for AhR2 Transactivation in Nine Species of Freshwater Fish
Authors: Dubiel Justin , Johnson Hunter , Eriksson Andreas N. M. , Hontela A. , Doering Jon A. , Wiseman Steve 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are naturally occurring or anthropogenic organic chemicals that can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (AhR2) and induce toxicity in fishes. Alkyl PAHs are more abundant than nonalkylated PAHs in certain environmental matrices and there is growing evidence that alkylation can increase potency, dependent on the position of alkylation. However, it is unknown if the effect of alkylation on potency is conserved across species. In addition, relatively little is known regarding the extent of interspecies variation in sensitivity to PAHs and alkyl PAHs. Therefore, objectives of the present study were to characterize potency of benz[a]anthracene (BAA) and three alkylated homologues representing different alkylation positions in nine phylogenetically diverse species of fish using a standardized in vitro AhR2 transactivation assay. BAA and each alkylated homologue activated the AhR2 in a concentration-dependent manner in each species. Position-dependent effects on potency were observed in every species, but these effects were not consistent across species. Interspecies variation in sensitivity to AhR2 activation by each PAH was observed and ranged by up to 561-fold. Alkylation both increased and decreased the range of interspecies variation and sensitivity, but the potency of each alkylated homologue relative to BAA ranged by less than an order of magnitude among species. These results represent an early step toward the consideration of alkylated homologues for more objective ecological risk assessments of PAHs to native fishes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1575–1585. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Harnessing Modeling for Assessing the Population Relevance of Exposure to Endocrine-Active Chemicals
Authors: Hazlerigg Charles R. E. , Mintram Katie S. , Tyler Charles R. , Weltje Lennart , Thorbek Pernille 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The presence of endocrine-active chemicals (EACs) in the environment continues to cause concern for wildlife given their potential for adverse effects on organisms. However, there is a significant lack of understanding about the potential effects of EACs on populations. This has real-world limitations for EAC management and regulation, where the aim in environmental risk assessment is to protect populations. We propose a methodological approach for the application of modeling in addressing the population relevance of EAC exposure in fish. We provide a case study with the fungicide prochloraz to illustrate how this approach could be applied. We used two population models, one for brown trout (Salmo trutta; inSTREAM) and the other for three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that met regulatory requirements for development and validation. Effects data extracted from the literature were combined with environmentally realistic exposure profiles generated with the FOCUS SW software. Population-level effects for prochloraz were observed in some modeling scenarios (hazard-threshold [HT]) but not others (dose–response), demonstrating the repercussions of making different decisions on implementation of exposure and effects. The population responses, defined through changes in abundance and biomass, of both trout and stickleback exposed to prochloraz were similar, indicating that the use of conservative effects/exposure decisions in model parameterization may be of greater significance in determining population-level adverse effects to EAC exposure than life-history characteristics. Our study supports the use of models as an effective approach to evaluate the adverse effects of EACs on fish populations. In particular, our HT parameterization is proposed for the use of population modeling in a regulatory context in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/605. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1624–1640. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Synthesis and pyrolysis of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diester
Authors: Yu Zhaojin , Pan Tingting , Lai Miao , Ji Yuhang , Yang Xiaopeng , Dong Aijun , Ji Xiaoming 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo develop a new class of enol diketone esters, succinic acid monoesters were synthesized using the reaction of succinic anhydride with various aromatic alcohols. Subsequently, six types of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diesters were synthesized using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as the condensation agent and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as the catalyst for the condensation reaction with methyl cyclopentenolone. The target compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The aromas characteristics of esters were evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometer (GC–MS‐O). Compounds 5a ~ 5c, which had a strong aroma, were conducted with thermogravimetry‐derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) to analyse their heating‐stability. Additionally, these compounds were studied by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) to analyse their pyrolysis behaviours at 300, 350 and 400°C. Results showed that methyl cyclopentenolone and a large number of small molecular flavouring substances were formed by 5a ~ 5c at the set temperature. The synthesis of methyl cyclopentenolone succinate diester can not only slow down the volatilization of methyl cyclopentenolone and aromatic alcohol, but also effectively enhance the aroma, improve the smoking taste of cigarettes, reduce the irritation and miscellaneous gas of smoking and provide more choices for cigarette flavouring.
Outcome evaluation using an artificial intelligence‐based facial measurement software for facial nerve grafting in head and neck and skull base surgery
Authors: Hidaka Takeaki , Tanaka Kentaro , Mori Hiroki 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundInterposition nerve grafting is an indispensable technique for facial nerve reconstruction in head and neck, and skull base surgery. The prognostic factors are inconclusive, partly due to limited objective assessment systems for facial nerve function. This study aimed to apply an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based facial asymmetry measurement system to assess facial nerve grafting outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of 23 patients who underwent facial nerve grafting between 2011 and 2020. Oral asymmetry and synkinesis severity were measured using AI.ResultsOral movement recovered at 12–18 months postoperatively. Postoperative radiotherapy and a larger number of anastomosed distal stumps were significantly associated with poor and good final oral symmetry, respectively. Synkinesis severity was weakly correlated with the degree of oral movement recovery.ConclusionsOral function recovered without a strong correlation with synkinesis. Caution should be exercised in facial nerve grafting for cases with postoperative radiotherapy.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Feng Yuan , Murphy Matthew C. , Hojo Emi , Li Fei , Roberts Neil 
Published: April 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) present a major health burden to society. Changes in brain structure and cognition are generally only observed at the late stage of the disease. Although advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion imaging may allow identification of biomarkers at earlier stages of neurodegeneration, early diagnosis is still challenging. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive MRI technique for studying the mechanical properties of tissues by measuring the wave propagation induced in the tissues using a purpose‐built actuator. Here, we present a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies in which MRE has been applied to study neurodegenerative diseases. Actuator systems for data acquisition, inversion algorithms for data analysis, and sample demographics are described and tissue stiffness measures obtained for the whole brain and internal structures are summarized. A total of six animal studies and eight human studies have been published. The animal studies refer to 123 experimental animals (68 AD and 55 PD) and 121 wild‐type animals, while the human studies refer to 142 patients with neurodegenerative disease (including 56 AD and 17 PD) and 166 controls. The animal studies are consistent in the reporting of decreased stiffness of the hippocampal region in AD mice. However, in terms of disease progression, although consistent decreases in either storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude are reported for whole brain, there is variation in the results reported for the hippocampal region. The clinical studies are consistent in reports of a significant decrease in either whole brain storage modulus or shear modulus magnitude, in both AD and PD and with different brain structures affected in different neurodegenerative diseases. MRE studies of neurodegenerative diseases are still in their infancy, and in future it will be interesting to investigate potential relationships between brain mechanical properties and clinical measures, which may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Evidence Level1.Technical EfficacyStage 2.
Efficacy of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir for post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae beyond 3 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Wu Jheng‐Yan , Liu Ting‐Hui , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Huang Po‐Yu , Lai Chih‐Cheng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe effect of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (NMV‐r) on post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae beyond 3 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remains unknown. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the TriNetX Research Network. We identified nonhospitalized adult patients with COVID‐19 receiving a diagnosis between January 1 and July 31, 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create two matched cohorts: NMV‐r and non‐NMV‐r groups, respectively. We measured the primary outcomes using a composite of all‐cause emergency room (ER) visits or hospitalization and a composite of post‐COVID‐19 symptoms according to the WHO Delphi consensus, which also stated that post COVID‐19 condition occurs usually 3 months from the onset of COVID‐19, during the follow‐up period between 90 days after the index diagnosis of COVID‐19 and the end of follow‐up (180 days). Initially, we identified 12 247 patients that received NMV‐r within 5 days of diagnosis and 465 135 that did not. After PSM, 12 245 patients remained in each group. During the follow‐up period, patients treated with NMV‐r had a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization and ER visits compared with untreated patients (659 vs. 955; odds ratio [OR], 0.672; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.607–0.745; p < 0.0001). However, the overall risk of post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms did not significantly differ between the two groups (2265 vs. 2187; OR, 1.043; 95% CI, 0.978–1.114; p = 0.2021). The reduced risk of all‐cause ER visits or hospitalization in the NMV‐r group and the similarities in the risk of post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms between the two groups were consistent in the subgroups stratified by sex, age, and vaccination status. Early NMV‐r treatment of nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19 was associated with reduced risk of hospitalization and ER visits during the period of 90–180 days after diagnosis compared with no NMV‐r treatment; however, post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms and mortality risk did not differ significantly between the groups.
Identification of a novel pathogenic variant in KCNH2 in an Iranian family with long QT syndrome 2 by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Fazelifar Amir Farjam , Pourirahim Maryam , Masoumi Tannaz , Biglari Alireza , Maleki Majid , Kalayinia Samira 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundLong QT syndrome (LQTS) is a lethal cardiac condition. However, the clinical implementation of genetic testing has now made LQTS eminently treatable. Next‐generation sequencing has remarkable potential for both clinical diagnostics and research of LQTS. Here, we investigated the genetic etiology in an LQTS‐suspected Iranian pedigree by whole‐exome sequencing and collected all KCNH2 variants with consensus based on publications.MethodsWES was performed on the proband of this pedigree to reveal the underlying cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The variant found was validated and segregated by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Based on the literature review, KCNH2 variants were retrospectively analyzed to identify pathogenic variants, likely pathogenic variants, and variants of uncertain significance by using different prediction tools.ResultsWES identified an autosomal dominant nonsense variant, c.1425C>A: p.Tyr475Ter, in the KCNH2 gene, which appeared to be the most likely cause of LQTS in this pedigree. Moreover, our comprehensive literature review yielded 511 KCNH2 variants in association with the LQTS phenotype, with c.3002G>A (CADD Phred=49) being the most pathogenic variant.ConclusionsVariants in the KCNH2 gene are considered a major cause of LQTS worldwide. The detected c.1425C>A is a novel variant to be reported from Iran for the first time. This result indicates the importance of KCNH2 screening in a pedigree with SCD cases.