@article {pmid40910756,
year = {2025},
author = {Van de Weyer, Y and Zendri, F and Barbon, AR and Maciuca, IE and Patel, E and Lopez, J and Chantrey, J and Drake, G},
title = {Osteomyelitis, arthritis and myositis associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) and an oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis).},
journal = {Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/03079457.2025.2536335},
pmid = {40910756},
issn = {1465-3338},
abstract = {Avian pseudotuberculosis infection usually presents as well-demarcated visceral necrotic foci, typically affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen. This case series describes an atypical presentation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) characterized by severe chronic myositis, arthritis and osteomyelitis in five village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus), and acute osteomyelitis and myositis associated with septicaemia in an oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis) from a zoological collection. Clinical signs of the weavers included lethargy, poor flying ability and focally extensive periarticular and muscular swelling, whereas the magpie robin was found dead without premonitory signs. Radiography revealed focal lytic and proliferative bone lesions with loss of articular congruity and increased radiopacity of skeletal muscles, which was compatible with severe necrotizing, granulomatous osteomyelitis and polyphasic myositis with large intralesional bacterial colonies on histology. Most (n = 4/5) birds with available histology exhibited only mild to moderate heterophilic to histiocytic inflammatory lesions in their intestines, spleen and liver. Bacterial cultures typically yielded Yptb from joint and muscle samples (3/3), and less consistently from visceral organs (6/11) and bone marrow (0/5). Bacterial typing using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested that weaver Yptb strains were closely related. Whole genome sequencing of two Yptb strains identified one as ST14 serotype O:2a and the other ST42 serotype O:1a, with the presence of virulence genes including plasmid-borne yadA and chromosomally encoded virulence genes ail and invA. Weavers may be prone to develop atypical pseudotuberculosis with the musculoskeletal system as a predilection site for bacterial growth and associated granulomatous lesions.},
}

@article {pmid40910225,
year = {2025},
author = {Mussetto, I and Bongiovanni, A and Colavita, F and Giambi, C and Sala, MG and Del Borgo, C and Carletti, F and Scicluna, MT and Zerbetto, A and Corpolongo, A and Romiti, F and Valli, MB and Vaglio, S and Giammattei, R and Scognamiglio, P and De Carli, G and Agresta, A and De Liberato, C and Di Luzio, G and Micarelli, F and Nicastri, E and Siddu, A and Ficarelli, V and Girardi, E and Maggi, F and Vairo, F and , and , },
title = {Outbreak of autochthonous West Nile virus infection in Lazio region, Italy, July to August 2025: preliminary investigation.},
journal = {Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin},
volume = {30},
number = {35},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.35.2500634},
pmid = {40910225},
issn = {1560-7917},
mesh = {*West Nile Fever/epidemiology/diagnosis/veterinary/virology ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Disease Outbreaks ; *West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Humans ; Animals ; Horses/virology ; Phylogeny ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Culex/virology ; Adult ; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Aged ; Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {In July-18 August 2025, 171 autochthonous cases with West Nile virus (WNV) infection were confirmed in Lazio, Italy: four asymptomatic blood donors, 110 with WNV fever, 57 with neuroinvasive syndrome and nine deaths. WNV lineage 2 was detected in two neuroinvasive cases. Infection with WNV was confirmed in 28 horses, five crows and a Culex pipiens pool. We present the preliminary epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of the outbreak and the public health measures taken within a One Health approach.},
}

*West Nile Fever/epidemiology/diagnosis/veterinary/virology
Italy/epidemiology
*Disease Outbreaks
*West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Humans
Animals
Horses/virology
Phylogeny
Male
Middle Aged
Female
Culex/virology
Adult
Horse Diseases/epidemiology/virology
Aged
Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data
Adolescent

@article {pmid40909241,
year = {2025},
author = {Brancaccio, A and Epifania, OM and Anselmi, P and de Chiusole, D},
title = {Automatic Generation of Rule-Based Raven-Like Matrices in R: The matRiks Package.},
journal = {Applied psychological measurement},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {01466216251374826},
pmid = {40909241},
issn = {1552-3497},
}

@article {pmid40907670,
year = {2025},
author = {Baker, MA and Klompas, M and Blaeser, EM and Rhee, C and Abdulhayoglu, E and Cadogan, J and Flanigan, E and Pearson, Z and Taffner, S and Winkler, M and Boire, N and Worley, J and Brigl, M and Bry, L and Pecora, N},
title = {Prospective Whole Genome Sequencing to Aid the Identification and Control of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Transmissions in a Neonatal ICU.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106607},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106607},
pmid = {40907670},
issn = {1532-2742},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Conventional surveillance methods may miss healthcare-associated pathogen transmission, particularly for common, drug-susceptible organisms. It is unclear if prospective genomic analyses can help identify otherwise silent transmission events and inform prevention efforts.

METHODS: We sequenced methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) surveillance and clinical isolates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic hospital between Feb 2022 and Mar 2024. Insights gleaned from genomic-epidemiologic analyses were used to control a large MSSA cluster and to calibrate infection control measures thereafter.

FINDINGS: There were 2352 babies admitted during the 26-month study period, of whom 318 became colonized or infected with MSSA. Monthly MSSA incidence rates were largely stable throughout this period but whole genome sequencing demonstrated 16 MSSA clusters (range 2-19 babies/cluster). Sequencing data integrated with epidemiologic analyses informed escalating infection control measures to control a sustained cluster of 19 babies infected with MSSA ST30 (including increased hand hygiene monitoring, enhanced environmental and equipment cleaning, daily chlorhexidine hand and arm scrub for all healthcare workers, contact precautions, decolonization of MSSA carriers), a subsequent decision against further intensification (foregoing screening all staff members for MSSA carriage), and the subsequent liberalization of some interventions (dropping contact precautions for lower risk babies). While intensified infection control measures controlled the primary ST30 cluster, low-level transmission events (range 2-8 babies) were detected throughout the study period despite those interventions.

INTERPRETATIONS: Integrating prospective genomic and epidemiologic analyses of healthcare-associated pathogens can help identify unrecognized transmission clusters and inform and calibrate infection control response measures.

FUNDING: This study was funded by the BWH Department of Pathology, P30 DK034854, and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). The work of Jay Worley was supported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH).},
}

@article {pmid40896066,
year = {2025},
author = {Maeshima, S and Takeda, A and Sakurai, K and Osawa, A and Arai, H},
title = {Aphasia Leading to the Diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Case Report.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {e89002},
doi = {10.7759/cureus.89002},
pmid = {40896066},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder primarily characterized by myotonia and distal muscle weakness. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, including cognitive, executive, and emotional dysfunctions, is increasingly being recognized; however, language impairment as an initial presentation is rare. A 50-year-old right-handed woman with a six-month history of progressive word-finding difficulty, vague speech, and social withdrawal was referred for evaluation. Neurological examination revealed distal muscle atrophy (grip strength: 5 kg right, 8 kg left) without overt dysarthria or dysphagia, and intact reflexes and coordination. Neuropsychological testing revealed fluent spontaneous speech with anomia, semantic paraphasia, impaired comprehension of longer sentences, and surface dyslexia/agraphia (Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese: 22/30, Frontal Assessment Battery: 8/18, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices: 28/36, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese: 21/30). Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed left-sided frontotemporal and limbic atrophy, and [99m]Tc-ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography showed a corresponding left-dominant hypoperfusion. Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scan results were negative. Two weeks later, percussion and grip myotonia emerged. Genetic analysis revealed a cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat expansion (~1500 repeats) in the myotonic protein kinase 1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of DM1. The patient's semantic-variant primary progressive aphasia-like profile (impaired semantic processing with preserved fluency) and frontotemporal imaging findings were consistent with rare CNS phenotypes reported in DM1. Previous studies have described frontotemporal atrophy, hypoperfusion, and cognitive/emotional changes in DM1. Negative amyloid PET excluded Alzheimer-related primary progressive aphasia. The subsequent detection of myotonia and a positive family history were key to diagnosis. We conclude that this case expands the clinical spectrum of DM1 to include progressive aphasia as an initial manifestation. Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion of neuromuscular disorders and actively pursue targeted genetic testing when atypical aphasia symptoms are accompanied by distal muscle atrophy.},
}

@article {pmid40894466,
year = {2025},
author = {, and , },
title = {Surveillance of West Nile virus infections in humans and animals in Europe, monthly report - data submitted up to 6 August 2025.},
journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority},
volume = {23},
number = {8},
pages = {e9624},
doi = {10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9624},
pmid = {40894466},
issn = {1831-4732},
abstract = {In 2025, and as of 6 August 2025, 6 countries in Europe reported 202 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection with known place of infection. The earliest and latest date of onset were respectively on 2 June 2025 and 2 August 2025. Locally acquired cases were reported by Italy (168), Greece (26), France (3, of which 1 with unknown place of infection), Romania (3), Bulgaria (1) and Hungary (1). In Europe, 10 deaths were reported. Case numbers reported so far this year are slightly above the average for the past decade in the same period (163). However, these figures remain lower than those seen in 2024 and 2018-years when virus circulation was particularly intense, with 382 and 385 cases reported by this point in the year, respectively. As of 6 August, locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection have been reported in 40 regions across six countries. This compares with 108 regions (11 countries) during the same period in 2024 and 68 regions in 2018 (seven countries). All six countries have previously reported human cases of WNV. Italy is currently experiencing a significant outbreak, with 168 confirmed human infections, including 10 fatalities. For the first time in Italy, the provinces of Latina (ITI44) and Frosinone (ITI45) have reported human cases. Similarly, Romania has reported its first cases in Sălaj County (RO116). As observed in previous years, most cases were among males aged 65 years and older. The hospitalisation rate was high compared with previous years, with 100% of cases hospitalised this year compared to 93% in the past decade. That most cases are hospitalised is most likely due to the nature of WNV surveillance, which tends to predominantly capture the most severe cases. The case fatality rate so far this year is 7%, which is comparable to the 11% observed in the previous decade. Neurological manifestations were reported in 56% of cases this year compared to 66% in the previous decade. In general, a dominance of neurological cases is expected, as cases with more severe symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed. From the veterinary perspective, 16 WNV outbreaks among equids and 20 outbreaks among birds have been reported in Europe in 2025. The earliest start date of an outbreak among equids and birds was on 15 January 2025 in Germany and 16 February 2025 in Italy, while the latest onset of an outbreak among equids and birds was, respectively, on 29 July 2025 in Italy and 29 July 2025 in Austria. Outbreaks among equids were reported by Italy (11), Greece (2), Germany (1), Hungary (1) and Spain (1). Outbreaks among birds were reported by Italy (19) and Austria (1). In the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) database no information was provided on the exact equid species reported, whereas species details were available for birds. The following bird species were associated with the reported outbreaks: common magpie (4), common kestrel (4), carrion crow (3), herring gull (3), hooded crow (3), common moorhen (1), rock dove (1), and unidentified Columbidae (1). In June and July 2025, the monthly number of outbreaks in equids slightly exceeded the 10-year mean (2015-2024) of June and July, while the monthly count for outbreaks in birds from March to July 2025 fell below the historical monthly mean, with a marked decline in July 2025. In 2024, up to 6 August, 38 and 132 outbreaks were reported in equids and birds, respectively, which is notably higher than the number of outbreaks reported during the same period in 2025. As of 6 August 2025, outbreaks in birds and/or equids have been reported in 23 regions across six countries. This compares with 47 regions (eight countries) during the same period in 2024 and 16 regions (three countries) in 2018. All six countries reported WNV outbreaks in birds and/or equids in 2024 and in prior years, reflecting endemic WNV activity in these territories. However, as of 6 August, outbreaks in birds and/or equids were reported for the first time to ADIS in the following three Italian provinces: Foggia (ITF46), L'Aquila (ITF11), and Lecco (ITC43). Additionally, equid outbreaks were reported for the first time by Greece in Aetolia-Acarnania (EL631) and Kavala (EL515), and by Spain in Almería (ES611). Reports of WNV outbreaks during the winter, when mosquito activity is minimal, should be carefully evaluated as they raise questions about the timing of infection. Two such reports - one outbreak in equids reported by Germany in January, and one in birds reported by Italy in February - warrant cautious interpretation, as they may reflect residual detection (e.g. lingering antibodies or viral RNA from infections acquired in the year before) rather than active transmission in 2025. Three countries - Italy, Greece and Hungary - reported both WNV human cases and outbreaks in equids and birds. As of 6 August 2025, Italy accounted for 83% of all reported human cases and all reported outbreaks in equids and birds, underscoring the significant WNV activity in the country. This is likely due to favourable climate conditions and ecological hotspots (e.g. wetlands, agricultural areas) that support WNV transmission by influencing mosquito vector populations and host dynamics. Intensive surveillance in Italy may also contribute to high detection rates of human cases and outbreaks in birds and equids. The identification of WNV cases in humans and animals within previously unaffected areas underscores the ongoing geographic expansion of the virus, which is most likely due to environmental, climatic and ecological changes. In addition, increased surveillance or monitoring sensitivity and raised awareness in these areas might play a role in the detection of the cases. Owing to delays in diagnosis and reporting, as well as the fact that most of the WNV infections are asymptomatic or subclinical, the case numbers provided in this report likely underestimate the true number of cases. Of note, the seasonal surveillance in humans primarily focuses on capturing laboratory-confirmed cases, which contributes to the diagnostic delay. Given the favourable weather conditions for WNV transmission in Europe, we expect that the number of human cases and outbreaks in equids and birds will continue to raise in the coming weeks. In previous years, the peak of transmission was observed in August-September. Both ECDC and EFSA will follow-up closely on the situation in Europe, in particular regarding severity indicators.},
}

@article {pmid40890360,
year = {2025},
author = {Molina-Morales, M and Avilés, JM and Precioso, M and Martínez, JG and Morales, MM},
title = {Lifetime expression of egg rejection behaviour in Eurasian magpies is associated with variation in a polymorphic genetic marker.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32181},
pmid = {40890360},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación fellowship (IJC2018-036411-I)//SEEEEE (Sociedad Española de Etología y Ecología Evolutiva/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Genetic Markers ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Genotype ; *Passeriformes/genetics/physiology ; Gene Frequency ; *Ovum ; },
abstract = {Obligate avian brood parasitism is a reproductive strategy in which parasitic birds rely entirely on host species for incubation and chick rearing, reducing host reproductive success. This pressure has led many host species to evolve defenses, particularly the ability to recognize and reject parasitic eggs. However, not all individuals within a host population exhibit this behavior-some accept parasitic eggs, while others reject them. One proposed explanation for this behavioral variation is genetic polymorphism. Previous research on Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) linked egg rejection behavior to a specific microsatellite locus (Ase64), though these studies used genotypes from nestlings, not adult females, who are the ones expressing the behavior. Since egg rejection can change with age, accurately categorizing females as acceptors or rejecters requires repeated observations across their lifespan. This study genotyped adult females whose behavior had been reliably classified over their lifes to test for genetic differences. Results showed significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies at the microsatellite marker MSLp4, which was more common in acceptors. These findings support the hypothesis that a genetic polymorphism contributes to individual variation in egg rejection behavior, a defensive trait that may shift over an individual's lifetime in magpies.},
}

Animals
Female
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
*Polymorphism, Genetic
Genetic Markers
*Nesting Behavior/physiology
Genotype
*Passeriformes/genetics/physiology
Gene Frequency
*Ovum

@article {pmid40878617,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, Y and Yang, P and Peng, J and Wang, C and Song, S and Chen, J},
title = {To Share or Not to Share: Food Sharing in Wild Azure-Winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyanus).},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.13040},
pmid = {40878617},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {32070445//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XZ202501ZY0018//Science and Technology Projects of Xizang Autonomous Region, China/ ; 2021ZD0204101//STI2030-Major Project/ ; },
abstract = {Food sharing is very common in the animal kingdom. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying food sharing remain debated. Moreover, the majority of studies on food sharing in non-human animals have been conducted under controlled environments. The natural behavioral characteristics and ecological factors influencing the natural selection of food sharing are still not well understood. In this study, we introduce a method to examine food-sharing behaviors in wild birds within their natural habitat. Using two types of feeders-one permitting food sharing with conspecifics and the other providing exclusive access to food-along with infrared cameras to record feeder-triggering events, we found that azure-winged magpies did not exhibit proactive food-sharing behaviors. However, they did exhibit passive food-sharing behaviors under conditions of low food availability. Consistent with the harassment-avoidance hypothesis, the birds prioritized the sharing feeders to decrease harassment from food snatching when food was limited. These findings suggest that food sharing is likely shaped into a passive behavioral pattern under limited resources conditions, which induce conflicts within social groups. This context-dependent strategy may effectively reduce harassment costs, optimize individual access to resources to maximize individual benefits, and potentially enhance the survival of other group members.},
}

@article {pmid40872422,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, G and Xue, S and Mu, J and Liu, S and Zhang, Q and Wu, W and Wang, Z and Ma, Z and Diwu, D and Wang, C},
title = {The Multi-Objective Optimization of a Dual C-Type Gold Ribbon Interconnect Structure Considering Its Geometrical Parameter Fluctuation.},
journal = {Micromachines},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/mi16080914},
pmid = {40872422},
issn = {2072-666X},
support = {52275268 and 52475278//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022KXJ-030//The Project about Building up "Scientists + Engineers" of Shaanxi Qinchuangyuan Plat-form/ ; },
abstract = {With the increasing demand for high integration, low cost, and large capacities in satellite systems, integrating the antenna and microwave component into the same system has become appealing to the satellite engineer. The dual C-type gold ribbon, performing as the key electromagnetic signal bridge between the microwave component and the antenna, has a significant impact on the electrical performance of satellite antennas. However, during its manufacturing and operating, the interconnection geometry undergoes deformation due to mounting errors and environmental loads. Consequently, these parasitic geometry parameters can significantly increase energy loss during the signal transmission. To address this issue, this paper has proposed a method for determining the design range of the geometrical parameters of the dual C-type gold ribbon, and applied it to the performance prediction of the microstrip antennas and the parameter optimization of the gold ribbon. In this study, a mechanical response analysis of the antennas in the operating environment has been carried out and the manufacturing disturbance has been considered to calculate the geometry fluctuation range. Then, the significance ranking of the geometry parameters has been determined and the key parameters have been selected. Finally, the chaos feedback adaptive whale optimization algorithm-back propagation neural network has been used as a surrogate model to establish the relationship between the geometry parameters and the antenna electromagnetic performance, and the multi-objective red-billed blue magpie optimization algorithm has been combined with the surrogate model to optimize the configuration parameters. This paper provides theoretical guidance for the interconnection geometry design and the optimization of the integration module of the antennas and microwave components.},
}

@article {pmid40867167,
year = {2025},
author = {Andhare, MS and Vijayan, T and Karthik, B and Urooj, S},
title = {A Novel Optimized Hybrid Deep Learning Framework for Mental Stress Detection Using Electroencephalography.},
journal = {Brain sciences},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/brainsci15080835},
pmid = {40867167},
issn = {2076-3425},
abstract = {Mental stress is a psychological or emotional strain that typically occurs because of threatening, challenging, and overwhelming conditions and affects human behavior. Various factors, such as professional, environmental, and personal pressures, often trigger it. In recent years, various deep learning (DL)-based schemes using electroencephalograms (EEGs) have been proposed. However, the effectiveness of DL-based schemes is challenging because of the intricate DL structure, class imbalance problems, poor feature representation, low-frequency resolution problems, and complexity of multi-channel signal processing. This paper presents a novel hybrid DL framework, BDDNet, which combines a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM), and deep belief network (DBN). BDDNet provides superior spectral-temporal feature depiction and better long-term dependency on the local and global features of EEGs. BDDNet accepts multiple EEG features (MEFs) that provide the spectral and time-domain features of EEGs. A novel improved crow search algorithm (ICSA) was presented for channel selection to minimize the computational complexity of multichannel stress detection. Further, the novel employee optimization algorithm (EOA) is utilized for the hyper-parameter optimization of hybrid BDDNet to enhance the training performance. The outcomes of the novel BDDNet were assessed using a public DEAP dataset. The BDDNet-ICSA offers improved recall of 97.6%, precision of 97.6%, F1-score of 97.6%, selectivity of 96.9%, negative predictive value NPV of 96.9%, and accuracy of 97.3% to traditional techniques.},
}

@article {pmid40866624,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva, JL and Spiridonov, A},
title = {Elisabeth S. Vrba, the "Three Musketeers," and the Expansion of Macroevolutionary Theory.},
journal = {Journal of the history of biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10739-025-09828-5},
pmid = {40866624},
issn = {1573-0387},
support = {88881.980947/2024/01//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {Elisabeth S. Vrba (1942-2025) was an important figure in paleobiology and evolutionary theory, leaving an indelible mark on macroevolutionary research. Vrba's collaboration with Stephen Jay Gould led to the introduction of the term "exaptation," refining how evolutionary biologists distinguish between traits originally selected for one function and those later co-opted for another; Gould and Vrba also clarified conceptual issues surrounding species sorting and selection, although they would later disagree on the meanings of species selection. Vrba further advanced, with Niles Eldredge, a hierarchical perspective on evolution, emphasizing cross-level causality. Her contributions to macroevolutionary theory, particularly through hypotheses advanced by herself, for example, the Effect Hypothesis, the Resource-Use Hypothesis and the Mass-Heterochrony Hypothesis, underscored the role of environmental pressures in shaping biodiversity. Vrba's contribution, which advanced and defined the field of macroevolution, is one of rigorous theoretical innovation, and more importantly empirical integrative testing using approaches from community ecology, developmental dynamics, and the paleoclimatology of species turnover patterns at large temporal and spatial scales, influencing not only paleontology but evolutionary biology at large. As we bid farewell to one of the field's most influential thinkers, we recognize the lasting impact of her work on how we understand the history of life. Additionally, we highlight points of harmony and disagreement between Vrba, Gould and Eldredge, which we consider mostly missing from historical literature.},
}

@article {pmid40866418,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, X},
title = {Predictive analysis of concrete tensile strength using metaheuristic algorithms helping a neural network.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31560},
pmid = {40866418},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {In most construction projects, concrete is a widely used material in different structural elements due to its suitable mechanical behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to achieve a dependable estimation of the concrete mechanical parameters such as tensile strength. In this research, a well-known machine learning model-multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN)-is optimized by multi-tracker optimization algorithm (MTOA) to avoid computational insufficiencies. The model predicts the splitting tensile strength of concrete based on the features of the concrete mixture. For validation, MTOA is compared to multi-verse optimizer (MVO), crow search algorithm (CSA), and backtracking search algorithm (BSA). Primary results showed that all optimized ANNs can reliably understand and predict the tensile strength pattern. However, from accuracy comparison, MTOA-MLPNN > MVO-MLPNN > CSA-MLPNN > BSA-MLPNN, based on respective percentage errors of 10.75, 11.28, 13.70, and 14.58, as well as correlation coefficients of 0.92, 0.90, 0.87, and 0.83. Moreover, the computational cost of the MTOA-MLPNN was found to be lower than the mentioned benchmarks. In addition, this model was validated using 10-fold cross-validation, and also its accuracy surpassed several models from earlier literature. All in all, the hybrid of MTOA-MLPNN created a scientifically novel and efficient predictive framework for the low-cost analysis of concrete tensile strength and mixture design.},
}

@article {pmid40863192,
year = {2025},
author = {Di Blas, L and De Osti, G},
title = {A Multilevel Analysis of Associations Between Children's Coloured Progressive Matrices Performances and Self-Rated Personality: Class-Average and Class-Homogeneity Differences in Nonverbal Intelligence Matter.},
journal = {Journal of Intelligence},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40863192},
issn = {2079-3200},
abstract = {The relationship between self-rated personality and nonverbal intelligence has been studied in young students, but these studies have generally not considered nested data, despite their allowing us to analyse between-classroom variability. The present cross-sectional study involved third- to sixth-grade students (n = 447) who were nested into their classrooms (n = 32). The participants completed the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) as a measure of nonverbal intelligence and a personality questionnaire based on the Five Factor Model. At the class level, the study data included class size, class-average CPM scores, and class-homogeneity in CPM performances. Multilevel modelling with class-mean centring of personality predictors was applied to examine class-average differences in CPM scores and interaction effects between personality and class-homogeneity on CPM scores. The results showed significant differences in average CPM performances across classrooms, significant fixed and random slope effects linking nonverbal intelligence and Imagination, and a cross-level effect revealing that Imagination is a stronger predictor of CPM scores when class-homogeneity in intelligence is lower. Beyond confirming the intelligence-Imagination association generally observed in the literature, the present findings emphasise the importance of using nested structures when collecting personality and intelligence data in classrooms. More attention needs to be paid to how the classroom environment affects children's self-reported personality and intelligence test performances.},
}

@article {pmid40858007,
year = {2025},
author = {Dresow, M},
title = {How the cambrian exploded: Contingency in the history of science and life.},
journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of science},
volume = {113},
number = {},
pages = {34-45},
doi = {10.1016/j.shpsa.2025.08.008},
pmid = {40858007},
issn = {0039-3681},
abstract = {Few scientific terms are as colorful as the "Cambrian explosion": the name given to the rapid increase in animal diversity and abundance between about 540 and 520 million years ago. But for all its popularity, considerable uncertainty surrounds the history of the expression. Discussions of explosive evolution date to the early twentieth century and gained in popularity during the 1940s. Still, these discussions did not emphasize- and many did not even mention- the Cambrian Period, instead focusing on later explosions as a means of characterizing a distinctive mode of evolutionary activity. So how did the Cambrian explosion come to overshadow all other evolutionary explosions to become "the Cambrian explosion"? And how have these developments shaped discussions of the nature and significance of the event? This paper examines these questions, beginning in the nineteenth century and focusing especially on the events of the twentieth century. In doing this it illuminates the contingent history of a term- and a set of ideas- that has played an outsized role in discussions of historical contingency in biology.},
}

@article {pmid40856377,
year = {2025},
author = {Tohyama, T and Fukunaga, M and Otaka, Y},
title = {A connectome-based functional magnetic resonance imaging study of visuospatial analogical reasoning in stroke.},
journal = {European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {462-471},
doi = {10.23736/S1973-9087.25.08872-0},
pmid = {40856377},
issn = {1973-9095},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Stroke/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/complications/psychology ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Middle Aged ; *Connectome/methods ; Aged ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; *Space Perception/physiology ; Japan ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Visuospatial function is a core domain of functional cognition in stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment disrupts rehabilitation practice, highlighting the importance of characterizing patients with higher-order visuospatial dysfunction to inform personalized rehabilitation strategies. Although neuroimaging offers insights into disease-related mechanisms, its clinical application remains limited.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to investigate whether the residual resting-state functional connectivity supports higher-order visuospatial function after stroke and whether changes in connectivity can characterize patients with visuospatial dysfunction.

DESIGN: Observational study.

SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation ward at Fujita Health University Hospital in Japan.

POPULATION: Fifty-eight patients with stroke.

METHODS: Visuospatial analogical reasoning was assessed using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM). Resting-state functional connectivity was evaluated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Empirical covariance matrices and group-sparse inverse covariance (GSIC) matrices were computed from the fMRI data, with the latter negated to estimate partial correlations representing direct connectivity. Correlations between connectivity measures and RCPM scores were analyzed, alongside data-driven clustering to stratify patients.

RESULTS: No significant correlation was found between empirical covariance connectivity and RCPM scores. However, GSIC-based analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between connectivity of the posteromedial and the left inferior parietal cortex and RCPM scores. Higher parietal connectivity was associated with lower RCPM performance. Patients in the highest connectivity cluster exhibited severe impairments in visuospatial analogical reasoning, particularly in tasks requiring the integration of discrete figures into spatially related wholes. The lesions in these patients were predominantly localized in the left subcortex.

CONCLUSIONS: Medio-lateral parietal connectivity may underlie visuospatial analogical reasoning after stroke.

Clustering analysis highlighted a distinct pattern of low scores in patients with increased parietal connectivity, suggesting that parietal connectivity changes have the potential for characterizing patients with severe dysfunction.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
*Stroke/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/complications/psychology
*Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
Middle Aged
*Connectome/methods
Aged
Stroke Rehabilitation
*Space Perception/physiology
Japan

@article {pmid40853924,
year = {2025},
author = {Paz, AAD and Shimizu-Aleixo, D and Oliveira-Wittmann, A and Wittmann, F and Ribeiro, C and Campos, RI},
title = {Plant recruitment six years after the Samarco's tailings-dam disaster: Impacts on species richness and plant growth.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0315990},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0315990},
pmid = {40853924},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {One of the greatest tragedies in Brazilian mining history occurred in November 2015 in Mariana, Minas Gerais state, when a dam from the mining company Samarco was breached. Millions of mine tailings from this upstream embankment were dumped over the Doce River basin, impacting an area of approximately 1469 ha of riparian vegetation. Our objective was to experimentally investigate whether plant recruitment and establishment are impaired in areas affected by tailings six years after the deposition. To achieve this goal, in 2021 we compared soil chemical properties between affected and unaffected areas, performed a soil seed bank experiment in controlled conditions, and conducted a greenhouse growth experiment using the two most abundant plant species. Affected soils presented lower fertility and organic matter content. At the same time, the mean abundance and richness of emerging plants did not differ between soils. Still, affected areas exhibited approximately 35% lower accumulated species richness (gamma diversity) than unaffected ones. The three most abundant species in both areas represented 34% of the individuals, being Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Vahl) Kuntze, Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven and Ageratum conyzoides L. In the growth experiment, plants growing in affected soils presented reduced height and stem diameter increment (L. octovalvis) or allocated fewer resources to root production than aerial parts (M. chamaedrys), potentially in response to soil infertility and density. Even after six years, our results showed that tailings-affected areas continue to experience negative impacts on plant recruitment, highlighting its adverse effects on ecosystem functions and services.},
}

@article {pmid40849595,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiguet, F and Gantin, C},
title = {Fission-fusion dynamics and spring movements in first-year carrion crows Corvus corone challenge the efficiency of culling strategies.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31068},
pmid = {40849595},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {ESOD//Ministère de la Transition écologique et Solidaire/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the spatial behaviour and social dynamics of immature carrion crows (Corvus corone) caught in Paris, with the objective of discussing the efficiency of current culling strategies used to mitigate crop damage. Using GPS tracking data from 80 first-year crows of four different cohorts, we characterized seasonal variations in movement, roosting behaviour, and fission-fusion spatial dynamics. Results show that young crows remain closely associated with their natal sites until March of the year following hatching, after which they disperse to urban, peri-urban and rural areas, particularly in April and May, with peak daily movement distances averaging 2.7 km. This period coincides with the sowing of sensitive crops such as maize and sunflower, during which culling campaigns are often conducted. Furthermore, we document fission-fusion dynamics, with fluid group associations centred around predictable anthropogenic food sources and communal roosts, certainly facilitating repeated interactions and social learning. These findings suggest that current culling practices, largely targeting transient juveniles, are unlikely to achieve long-term reductions in population size or crop damage. Instead, the study highlights the importance of addressing particularly anthropogenic food availability as a potentially more effective and ethical strategy for managing urban, peri-urban and even rural crow populations.},
}

@article {pmid40848091,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, Y and Fan, S and He, S and Zhao, W and Lancuo, Z and Sharshov, K and Li, Y and Wang, W},
title = {RNA-viromics unveils diverse RNA viral communities in Large-billed crows and Northern Ravens.},
journal = {Virus genes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40848091},
issn = {1572-994X},
support = {grant No. 32111530018//the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Russian Foundation for Basic Research Cooperative Exchange Project/ ; grant No. 2022-HZ-812//program of science and technology international cooperation project of Qinghai province/ ; },
abstract = {Birds have historically served as key vectors for viruses causing significant diseases. Corvid birds, often living in close proximity to livestock, poultry, and humans, provide substantial opportunities for cross-species viral transmission. Such transmission can occur through their feces or via ectoparasites (such as ticks, mites, and fleas) on their bodies, thereby releasing viruses into the environment. Despite the development of viral metagenomics, an increasing number of RNA viruses are being characterized across different species. RNA viruses in birds' gut microbial communities remain poorly studied. Here we report an extensive analysis of an RNA virome in fecal samples from Large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) and Northern Ravens (Corvus corax), both of which are common Corvus species found in the high-altitude forest and grassland regions of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. This study aims to assess the RNA viruses present in the intestines of these corvids and provides the first comprehensive characterization of the diversity of gut-colonizing viruses in these two crow species.},
}

@article {pmid40834275,
year = {2025},
author = {Green, JP and Elkins, G},
title = {An Introduction to the Special Issue Honoring Steven Jay Lynn.},
journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis},
volume = {73},
number = {3},
pages = {225-229},
doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2536450},
pmid = {40834275},
issn = {1744-5183},
mesh = {*Hypnosis/history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; },
abstract = {This issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis includes a collection of articles in honor of Dr. Steven Jay Lynn. Dr. Lynn passed away on March 29, 2024; however, his impact on the field of hypnosis and psychology continues through his many students, colleagues, and publications of over 500 published works, including 23 books. Dr. Lynn's enormous work covers a wide range of areas including: evidence-based psychotherapy; the treatment of psychological disorders; critical thinking and scientific inquiry; theories of hypnosis; clinical and forensic applications of hypnosis; memory, dissociation, and suggestibility; and, mindfulness and other mind-body approaches. Readers will find this special issue also covers a range of fascinating topics reflective of Dr. Lynn's work.},
}

*Hypnosis/history
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Humans

@article {pmid40833622,
year = {2025},
author = {Wascher, CAF and Youngblood, M},
title = {Correction: Vocal efficiency in crows.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {79},
doi = {10.1007/s10071-025-02001-9},
pmid = {40833622},
issn = {1435-9456},
}

@article {pmid40829650,
year = {2025},
author = {Arbon, JJ and Truskanov, N and Stott, E and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A},
title = {Wild jackdaws learn to tolerate juveniles to exploit new foraging opportunities.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {20250179},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2025.0179},
pmid = {40829650},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {//Leverhulme Trust/ ; /BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Learning ; *Crows/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Social tolerance can enhance access to resources and is thought to be crucial in facilitating the evolution of cooperation, social cognition and culture, but it is unknown whether animals can optimize their social tolerance through learning. We presented wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) with a novel social information problem using automated feeders. Juveniles could always feed (simulating a situation where juveniles were sources of information about a new resource) but adults could only access food if they inhibited their tendency to displace juveniles and instead showed tolerance by occupying an adjacent feeder perch. Accordingly, adults learned to tolerate juveniles, with some evidence they generalized across juveniles as a cohort. The ability to learn to tolerate sources of valuable information, and generalize across cohorts of informed individuals, may facilitate adaptive responses in the face of environmental change and help to explain the success of jackdaws in human-dominated environments.},
}

Animals
*Feeding Behavior
*Learning
*Crows/physiology
Social Behavior
Female
Male

@article {pmid40829649,
year = {2025},
author = {Garcia-Pelegrin, E},
title = {Task affordances shape hornbills' problem-solving strategies.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {20250271},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2025.0271},
pmid = {40829649},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Problem Solving ; Male ; Female ; *Passeriformes/physiology/anatomy & histology ; Behavior, Animal ; },
abstract = {Innovative problem-solving in birds has traditionally focused on corvids and parrots, but growing evidence shows that many other bird species are also capable of such feats. The vertical string-pulling paradigm, a hallmark test of avian cognition, requires birds to retrieve suspended food by incrementally pulling the string with their bill while securing it with their foot, demonstrating sensorimotor flexibility and the capacity to perceive some of the task's properties. However, Oriental pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) present an interesting case due to their distinctive foot morphology; their fused proximal phalanges may limit their ability to employ the typical foot assisted string-pulling technique used by other birds. In this study, six hornbills were presented with two string-pulling tasks, each requiring a different approach. Despite their anatomical constraints, five birds solved both problems on their first encounter, with average solution times under 18 s. Strikingly, individuals immediately deployed distinct and appropriate strategies: vigorous shaking to dislodge unsecured rewards and coordinated bill-and-tongue manipulation for secured ones. These rapid, flexible responses suggest that hornbills are highly sensitive to task properties and capable of adjusting their behaviour based on both environmental structure and their own morphology.},
}

Animals
*Problem Solving
Male
Female
*Passeriformes/physiology/anatomy & histology
Behavior, Animal

@article {pmid40828075,
year = {2025},
author = {Wong, K},
title = {Humans Are Not So Special After All: Whales mourn, magpies exhibit self-awareness, and Venus flytraps make memories.},
journal = {Scientific American},
volume = {333},
number = {2},
pages = {52},
doi = {10.1038/scientificamerican092025-6lSyysU5dnLuFG5C8LM6te},
pmid = {40828075},
issn = {0036-8733},
}

@article {pmid24688856,
year = {2014},
author = {Plotnik, JM and de Waal, FB},
title = {Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) reassure others in distress.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {e278},
pmid = {24688856},
issn = {2167-8359},
support = {P51 OD011132/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Contact directed by uninvolved bystanders toward others in distress, often termed consolation, is uncommon in the animal kingdom, thus far only demonstrated in the great apes, canines, and corvids. Whereas the typical agonistic context of such contact is relatively rare within natural elephant families, other causes of distress may trigger similar, other-regarding responses. In a study carried out at an elephant camp in Thailand, we found that elephants affiliated significantly more with other individuals through directed, physical contact and vocal communication following a distress event than in control periods. In addition, bystanders affiliated with each other, and matched the behavior and emotional state of the first distressed individual, suggesting emotional contagion. The initial distress responses were overwhelmingly directed toward ambiguous stimuli, thus making it difficult to determine if bystanders reacted to the distressed individual or showed a delayed response to the same stimulus. Nonetheless, the directionality of the contacts and their nature strongly suggest attention toward the emotional states of conspecifics. The elephants' behavior is therefore best classified with similar consolation responses by apes, possibly based on convergent evolution of empathic capacities.},
}

@article {pmid16397201,
year = {2006},
author = {Dwyer, E},
title = {Psychiatry and race during World War II.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
pages = {117-143},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrj035},
pmid = {16397201},
issn = {0022-5045},
mesh = {Black or African American/*psychology ; Combat Disorders/ethnology/*history/therapy ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Mental Health Services ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Military Psychiatry/*history ; *Prejudice ; United States ; White People/*psychology ; *World War II ; },
abstract = {Although the American literature on "war neuroses" expanded during World War II, psychiatrists remained more interested in dramatic instances of "combat fatigue" than in the problems of soldiers who broke down far from the field of battle. This bias in the medical literature shaped both diagnosis and treatment. It had an especially powerful effect on African American soldiers who, in the "Jim Crow" army of World War II, were assigned in disproportionate numbers to service units. When military neuropsychiatrists did write about troubled young African Americans, many revealed a racial conservatism that was surprising given the liberal environmentalist paradigm of the day. (Here, a particularly useful source is the two-volume history of Neuropsychiatry in World War II, produced by the Medical Department of the U.S. Army.) The major challenge to such views came from the National Medical Association (NMA). Despite its many criticisms of military medicine, the NMA argued that African American soldiers and veterans needed more, not fewer, psychiatric services. NMA members also joined their white counterparts in the campaign to diminish the stigma of mental illness, especially among the families of soldiers returning home. We need more investigation of the subsequent history of race and psychiatry, especially within the Veterans Administration.},
}

Black or African American/*psychology
Combat Disorders/ethnology/*history/therapy
Health Services Needs and Demand
History, 20th Century
Humans
*Mental Health Services
Military Personnel/*psychology
Military Psychiatry/*history
*Prejudice
United States
White People/*psychology
*World War II

@article {pmid40816474,
year = {2025},
author = {Hassaneen, RK and Mobarak, YM and El-Baz, LMF and Farouk, H and Sharaf, H and Hafez, HS},
title = {Short- and long-term captivity impacts on bird memory, corticosterone level, and oxidative stress genes: Perspectives on deep learning analysis.},
journal = {Physiology & behavior},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {115064},
doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.115064},
pmid = {40816474},
issn = {1873-507X},
abstract = {Captivity can harm birds' behavior despite receiving care. The effects of captivity on birds' brain function have not been well studied. This study examined the effects of one-day and seven-day captivity stress on corticosterone levels, memory through novel object and place recognition, and Nrf2, cyclin D, and BMP4 gene expression as inflammatory indicators in hooded crows (Corvus cornix), common mynas (Acridotheres tristis), and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). Developing a deep learning analysis to monitor birds' head, leg, wing, and tail movements during novel object and place recognition enhances understanding of avian behavior, cognition, and response, which were assessed using the VGG16 neural network on video footage. Monitoring the head, legs, wings, and tail movements of birds during novel object recognition enhances the understanding of avian visual processing and cognitive abilities, providing insights into environmental interactions. The novelty index showed negative values for novel object detection in the three bird species during captivity, suggesting impaired identification. Corticosterone levels were significantly elevated after 30 min of captivity (P< 0.05) and stabilized by the end of the first day of captivity. Additionally, the gene expression of Nrf2, cyclin D, and BMP4 in the Wulst region was measured using qRT-PCR, which revealed variable responses among the bird species and genes with downregulation of neuroprotection and plasticity gene Nrf2 in seven days of captivity. Birds in long-term captivity during novel object detection showed reduced exploration and poorer cognitive performance. Deep learning was used to identify bird organ use during exploration behavior. Both captivity conditions negatively impacted avian behavior, affecting novel object identification.},
}

@article {pmid40814769,
year = {2025},
author = {Neves, MLBB and Thome, C and da Silva Junior, SV and Machado, T and Sánchez-Ayala, A and Câmara-Souza, MB and De la Torre Canales, G},
title = {Efficacy and Durability of the Association of Botox and Skinvive in the Treatment of Moderate/Severe Wrinkles in the Periorbital Region: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Split-Face Clinical Study.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {24},
number = {8},
pages = {e70403},
pmid = {40814769},
issn = {1473-2165},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The combined efficacy and durability of botulinum toxin A (BTX) and hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) for canthal wrinkles have not been thoroughly evaluated in randomized clinical trials.

AIMS: This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and durability of the combined treatment protocol of onabotulinumtoxinA and Juvederm Volite VYC-12 (Skinvive) for moderate and severe canthal lines.

METHODS: This randomized double-blinded split-face trial included 25 women with periorbital dynamic wrinkles at severity levels II-IV according to the Merz 5-point scale. After bilateral onabotulinummtoxinA injections, the sides of the participants' faces were randomized to receive HA injections or a simulated injection. Assessed variables included electromyography activity (EMG), Merz 5-point crow's feet scale, and FACE-Q appraisal on crow's feet lines. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. For differences in EMG and satisfaction scores, the two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc analyses were conducted. Wrinkle severity scores were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS: Inter-treatment comparisons revealed no significant differences between treatment protocols in all assessed periods for EMG (p = 0.86). For severity of canthal wrinkles, onabotulinumtoxinA + VYC-12 exhibited lower canthal wrinkle severity in rest and contracted positions after 3 (p = 0.04), and 3 (p = 0.007) and 6 (p = 0.001) months, respectively. Additionally, satisfaction with BTX-HA treatment was significantly higher after 3-month (p = 0.001) and 6-month (p = 0.001) follow-ups compared to BTX treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher improvements in canthal wrinkles could be enhanced by using onabotulinumtoxinA and VYC-12 in association as a treatment protocol.},
}

@article {pmid40813886,
year = {2025},
author = {Khadidos, AO and Yafoz, A},
title = {An intelligent object detection and classification framework for assisting visually challenged persons using deep learning and improved crow search optimization.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29822},
pmid = {40813886},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {KSRG-2024-070//King Salman Center for Disability Research/ ; },
abstract = {According to an estimation, one billion persons are experiencing disabilities, so assistive technologies are developed, enhancing independence and accessibility. Significant developments have been made in assisting disabled people. Object detection (OD) and classification systems are effective computer technologies for image processing and computer vision (CV). It is mainly used to identify and describe objects such as vehicles, individuals, and animals from digital videos and images, which will be useful for older or disabled persons. Deep learning (DL) models demonstrate to be more expert in resolving OD defects. However, DL techniques are extensively utilized to perceive, track, and identify in real-time objects met during navigation in an indoor environment. This study proposes a Hybrid DL Model for Object Detection and Classification Using an Improved Crow Search Algorithm (HDLMODC-ICSA) method. The HDLMODC-ICSA method primarily focuses on an accurate and real-time object recognition method to assist visually challenged persons. In the initial stage, the image pre-processing stage utilizes median filtering (MF) to remove noise or distortions and make the image more transparent. Furthermore, the OD process employs the Faster R-CNN model to generate precise region proposals and detect objects within images efficiently. Moreover, the HDLMODC-ICSA technique employs the Improved LeNet-5 model to extract meaningful and discriminative features from the identified regions. The hybrid of the attention-based stacked bi-directional long short-term memory (ABS-Bi-LSTM) technique is used for OD and classification. Finally, the hyperparameter selection of the ABS-BiLSTM model is performed by implementing the improved crow search algorithm (ICSA) model. The efficiency of the HDLMODC-ICSA approach is validated by comprehensive studies using the Indoor objects detection dataset. The comparison study of the HDLMODC-ICSA approach demonstrated a superior accuracy value of 99.59% over existing techniques.},
}

@article {pmid40809830,
year = {2025},
author = {Proctor, TL and Fatungase, F and Barquero Leiva, JA and Javier, F and Durr, CE and Paladino, FV},
title = {Tiny Patch, Big Value: A Small Dry Forest Patch Supports Wildlife Conservation in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e71972},
pmid = {40809830},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Tropical dry forests are among the most threatened tropical ecosystems due to ongoing agricultural expansion and development. Despite this, small forest patches persist within fragmented landscapes, though their conservation value remains poorly understood. To evaluate the role of one such patch in supporting wildlife, we deployed camera traps across three zones (Dense Forest, Grassland, and Sparse Forest) within the Murren Reserve, a small dry forest patch on the southern coastline of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Camera traps detected 16 vertebrate species, with opportunistic encounters adding 16 more. The most detected species included the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Additionally, we recorded nationally endangered species, including the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), puma (Puma concolor), and mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), as well as nationally threatened species such as the spotted skunk (Spilogale angustifrons) and white-throated magpie-jay (Calocitta formosa). Extrapolated rarefaction curves suggest that further sampling could improve species richness estimates for the Dense Forest and Grassland. Although we did not detect a difference in species composition among zones (ANOSIM, R = 0.14, p = 0.26), a generalized linear mixed model indicated that zone explained 17% of the variation in species richness. These findings highlight the role that small dry forest patches play in conserving both threatened species and broader vertebrate communities. We also provide recommendations for future research to address current data gaps and improve long-term monitoring in fragmented landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid40807968,
year = {2025},
author = {Badawy, TR and Ziedan, NI},
title = {Optimized Intelligent Localization Through Mathematical Modeling and Crow Search Algorithms.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {25},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {40807968},
issn = {1424-8220},
abstract = {Localization has emerged as a critical problem over the past decades, with diverse techniques developed to address robot and mobile localization challenges across varied domains. However, existing localization methods still fall short of achieving the precision needed for certain high-demand applications. The proposed algorithm is designed to enhance localization accuracy by integrating mathematical modeling with the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). The objective is to identify the most probable position within a designated search space. Anchored by a network of fixed points, the search area is initially defined. A mathematical approach is then applied to reduce this area by calculating the intersections between circles centered at each anchor point. Within this reduced area, an array of candidate points are selected, and their centroid is computed to serve as an initial estimate. The modified CSA iteratively improves upon this estimate by emulating the natural behavior of crows, updating its variables to converge on the optimal position. Experimental evaluations, conducted on both real and simulated datasets, demonstrate that the proposed algorithm leads to a better localization accuracy than existing methods. The proposed methodology achieves a significant accuracy improvement with an accuracy of 98%. These results confirm the effectiveness of our approach for applications that require high precision with minimal infrastructure and low computational complexity.},
}

@article {pmid40802067,
year = {2025},
author = {Bennett, AJ and Watson, DM and Watson, MJ},
title = {Positive and negative impacts of electrical infrastructure on animal biodiversity: A systematic review.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {9},
pages = {142},
pmid = {40802067},
issn = {1432-1939},
abstract = {Electrical infrastructure networks are predicted to greatly expand in response to the expected 48% increase in global energy demand by 2040. While assessments of electrical infrastructure are abundant, mixed effects on animal diversity have been reported, warranting further evaluation to determine true effects. We conducted a systematic literature review covering individual, population, and community-level assessments to determine the impacts posed to animal biodiversity by electrical infrastructure and the measures to reduce impacts. Our results show that the literature around electrical infrastructure and animal biodiversity has grown exponentially since the start of the millennium and is biased towards birds and mammals in economically developed countries. We found the majority of reported impacts were negative, occurring primarily through barrier effects (collision) and use of linear features as a resource (electrocution), causing significant population impacts in select species. However, we also found that electrical infrastructure provided positive effects (increased habitat provisioning) to certain taxonomic groups (e.g. corvids, storks), which suggests the potential to encourage conservation efforts using appropriate mitigation on electrical infrastructure. We found the majority of current literature detailed mitigation measures focused on reducing collisions through line (51%) and tower alterations (30%), but often omitted the impacts of EMF, noise, and UV, indicating significant knowledge gaps. On a wider scale, we found that mortality from electrical infrastructure ranked lower than building collisions and predation from feral cats, but remained higher than other anthropogenic energy sources, indicating the potential to cause significant impacts to large-bodied bird species if not addressed.},
}

@article {pmid40796618,
year = {2025},
author = {Chae, S and Hwang, J and Choe, JC and Jablonski, PG and Lee, SI and Kim, J},
title = {Empirical evidence for the functional benefit of intra-specific wing shape variation in a sedentary bird, the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29495},
pmid = {40796618},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {22-BRP-03//Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology/ ; 2023R1A2C1005420//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the intraspecific variation in wingtip shape and its effects on aerodynamic forces and flight capabilities with the Oriental Magpies as a model species. Characterized by short and rounded wings, Oriental Magpies are highly sedentary and exhibit wingtip shape variations between juveniles and adults, as well as between males and females due to physiological changes during breeding. Analysis of 115 individuals revealed a significant interaction between sex and age in the location of the wingtip, with adult females exhibiting wings with backward-shifted wingtips than other sex and age categories. In order to examine the functional aspect of this pattern of variation, we conducted wind tunnel experiments and measured the aerodynamic performances of three wings by varying the position of wingtip from forward to backward. The results show that wings with backward-shifted wingtips have higher lift coefficient compared to wings with forward-shifted wingtips, especially at low free-stream velocities. Our findings suggest that wings with backward-shifted wingtips enhance maneuverability during both turning- and straight-flight conditions, particularly during slow gliding flight. We hypothesize that aerodynamic benefits of the backward-shifted wingtips are more important for adult females, who has increased body weight with center of mass shifted to rear part of the body due to fully developed reproductive organs including eggs and follicles. Our results suggest that age- and sex-dependent wingtip shape change can be fine-tuned according to intraspecific variation in the ecological requirements of the individuals.},
}

@article {pmid40784037,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, J and Lee, J and Douglas, A and Akinkuotu, A and Romain, C},
title = {Representation matters: advocating for increased diversity in the pediatric surgical workforce to address health inequity.},
journal = {Seminars in pediatric surgery},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {151521},
doi = {10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2025.151521},
pmid = {40784037},
issn = {1532-9453},
abstract = {Equitable health is the state in which all have the opportunity to attain full health potential and no disadvantage from achieving this because of social position or another socially defined circumstance [1]. One measure of society is marked by how vulnerable populations, like children, are treated, including the right to achieve and access good health. Focusing on health equity helps to address the social determinants of health which can adversely affect pediatric care and threatens surgical outcomes for the most vulnerable children in society [1-5]. Inextricable from attaining health equity is a surgical workforce that adequately represents the populations they serve. Pediatric surgery, like many surgical subspecialties, has fallen short in its goal of achieving equitable gender and ethnic representation at the fellowship, faculty, and leadership level [6-8]. Racial physician-patient discordance has been suggested as a mechanism that perpetuates health inequities within the minority pediatric populations [9-15]. Underrepresentation in pediatric surgery, and more broadly medicine can be attributed to both historical and present-day racism conjoined with high barriers to entry in our field [16-28]. The impact of chattel slavery, Jim Crow laws, federally sponsored residential segregation, mass incarceration, and ongoing systematic disinvestment, reverberates and perpetuates the paucity of representation. To address this issue requires a multi-faceted approach [29-33]. Pathway programs have been deployed in many contexts to provide mentorship and exposure to medical careers [2, 35-40]. But these avenues alone are insufficient. Advocacy is necessary to address systemic inequities in early childhood education where pathways to careers in medicine, including pediatric surgery, are significantly threatened.},
}

@article {pmid40777419,
year = {2025},
author = {Summers, J and Jones, BSCL and Cosgrove, EJ and Bakley, TD and Barve, S and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N},
title = {Context-Dependent Fitness Outcomes of Helping in the Cooperatively-Breeding Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.07.21.666021},
pmid = {40777419},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Cooperatively breeding species frequently live in family groups of related individuals, with helpers delaying their own reproduction and participating in alloparental care, predator vigilance, and territory defense. It remains challenging to disentangle the roles of the indirect fitness benefits of helping kin and the potential direct fitness benefits helpers receive in the evolution of cooperative breeding. While many studies test for associations between helper relatedness and helping effort, few estimate the realized fitness consequences of helping in relation to these factors. Understanding these fitness outcomes elucidates the selective forces that maintain helping behavior, whether through inclusive fitness gains by helping related individuals or as a means of gaining access to later direct fitness benefits. Using 29 years of extensive demographic data from a closely monitored population of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), we quantified the effect of helpers on breeder survival, offspring survival, and nestling production and how these effects depend on relatedness and sex of helpers. We found that female breeder survival was significantly greater when more helpers were present and that offspring survival was greater when more male helpers were present on small territories. Neither effect of helpers depended on the relatedness between helpers and the individuals they helped. Our results suggest that helping behavior is highly context-dependent and varies based on the potential impact of helping and the direct fitness benefits helpers receive.},
}

@article {pmid40777180,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahman, A and Rao, M and Aldughpassi, A and Jallad, R and Shaban, L},
title = {Blood levels of copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc are positively associated with cognitive function and academic performance in adolescents.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1638283},
pmid = {40777180},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Microminerals copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) regulate neuronal signaling and brain function. Deficiencies of these minerals are common in adolescents due to unhealthy eating habits. We investigated the association between micromineral levels and cognitive function and academic performance in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

METHODS: Adolescents (N = 1,370; 11-14 years) were selected from public middle schools in Kuwait, using cluster random sampling. Data on various covariates were collected through a questionnaire from the subjects and their parents. Blood micromineral levels were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cognitive function was evaluated through the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test and academic performance data were taken from the school records.

RESULTS: Median (IQR) blood levels of microminerals (μg/dL) were as follows: Cu, 22.5 (15.2, 33.0); Mn, 6.0 (3.5, 10.6); Se, 34.2 (22.1, 52.5); Zn, 163.5 (118.5, 233.5). On average, SPM score was higher by 5 points in adolescents with mineral levels above the median, compared to those with levels below median (p < 0.05). Academic performance in adolescents with micromineral levels in Q1 was lower by an average of seven-percentage points compared to those in Q4 (p < 0.01). Multivariable regression analysis showed positive association (p < 0.01) with both cognitive function and academic performance, whether the micromineral levels were used as continuous variable or as quartiles.

CONCLUSION: In this cohort, blood micromineral levels are positively associated with cognitive function and academic performance. Improving micromineral status by public health intervention is strongly warranted, as academic performance during early-life education has implications on the later-life socio-economic status.},
}

@article {pmid40765475,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, F and Guo, M and Zhu, J and Wang, H},
title = {Clinical Evaluation of a Multi-Component Facial Mask for Moisturizing, Repairing, and Anti-Aging Effects.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {24},
number = {8},
pages = {e70355},
pmid = {40765475},
issn = {1473-2165},
mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Female ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Elasticity ; Face ; *Masks ; *Skin Care/instrumentation/methods ; Male ; Skin/diagnostic imaging/drug effects ; Rejuvenation ; *Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial masks are commonly used in skincare for targeted and intensive treatment. However, masks that provide only moisturizing benefits have limited functionality and may not adequately meet comprehensive anti-aging needs.

OBJECTIVES: To design and evaluate the efficacy of a multi-component facial mask for moisturizing, repairing, and anti-aging effects.

METHODS: The clinical efficacy of the facial mask was evaluated in a 28-day study, with skin parameters measured immediately after application, and at 14 and 28 days. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured using a Corneometer and a Vapometer, respectively. Skin elasticity and firmness were assessed using a Cutometer. Facial photographs were captured using the VISIA CR system, and wrinkles and roughness were analyzed with Antera 3D.

RESULTS: Immediate and 28-day assessments revealed significant improvements in skin hydration and reduced TEWL (p < 0.001). After 28-day use, skin elasticity and firmness increased by 17.31% and 16.18%, respectively. VISIA CR analysis demonstrated enhanced skin gloss and decreased redness. Antera 3D measurements indicated significant reductions in the length and width of under-eye wrinkles and crow's feet, along with improved skin texture (p < 0.001). Participant self-assessments reported high satisfaction with the mask's safety and efficacy, both in the short term and long term.

CONCLUSION: The multi-component facial mask demonstrated significant efficacy in enhancing skin hydration, improving barrier repair, and providing anti-aging benefits.},
}

Humans
*Skin Aging/drug effects
Female
Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects
Adult
Middle Aged
Elasticity
Face
*Masks
*Skin Care/instrumentation/methods
Male
Skin/diagnostic imaging/drug effects
Rejuvenation
*Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid40764895,
year = {2025},
author = {Bohnert, M and Heinsen, H and Mittal, P and Bohnert, S},
title = {Macroscopic findings of the skull and brain in fire fatalities - an update.},
journal = {Forensic science, medicine, and pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40764895},
issn = {1556-2891},
abstract = {On the skull, the best known and most frequently observed autopsy findings are the heat fractures of the skull and the burn hematoma. The macromorphological changes of the brain have been described comparatively less frequently in the primary and secondary literature. We have evaluated the fire deaths of our institute over a period of 10 years with regard to the macromorphological changes of the skull and brain and described four stages (0-III) after postmortem fireexposure. In stage 0, the scalp showed up to third-degree burns, but the skull and brain were not affected. In stage I, in which the scalp showed fourth degree burns but the skull was still completely intact and unbroken, a certain hardening of the brain and a paling of the lateral parts of the temporal lobes, in particular, could already be regularly observed. In stage II, the head skin was burned away, and the skull was charred but still closed. There was a noticeable shrinkage of the dura mater, which was often torn. The brain itself appeared shrunken, pale and showed a flattening of the convolutions and a spreading of the furrows. In stage III, the skull was opened, charred to calcified and broken in clods. Tears in the dura mater led to herniation of brain tissue to the outside. The aim of this study was to classify the macromorphological changes of the skull and brain after fire exposure, both chronologically and according to their severity. The proposed staged classification (0-III) is intended to summarize the findings and to update and complement the descriptions in the older literature. It can be seen as an extension and further development of the Crow-Glassman scale, which classifies the extent of fire destruction of human bodies.},
}

@article {pmid40763797,
year = {2025},
author = {Reynolds, A},
title = {Topological interactions account for border dynamics of murmurations and transit flocks.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface},
volume = {22},
number = {229},
pages = {20250020},
pmid = {40763797},
issn = {1742-5662},
support = {//SCP/ ; /BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Smart/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Models, Biological ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Stochastic Processes ; },
abstract = {Murmurations are one of nature's most striking examples of collective behaviour. Despite extensive research the dynamics of individuals at the borders of these flocks remain poorly understood. These dynamics result in two unexplained phenomena: the tendency of birds to remain longer at the border than the way internal birds keep their position inside the flock; and the hardness (sharpness) of the borders. It has been suggested that the border dynamics can be attributed to selection pressures for advantageous behaviours such as prey evasion. Here with the aid of stochastic models we show that the observed border dynamics are an accidental but potentially advantageous by-product of topological interactions (when birds interact with a fixed number of neighbours) and that they do not arise with metric interactions (when birds coordinate with neighbours based on spatial distance). I find support for these predictions in an analysis of pre-existing telemetry data for flocks of jackdaws (Corvus monedula).},
}

Animals
*Models, Biological
*Behavior, Animal/physiology
Stochastic Processes

@article {pmid40763283,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, L and Yang, K and Ming, Y and Tang, J},
title = {PDCSA: A parallel discrete crow search algorithm for influence maximization in social networks.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0329350},
pmid = {40763283},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Algorithms ; Humans ; *Social Networking ; Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {The essence of the influence maximization (IM) problem is how to identify the set of seed nodes so that the node numbers ultimately affected in the network reach the maximum under a certain spreading model. In the field of influence maximization research, the investigation of seed nodes identifying algorithms is a hot yet challenging work. Although conventional greedy algorithms and heuristic algorithms have high performance, their efficiency remains a challenge when applied to large-scale social networks. In recent years, swarm intelligence-based optimization algorithms have seen increasing application in addressing this problem, with notable improvements in performance. However, the efficiency of these swarm intelligence-based algorithms still needs to be improved in large-scale social networks. Based on this issue, a parallel discrete crow search algorithm (PDCSA) designed for parallel computing is proposed. Based on the evolution characteristics, PDCSA makes full use of the efficiency advantage of parallel computing to improve the time efficiency of solving IM problems.The results of experiments conducted on six datasets show that PDCSA achieves performance comparable to state-of-the-art algorithms, with the added advantages of high efficiency and robustness.},
}

*Algorithms
Humans
*Social Networking
Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid40761836,
year = {2025},
author = {Gutierrez, JC and Nlebedum, U and Wanakumjorn, P and Holladay, SD},
title = {Spatial and non-verbal reasoning abilities in first-year female DVM students before and after 4 h of canine osteology training or 19 h of canine dissection: preliminary study.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1593360},
pmid = {40761836},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Spatial ability refers to human cognitive ability to form, retrieve, and mentally manipulate models of spatial nature. This critical component of human intellect is relevant on a wide spectrum of professional disciplines including engineering, architecture, mathematics, computer sciences, natural sciences and a variety of medical disciplines, including anatomy and diagnostic imaging. In the present study, validated testing tools were used to compare spatial and general non-verbal reasoning abilities in first-year female veterinary medical students. These tests were: Guay's Visualization of Views Test (GVVT) and, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Osteology Group (OG): students took the tests before and after exposure to general canine osteology (4 h). Dissection Group (DG): students took the tests before and after exposure to dissections/pro-sections/palpation labs (19 h). Results for the OG showed a numeric but non-significant increase in GVVT (p = 0.092), with mean scores of 8.01 and 11.34 pre-training and post-training, respectively. Similar results were found for the APMT, with pre-training and post-training mean scores of 7.44 and 8.44 (p = 0.16), respectively. Results for the DG showed a numeric but non-significant increase in GVVT (p = 0.67), with mean scores of 11.77 and 13.28 pre-labs and post-labs, respectively. For the APMT, the increase in scores was significant (p = 0.028), with mean scores of 6.8 and 10.2, pre-labs and post-labs, respectively. Future studies are planned with greater numbers of students and groups with different hours of anatomy exposure. Future studies might also consider subgroups such as pre-veterinary students.},
}

@article {pmid40759695,
year = {2025},
author = {Leibovici, A and Itzhaki, N and Shapsa, H and Yvgeny, J and Lerer, and Shechtman, M and Mesika, D and Raizman, R and Tsarfaty, G and Zibly, Z and Ungar, L and Peled, A and Gardner, RC and Zaltsman, SL and Bondi, M and Gaidukov, E and Schmahmann, JD and Plavsic, A and Livny, A},
title = {Compensatory cerebellar activation during fluid intelligence processing following mild traumatic brain injury.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {28377},
pmid = {40759695},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Cerebellum/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Brain Concussion/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/psychology ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition/physiology ; Brain Mapping ; },
abstract = {Cognitive outcome following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) vary widely, with many individuals experiencing long-term impairments associated with frontoparietal network dysfunction. Mild TBI patients have demonstrated functional reorganization, suggesting an expansion of activation to cerebellar regions during specific executive functions. In this study, we investigated cerebellar involvement in fluid intelligence processing using a novel fMRI paradigm based on Raven's Progressive Matrices in 51 acute mTBI patients and 61 healthy controls. Despite comparable task accuracy, mTBI patients exhibited significantly increased activation in anterior cerebellar regions, including Vermis III and Cerebellum IV-V. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis further revealed altered cerebellar-frontoparietal interactions in mTBI patients compared to healthy controls. In mTBI patients, connectivity was enhanced with the left lateral prefrontal cortex and lower with the right posterior parietal cortex, which also showed a change from positive to negative connectivity. These findings suggest that the cerebellum is adaptively recruited to maintain cognitive performance, in line with the cerebellar reserve theory. This study provides initial evidence of cerebellar activation during fluid intelligence processing in mTBI, highlighting a potential role for the cerebellum in adaptively interacting with cortical networks to support cognitive function following brain injury.},
}

Humans
Male
*Cerebellum/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging
Female
Adult
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
*Brain Concussion/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/psychology
*Intelligence/physiology
Middle Aged
Young Adult
Case-Control Studies
Cognition/physiology
Brain Mapping

@article {pmid40759476,
year = {2025},
author = {Zahid, N and Mughal, MN and Brown, N and Mårtensson, A and Mårtensson, T and Ibrahim, MS and Naeem, S and Qazi, S and Amin, W and Azam, I and Mushtaq, N and Moochhala, M and Kausar, F and Hasan, A and Javeed, F and Rehman, L and Altaf, S and Kirmani, S and Enam, SA},
title = {MicroRNA Expression and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children and Young People With Primary Brain Tumor in Karachi, Pakistan: A Pilot Exploratory Study.},
journal = {Brain tumor research and treatment},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {87-94},
pmid = {40759476},
issn = {2288-2405},
support = {//Aga Khan University/Pakistan ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: microRNAs regulate various cellular pathways and may serve as medium-term prognostic markers in neurocognitive function, as suggested by adult studies. However, no comparable data exist for children with central nervous system tumors. This pilot study explored miRNA expression and its correlation with 12-month posttreatment neurocognitive function in children and young adults (5-21 years) with primary brain tumors.

METHODS: The study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (November 2020 to July 2023). This study analyzed serum levels of miR-21, miR-146a, miR-296-5p, miR-210, and miR-10b using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR. Neurocognitive assessments using Slosson Intelligence Test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale were performed at pretreatment and 12 months posttreatment. The paired t-test was used to assess miRNA expressions, and correlation analysis assessed relationships between pretreatment miRNA expression and neurocognitive outcomes.

RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, serum samples were available for analysis from 34 (71%) patients each at pretreatment and 48 hours post-surgery, and 13 (27%) patients at 12 months posttreatment. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between pretreatment miR-210 levels and perceptual reasoning scores at 12 months posttreatment (ρ=-0.59), and a positive correlation between pretreatment miR-10b levels and processing speed scores (ρ=0.49). However, there were no differences in microRNA expressions between pretreatment and 48 hours post-surgery (n=34), pretreatment and 12 months posttreatment (n=13), or 48 hours post-surgery and 12 months posttreatment.

CONCLUSION: This pilot exploratory study found two statistically significant correlations: a negative correlation between pretreatment miR-210 levels and 12 months posttreatment perceptual reasoning scores and a positive correlation between miR-10b expression and 12 months posttreatment speed scores. Further studies are needed to understand the protective or restorative function of miR-10b in cognitive processes and the detrimental role of miR-210 in cognitive processes to evaluate their potential future use as prognostic biomarkers for neurocognitive outcomes in children and young people with primary brain tumors.},
}

@article {pmid40758670,
year = {2025},
author = {Fattahi, M and Esmaeil-Zadeh, M and Soltanian-Zadeh, H and Rasouli, N and Fallahinia, N and Jafari Mehdi Abad, A and Khosrowabadi, R and Malakouti, SK},
title = {Neuroimaging insights into recent suicide attempters utilizing the raven task.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0327562},
pmid = {40758670},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Suicide, Attempted/psychology ; Female ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology/psychology ; Young Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; *Neuroimaging ; Brain Mapping ; *Brain/physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; Suicidal Ideation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding brain function in individuals who have recently attempted suicide is critical for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies. This study aimed to examine neural activity patterns in such individuals (who had attempted suicide 1-4 weeks before the study) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and the General Linear Model (GLM).

METHODS: Sixty participants were recruited and categorized into three groups: individuals with a recent suicide attempt and Major Depressive Disorder (SA + MDD), individuals with Major Depressive Disorder without a suicide attempt (MDD), and healthy controls (HC). Participants performed the Raven task, consisting of 24 trials with a 25-second time limit for each item. Brain activity was analyzed to identify regional differences among groups using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS: Compared to the MDD and HC groups, the SA + MDD group exhibited significantly reduced activation in the left medial superior frontal cortex (SFC), left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and left precentral gyrus. Positive correlations were observed between the Scale for Suicidal Ideation scores and activity in the medial SFC and ACC, whereas a negative correlation was found with precentral gyrus activity. While task accuracy did not significantly differ among the groups, the SA + MDD group demonstrated significantly shorter response durations.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with recent suicide attempts show diminished activation in key left-hemispheric regions involved in cognitive control and problem-solving, including the medial SFC, ACC, and precentral gyrus. These neural deficits may impair decision-making and problem-solving abilities, particularly when compounded by hopelessness and a diminished sense of purpose, potentially contributing to increased suicide risk.},
}

Humans
Male
*Suicide, Attempted/psychology
Female
Adult
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
*Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology/psychology
Young Adult
Case-Control Studies
*Neuroimaging
Brain Mapping
*Brain/physiopathology
Middle Aged
Suicidal Ideation

@article {pmid40742461,
year = {2025},
author = {Wascher, CAF and Youngblood, M},
title = {Vocal efficiency in crows.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {75},
pmid = {40742461},
issn = {1435-9456},
mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal ; Male ; Female ; Social Behavior ; },
abstract = {Many communicative systems have been selected for efficiency, shaped by the trade-off between information transmission and energetic or temporal constraints. Linguistic laws such as Menzerath's law-predicting shorter elements in longer sequences-have emerged as widespread principles across vocal communication in many species. While these laws have been predominantly studied at the species level, the influence of individual and social factors remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated adherence to Menzerath's law in the vocal communication of carrion crows, Corvus corone corone, hooded crows, Corvus corone cornix and hybrids. Our findings show that crow call sequences adhere to Menzerath's law, with shorter calls occurring in longer sequences, demonstrating structural efficiency in vocal communication. In carrion crows specifically, we analysed call sequences in relation to individual characteristics (sex, age) and social variables (group size, dominance status, strength of affiliative relationships). Interestingly, adherence to Menzerath's law was stronger in males and younger individuals, while no effects were found for group size, dominance, or affiliative relationships. This study provides the first evidence of Menzerath's law in corvid vocal communication and suggests that individual-level traits, rather than broader social dynamics, may shape vocal efficiency. These findings broaden our understanding of widespread principles in animal communication and raise new questions about the ontogeny and flexibility of vocal efficiency in complex social species.},
}

*Crows/physiology
Animals
*Vocalization, Animal
Male
Female
Social Behavior

@article {pmid40738215,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferrari Cagidiaco, E and Verniani, G and Pontoriero, DIK and Saracutu, OI and Manfredini, D and Ferrari, M},
title = {Posterior partial crowns out of lithium disilicate with or without posts: A randomized controlled study at 9 years follow up.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {106005},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106005},
pmid = {40738215},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: These randomized controlled clinical aims to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of posterior lithium disilicate partial crowns used to restore endodontically treated teeth (ETT), with or without fiber post placement, over a 9-year period in patients who did not report any bruxism activities at baseline.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were recruited at the University of Siena, Siena, Italy. Patient were≥18 years, in need for one partial crown on posterior teeth (molars and premolars) following endodontic treatment and with at least 50 % of the coronal structure remaining. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 received fiber posts for abutment build-up, and Group 2 did not. Lithium disilicate partial crowns were fabricated and adhesively cemented for both groups. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were conducted at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 9 years. Failures were defined as post debonding/fracture, root fracture, crown dislodgement/fracture, or the presence of periapical lesion. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the influence of post placement and tooth type.

RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were enrolled. At the 9-year follow-up, survival of ETT ranged between 88.8 % in molars without post and to 85.7 % in premolars with no post. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding post placement or tooth type on failure rates (p > .05).

CONCLUSION: The findings of the present clinical trial support the idea in patients with no report of bruxism, the insertion of a fiber post for the reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth with partial crown lithium disilicate in posterior teeth is not a necessary procedure.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When at least 50 % of coronal structure is maintained, fiber post placement does not significantly influence survival rates. Lithium disilicate partial crowns provide excellent long-term outcomes in restoring endodontically treated posterior teeth.},
}

@article {pmid40737589,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, YJ and Hwang, K},
title = {Graceful Aging in the Bust of Hadrian: Reflections for Modern Anti-Aging Surgery Ethics.},
journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000011721},
pmid = {40737589},
issn = {1536-3732},
abstract = {Roman imperial portraiture served not only to project authority but also to communicate cultural and philosophical values. Emperor Hadrian's busts are notable for expressing visible signs of aging-deliberate departure from the ageless idealism of prior emperors such as Augustus. This paper examines how Hadrian's sculpted image embodies a vision of graceful aging and considers its relevance to modern anti-aging surgery ethics. The aim is to explore the artistic, historical, and philosophical dimensions of Hadrian's portraiture and draw ethical parallels for contemporary aesthetic surgeons who increasingly face requests to erase the physical evidence of age rather than preserve individuality and emotional narrative. Hadrian's likeness features subtle crow's feet, forehead lines, and softening around the jaw-elements typically associated with aging, yet portrayed with remarkable dignity and intellectual poise. This reflects Hellenistic ideals, particularly Stoic and Epicurean values, in which aging signifies wisdom, balance, and self-mastery. In contrast, today's aesthetic culture often pathologizes aging, favoring aggressive rejuvenation and digital smoothness. This commentary proposes the concept of selective aging preservation, encouraging surgeons to retain features that communicate personal identity while respectfully restoring or softening others. Hadrian's marble visage offers more than artistic value; it provides ethical and aesthetic mirror for anti-aging practitioners. Aging need not be erased to achieve beauty. In embracing balanced approach-one that values natural signs of time alongside thoughtful intervention-modern plastic surgery can restore not only surface form but deeper human meaning. The surgeon, like the ancient sculptor, holds the responsibility to craft not just appearance, but legacy.},
}

@article {pmid40732203,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, J and Kim, H and Goh, J and Nam, SW and Chung, EJ and Shin, M and Seol, D and Kim, KH and Kwak, W},
title = {The Complete Genomes of Microcystis ichthyoblabe Kützing and Microcystis protocystis (Crow) Komárek & Anagnostidis Reveal the Complexity and Plasticity of Microcystis Genomes.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40732203},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Microcystis is a genus of cyanobacteria responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater ecosystems, posing significant ecological and public health risks. Despite its importance, current genomic resources are heavily biased toward Microcystis aeruginosa, limiting comprehensive understanding of genomic diversity within the genus. In this study, we present the first complete genome sequences of two morphospecies, M. ichthyoblabe FBCC-A1114 and M. protocystis FBCC-A270. Using long-read sequencing, both genomes were assembled into single circular chromosomes of 5.84 Mb and 5.76 Mb, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses placed both strains within genospecies G, alongside M. aeruginosa and M. viridis. Comparative analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters revealed that, while most genospecies G members harbor aeruginosin, cyanobactin, and microviridin gene clusters, the two newly sequenced strains lack cyanobactin and microcystin clusters but retain the microginin cluster. Synteny analysis demonstrated high structural conservation between the two genomes, while notable structural variations were observed when compared with M. aeruginosa NIES-298. These findings reveal both functional and structural plasticity within the genospecies, suggesting ecotype diversification driven by environmental adaptation. The newly assembled genomes provide critical resources to refine classification frameworks and advance our understanding of Microcystis genomic diversity.},
}

@article {pmid40723516,
year = {2025},
author = {Hayward, L},
title = {Reader Responses to Online Reporting of Tagged Bird Behavior.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {14},
pages = {},
pmid = {40723516},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {This paper explores responses to online coverage of an avian tracking project. Researchers attached novel trackers to a small group of wild magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen). These were subsequently removed by conspecifics, an example of 'rescue behavior' that was recounted in several media outlets. Online comments on three articles, from across the political spectrum (the Conversation, UK Guardian, and UK Daily Mail), were selected for thematic analysis. The resulting 680 comments were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to uncover predominant themes and the overall balance of positive and negative sentiments expressed about this tagging project or wildlife tagging generally. Topics occurring most frequently were themed into three interrelated areas: (1) sharing personal feelings and experiences, (2) comparing the merits of different species, and (3) sharing knowledge and opinion. Twenty-one percent (21%) of respondents expressed an opinion on the ethics of wildlife tagging. In the Daily Mail and Guardian, this opinion was more likely to be negative towards the use of tags. Opinion was more balanced for readers of the Conversation's article. Willingness to comment on online news is low, and readers of this story were not asked directly for their opinion. Nevertheless, the data here illustrate some public perceptions of wildlife tagging, and there was a clear negative reaction from many responders. Widening the means through which people can engage with animal science has the potential to advance discussions around research ethics and animal welfare. Reactions to this story expose important questions for scientists seeking to engage with, and convince, the public of the merits of their work.},
}

@article {pmid40720520,
year = {2025},
author = {Videman, K and Ashorn, U and Ashorn, P and Hallamaa, L and Maleta, K and Mangani, C and Leppänen, JM},
title = {Eye-tracking measures of oculomotor speed and control as markers of cognitive ability in Malawian adolescent population: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {5},
number = {7},
pages = {e0004811},
pmid = {40720520},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Processing speed and response control are fundamental properties of brain function and potential markers of cognitive ability. This study, a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, examined whether eye-tracking measures of saccadic reaction time and gaze control are associated with an established cognitive ability test, Raven's coloured progressive matrices (CPM), among 13-year-old rural Malawian adolescents (1003 participants, 50.3% boys). Mean prosaccadic reaction time (pSRTm), antisaccade error rate (PE) and CPM result were obtained for 760 (75.8%), 621 (61.6%) and 997 (99.4%) children. Pearson correlation and linear regression were used to evaluate the association of the tasks.Faster pSRTm and lower PE were very weakly associated with higher CPM score (rs -0.12, p = .001 and -0.11, p = .006). In the covariate adjusted regression models, faster prosaccadic reaction time (pSRTm) was very weakly associated with higher scores in CPM test (adjusted coef -0.02, 95%CI (-.03- -.002), p = .03), but antisaccadic errors were not associated with CPM score (adjusted coef -0.63, 95%CI (-1.60 -.33), p = .20). Post hoc-analyses suggested stronger associations between eye-tracking measures and CPM among participants with more schooling (years in school <4.5 or >4.5, rs between pSRTm and CPM -0.05 and -0.21; between PE and CPM -0.01 and -0.39). The results confirm the predicted association between saccadic speed and cognitive ability in an understudied population, but the connection is weaker than expected according to earlier studies. Schooling potentially moderates the association between eye-tracking tests and CPM.},
}

@article {pmid40719962,
year = {2025},
author = {Devita, M and Ravelli, A and Panzeri, A and Castaldo, A and Arioli, M and Olivito, G and Berardi, A and Miscioscia, A and Ferrari, C and Siciliano, L and Mariotti, C and De Rui, M and Ghisi, M and Cattaneo, Z and Sergi, G and Mapelli, D and Leggio, M},
title = {The Italian Standardization of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/Schmahmann Syndrome Scale: Cognitive Profiling in a Healthy, Heterogeneous Population.},
journal = {Cerebellum (London, England)},
volume = {24},
number = {5},
pages = {138},
pmid = {40719962},
issn = {1473-4230},
support = {PRIN_PNRR_2022 P2022TWSWS//Fondo per il Programma Nazionale della Ricerca (PNR) e Progetti di Ricerca di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN)/ ; PRIN_PNRR_2022 P2022TWSWS//Fondo per il Programma Nazionale della Ricerca (PNR) e Progetti di Ricerca di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN)/ ; PRIN 20203LT7H3//Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; RF-2021-12374279)//Ricerca Finalizzata 2021/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Italy ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; *Neuropsychological Tests/standards ; Young Adult ; Aged ; *Cognition/physiology ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Cerebellar Diseases/diagnosis/psychology ; Healthy Volunteers ; Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS), also known as Schmahmann's syndrome, is increasingly recognized for its impact on cognitive and emotional functioning yet remains underdiagnosed. This study aimed to standardize the CCAS-Scale (CCAS-S) in the Italian population, enhancing its methodological and statistical validity.

METHODS: A total of 671 healthy Italian volunteers (mean age = 46.19 years with SD 18.47, 58.88% females), were recruited from various geographical, educational and social backgrounds. Participants were assessed using the CCAS-S, alongside the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and the Mini-Mental State Examination to ensure a comprehensive assessment and establish convergent validity. Moreover, the parallel CCAS-S version B was administered to 51 individuals.

RESULTS: Statistical analyses on the Italian version of the CCAS-S revealed strong psychometric properties. Internal consistency was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.70 and 0.74 for parallel forms A and B. Construct validity was supported by a moderate-to-high correlation (r = 0.453) with the Mini-Mental State Examination, suggesting both scales are related yet measure different cognitive functions, with the CCAS-S focusing on executive functions. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were optimal (ICC = 0.902 and 0.989, respectively). Minimal practice effects were observed after 1 to 3 months, with further validation achieved using parallel version B.

CONCLUSIONS: The present work provides the first Italian standardization of CCAS-S. The results highlight the necessity for increased awareness and recognition of CCAS in clinical settings, advocating for the integration of the CCAS-S into routine assessments to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.},
}

Humans
Female
Male
Italy
Middle Aged
Adult
*Neuropsychological Tests/standards
Young Adult
Aged
*Cognition/physiology
Psychometrics
Reproducibility of Results
*Cerebellar Diseases/diagnosis/psychology
Healthy Volunteers
Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome

@article {pmid40718697,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez, J and Finat, R and Fernández-Tizón, M and Hernández-Hernández, J and Martínez-González, AI and Virgós, E},
title = {Jackdaws Use Lynx Scat in Nests: Implications for Iberian Lynx Genetic Monitoring.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71859},
pmid = {40718697},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {We present the first documented case of jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) collecting and placing Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) scat in their nests in the Montes de Toledo, Spain. This behavior may significantly compromise conservation efforts for species whose monitoring relies on non-invasive genetic sampling-such as the lynx-especially in areas with dense populations of jackdaws or other species exhibiting similar behavior, where this removal may substantially reduce sample availability. Using artificial nest boxes equipped with camera traps, we confirmed that jackdaws actively transport lynx scat to their nests. In a controlled experiment simulating a lynx latrine, all scat was removed in just over an hour. Simulations using spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models showed that this behavior can introduce bias and reduce the accuracy of population estimates based on genetic sampling, a widely used method in wildlife monitoring. These findings highlight the importance of considering interspecific interactions when designing monitoring protocols for threatened species. More broadly, this case illustrates how overlooked ecological behaviors can compromise conservation tools and underscores the need for adaptive monitoring strategies in dynamic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40711630,
year = {2025},
author = {Vernouillet, A and Huang, N and Kelly, DM},
title = {Correction: Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) can discriminate between pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics, but not between heterospecifics.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
doi = {10.1007/s10071-025-01995-6},
pmid = {40711630},
issn = {1435-9456},
}

@article {pmid40711602,
year = {2025},
author = {Daw, F and Beheim, BA and Wascher, CAF},
title = {Correction: Evolutionary drivers of caching behaviour in corvids.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
doi = {10.1007/s10071-025-01989-4},
pmid = {40711602},
issn = {1435-9456},
}

@article {pmid40710810,
year = {2025},
author = {von Gugelberg, HM and Troche, SJ},
title = {Individual Differences in Strategy and the Item-Position Effect in Reasoning Ability Measures.},
journal = {Journal of Intelligence},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40710810},
issn = {2079-3200},
abstract = {Despite the high similarity of reasoning ability items, research indicates that individuals apply different strategies when solving them. The two distinct strategies are response elimination and constructive matching. The latter, frequently showing a positive correlation with reasoning ability, entails the individual systematically investigating the presented problem matrix of an item before scanning the response alternatives. To further understand the sources of individual differences in strategy use during test taking, three different eye-tracking metrics were investigated in participants (N = 210) solving the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM). Relying on the fixed-links modeling approach, bifactor models were fit to the data. The latent model approach revealed, in line with other research, a positive correlation between reasoning ability and constructive matching. The results further indicated that a change in strategy use was correlated with the item-position effect and not reasoning ability. The former exhibited a different direction of effect, depending on the eye-tracking metric analyzed. When investigating the toggle rate, the participants used more constructive matching towards the end of the APM. The proportional time to first fixation on response alternatives indicated less constructive matching as the test progressed, and the proportional time on the problem matrix exhibited no distinct pattern regarding a change in strategy use. These diverging results point towards the possibility of a more nuanced problem-solving behavior than previously assumed. By including the item-position effect in the analyses, the increasing individuals differences in problem-solving behavior can be taken into account, which could be a necessary step in attaining a more comprehensive understanding of problem-solving behavior.},
}

@article {pmid40708954,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoshida, T and Kobayashi, M and Hara, D and Taniguchi, R and Fukunaga, Y and Sone, M},
title = {Cognitive function and speech outcomes after cochlear implantation in older adults.},
journal = {Frontiers in neurology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1630946},
pmid = {40708954},
issn = {1664-2295},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The impact of cochlear implantation on cognitive function in older adults and the relationship between preoperative cognitive ability and postoperative speech perception remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of cochlear implant use on cognitive function in older adults and to explore the association between preoperative cognitive ability and postoperative speech discrimination.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a university hospital between June 2017 and March 2025. Thirty cochlear implant recipients aged ≥61 years were included, with 21 receiving unilateral implants and nine receiving bilateral implants. All participants underwent cognitive assessments both preoperatively and postoperatively. We analyzed the cognitive function test results before and after cochlear implantation. The primary outcomes measured were: (1) the correlation between preoperative cognitive test scores and postoperative speech discrimination scores; and (2) longitudinal changes in postoperative cognitive function.

RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between preoperative Kohs Block Design Test scores and postoperative speech discrimination scores (p < 0.01). Preoperative Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices scores also correlated positively with postoperative speech discrimination scores (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, Kohs scores demonstrated significant positive correlations with both the Mini-Mental State Examination (p < 0.01) and Reading Cognitive Test Kyoto test (p < 0.0001) scores. Following a 3.7-year mean follow-up, Kohs scores remained stable, with some patients showing improvements.

CONCLUSION: Cognitive assessments performed during the preoperative CI evaluation may yield valuable insights into postoperative outcomes in older adults. Additionally, long-term postoperative cognitive function is generally preserved, with the potential for improvement following cochlear implantation.},
}

@article {pmid40708691,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeffers, NK and Arrington, LA and Marcelle, E and Snowden, EC and Aslami, LM and Mensah, CN and Marea, CX},
title = {"This year is not about carrying the heaviest burden"- a qualitative study on Black women's postpartum experiences.},
journal = {SSM. Qualitative research in health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40708691},
issn = {2667-3215},
support = {KL2 TR001432/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; TL1 TR001431/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {There is a growing literature that seeks to understand Black women/birthing people's postpartum experiences, particularly in the context of structural, political and historical exclusion of Black people in the United States. The overarching goals of this manuscript were to explore Black women's postpartum experiences, how racism impacts the postpartum year, and for those insights to reimagine a model of postpartum care that enables Black birthing people to achieve that vision of wellness. We conducted four focus groups with 23 self-identified Black women in the Washington DC metropolitan area who had given birth in the prior two years. Participants attributed the intense overwhelm that characterizes the postpartum period to the historical legacy of slavery, the Jim Crow era, and the enduring "strong Black woman" racial trope. Most participants reported receiving only one postpartum care visit amidst unmet care needs. Structural barriers like transportation, minimal paid leave, and crowded and racially segregated healthcare systems contributed to feelings that postpartum care and wellness were inaccessible. Racist encounters with healthcare providers and fears of family policing sometimes led to care avoidance as a means of mitigating harm while simultaneously motivating attempts to seek racially and culturally concordant care. Participants also shared the ways in which they resisted racism while also rejoicing in mothering and child (ren). Our findings demonstrate an urgent need to reimagine postpartum care to address the enduring impact of the historical context, the manifestations of racism, and the structural ways that postpartum is neglected, while also promoting wellness and joy.},
}

@article {pmid40697942,
year = {2025},
author = {Kryukov, AP},
title = {Genetic variation and phylogeography of the magpie's genus Pica in the Holarctic.},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {4},
pages = {578-593},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-61},
pmid = {40697942},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {The theory of Pleistocene refugia is often used to explain the population genetic structure of species. However, it does not fully account for the diversity of species-specific characteristics and natural conditions. The genus Pica, which is widespread in the Holarctic, provides an ideal model for studying phylogeographic patterns in order to better understand processes of diversification and speciation. Markers of mitochondrial DNA remain widely used in phylogeographic studies, despite advances of whole genome techniques. We have summarized published research on the mitochondrial DNA Control Region (CR) variation, based on data from 279 samples which represent the majority of extant taxa across the entire distribution range of the genus. In the phylogenetic trees and networks, we found several cases of reciprocal monophyly among most allopatric species and subspecies, and in addition some examples of paraphyly and polyphyly. Bayesian skyline plots were calculated to explore population dynamics over time. They showed varying longevity of the lineages since their origin or after experiencing a bottleneck, e. g., in the case of the Kamchatka population, as well as unequal rates of expansion. In most cases, speciation followed a geographic model involving expansion and vicariance, sometimes with divergence in refugia. Somewhere, peripatric speciation may have happened due to separation of a marginal populations. By comparing haplotype composition among populations, we traced the origin of the recently established populations on Hokkaido and Kyushu islands from a limited number of colonizers from the mainland. Isolated cases of species in statu nascendi were identified through evidence of incomplete lineage sorting, leading to paraphyly, or signs of limited unidirectional interspecies introgression of nuclear genes in secondary contact zones. Several hypotheses regarding the formation of the magpie´s range are proposed. Various evolutionary scenarios found in the genus Pica were compared to those reported for the other bird species in a number of literature sources.},
}

@article {pmid40693715,
year = {2025},
author = {Westheimer, G},
title = {Jay M. Enoch (1929-2025), Berkeley Optometry Dean and leading retina researcher: A biographical memoir of an important 20th-century vision researcher and optometric educator, by one of his contemporaries.},
journal = {Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry},
volume = {102},
number = {8},
pages = {475-479},
doi = {10.1097/OPX.0000000000002277},
pmid = {40693715},
issn = {1538-9235},
}

@article {pmid40688176,
year = {2025},
author = {Elman, C and Feltey, K and Wittman, B and Stevens, C and Isenberg, MB},
title = {'Little Baby's gone to Heaven': A Mixed-Methods Study of Black Children's Survival Disadvantage in Jim Crow-Era Arkansas.},
journal = {Social science history},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40688176},
issn = {0145-5532},
support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG034424/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Nearly all US Black children born before 1910 were born in the American South. We use a mixed-methods design to examine Black children's survival disadvantage over the twentieth century's turn under the rising regime of Jim Crow. We focus on 1910 Arkansas, taking advantage of within-state heterogeneity in agriculture (plantation vs. subsistence farming), disease environments, and geographic racial concentration (macro-segregation). This one-state focus allows purposive sampling of Works Progress Administration and Behind the Veil oral interviews of Arkansan Black Americans who were born or lived under the state's Jim Crow regime. We also use the 1910 complete-count Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) linked to US Decennial and 1916 Plantation Censuses to examine race-related differences in child mortality rates among ever-married, parous Arkansas women (n = 234,811). Count regression models find the Black-White child mortality gap widest among Arkansas mothers economically tied to plantation vs. subsistence agriculture; exposed to worse health environments; living in tenant farm vs. owned-farm households; and with limited individual resources such as literacy. Oral accounts illustrate how Black children's lives reflected contextual, living standard, psychosocial, and other health risks associated with the racialized policies and practices of the Jim Crow South; they capture otherwise hidden historical processes that linked the era's institutional racism and child mortality.},
}

@article {pmid40682472,
year = {2025},
author = {Farassi, R and d'Oliveira Coelho, J and Carvalho, S},
title = {Habitat Use and the Demographics of Object Manipulation by Wild Chacma Baboons.},
journal = {American journal of biological anthropology},
volume = {187},
number = {3},
pages = {e70094},
pmid = {40682472},
issn = {2692-7691},
support = {//The Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST)/ ; //Mr. Greg Carr/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Male ; Female ; *Tool Use Behavior/physiology ; *Papio/physiology ; Anthropology, Physical ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Studying object manipulation may offer insights about the emergence of habitual tool use in the hominin clade. Previous research on object manipulation has focused on habitual tool-using animals such as apes, capuchins, dolphins, and corvids. Investigating object manipulation in wild baboons, a highly social, ecologically adaptable, and terrestrial primate that is not a habitual tool user, can shed further light on the pressures favoring or inhibiting the use of technology. In this study, we investigate factors that influence object manipulation in the chacma baboons of Gorongosa National Park, across demographic and environmental conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data using focal and scan sampling, with the aid of the Animal Observer app, and recorded object use and other behaviors. We followed three focal troops: Chitengo, Montebelo, and Floodplain. A total of 2262 observations were recorded across 88 individuals (787 events involved object use).

RESULTS: Mixed-effects logistic regressions revealed that habitat, age, and substrate use significantly predicted object use among baboons. Object use was most likely in open forests. Adults are less likely to engage in object manipulation, and this behavior decreases with age, which is in line with previous results reported for bonobos. Interestingly, baboons spend more time manipulating objects arboreally than terrestrially.

DISCUSSION: Our findings contribute to the current discussions about the contexts that promote tool use across the primate order. Further studies expanding on these results and assessing differential availability of resources can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of tool use.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
Male
Female
*Tool Use Behavior/physiology
*Papio/physiology
Anthropology, Physical

@article {pmid40680373,
year = {2025},
author = {Buniyaadi, A and Bhardwaj, SK and Kumar, V},
title = {Conspecifics confer survival advantage in the face of night-light polluted environment: Evidence from melatonin secretion, sleep, mood and cognitive performance in Indian house crows.},
journal = {Hormones and behavior},
volume = {174},
number = {},
pages = {105793},
doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105793},
pmid = {40680373},
issn = {1095-6867},
abstract = {The survival advantage of group living remains poorly understood. Here, this was investigated by using several physiological and neurobehavioral traits in Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) in the face of a temporally disrupted day-night environment. Crows were housed singly or with two other conspecifics and subjected to daily 12-h light and 12-h periods of complete (0 lx) or dimly lighted (∼6 lx) dark nights. Nocturnal melatonin and sleep levels were measured as indices of the direct and circadian effects, while mood (feeding, preening, and self-mutilation) and cognition (innovative problem-solving task) performances were considered reflecting the higher-order brain function effects. Under 6-lx dim light at night (dLAN) condition, group housing alleviated the depressive-like responses and enhanced cognitive performance but had no effect on the midnight melatonin levels and nocturnal sleep consolidation. Concurrently, there were increased nr4a2 and decreased tnfr1 gene expressions in hippocampus, increased dcx and darpp-32 gene expressions in the nidopallium caudolaterale, and th expression in midbrain. We interpret that an increased conspecific interaction improved mood and cognitive performance without affecting the melatonin secretion and sleep in communally roosting house crows. Perhaps, living with conspecifics is part of an overall evolutionary strategy to enhance the survival in a highly social species like the Indian house crow.},
}

@article {pmid40670669,
year = {2025},
author = {Kuspiel, M and Lindeman, A and Naguib, M and Kingma, SA},
title = {The duration of alarm- and territorial defence calls alters receiver response in Eurasian magpies.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {59},
pmid = {40670669},
issn = {1435-9456},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Animals use vocal signals to provide information across a wide range of contexts. However, it is more complex to identify the information content when the same vocalizations are produced in different contexts, such as against predators and conspecific competitors. This raises the question whether information about the caller or context can be coded in relatively subtle variation within the call type and whether receivers respond differentially to such variation. Using playbacks of the general ‘chatter’ alarm call of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), we tested whether or not territorial magpies respond differently to variation in call duration and rate. We show that magpies responded acoustically faster to chatters of longer duration, which may signal a greater motivation or urgency of territorial intruders. Alternatively, a delay in chatter response to shorter calls may reflect a period of hesitation and risk avoidance. Interestingly, magpies did not approach the loudspeaker more closely in response to longer calls and the total chatter response did not differ either. This suggests that after the short initial response, the persistence of the signal over time as well as visual information on the level or type of danger become essential for more differentiated response behaviours. Taken together, our results show that magpies perceive and respond differentially to variation in alarm call duration, suggesting that such variation encodes meaningful information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10071-025-01975-w.},
}

@article {pmid40651201,
year = {2025},
author = {D, C and M, M},
title = {Fusion of bio-inspired optimization and machine learning for Alzheimer's biomarker analysis.},
journal = {Computers in biology and medicine},
volume = {196},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {110746},
doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.110746},
pmid = {40651201},
issn = {1879-0534},
mesh = {*Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging/metabolism ; Humans ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; *Machine Learning ; *Deep Learning ; Male ; Female ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; },
abstract = {Identification of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), especially in its early phases, presents significant challenges due to the nonexistence of reliable biomarkers and effective treatments. Clinical trials for AD medications also suffer from high failure rates. Accurate diagnosis, prognosis determination, progression monitoring, and treatment effect assessment depend heavily on analysing various brain regions, including the Corpus Callosum (CC), Grey Matter (GM), Hippocampus (HC), Ventricle, and White Matter (WM). Among these, the Hippocampus plays a pivotal role in early detection. This study employs deep learning for classification and optimization techniques for segmenting the HC region to enable the AD diagnosis. The pre-processing of raw images involves histogram equalization and Otsu's thresholding methods. The research focuses on data collection and pre-processing as essential steps for advancing diagnostic methods. Segmentation and classification utilize Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO) and Crow Search Optimization (CSO) techniques in combination with the ResNet50 classifier. The results reveal that Crow Search Optimization achieves superior performance, with an accuracy of 92 %, surpassing Elephant Herding Optimization.},
}

*Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging/metabolism
Humans
Biomarkers/metabolism
*Machine Learning
*Deep Learning
Male
Female
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Brain/diagnostic imaging
*Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods

@article {pmid40645200,
year = {2025},
author = {Beier, FD and Dietrich, JP and Heinke, J and Abrahao, G and von Jeetze, P and Bodirsky, BL and Crawford, M and Humpenöder, F and Merfort, L and Weindl, I and Herrero, M and Mason-D'Croz, D and Rockström, J and Sundiang, M and Wierik, ST and Norberg, A and Klein, D and Müller, C and Lotze-Campen, H and Popp, A},
title = {Planetary boundaries under a land-based climate change mitigation scenario with a food demand transformation: a modelling study.},
journal = {The Lancet. Planetary health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S2542-5196(25)00087-7},
pmid = {40645200},
issn = {2542-5196},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ambitious climate change mitigation in all economic sectors is crucial for limiting global warming. Cost-effective mitigation pathways to keep global average temperature increases below 1·5°C by the end of the 21st century often rely on land-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, increased land-based carbon uptake and biomass supply to other sectors (eg, energy and transport), and demand-side changes in the food system. To evaluate the broader sustainability of land-based climate change mitigation action, we evaluated synergies and trade-offs of individual and combined supply-side mitigation measures across five planetary boundaries. We also examined the role of a food demand transformation aligned with the dietary recommendations of the updated planetary health diet defined in the forthcoming EAT-Lancet Commission 2.0 report in shaping planetary boundary outcomes.

METHODS: In this modelling study, we used the dynamic land-system modelling framework MAgPIE to assess the consequences of land-based GHG reductions, increased land-based carbon uptake, increased biomass supply to other sectors, and a food-system transformation towards the planetary health diet including food waste reductions on five planetary boundary domains (climate change, nitrogen, land-system change, freshwater use, and biosphere integrity) relative to a reference scenario without land-system mitigation throughout the century. For each planetary boundary control variable, we calculated the level of planetary boundary transgression (ie, the extent to which scenario outcomes exceeded the defined safe operating space) and assessed the contributions of land-based mitigation strategies to reducing planetary boundary transgressions projected for the reference scenario.

FINDINGS: Our projections show that a food-system transformation together with ambitious land-system and energy-system climate change mitigation can limit global warming to below 1·5°C by 2100, while also reducing planetary boundary transgression (particularly for the climate change, land-system change, biosphere integrity, and nitrogen planetary boundaries). However, a safe operating space was not achieved through these mitigation measures, as most planetary boundaries were still projected to remain transgressed by the end of the 21st century. Increased bioenergy supply alone worsened planetary boundary transgression when only looking at land-system impacts, but combining increased bioenergy supply with GHG pricing in the land system alleviated these trade-offs. Food waste reductions and dietary shifts towards the planetary health diet were projected to ease pressures on the land system and reduce planetary boundary transgression of all assessed planetary boundaries.

INTERPRETATION: This research highlights the importance of considering multiple planetary boundaries and the interactions between various mitigation strategies when assessing climate mitigation action in the land system to avoid negative consequences for other aspects of the environment. Following an ambitious climate change mitigation pathway compatible with the Paris Agreement results in a transgression of all assessed five planetary boundaries by 2100. However, the combination of the land-system mitigation measures included in this study produced a substantial shift towards the safe operating space for humanity.

FUNDING: EAT-Lancet Commission 2.0.},
}

@article {pmid40637207,
year = {2025},
author = {Merondun, J and Wolf, JBW},
title = {DNA Methylation Reflects Cis-Genetic Differentiation Across the European Crow Hybrid Zone.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70026},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70026},
pmid = {40637207},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ ; WO 1426/2-1 (JBWW)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; ERCStG-336536 FuncSpecGen (JBWW)/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; Project Grant (JBWW)//Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse/ ; },
abstract = {Chromatin modifications provide a substrate for epigenetic variation with evolutionary potential. To quantify the contribution of this layer of variation during speciation in crows, we leveraged genome and methylome sequencing data from an incipient avian species: all-black carrion crows, grey-coated hooded crows, and their hybrids. Combining controlled experimentation under common garden conditions and sampling of natural genetic variation across the hybrid zone, we show that 5mC methylation variation was largely explained by genome properties and the ontogenetic programme of the organism. Taxonomically related methylation divergence clustered in intergenic space, with the only genomic region of strongly elevated genetic differentiation encoding the diagnostic colour contrast between taxa. We conclude that methylation variation with relevance to speciation largely follows cis-genetic polymorphism in this system and does not constitute an autonomous axis of evolution.},
}

@article {pmid40635306,
year = {2025},
author = {Jay, EK and Patterson, C and Moxham, L},
title = {The Jay-Canvas Artboard Approach: an innovative arts-based research method.},
journal = {Nurse researcher},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7748/nr.2025.e1968},
pmid = {40635306},
issn = {2047-8992},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is an increasing need to develop innovative ways of collecting data that empower vulnerable people, such as those who use mental health services.

AIM: To describe a novel, arts-based research method called the Jay-Canvas Artboard Approach (Jay-CAA), which involves a group collectively writing short descriptions on a canvas artboard about their experiences.

DISCUSSION: The authors asked participants in two studies to use coloured pens to write decorative comments on shared canvas artboards. They then analysed this data using thematic analysis.

CONCLUSION: The Jay-CAA enabled the creation and collection of data in a time-effective way that was unproblematic for recruiting and retaining participants.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The Jay-CAA method enables research participants to summarise and express their experiences.},
}

@article {pmid40630878,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Dong, M and Liu, L and Qiu, S and Pan, M and Zhou, X and Qian, Q},
title = {The Role of Executive Function in the Co-occurrence of ADHD and Developmental Dyscalculia in Chinese Children.},
journal = {Alpha psychiatry},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {42712},
pmid = {40630878},
issn = {2757-8038},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of executive function deficits in children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with developmental dyscalculia (ADHD+DD).

METHODS: Three groups of Chinese children (n = 637) aged from 6 to 16 years were included in this study. Initially, a between-group comparison on both performance-based and scale-based executive function was conducted, controlling for age, Raven score, and gender. Partial correlation analysis and regression analysis were then used to investigate the association between executive function, ADHD symptoms, and arithmetic ability. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis and path analysis were used to differentiate the effect of executive functions on ADHD without developmental dyscalculia (ADHD-DD) and ADHD+DD.

RESULTS: Both ADHD groups had more severe executive function impairment than the control group. Compared with the ADHD-DD group, the ADHD+DD group performed worse in performance-based executive functions but similar in scale-based executive functions. ADHD-DD and ADHD were differentiated by inhibition (odds ratio (OR) = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.42; 2.81) and processing speed (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84; 0.97). In terms of symptom dimensions, verbal working memory had an effect on ADHD symptoms and complex subtraction (pIna = 0.006, pHI = 0.018, pCS = 0.002), processing speed (pIna = 0.002, pCS = 0.001) and working memory factors influenced inattention and complex subtraction (pIna < 0.001, pCS = 0.001), and inhibition (p = 0.004) and cognitive flexibility (p = 0.013) contributed uniquely to complex subtraction.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with ADHD+DD exhibit multiple executive function deficits, with inhibition and processing speed being potential etiological factors. Verbal working memory, processing speed, and working memory factors are shared executive function deficits for ADHD symptoms and arithmetic ability. Cognitive flexibility and inhibition are specific risk factors for arithmetic ability.},
}

@article {pmid40625330,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, F and Lu, Y and Liu, J and Liang, W},
title = {Geographical Variation in Egg Rejection by Azure-Winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) Across China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71726},
pmid = {40625330},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Brood parasitism negatively affects the reproductive success of hosts, leading many hosts to evolve defense strategies to recognize and reject parasitized eggs. While studies have shown that hosts may adjust their defensive behavior according to parasitism risk, whether different geographical populations of the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus), which are parasitized by multiple cuckoo species and face varying parasitism risks, exhibit geographical variation in egg rejection behavior is unclear. As studies have shown that the color of model eggs can influence the egg rejection behavior of hosts, we also tested whether red or blue model eggs would affect the egg rejection behavior of the azure-winged magpies. From April to June in 2023, we investigated the egg recognition ability of azure-winged magpie populations in Fusong County, Jilin Province; Huangpi District, Hubei Province; and Luqu County, Gansu Province, China. The results showed that the azure-winged magpie populations in all three regions rejected approximately 100% of the model eggs, with no significant difference in rejection rates between red and blue model eggs. This study revealed that Chinese populations of azure-winged magpies exhibited high egg recognition ability. There was no geographical variation in their egg rejection behavior when presented with non-mimetic blue or red model eggs. This study provided basic data for further research on the anti-parasitic strategies of the azure-winged magpie.},
}

@article {pmid40623149,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallimore, M and Krackow, E},
title = {An Examination of Developmental Factors in False Confessions.},
journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-22},
doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2513918},
pmid = {40623149},
issn = {1744-5183},
abstract = {We examined possible developmental factors associated with false confessions. Participants (N = 33) between 13-and-37-years-old (M = 21.79, SD = 6.20) completed a delay discounting task and a pencil-and-paper measure of impulsivity. A researcher accused the participant of having engaged in an accidental wrongdoing. Approximately half the participants confessed. When chronological age and impulsivity scores of confessors and nonconfessors were examined, neither differed significantly, although Bayesian analyses provided moderate evidence that participants who confessed were older. Additionally, some analyses were conducted by creating developmental groups in which participants were divided into ongoing and completed executive functioning (EF) groups, using age as a proxy for EF. False confessions did not differ by EF-proxy developmental group. However, an analysis of the instability of false confession across oral and written modes revealed significant developmental group effects based on specific mode of confession. The reasons people provided for their choice to confess or not confess were examined and are consistent with cases depicted in the literature of false confessions. Forensic implications, as well as the overlap between this work and that of Steven Jay Lynn are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid40613544,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, XD and Liu, YC and Ge, SY and Fei, WC},
title = {Clinical Trial of Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycans on Human Facial Antiaging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {24},
number = {7},
pages = {e70218},
pmid = {40613544},
issn = {1473-2165},
mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Administration, Oral ; Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Face ; *Nasal Cartilages/chemistry ; *Proteoglycans/administration & dosage/adverse effects/pharmacology ; *Salmon ; Skin/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Proteoglycans (PGs) derived from salmon nasal cartilage are believed to have antiaging effects on the skin. However, comprehensive evaluations of their impact on various skin parameters in Chinese populations remain limited.

AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of oral PG supplementation in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and reducing roughness, wrinkles, and pigmentation in healthy adult volunteers.

METHODS: A 56-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving 66 subjects aged 30-60. Subjects received a daily dose of 20 mg PG, and skin parameters were measured at baseline, 28 days, and 56 days. The study assessed skin elasticity, hydration, roughness, wrinkles, melanin content, and brown spots while monitoring for any adverse effects.

RESULTS: Subjects receiving PG supplementation showed significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration at both 28 days and 56 days (p < 0.001), with reductions in skin roughness and wrinkles (p < 0.001), and a significant decrease in melanin content and brown spots (p < 0.001). Compared to the placebo group, the PG group exhibited significant improvements in most skin parameters by 56 days, except in the wrinkle area percentage at the crow's feet, where no significant difference was observed. PG was well tolerated, with no adverse effects reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that daily oral intake of 20 mg PG effectively improves skin health by enhancing elasticity, hydration, and reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigmentation.},
}

Adult
Animals
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Administration, Oral
Dietary Supplements
Double-Blind Method
Elasticity/drug effects
Face
*Nasal Cartilages/chemistry
*Proteoglycans/administration & dosage/adverse effects/pharmacology
*Salmon
Skin/drug effects
*Skin Aging/drug effects
Skin Pigmentation/drug effects
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid40608153,
year = {2025},
author = {Damini, S and Blum, CR and Sumasgutner, P and Bugnyar, T},
title = {When to mob? plasticity of antipredator behavior in common ravens' families (Corvus corax) across offspring development.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {55},
pmid = {40608153},
issn = {1435-9456},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Crows/physiology/growth & development ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; *Behavior, Animal ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The ability to respond appropriately to predators is essential for survival. Because response options vary with predation context, anti-predator behavior is often flexible, context dependent and shaped by learning. Corvids engage in predator mobbing, which contains a vocal component (scolding) and predator-directed behaviors (approaches, attacks). Individuals typically gang up for mobbing and pass on information about predators; yet their expression of antipredator behavior is influenced by factors such as social status, age, and rearing conditions. Here we investigated the development of antipredator behavior in ravens, specifically the onset of mobbing and the extent to which these responses are affected by parental agitation. We exposed 12 captive families to a potentially dangerous human (DH) at two stages of offspring development: shortly after fledging and near independence. We tested the hypotheses that (i) parents are more protective when the offspring are young and that (ii) offspring show more predator-directed behaviors with increasing age. We found that (i) adults mobbed significantly more during the early test period and (ii) offspring were less likely to ignore the DH and showed increased engagement during the late test period. These findings suggest that parental anti-predator investment diminishes as offspring develop greater motoric and cognitive abilities. This reduced investment may encourage offspring to independently assess and respond to threats. Yet, they hardly engage in mobbing while they are with their parents. Future studies may clarify if the increase in offsprings' interindividual variance in both mobbing components are indicative for the emergence of individuality.},
}

Animals
Female
Male
*Crows/physiology/growth & development
*Predatory Behavior
*Social Behavior
*Behavior, Animal
Humans

@article {pmid40589659,
year = {2025},
author = {Nadarajan, V and Thota, B and Dogaroiu, A and Kim, L and Niksic, A and Peters, V and Ngo, TC and Barillas, J and Kenkel, J},
title = {A Decade in Focus: Examining Lessons Learned From Office-Directed Injectables in an Academic Practice.},
journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {ojaf013},
pmid = {40589659},
issn = {2631-4797},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Noninvasive facial rejuvenation procedures have continued to grow in popularity, with botulinum toxin and injectable soft-tissue fillers being the most common.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in patient cost, provider product preferences, and complications of a single surgeon's 10-year experience with botulinum toxin and soft-tissue fillers. Additionally, this study aimed to quantify the crossover between patients receiving injectables and patients receiving aesthetic surgery.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis utilizing internal/departmental records and Epic charting from January 2013 to January 2023. Botulinum toxin and soft-tissue filler cases were captured using select CPT codes, and patient demographics, complications, and follow-up data were recorded.

RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and sixty-eight patients undergoing 5794 injectable cases were assessed. The study population was majority female (89.3%) and Caucasian (78.7%). Injectable cases increased over time, except for a decrease in 2020. Botulinum toxin was most common (59%), followed by fillers (18%), and combination therapy (19%). Common injection sites included the glabella, crow's feet, and forehead for neurotoxins and marionette lines and nasolabial folds for fillers. Complications were rare, with 35 from botulinum toxin and 33 from fillers. Of patients receiving injectables, 19.6% went on to receive an aesthetic surgery, and 0.6% of patients undergoing aesthetic surgery subsequently received injectables.

CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin and soft-tissue fillers are safe with low complication rates when administered by an experienced provider. These procedures may serve as a starting point for patients pursuing antiaging treatments and an opportunity to establish continuity of care for providers.},
}

@article {pmid40588966,
year = {2025},
author = {Giunti, G and Mylonopoulou, V and Rivera-Romero, O and Isomursu, M},
title = {Power Dynamics Analysis of Participatory Design in Digital Health Research: Case Study.},
journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics},
volume = {328},
number = {},
pages = {454-458},
doi = {10.3233/SHTI250760},
pmid = {40588966},
issn = {1879-8365},
mesh = {Humans ; *Power, Psychological ; *Patient Participation/methods ; *Community-Based Participatory Research/organization & administration ; Digital Health ; },
abstract = {Digital health adoption remains a challenge requiring engagement from patients, healthcare professionals, and family members. Participatory design (PD) enables stakeholders to co-create tools but the relationship among stakeholders influences power dynamics. We explored power dynamics in a series of PD workshops with patients, healthcare professionals and family members taking place in 4 different countries. Data was collected through participant observation, recordings, and facilitator interviews, then analyzed using French and Raven's Bases of Power framework. Findings indicate that each stakeholder group holds distinct types of power that impact the design process. Patients brought referent and informational power derived from lived experiences. Healthcare professionals often wielded expert and legitimate power, while family members sometimes exerted coercive or reward power.},
}

Humans
*Power, Psychological
*Patient Participation/methods
*Community-Based Participatory Research/organization & administration
Digital Health

@article {pmid40588685,
year = {2025},
author = {Brown, JL},
title = {What are 40 Acres and a Mule Worth in the Twenty-First Century? A Rapid Review of Modern Reparative Initiatives to Address Socioeconomic and Health Inequality Among Black Americans.},
journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40588685},
issn = {2196-8837},
abstract = {The historical call for reparations for Black Americans has recently regained relevance. Reparations aim to address not only generational inequality established during slavery but also the perpetuation of socioeconomic and health disparities over time via Jim Crow, redlining, police brutality, and other forms of structural and systemic racism. Using Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP), this rapid review assesses the landscape of reparative initiatives across the United States at the governmental and organizational levels, analyzing the eligibility criteria, political ideologies, and goals of various stakeholders. Additionally, it examines the potential ability of reparations initiatives to reduce socioeconomic and health inequality. Key themes identified include American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) should be eligible for reparations; the overall goals of reparative initiatives differ between governments and organizations; reparations extend far beyond direct payments; and reparations initiatives are influenced by one another but largely uncoordinated. The ways in which these themes align with PHCRP and the extensive policy implications are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid40586182,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, H and Tao, K and Yang, Y and Wang, Y and Ge, M and Wang, X and Tang, S and Yu, H},
title = {Novel Cyclized Hexapeptide-9 Outperforms Retinol Against Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active- and Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {24},
number = {7},
pages = {e70290},
pmid = {40586182},
issn = {1473-2165},
mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Double-Blind Method ; Healthy Volunteers ; *Oligopeptides/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Peptides, Cyclic/administration & dosage ; Skin/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; *Vitamin A/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The functionality and regenerative capacity of skin progressively deteriorate with aging. Topical use of peptides with a hyper-safety profile has been implicated in replacing retinol for skin anti-aging use, but is limited due to low stability and poor skin permeability.

AIMS: In this randomized, double-blinded, active- and vehicle-controlled clinical trial, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative cyclized hexapeptide-9 (CHP-9) with increased stability and skin permeability on skin aging compared to retinol.

METHODS: Healthy volunteers with aging skin were randomly assigned to twice-daily topical use of 0.002% CHP-9 serum, 0.002% retinol serum, or vehicle serum for 56 days.

RESULTS: CHP-9 treatment significantly decreased the number, area, and roughness of both crow's feet (-2.20, 95% CI: -4.38, -0.03; -3.95, 95% CI: -5.80, -2.11; -1.95, 95% CI: -3.30, -0.59, respectively) and forehead wrinkles (-2.88, 95% CI: -4.21, -1.56; -4.90, 95% CI: -5.97, -3.82; -3.96, 95% CI: -5.92, -2.01, respectively), while retinol only decreased the area of crow's feet (-2.23, 95% CI: -3.86, -0.60) and the number and area of forehead wrinkles (-1.05, 95% CI:-1.69, -0.41). Except for the roughness of crow's feet, CHP-9 demonstrated significantly larger extent of effects than retinol did on all other outcomes. Furthermore, long-term use of CHP-9 showed time-dependent augmentation in its potency to reduce the number of crow's feet, and the number, area, and roughness of forehead wrinkles.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CHP-9 is more potent than retinol in improving skin aging-related symptoms, especially for long-term use. Cyclization of collagen peptides may present a preventive/therapeutic option for skin aging.},
}

Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Administration, Cutaneous
Double-Blind Method
Healthy Volunteers
*Oligopeptides/administration & dosage/pharmacology
*Peptides, Cyclic/administration & dosage
Skin/drug effects
*Skin Aging/drug effects
Treatment Outcome
*Vitamin A/administration & dosage/pharmacology

@article {pmid40578306,
year = {2025},
author = {Tavares, S and Crow, J},
title = {Advocacy Spotlight Series : Jennifer Crow.},
journal = {European journal of cardiovascular nursing},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf093},
pmid = {40578306},
issn = {1873-1953},
}

@article {pmid40578069,
year = {2025},
author = {Rademacher, N and McLeod, MC and Williams, CP and Awan, S and McElroy, KE and Saini, G and Gogineni, K and Luningham, JM and Aneja, R and Gutnik, LA},
title = {Association between travel burden and surgical timeliness for women with breast cancer in Georgia.},
journal = {American journal of surgery},
volume = {247},
number = {},
pages = {116484},
pmid = {40578069},
issn = {1879-1883},
support = {K01 CA296932/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; K08 CA289935/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 CA229102/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HS013852/HS/AHRQ HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates associations between patient distance traveled to surgical care and receipt of timely breast cancer surgery in Georgia.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included electronic health record data from women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 2004 to 2020 who received upfront surgery. Race was self-reported. Distance from patient home address to surgical treatment facility was measured as crow-fly distance. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between time to surgery, race, and distance.

RESULTS: Of 18,240 patients (White ​= ​61 ​% and Black ​= ​39 ​%) with a median distance to surgery of 11.4 miles (IQR: 5.9, 19.6), Black patients had approximately half the odds of receiving surgery within the recommended 60 days of diagnosis (OR: 0.52, 95 ​% CI: 0.47-0.56). Distance traveled was not associated with time to surgery.

CONCLUSION: Understanding mechanisms driving surgical care delays and their effects on breast cancer outcomes is critical to reducing inequities in breast cancer care.},
}

@article {pmid40574575,
year = {2025},
author = {Krackow, E and Rashed, J and Thompson, I},
title = {Does Hypnosis Aid Memory Retrieval?: A Review of Steven Jay Lynn's Research.},
journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2508410},
pmid = {40574575},
issn = {1744-5183},
abstract = {Steven Jay Lynn was one of the most prolific clinical psychologists who made major contributions to the scientific literature in numerous areas, including in the area of hypnosis and memory. We review this work, limited to studies appearing in empirical journals, with special emphasis on research methodology. Hypnosis did not enhance accurate recall in any study and in some cases impeded recall. In numerous studies, hypnosis increased recall of never-experienced events; this recall persisted over time, and participants were at least moderately confident in their recall of these never-experienced events. We discuss the branching off of this work into the courts and psychotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid40573526,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Z and Yu, J and Liu, M and Peng, T and Wang, H},
title = {A Method for Predicting Trajectories of Concealed Targets via a Hybrid Decomposition and State Prediction Framework.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {25},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40573526},
issn = {1424-8220},
abstract = {Accurate trajectory prediction of concealed targets in complex, interference-laden environments present a formidable challenge for millimeter-wave sensor tracking systems. To address this, we propose a state-of-the-art autonomous prediction framework that integrates an Improved Sequential Variational Mode Decomposition (ISVMD) algorithm with an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), synergistically optimized by the novel Red-billed Blue Magpie Optimizer (RBMO). The ISVMD enhances signal reconstruction by transforming noisy target echo signals into robust feature sequences, effectively mitigating the impacts of environmental disturbances and intentional concealment. Subsequently, the RBMO-optimized ELM leverages these feature sequences to predict the future trajectories of concealed targets with high precision. The RBMO further refines critical parameters within the ISVMD-ELM pipeline, ensuring adaptability and computational efficiency across diverse scenarios. Experimental validation using real-world data demonstrates that the RBMO-ISVMD-ELM approach surpasses state-of-the-art algorithms in both accuracy and robustness when predicting the trajectories of concealed ground targets, achieving optimal performance metrics under demanding conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40573437,
year = {2025},
author = {Vilibić-Čavlek, T and Barbić, L and Klobučar, A and Vucelja, M and Bogdanić, M and Sabadi, D and Kutleša, M and Gjurašin, B and Stevanović, V and Curman Posavec, M and Bjedov, L and Boljfetić, M and Jozić-Novinc, T and Škara, R and Tomljenović, M and Hruškar, Ž and Al-Mufleh, M and Potočnik-Hunjadi, T and Rončević, I and Savić, V},
title = {Re-Emergence of Usutu Virus and Spreading of West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Infections During the 2024 Transmission Season in Croatia.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40573437},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {NPOO 1//European Union NextGenerationEU project supported by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia/ ; 653316//European Virus Archive goes Global (EVAg) project that has received funding from the Europe-an Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme/ ; },
mesh = {Croatia/epidemiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary ; Horses/virology ; *West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; *Flavivirus/genetics/isolation & purification/immunology ; *Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary ; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Female ; Seasons ; Male ; Birds/virology ; Phylogeny ; Middle Aged ; Culicidae/virology ; Adult ; Adolescent ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Immunoglobulin M/blood ; Child ; Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; },
abstract = {Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range. We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses, 69 dead birds, and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infections re-emerged after a six-year absence. In addition to human cases, acute WNV infections were recorded in 11/395 (2.78%) of horses and two dead crows. WNV IgG seropositivity was detected in 276/1168 (23.63%) and TBEV IgG seropositivity in 68/428 (15.88%) horses. None of the tested mosquito pools were positive for WNV and USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of WNV lineage 2 and Usutu Europe 2 lineage. Climate conditions in 2024 in Croatia were classified as extremely warm, which could, at least in part, impact the quite intense arboviral season. The spreading of flaviviruses in Croatia highlights the need for continuous surveillance in humans, animals, and vectors ("One Health").},
}

Croatia/epidemiology
Animals
Humans
*West Nile Fever/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary
Horses/virology
*West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification
Antibodies, Viral/blood
*Flavivirus/genetics/isolation & purification/immunology
*Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary
Horse Diseases/epidemiology/virology
Female
Seasons
Male
Birds/virology
Phylogeny
Middle Aged
Culicidae/virology
Adult
Adolescent
RNA, Viral/genetics
Young Adult
Aged
Immunoglobulin M/blood
Child
Mosquito Vectors/virology
Immunoglobulin G/blood

@article {pmid40572814,
year = {2025},
author = {Bayir, MC and Mensur, E},
title = {XGBoost-Based Modeling of Electrocaloric Property: A Bayesian Optimization in BCZT Electroceramics.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572814},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {FA9550-21-2-0296//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; },
abstract = {Electrocaloric materials, which exhibit adiabatic temperature change under an applied electric field, are promising for solid-state cooling technologies. In this study, the electrocaloric response of lead-free BaxCa1-xZryTi1-yO3 (BCZT) ceramics was modeled to investigate the effects of composition, processing, and measurement conditions on performance. A high-accuracy XGBoost regression model (R[2] = 0.99, MAE = 0.02 °C) was developed using a dataset of 2188 literature-derived data points to predict and design the electrocaloric response of BCZT ceramics. The feature space incorporated compositional ratios, processing parameters, measurement settings, and atomic-level Magpie descriptors, along with Curie temperature to account for phase-transition behavior. Feature importance analysis revealed that electric field, measurement temperature, and proximity to the Curie point are the most critical factors influencing ΔTEC. Bayesian optimization was applied to navigate the design space and identify performance maxima under unconstrained and realistic constraints, offering valuable insights into the nonlinear interactions governing electrocaloric performance. Under room temperature and moderate-field conditions (24 °C, 40 kV/cm), the optimized ΔTEC achieved a value of 1.03 °C for Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.40Ti0.60, to be processed at 1090 °C for 3 h during calcination, 1300 °C for 2 h during sintering. By integrating experimental insight with machine learning and optimization, this study offers a refined, interpretable framework for accelerating the design of high-performance electrocaloric ceramics while reducing the experimental workload.},
}

@article {pmid40572647,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, Y and Li, N and Chen, Z and Zeng, K and Wang, J and Sheng, A and Fu, H and Hu, L and Mao, J},
title = {Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Variants in Children with PAX2 Mutation-Associated Disorders.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {61},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572647},
issn = {1648-9144},
support = {2022YFC2705103//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFC2705100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; LTGD24H050002//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *PAX2 Transcription Factor/genetics/analysis ; Female ; Male ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Mutation/genetics ; Phenotype ; Genetic Variation/genetics ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Background and Objectives: PAX2 serves as a critical transcription factor integral to the process of embryogenesis. Variations in the PAX2 gene could result in the aberrant development of numerous organs. Despite the identification of numerous mutations within the PAX2 gene, the correlation between specific genotypes has yet to be fully clarified. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical phenotypes and genotypes associated with PAX2 mutation-induced disorders in pediatric patients of Chinese descent. The aim of our study was to forecast the pathogenic potential of these genetic mutations and to ascertain possible correlations between genotypic variations and the clinical manifestations of disorders linked to PAX2 mutations. Materials and Methods: We recruited 14 pediatric subjects with PAX2 mutations, meticulously examining the clinical characteristics and genetic alterations present in these individuals. Computational techniques were utilized to evaluate the pathogenicity, stability, and biophysical characteristics. A range of computational tools were employed for this assessment, including PredictSNP, MAGPIE, iStable, Align GVGD, ConSurf, and SNP effect. Results: The age at onset ranged from prenatal to 12 years. Five patients progressed to end-stage renal disease. Proteinuria and bilateral renal hypoplasia were observed in 92% of cases. Ocular and auditory abnormalities were also noted. We identified eleven different PAX2 mutations, including five novel variants not previously reported in the literature. We predicted that all mutations, with the exception of p.F27-L33 del and N188S, exhibited high pathogenicity scores. In particular, R117P and R140W are strongly associated with disease pathogenicity and are likely to cause more significant damage than other gene mutants. Conclusions: This study expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of PAX2-related disorders in the pediatric population. The identification of five novel variants enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of these conditions. Despite recurrent mutations, marked phenotypic heterogeneity persists, underscoring the need for further research.},
}

Humans
*PAX2 Transcription Factor/genetics/analysis
Female
Male
Child
Child, Preschool
Infant
Mutation/genetics
Phenotype
Genetic Variation/genetics
Genotype

@article {pmid40566893,
year = {2025},
author = {Çelik, S and Arslan, L and Özarslan, C and Mart, M},
title = {Psychometric Properties of the Social Attribution Task and Its Relationship With Cognitive Functions.},
journal = {Psychiatry investigation},
volume = {22},
number = {6},
pages = {687-698},
pmid = {40566893},
issn = {1738-3684},
support = {1919B012206375//TUBITAK 2209-A program project/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Social Attribution Task-Multiple Choice (SAT-MC) battery is one of tests used to evaluate social cognitive capacity. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the SAT-MC for the first time in healthy adults and in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, then to investigate the effect on SAT-MC performance of clinical variables in schizophrenia patients.

METHODS: The study included 207 volunteers; 157 healthy adults, and 50 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. All the study participants were applied with the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test (RSPM), the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), and the SAT-MC.

RESULTS: The results of the analyses showed that the SAT-MC had content and criteria validity in both the individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and in the healthy control group. Internal consistency of test was calculated as McDonald's omega coefficient 0.81, and the test-retest reliability was found to be 0.75. Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis showed a predictive effect of RSPM and RMET on the SAT points.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that SAT was valid and reliable in evaluating social attribution skills in both a healthy and a schizophrenia sample group. Social attribution skill was found to be related to the perceptual reasoning and abstract thinking skills of neurocognition. The social cognition dimension was determined to be related to the theory of mind skills. Insufficient social attribution skills, seen especially in schizophrenia patients, can lead to social withdrawal and isolation by disrupting interactions and relationships with others.},
}

@article {pmid40563936,
year = {2025},
author = {Gryz, J and Krauze-Gryz, D and Brach, M},
title = {Wildfire-Driven Shifts in Bird and Red Fox Activity: A Case Study from Biebrza National Park.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563936},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {This work was supported by the Forest Fund from the State Forests under contract number EZ.0290.1.24.2020 with the Biebrza National Park.//Polsih State Forests/ ; },
abstract = {Fires of natural or anthropogenic origin shape some ecosystems on Earth; this disturbance can maintain the landscape and influence many processes like vegetation structure, carbon, and hydrological cycle, climate, and others [...].},
}

@article {pmid40561730,
year = {2025},
author = {Payne, H},
title = {G.G. Simpson's changing attitude towards quantum evolution.},
journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of science},
volume = {112},
number = {},
pages = {60-69},
doi = {10.1016/j.shpsa.2025.06.007},
pmid = {40561730},
issn = {0039-3681},
abstract = {This paper conducts a study of the published responses to a key process - quantum evolution - in G.G. Simpson's paleontological masterpiece Tempo and Mode in Evolution (1944), with the primary goal of revealing the reasons for Simpson's changed views, as indicated in his next book Major Features of Evolution (1953), on the importance of quantum evolution. I argue that the primary force that drove this change was not pressure from other leading synthesis thinkers like Mayr and Dobzhansky but rather empirical paleontological considerations. I consider the implications this has for the supposed hardening of the synthesis as defended by Stephen Jay Gould and for our understanding of the status of paleontology in the post-synthesis period. I claim that paleontology's secondary status in the immediate post-synthesis period resulted from the internal workings of paleontology and not merely pressures from allied biological disciplines.},
}

@article {pmid40559580,
year = {2025},
author = {Gherman, CM and Balea, A and Györke, A and Kalmár, Z and Ionică, AM and Villena, I and Spano, F and de Craeye, S and Cozma, V},
title = {Prevalence and Toxoplasma gondii Genotypes Circulating in Five Wild Corvid Species from Romania.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559580},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Toxoplasma/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Romania/epidemiology ; Animals ; *Genotype ; *Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; Prevalence ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can potentially infect all warm-blooded animals, including birds, which, due to their high dispersal capabilities, are considered a significant candidate group of sentinel animals that reveal environmental contamination with this protozoan. In the present study, the serologic and molecular prevalences of T. gondii infection were determined in 333 corvids from Romania. Paired meat juice (n = 333) and heart samples (n = 244) were collected and analyzed using the modified agglutination test for antibodies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA, and SAG2 molecular marker sequencing for genotyping. The overall T. gondii antibodies prevalence was 19.5%, with 48.1% infected jackdaws, 72.8% rooks, 89.7% hooded crows, 77.5% magpies, and 42.9% jays. Of 244 heart samples analyzed with PCR amplification, only 3 (1.2%) resulted positive and were shown to belong to genotype III through the sequencing of the SAG2 amplicon. This is the first extensive study on T. gondii in crows from Romania.},
}

*Toxoplasma/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Romania/epidemiology
Animals
*Genotype
*Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology
Prevalence
DNA, Protozoan/genetics
Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
Polymerase Chain Reaction
*Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology

@article {pmid40559547,
year = {2025},
author = {Garcia, YLNL and Gomes, AJC and Neto, GG and Ando, NF and Rodrigues, CS and Cesario, RA and Domit, C and Lima, FH and Ferreira, HL and Araújo, JP and Silva, BLD and Spilki, FR and Thomazelli, LM and Gamon, THM and Assis, IB and Durigon, EL and Oliveira, DBL and Costa, VGD and Calmon, MF and Rahal, P},
title = {Potential New Avian Species as Carriers of Diverse Circoviruses.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559547},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {88887.805202/2023-00//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Circovirus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; *Circoviridae Infections/veterinary/virology/epidemiology/transmission ; *Birds/virology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Bird Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Carrier State/virology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Avian species pose risks for transmitting viruses, including avian circoviruses, that could be a threat for conservation and introduction into commercial flocks. This study investigated the presence of circovirus in 81 avian species from different regions of Brazil, including the northwest region of São Paulo and the coast of Paraná. Blood samples and oropharyngeal, cloacal, and other organ swabs were collected. The samples were extracted and screened using nested PCR for the replicase gene. In positive cases, the samples were sequenced. Regarding the results, a total of 1528 swab samples were collected from 601 birds, of which 24 (4%, 95% CI: 2.4-5.6) tested positive for various circovirus subtypes. Most positive birds (92%, 22/24) were from the northwest region of São Paulo, mainly from the city of São José do Rio Preto (54%, 12/22). The study also identified the presence of circovirus subtypes in avian families that were not previously described. Furthermore, the presence of raven circovirus in the blood sample of a Nyctibius griseus (potoo), suggests the possibility of a new carrier of the virus. Ultimately, the findings underscore the complexity of the viral ecology of avian circoviruses, highlight the necessity of enhancing future studies, and emphasize the need to support health assessment of wildlife, including marine birds.},
}

Animals
*Circovirus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
*Circoviridae Infections/veterinary/virology/epidemiology/transmission
*Birds/virology
Brazil/epidemiology
*Bird Diseases/virology/epidemiology
Phylogeny
*Carrier State/virology/veterinary

@article {pmid40550692,
year = {2025},
author = {Liao, DA and Schwarzbach, E and Nieder, A},
title = {Exploring Neural Dynamics in the Auditory Telencephalon of Crows Using Functional Ultrasound Imaging.},
journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience},
volume = {45},
number = {29},
pages = {},
pmid = {40550692},
issn = {1529-2401},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Telencephalon/physiology/diagnostic imaging/blood supply ; Ultrasonography/methods ; *Crows/physiology ; Acoustic Stimulation ; *Auditory Perception/physiology ; *Auditory Pathways/physiology/diagnostic imaging ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology ; },
abstract = {Crows, renowned for advanced cognitive abilities and vocal communication, rely on intricate auditory systems. While the neuroanatomy of corvid auditory pathways is partially explored, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. This study used functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) to investigate sound-induced cerebral blood volume (CBV) changes in the Field L complex of the auditory telencephalon in two female crows. fUSi revealed frequency-specific CBV responses, showing a tonotopic organization within the Field L complex, with low frequencies in the posterior dorsal region and high frequencies in the anterior ventral region. Machine learning analyses showed fUSi signals could be used to classify sound types accurately, in both awake and anesthetized states. Variable CBV responses to longer sound stimuli suggest a delineation of subregions within the Field L complex. Together, these findings highlight the potential of fUSi for providing high-resolution insights into functional systems in corvids, enabling future exploration of experimental task-related cognitive dynamics.},
}

Animals
Female
*Telencephalon/physiology/diagnostic imaging/blood supply
Ultrasonography/methods
*Crows/physiology
Acoustic Stimulation
*Auditory Perception/physiology
*Auditory Pathways/physiology/diagnostic imaging
Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology

@article {pmid40547778,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, S and Singh, R and Kampani, S and Gopal, KM},
title = {Policy mandates for Ayush in National Health Policy-2017: Achievements, impediments, and future prospects.},
journal = {Journal of family medicine and primary care},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {1597-1603},
pmid = {40547778},
issn = {2249-4863},
abstract = {The Ayush sector has seen multidimensional growth in the last 10 years, especially since its inception as the Ministry of Ayush in 2014 from the earlier Department of Ayush. This expansion is evident across various facets of the sector, notably reflected in the allocation within the union budget, the surge in exports of herbal medicines, the proliferation of educational institutions, the establishment of integrated Ayush hospitals, and the integration into the broader public healthcare system. The National Health Policy 2017 (NHP-2017) is the cornerstone guiding document for all health-related matters, including Ayush systems. It advocates for transitioning from a standalone to a comprehensive three-dimensional mainstreaming of Ayush services, emphasising the intricate integration of Ayush into the public healthcare system and adopting Ayush-based promotive and preventive strategies for fostering healthy lifestyles. Significant strides have been undertaken in recent years to realise the mandates outlined in NHP-2017. Noteworthy initiatives include the approval of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs - Ayush (erstwhile Health and Wellness Centres), the establishment of co-located Ayush facilities across three tiers of public healthcare, the provision for Ayush academic departments in all new and forthcoming AIIMS establishments, and, more recently, the publication of guidelines related to Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush. However, several challenges persist, such as the skewed distribution of Ayush facilities, the non-inclusion of Ayush packages from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and logistical issues about the supply chain of medicines in co-located facilities. Addressing these challenges is imperative for achieving a seamless integration of Ayush systems into the mainstream public healthcare framework and fulfilling the policy mandate designated to Ayush. Such integration holds promise for contributing to realising universal health coverage, national health objectives, and the overarching goal of health for all. This paper delves into the policy imperatives for Ayush within the public health domain as stipulated by NHP-2017, examining its progress, identifying challenges, and proposing potential solutions.},
}

@article {pmid40539864,
year = {2025},
author = {Llinares-Segura, J and Alarcón, A and Mendoza, ME and Green, JP and Capafons, A},
title = {The Development and Use of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis.},
journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-27},
doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2507720},
pmid = {40539864},
issn = {1744-5183},
abstract = {The importance of attitudes and beliefs in relation to people's behavior, both in general and within the context of psychological treatment, is undeniable. This is especially true in the field of hypnosis, where misinformation and myths are widespread. In response to a request from, and as a tribute to, Professor Steven Jay Lynn, we summarize the status of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis, both the client (VSABH-C) and therapist (VSABH-T) versions. A literature review was conducted in May 2024 across nine databases. The only inclusion criterion was that the studies had to cite and/or use either or both versions of the VSABH scales as a measurement instrument. A total of 73 references were selected and classified into four categories: psychometric analyses, use of the scales, citations, and unpublished references. The findings indicate that the VSABHs are widely used, useful, robust, and versatile scales with international projection, and its 37-item version is recommended. Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to continue the psychometric and applied study of these scales and to undertake adaptation processes in different languages, cultures, and samples, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the International Test Commission (ITC) rather than relying solely on reverse translations.},
}

@article {pmid40531062,
year = {2025},
author = {Montgomery, GH and Green, JP and Apelian, C and Zahedi, A and Polizzi, CP and Terhune, DB and Lynn, SJ},
title = {Hypnosis at the Crossroads: A Primer of the Past and Visions for the Future.},
journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-39},
pmid = {40531062},
issn = {1744-5183},
support = {R25 CA193098/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R25 CA248462/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The field of hypnosis has intrigued clinicians and researchers alike for more than 200 years. Below, a review of hypnosis is presented from historical, theoretical, experimental, and clinical perspectives in order to provide those readers less aware of the field with a broad foundation. The literature reveals that while theoretically driven experimental research has led to groundbreaking clinical applications, there remains much to be done regarding dissemination of efficacious interventions and our understanding of underlying mechanisms responsible for observed effects. The goal is to inspire readers to pursue innovative work to improve our understanding of hypnosis and the quality of life of patients through clinical application. Along the way, we highlight empirical findings and selective writings of Dr. Steven Jay Lynn who was a tireless champion of hypnosis and psychotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid40526687,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, SK and Bakhsh, A and Sharma, D},
title = {Who pays for surgical care in the global south? A narrative review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {5},
number = {6},
pages = {e0004781},
pmid = {40526687},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {For decades, surgical care was sidelined in global health policy, perceived as costly, complex, and secondary to communicable disease control. However, the past two decades have witnessed a paradigm shift, with evidence highlighting surgery's critical role in addressing nearly 30% of the global disease burden. Landmark efforts like the 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and WHO Resolution WHA68.15 underscored that safe, timely, and affordable surgical care is indispensable to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, despite increasing advocacy, a fundamental question remains inadequately addressed: who pays for surgical care in the Global South? This narrative review explores the current landscape of surgical financing in low- and middle-income countries, examining domestic public funding, insurance-based models, donor assistance, diaspora contributions, and the persistent burden of out-of-pocket payments. While some initiatives-such as India's AB PM-JAY and organizations like Smile Train and KidsOR-illustrate scalable financing models, most low- and middle-income countries still rely on fragmented, underfunded systems that lead to catastrophic health expenditures. Moreover, political neglect, lack of standardized surgical metrics, and low visibility within global health frameworks continue to hinder sustained investment. The review further highlights the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits of surgical interventions, positioning surgery not only as a clinical imperative but also as a strategic investment in national development. Emphasizing the emerging concept of value-based surgery, it argues for integrating frugal innovations and systems-based approaches into health financing frameworks. To achieve equitable and sustainable surgical systems in the Global South, the global health community must address the multifaceted barriers to financing-economic, structural, and political. The review calls for strategic investments, better data, and policy integration to ensure that surgical care is no longer a privilege but a universal right.},
}

@article {pmid40526551,
year = {2025},
author = {Zuo, Z and Dong, J and Wu, Y and Qu, Y and Wu, Z},
title = {PADiff: Reconstruction From Patch to Pixel With Normality-Guided Diffusion Model for Unsupervised Anomaly Localization.},
journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems},
volume = {PP},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3572438},
pmid = {40526551},
issn = {2162-2388},
abstract = {Anomaly localization (AL) is an indispensable and challenging task in manufacturing. Recently, diffusion models have been widely used to localize anomalies through discrepancies between original and reconstructed representations, which is based on the hypothesis that diffusion models regard anomalies as noise and reconstruct them to normal representations. However, anomalies usually deviate from prior standard Gaussian distribution and diffusion models cannot reconstruct anomaly parts as normal patterns well due to powerful generalization. These issues hinder the application of diffusion models in AL and lead to suboptimal performance. As a remedy, we present a novel framework for AL based on the diffusion model, dubbed PADiff. To enable the diffusion model to reconstruct abnormal regions to normal regions in an anomaly image, we propose to guide the diffusion model in the reconstruction process using its normal counterpart. High-quality guided normal counterpart plays a key role in our method. Therefore, we propose a patch-substitution strategy to obtain a high-quality-guided normal counterpart. Specifically, we first construct a normal patch memory bank using normal training samples. With a normal memory bank, we find potential anomaly patches in testing images and substitute them with most similar normal patches in the memory bank. After substitution, pseudo-normal images are generated to guide the diffusion model. To make our method more data-efficient, we divide an image into patches and propose patch-wise training and reconstruction. As one of our innovations, we propose to encode each patch into positional embedding and add it on time embedding, which introduces patch-level representation and position information in the diffusion model. Extensive experiments are conducted on three commonly used anomaly detection datasets (MVTec-AD, VisA, and BTAD) to showcase the state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance of the proposed PADiff. The source code is publicly available at https://github.com/Jay-zzcoder/padiff.},
}

@article {pmid40522119,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, K and Hazarika, J and Rohullah, M and Chosenyah, M and Chandrasekar, R},
title = {Thermo-Welded Periodic Arrays of Fluorescent Polymer Microspheres for Rollable Coupled-Resonator Optical Waveguides.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2502583},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202502583},
pmid = {40522119},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {SERB-STR/2022/00011//SERB-New Delhi/ ; CRG/2023/003911//SERB-New Delhi/ ; DST/INT/RUS/RSF/P-71/2023(G)//DST-RSF/ ; },
abstract = {Polymer microspherical resonators that trap light are crucial structures for on-chip and on-board integration in nanophotonic applications. Using advanced micromanipulation and thermo-welding methods, welded polystyrene-based coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) are successfully created with customized lengths, shapes, and optical characteristics. Through the thermal fusion of blue, green, and red fluorophore-doped polystyrene microspheres, multi-fluorescent cohesive units are created from dimeric to henicosameric periodic arrangements. Detailed micro-spectroscopy studies reveal CROWs' capability to support optical whispering-gallery modes. The periodic arrangements of different fluorophore-doped resonators within the CROW facilitate efficient guided transmission of light via both active and passive mechanisms in opposite directions. The welded structures exhibit mechanically driven rolling motion, confirming their integration as cohesive units. These findings highlight the versatility and performance of thermo-welded polymer microsphere-based waveguides, paving the way for scalable, low-cost photonic devices in sensing, modulation, and light guiding, emphasizing their role in future integrated photonics.},
}

@article {pmid40514777,
year = {2025},
author = {Gasparini, M and Scandola, M and Salati, E and Margiotta, R and Barbetti, S and Diana, S and Amato, S and Gambina, G and Bruno, G and Vanacore, N and Moro, V},
title = {The need to adapt neuropsychological tests to population changes. An update of the Italian normative data for three tests: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices and COWAT -FAS.},
journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology},
volume = {47},
number = {4},
pages = {263-274},
doi = {10.1080/13803395.2025.2519295},
pmid = {40514777},
issn = {1744-411X},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests/standards ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult ; Reference Values ; Italy ; Educational Status ; Age Factors ; *Aging ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The study aims to update normative data for three of the tests which are most widely used in the Italian clinical services for dementia screening: the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, the Coloured Progressive Matrices test and the Controlled Oral Word Association test. In fact, the obsolescence of normative data is a crucial problem for cognitive tests, and their periodical updating is recommended because of the Flynn Effect: the longer the time which has passed since standardization, the greater the likelihood is that scores will overestimate real abilities.

METHODS: A total of 364 neurologically healthy individuals (130 males/234 females; age ≥ 40, mean = 65.67 ± 10.29 years, education = 12.98 ± 3.88 years; MMSE score = 29.32 ± 1.11) were recruited from Rome and the surrounding area and divided into 8 groups by five-year age intervals (range 40-85 years). Linear models with modulating effects for age, education, and gender were applied to obtain the correction scores. Percentiles and Equivalent Scores were calculated as well.

RESULTS: Normative data corrected for age, gender and education were obtained for the three tests. Decremental effects of age and incremental effects of education were confirmed, while mixed results were found for gender. When compared with previous Italian normative studies, a global increase in the mean scores was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provides updated scores for the Italian population for three tests widely used in clinical and experimental settings. The effects of aging, education, and gender on cognitive performance are confirmed, as well as the Flynn effect and the necessity for periodical updating of normative data for neuropsychological tests.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Aged
Middle Aged
*Neuropsychological Tests/standards
Aged, 80 and over
Adult
Reference Values
Italy
Educational Status
Age Factors
*Aging

@article {pmid40510728,
year = {2025},
author = {Punde, P and Mishra, N and Joshi, A and Ramgadiya, A},
title = {A modified high infraorbital with lateral crow feet extension incision (Punincision) for body of zygoma fractures and zygoma implants: Original research.},
journal = {National journal of maxillofacial surgery},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {71-76},
pmid = {40510728},
issn = {0975-5950},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the infraorbital incision with lateral crow feet extension to treat fractures present towards the body of zygoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally fifteen patients aged from 22 to 69 years diagnosed with fracture line running close to body of zygoma which had been reported to authors between February 2013 and June 2018 were included in this study. Seven patients had low-level frontozygomatic fractures. Eight had fracture lines too lateral to infraorbital foramina. These fractures require longer incisions if conventional approaches are used. New incision design comprising of laterally placed infraorbital incision joined with crow feet extension was used in all these cases. Fracture stabilization was done using 1.5 mm plates in all the cases.

RESULTS: The fractures were well reduced and stabilized. The scar was inconspicuous in nature hidden in skin crease in all the cases. Operation time was observed to be less when compared to using surgical records of conventional incision cases. Soft tissue swelling was also found out to be less as compared to conventional incision cases.

CONCLUSION: This modified incision was found to be effective for fractures near the center of body of zygoma in terms of easiness of fracture site exposure and fixation in less time.},
}

@article {pmid40504381,
year = {2025},
author = {de Quadros, RM and Júnior, JAC and Raffi, MF and Casagrande, RA and Bassini-Silva, R},
title = {Collyriclum faba (Bremser, 1831) (Digenea: Collyriclidae) in the Azure jay, Cyanocorax caeruleus (Vieillot, 1818): the first report of the parasite in Brazil.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {4},
pages = {221},
pmid = {40504381},
issn = {1573-7446},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Trematoda/isolation & purification/classification ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Passeriformes/parasitology ; Female ; },
abstract = {This study aims to document the first record of the trematode Collyriclum faba in Brazil. This species parasitizes various bird groups, including Passeriformes, Galliformes, and domestic birds, across Europe, Northeast Asia, and the Americas. An Azure Jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus) found in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, exhibited an unusual enlargement and obliteration of the pericloacal region by an approximately 4 cm diameter, multilobular mass was firm in consistency. A sample of the excised tissue was extracted and sent for histopathological analysis, revealing eight adult C. faba specimens within the cyst. Each cyst cavity contained two parasites, surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, forming multiple cavitations. Longitudinal and transverse sections of the trematodes showed a tegument-covered body with parenchymal lining inside the cavity. The uterus contained numerous thick-walled, yellowish-brown eggs. The parasites were encircled by a predominant infiltrate of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and diffuse heterophils, accompanied by bacterial colonies, resulting in the formation of a parasitic heterophilic granuloma.},
}

Animals
Brazil/epidemiology
*Trematoda/isolation & purification/classification
*Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
*Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology
*Passeriformes/parasitology
Female

@article {pmid40501980,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C},
title = {A Bayesian Approach for Identifying Driver Mutations within Oncogenic Pathways through Mutual Exclusivity.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.05.27.656485},
pmid = {40501980},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Distinguishing driver mutations from the large background of passenger mutations remains a major challenge in cancer genomics. Evidence-based approaches to nominate driver mutations are often limited by the availability of experimental or clinical validation for specific variants. As clinical sequencing becomes integrated into patient care, computational methods provide powerful opportunities to analyze expanding genomic datasets and identify functional candidates beyond the current knowledge base. Among various analytical frameworks, mutual exclusivity, the observation that mutations in two or more genes tend not to co-occur within the same tumor, has been particularly attractive. Building on this principle, we propose BayesMAGPIE, a refined version of a statistical method, MAGPIE, developed previously for identifying driver genes within oncogenic pathways. The new method introduces two key innovations. First, it incorporates information on mutation type using a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework, enabling the distinction between potential differences in functional effects among variants within the same gene, thereby improving the accuracy of driver identification. Second, it models gene-specific driver frequencies with a Dirichlet prior which effectively controls the sparsity of the inferred driver set and aligns with the biological expectation that most tumor types are driven by a small number of genes. We evaluate BayesMAGPIE through extensive simulation studies to assess its estimation bias and accuracy in driver identification, and benchmark its performance against MAGPIE using TCGA data from eight cancer types.},
}

@article {pmid40491745,
year = {2025},
author = {Gupta, U and Kumar, N},
title = {Feathers, folklore, and eco-literacy: Stories ascribe cultural keystone status to avian scavengers in South Asian cities.},
journal = {Ornithological applications},
volume = {127},
number = {1},
pages = {duae056},
pmid = {40491745},
issn = {2732-4621},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species-vultures, kites, and crows-and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi's urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds' nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people's perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes toward commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human-animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.},
}

@article {pmid40482599,
year = {2025},
author = {Isoda, N and Hiono, T and Hew, YL and Takaya, F and Nguyen, BL and Kobayashi, D and Fujino, K and Sakoda, Y},
title = {Dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus infection with multiple introductions in a crow flock in an urban park in Hokkaido, Japan.},
journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases},
volume = {121},
number = {},
pages = {102367},
doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102367},
pmid = {40482599},
issn = {1878-1667},
mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/virology/epidemiology/transmission ; Japan/epidemiology ; *Crows/virology ; Phylogeny ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity/genetics/isolation & purification ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics ; },
abstract = {Since 2021, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has been circulating globally, not only in domestic poultry but also in wild birds, both migratory and resident species. In March to May 2022, March to April 2023, and January to April 2024, crow die-offs were reported in an urban garden in Hokkaido, Japan, raising suspicions of HPAIV infection. Since August 2022, all dead carcasses were investigated for HPAIV detection and isolation. Phylogenetic analysis of the H5 hemagglutinin gene revealed that all detected HPAIVs belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, a dominant lineage in Hokkaido since early 2022. Two distinct subgroups were identified: G2d (in 2022-2024) and G2a (in 2024). A maximum clade credibility tree, based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the isolates, suggested that multiple distinct types of HPAIVs were introduced into the garden in rotation during the winters of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Infectious HPAIVs were isolated not only from the lungs and brains but also from the rectal contents of the dead crows, with no apparent difference in viral titers between the two subgroups. The case reproduction numbers of HPAIV infection in the crow flock ranged from 0.52 and 1.57 in the spring of 2022 and from 0.55 to 1.78 in the spring of 2023, suggesting that the contiguous HPAIV infections in the crows were due to multiple introductions into the flock. Crow can play a key role of potential spread to other animals, poultry and wildlife in urban areas or humans in rural areas.},
}

Animals
*Influenza in Birds/virology/epidemiology/transmission
Japan/epidemiology
*Crows/virology
Phylogeny
*Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity/genetics/isolation & purification
Animals, Wild/virology
Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics