@article {pmid39850750,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Xu, Y and Wang, J and Chen, T and Liu, B and Chen, P and Lu, C},
title = {The Eurasian Magpie Preys on the Nests of Vinous-throated Parrotbills in Invasive Smooth Cordgrass.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e70905},
pmid = {39850750},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Native animals worldwide are experiencing long-term coexistence with invasive plants, leading to diverse behavioral changes. Invasive plants may create new habitat structures that affect the distribution or behavior of prey, which in turn might attract predators to these novel habitats, thereby altering predator-prey dynamics within the ecosystem. However, this phenomenon is rarely reported. Our previous research found that in the Yellow Sea wetlands of China, the native bird species, the vinous-throated parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana), has adapted to breeding in the invasive smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) by increasing its nesting height. Here, our observations indicate that in cordgrass habitats, the main nest predator of parrotbills was the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), accounting for 75% of predation events. In contrast, in native habitats, the primary predators were mammals and snakes, accounting for 83% of predation events, with no nests being predated by magpies. We believe that changes in the breeding and nesting behavior of parrotbills may have attracted magpie predation in cordgrass habitats. Our findings may provide an empirical case of how behavioral changes induced by invasive plants can lead to dynamic shifts in predation relationships. We advocate for further research into this intriguing phenomenon, as it could enhance our understanding of changes in interspecific relationships and their ecological consequences within the context of biological invasions.},
}

@article {pmid39846022,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, M and Wut Hmohn, ZZ and Jang, W and Baek, G and Han, JI},
title = {Hematologic and clinical chemistry reference intervals for six species of wild birds frequently rescued in the Republic of Korea.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1484082},
pmid = {39846022},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Reference intervals for hematologic and clinical chemistry values are useful when diagnosing a pathologic condition in animals. This study establishes relevant reference intervals for six species of wild birds that are frequently rescued at wildlife rescue centers in the Republic of Korea.

METHODS: Forty-two Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo), 34 Oriental turtle doves (Streptopelia orientalis), 73 domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), 27 brown hawk-owls (Ninox scutulata), 76 common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), and 25 Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) were included in this study. Only released birds were included because they were judged to be clinically healthy through physical examinations, blood examinations, radiographic examinations, and flight evaluations. The reference intervals were set according to the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guideline, and if there were fewer than 20 birds, the reference intervals were set between the 2.5th percentile and the 97.5th percentile. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare hematologic and clinical chemistry parameters among species.

RESULTS: The total protein levels in carnivorous birds (Eurasian eagle owl, brown hawk-owl, and common kestrel) were significantly higher than those in omnivorous birds (Oriental turtle dove and domestic pigeon). The common kestrel exhibited significantly lower white blood cell counts and heterophil counts than other species. The Eurasian magpie had significantly higher eosinophils than other species.

CONCLUSION: This study provides reference intervals for wild birds often rescued at wildlife rescue centers in Korea. It is expected that these reference intervals will be used as important data in diagnosing diseases in rescued wild birds.},
}

@article {pmid39843880,
year = {2025},
author = {Dutry, M and Vereeck, A and Duyck, W and Derous, E and Schelfhout, S and Szmalec, A and Woumans, E and Schittekatte, M and Debeer, D and Dirix, N},
title = {Validation of the Children's International Cognitive Ability Resource (Ch-ICAR).},
journal = {Behavior research methods},
volume = {57},
number = {2},
pages = {66},
pmid = {39843880},
issn = {1554-3528},
mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Adolescent ; Male ; Female ; *Psychometrics/methods/instrumentation ; *Cognition/physiology ; Pilot Projects ; *Intelligence Tests/standards ; Reproducibility of Results ; Intelligence ; Wechsler Scales/standards ; },
abstract = {The International Cognitive Ability Resource, abbreviated ICAR, counters some of the practical problems researchers face when using good, but proprietary, licensed intelligence tests like the Wechsler tests, which include unfeasible administration times and financial costs. So far, ICAR has been validated for adolescents and adults in many countries, offering a viable test alternative for these populations. For use among children, however, the appropriateness of this resource was yet unknown. Therefore, we set out to develop a children's ICAR: an instrument composed of ICAR-items, which provides a measure of cognitive ability in children between 11 and 14 years of age. The present article discusses the compilation process of the Ch-ICAR drawing from a pilot study, and evaluates its validity based on two additional studies. The pilot study involved 99 primary school pupils and aimed to select items for the Ch-ICAR instrument. Study 1 investigated the basic psychometric qualities of the Ch-ICAR in a sample of 820 secondary school pupils. Study 2 examined the construct validity by cross-validating the Ch-ICAR with on the one hand Raven's 2 Progressive Matrices, and on the other hand the Flemish CoVaT-CHC Basic Version, relying on samples of 91 secondary and 96 primary school pupils, respectively. Results support the utility of the Ch-ICAR as a measure of children's cognitive abilities within a research context.},
}

Humans
Child
Adolescent
Male
Female
*Psychometrics/methods/instrumentation
*Cognition/physiology
Pilot Projects
*Intelligence Tests/standards
Reproducibility of Results
Intelligence
Wechsler Scales/standards

@article {pmid39841628,
year = {2025},
author = {Griffith, JI and James, HF and Ordoño, J and Fernández-Crespo, T and Gerritzen, CT and Cheung, C and Spros, R and Claeys, P and Goderis, S and Veselka, B and Snoeck, C},
title = {Reconstructing prehistoric lifeways using multi-Isotope analyses of human enamel, dentine, and bone from Legaire Sur, Spain.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {e0316387},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0316387},
pmid = {39841628},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dental Enamel/chemistry ; Spain ; *Dentin/chemistry ; Female ; *Bone and Bones/chemistry ; Archaeology/methods ; Male ; History, Ancient ; Strontium Isotopes/analysis ; Adult ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; Oxygen Isotopes/analysis ; Child ; },
abstract = {Megalithism has been repetitively tied to specialised herding economies in Iberia, particularly in the mountainous areas of the Basque Country. Legaire Sur, in the uplands of Álava region, is a recently excavated passage tomb (megalithic monument) that held a minimum number of 25 individuals. This study analysed the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope ratios of 18 individuals, in a multi-tissue sampling study (successional tooth enamel sampling, incremental dentine sampling, and bulk bone collagen sampling). The results provide a high-resolution reconstruction of individual mobility, weaning, and dietary lifeways of those inhumed at the site. Oxygen and strontium isotope analysis suggest all individuals come from a similar, likely local, geological region, aside from one biological female who presents a notably different geographical birthplace, weaning, and dietary life history than the rest of the burial population. Comparisons to other nearby megalithic sites (∼35km as the crow flies), located in a valley area, reveal that, whilst sharing the same mortuary practices, these individuals held notably different lifeways. They highlight notably earlier ages of cessation of nursing (≤2 years at Legaire Sur vs. ≥4 years in other megalithic tombs), and a greater dependence on pastoralism than previously observed in lowland megalithic graves. The results from Legaire Sur reveal the complexity of the Late Neolithic-Chalcolithic transition in north-central Iberia, categorising yet another separate socio-economic group with distinctive lifeways inhabiting the region.},
}

Humans
*Dental Enamel/chemistry
Spain
*Dentin/chemistry
Female
*Bone and Bones/chemistry
Archaeology/methods
Male
History, Ancient
Strontium Isotopes/analysis
Adult
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
Oxygen Isotopes/analysis
Child

@article {pmid39839126,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, B and Sun, H and Zhao, Q and Li, L and Tian, R and Lui, S and Zhu, H},
title = {Plastic but not progressive changes in cognitive function and hippocampal volume in an adolescent with bipolar disorder: a case report.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1507333},
pmid = {39839126},
issn = {1664-0640},
abstract = {Bipolar disorder (BD) is a prevalent mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania, often accompanied by varying degrees of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairments often serve as indicators of a bleak prognosis or the likelihood of progressing to dementia. Additionally, some studies suggest that individuals diagnosed with BD may undergo a decline in hippocampal volume. However, the potential for reversibility of these changes, particularly in adolescents, remains unclear. We present an intriguing case involving an 18-year-old male student who experiences concurrent occurrences of both BD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), accompanied by a subtle reduction in hippocampal volume. Initially, the individual exhibited impaired general cognitive function, as indicated by an IQ score of 80 on the Standard Raven's Progressive Matrices test, and demonstrated slightly reduced bilateral hippocampal volume compared to the normative reference, as determined through quantitative structural magnetic resonance imaging (qsMRI). The deposition profiles of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the brain were not identified with 18F-AV45 PET/MRI. Following six months of combined psychopharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, the individual's psychopathological symptoms improved significantly, leading to a restoration of his IQ score to 116 and normalization of hippocampal volume. This case suggests that the hippocampal volume reduction and cognitive impairment seen in some adolescents with BD may demonstrate greater plasticity compared to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings highlight the potential importance of early intervention in young BD patients with cognitive impairments.},
}

@article {pmid39836991,
year = {2025},
author = {Clark, JE},
title = {African American pharmacists and the evolution of black professional pharmacy associations.},
journal = {Currents in pharmacy teaching & learning},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {102278},
doi = {10.1016/j.cptl.2024.102278},
pmid = {39836991},
issn = {1877-1300},
abstract = {The histography of Black professional pharmacist associations has largely been ignored. During the Jim Crow era there existed multiple and overlapping spaces within which Black civic and professional voluntary organizations engaged in representation and advocacy, professional support and development, cultural competence, community engagement and education, research and innovation, and diversity and inclusion in the professions. One group that has received minimal to no attention is that of the role of Black professional pharmacy organizations. Through historical review, several key points about Black professional pharmacy organizations will be explored. (This is the second of three papers dealing with key points of black professional pharmacy associations. This paper should be considered as a direct continuation of the preceding paper cited earlier).},
}

@article {pmid39830258,
year = {2025},
author = {Avila, MN and Jung, S and Satterstrom, FK and Fu, JM and Levy, T and Sloofman, LG and Klei, L and Pichardo, T and Stevens, CR and Cusick, CM and Ames, JL and Campos, GS and Cerros, H and Chaskel, R and Costa, CIS and Cuccaro, ML and Lopez, ADP and Fernandez, M and Ferro, E and Galeano, L and Girardi, ACDES and Griswold, AJ and Hernandez, LC and Lourenço, N and Ludena, Y and Nuñez, DL and Oyama, R and Peña, KP and Pessah, I and Schmidt, R and Sweeney, HM and Tolentino, L and Wang, JYT and Albores-Gallo, L and Croen, LA and Cruz-Fuentes, CS and Hertz-Picciotto, I and Kolevzon, A and Lattig, MC and Mayo, L and Passos-Bueno, MR and Pericak-Vance, MA and Siper, PM and Tassone, F and Trelles, MP and , and Talkowski, ME and Daly, MJ and Mahjani, B and De Rubeis, S and Cook, EH and Roeder, K and Betancur, C and Devlin, B and Buxbaum, JD},
title = {Deleterious coding variation associated with autism is consistent across populations, as exemplified by admixed Latin American populations.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.12.27.24319460},
pmid = {39830258},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The past decade has seen remarkable progress in identifying genes that, when impacted by deleterious coding variation, confer high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and other developmental disorders. However, most underlying gene discovery efforts have focused on individuals of European ancestry, limiting insights into genetic risks across diverse populations. To help address this, the Genomics of Autism in Latin American Ancestries Consortium (GALA) was formed, presenting here the largest sequencing study of ASD in Latin American individuals (n>15,000). We identified 35 genome-wide significant (FDR < 0.05) ASD risk genes, with substantial overlap with findings from European cohorts, and highly constrained genes showing consistent signal across populations. The results provide support for emerging (e.g., MARK2 , YWHAG , PACS1 , RERE, SPEN, GSE1, GLS, TNPO3, ANKRD17) and established ASD genes, and for the utility of genetic testing approaches for deleterious variants in diverse populations, while also demonstrating the ongoing need for more inclusive genetic research and testing. We conclude that the biology of ASD is universal and not impacted to any detectable degree by ancestry.

Branko Aleksic, Mykyta Artomov, Mafalda Barbosa, Elisa Benetti, Catalina Betancur, Monica Biscaldi-Schafer, Anders D. Børglum, Harrison Brand, Alfredo Brusco, Joseph D. Buxbaum, Gabriele Campos, Simona Cardaropoli, Diana Carli, Angel Carracedo, Marcus C. Y. Chan, Andreas G. Chiocchetti, Brian H. Y. Chung, Brett Collins, Ryan L. Collins, Edwin H. Cook, Hilary Coon, Claudia I. S. Costa, Michael L. Cuccaro, David J. Cutler, Mark J. Daly, Silvia De Rubeis, Bernie Devlin, Ryan N. Doan, Enrico Domenici, Shan Dong, Chiara Fallerini, Magdalena Fernandez, Montserrat Fernández-Prieto, Giovanni Battista Ferrero, Eugenio Ferro, Jennifer Foss Feig, Christine M. Freitag, Jack M. Fu, Liliana Galeano, J. Jay Gargus, Sherif Gerges, Elisa Giorgio, Ana Cristina Girardi, Stephen Guter, Emily Hansen-Kiss, Erina Hara, Danielle Halpern, Gail E. Herman, Luis C. Hernandez, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, David M. Hougaard, Christina M. Hultman, Suma Jacob, Miia Kaartinen, Lambertus Klei, Alexander Kolevzon, Itaru Kushima, Maria C. Lattig, So Lun Lee, Terho Lehtimäki, Lindsay Liang, Carla Lintas, Alicia Ljungdahl, Andrea del Pilar Lopez, Caterina Lo Rizzo, Yunin Ludena, Patricia Maciel, Behrang Mahjani, Nell Maltman, Marianna Manara, Dara S. Manoach, Dalia Marquez, Gal Meiri, Idan Menashe, Judith Miller, Nancy Minshew, Matthew Mosconi, Marina Natividad Avila, Rachel Nguyen, Norio Ozaki, Aarno Palotie, Mara Parellada, Maria Rita Passos-Bueno, Lisa Pavinato, Katherine P. Peña, Minshi Peng, Margaret Pericak-Vance, Antonio M. Persico, Isaac N. Pessah, Thariana Pichardo, Kaija Puura, Abraham Reichenberg, Alessandra Renieri, Kathryn Roeder, Catherine Sancimino, Stephan J. Sanders, Sven Sandin, F. Kyle Satterstrom, Stephen W. Scherer, Sabine Schlitt, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Lauren Schmitt, Katja Schneider-Momm, Paige M. Siper, Laura Sloofman, Moyra Smith, Renee Soufer, Christine R. Stevens, Pål Suren, James S. Sutcliffe, John A. Sweeney, Michael E. Talkowski, Flora Tassone, Karoline Teufel, Elisabetta Trabetti, Slavica Trajkova, Maria del Pilar Trelles, Brie Wamsley, Jaqueline Y. T. Wang, Lauren A. Weiss, Mullin H. C. Yu, Ryan Yuen, Jessica Zweifach.},
}

@article {pmid39823308,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Zhao, J and Yang, R and Bai, J and Hu, W and Gu, L and Lian, Z and Huo, H and Guo, J and Gong, H},
title = {PROCERA interacts with JACKDAW in gibberellin-enhanced source-sink sucrose partitioning in tomato.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiaf024},
pmid = {39823308},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Proper regulation of the source-sink relationship is an effective way to increase crop yield. Gibberellin (GA) is an important regulator of plant growth and development, and physiological evidence has demonstrated that GA can promote source-sink sucrose partitioning. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we used a combination of physiological and molecular approaches to identify the components involved in GA-enhanced source-sink sucrose partitioning in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). GA treatment increased the sucrose export rate from source leaves and the sucrose level in young leaves (sink organ). GA-mediated enhancement of source-sink sucrose partitioning depended on SlPROCERA (SlPRO), the DELLA protein in tomato. Sucrose transporter 1 (SlSUT1) was involved in phloem sucrose loading. SlJACKDAW (SlJKD) was identified as an interaction partner of SlPRO. SlJKD negatively regulated the sucrose export rate from source leaves and could directly bind to the promoter of SlSUT1 and repress its expression, while SlPRO enhanced the transcription repression function of SlJKD. This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which GA promotes source-sink sucrose partitioning in tomato and provides potential targets for source-sink relationship optimization.},
}

@article {pmid39822556,
year = {2024},
author = {Krishnakumar, A and Chellappan, DK and Jeyakodi, S and Dalal, M and Shetty, S},
title = {Efficacy and safety of a proprietary Punica granatum extract in skin health - a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study in healthy volunteers.},
journal = {American journal of translational research},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {8043-8053},
doi = {10.62347/SRIC1154},
pmid = {39822556},
issn = {1943-8141},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The concept of beauty from within is a growing trend in the market and people now look for oral supplements that can enhance the well-being of skin from within. Within this principle, a proprietary pomegranate extract (Grantria[®]), standardized to ellagic acid, punicic acid and punicalagin, was developed using ADOP (Advanced Oil-Powder) technology and was clinically evaluated for its efficacy and safety in healthy adults.

METHODS: This evaluation was carried out as a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study for 60 days at a daily dose of 300 mg. This study involved a total of 60 subjects randomized in the ratio of 1:1 to test group and placebo group. Multiple skin health parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: Data from this study indicated that Punica granatum extract significantly reduced crow's feet wrinkles, tactile roughness, forehead fine lines, forehead wrinkles and improved skin radiance compared to the placebo in 60 days. Other skin health attributes like pores, spots and UV pigmentation were also observed to exhibit significant changes. The test group showed a significant improvement in skin tone evenness, skin moisturisation, elasticity and firmness compared to the baseline. The Tyrosinase biomarker levels were observed to drop by 3% in the Grantria[®] supplemented group.

CONCLUSIONS: Grantria[®] was found to be effective, safe, and well accepted by the subjects making it a potential candidate for use in the supplements intended for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.},
}

@article {pmid39816752,
year = {2025},
author = {De Nardi, A and Marini, G and Dorigatti, I and Rosà, R and Tamba, M and Gelmini, L and Prosperi, A and Menegale, F and Poletti, P and Calzolari, M and Pugliese, A},
title = {Quantifying West Nile virus circulation in the avian host population in Northern Italy.},
journal = {Infectious Disease Modelling},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {375-386},
pmid = {39816752},
issn = {2468-0427},
abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most threatening mosquito-borne pathogens in Italy where hundreds of human cases were recorded during the last decade. Here, we estimated the WNV incidence in the avian population in the Emilia-Romagna region through a modelling framework which enabled us to eventually assess the fraction of birds that present anti-WNV antibodies at the end of each epidemiological season. We fitted an SIR model to ornithological data, consisting of 18,989 specimens belonging to Corvidae species collected between 2013 and 2022: every year from May to November birds are captured or shot and tested for WNV genome presence. We found that the incidence peaks between mid-July and late August, infected corvids seem on average 17% more likely to be captured with respect to susceptible ones and seroprevalence was estimated to be larger than other years at the end of 2018, consistent with the anomalous number of recorded human infections. Thanks to our modelling study we quantified WNV infection dynamics in the corvid community, which is still poorly investigated despite its importance for the virus circulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the first studies providing quantitative information on infection and immunity in the bird population, yielding new important insights on WNV transmission dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid39814839,
year = {2025},
author = {Jabari, M and Ekinci, S and Izci, D and Bajaj, M and Blazek, V and Prokop, L},
title = {Efficient pressure regulation in nonlinear shell-and-tube steam condensers via a Novel TDn(1 + PIDn) controller and DCSA algorithm.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {2090},
pmid = {39814839},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {TN02000025 National Centre for Energy II//Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports/ ; TN02000025 National Centre for Energy II//Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports/ ; CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048//Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic/ ; CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048//Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic/ ; },
abstract = {Steam condensers are vital components of thermal power plants, responsible for converting turbine exhaust steam back into water for reuse in the power generation cycle. Effective pressure regulation is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and equipment safety. However, conventional control strategies, such as PI, PI-PDn and FOPID controllers, often struggle to manage the nonlinearities and disturbances inherent in steam condenser systems. This paper introduces a novel multistage controller, TDn(1 + PIDn), optimized using the diligent crow search algorithm (DCSA). The proposed controller is specifically designed to address system nonlinearities, external disturbances, and the complexities of dynamic responses in steam condensers. Key contributions include the development of a flexible multi-stage control framework and its optimization via DCSA to achieve enhanced stability, faster response times, and reduced steady-state errors. Simulation results demonstrate that the TDn(1 + PIDn) controller outperforms conventional control strategies, including those tuned with advanced metaheuristic algorithms, in terms of settling time, overshoot, and integral of time weighted absolute error (ITAE). This study marks a significant advancement in pressure regulation strategies, providing a robust and adaptive solution for nonlinear industrial systems.},
}

@article {pmid39802701,
year = {2025},
author = {Halder, P and Dixit, J and Gupta, N and Mehra, N and Singh, A and Malhotra, P and Mathew, A and Kumar, L and Chandra Kataki, A and Gupta, S and Prinja, S},
title = {Access to timely cancer treatment initiation in India: extent, determinants and trends.},
journal = {The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {100514},
pmid = {39802701},
issn = {2772-3682},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Treatment delays are significantly associated with advanced stage, poor response to treatment, increased mortality risk, poor health outcomes, increased healthcare expenditures among cancer patients. However, factors associated with these delays have not yet been robustly evaluated. In order to bridge this gap, we determined the delayed time to treatment initiation (TTI) among cancer patients in India, ascertained its determinants, and assessed the trends of delayed TTI.

METHODS: We analysed data collected from 6695 cancer patients seeking outpatient/daycare treatment, recruited at purposively selected seven healthcare facilities across six states of India. Data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including date of cancer diagnosis, date of treatment initiation, cancer site, stage and type of treatment were collected to determine the median TTI and ascertain its determinants among cancer patients in India. Time to treatment initiation was calculated as the duration (days) between diagnosis of cancer (histologically/clinically) and date of initiation of treatment. Multi-variable logistic regression was employed to analyse the relationship between the outcome variable (TTI) and each explanatory variable. A Cox Proportional Hazard (CPH) model was used to conduct time-to-event analysis, and to assess the impact of government-funded health insurance on timely cancer treatment initiation.

FINDINGS: The median (IQR) overall TTI was 20 (7-39) days, with a mean of 53.7 days (SD, 192.9). The TTI was higher for those having head and neck cancer (median TTI: 29 days, IQR: 10.5-55.5) and those receiving radiotherapy as initial treatment (27.5 days, IQR: 10-49.5). Younger patients, those educated up to graduation level and males had significantly lower odds of delayed TTI. As compared to patients who were diagnosed between 1995 and 2017, those diagnosed after 2018 had a 36% (26-46%) higher odds of timely initiation of treatment within 30 days. Upon stratifying by enrolment under PMJAY, we found that while the access for timely treatment initiation increased by 33% for those who were not enrolled, vs. 90% among those enrolled under PM-JAY. Overall, this shows significant improvement in timely initiation of cancer treatment as a result of introduction of PM-JAY.

INTERPRETATION: The study highlights the positive impact of government-funded health insurance schemes on the timely access to cancer treatment in India. Our study recommends expanding AB PM-JAY cancer packages to include cost-effective treatments, increasing population coverage under screening programs and promoting e-RUPI to reduce financial constraints associated with diagnostic services to address delayed treatment initiation due to unknown cancer stages.

FUNDING: Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India.},
}

@article {pmid39802641,
year = {2025},
author = {, and , and Alexakis, L and Buczkowski, H and Ducatez, M and Fusaro, A and Gonzales, JL and Kuiken, T and Ståhl, K and Staubach, C and Svartström, O and Terregino, C and Willgert, K and Melo, M and Kohnle, L},
title = {Avian influenza overview September-December 2024.},
journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {e9204},
pmid = {39802641},
issn = {1831-4732},
abstract = {Between 21 September and 6 December 2024, 657 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) and A(H5N5) virus detections were reported in domestic (341) and wild (316) birds across 27 countries in Europe. Many HPAI outbreaks in domestic birds were clustered in areas with high poultry density and characterised by secondary farm-to-farm spread. Waterfowl, particularly the mute swan, were primarily affected during this reporting period, with HPAI virus detections focused on south-eastern Europe. Notably, A(H5N5) viruses expanded their geographic and host range, resulting in a surge in detections and mortality events described in gulls and crows. No new HPAI virus detections in mammals were reported in Europe during this reporting period, but the number of dairy cattle farms reportedly affected in the United States of America (USA) rose to >800 in 16 States, and HPAI virus was identified in two pigs in a mixed-species farm. Between 21 September and 11 December 2024, 56 new human cases with avian influenza virus infection were reported from North America (45 A(H5N1) cases), Viet Nam (one A(H5)) and China (ten A(H9N2) cases). Most of the A(H5) human cases in North America (95.6%, n = 43/45) had reported exposure to poultry, live poultry markets, or dairy cattle prior to avian influenza virus detection or onset of illness. Human infections with avian influenza viruses remain rare and no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been documented in the reporting period. The risk of infection with currently circulating avian A(H5) influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe remains low for the general public in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). The risk of infection remains low-to-moderate for those occupationally or otherwise exposed to infected animals or contaminated environments.},
}

@article {pmid39800907,
year = {2025},
author = {Manuskiatti, W and Wannawittayapa, T and Buranaporn, P and Wanitphadeedecha, R and Lizarondo, FPJ and Nokdhes, Y},
title = {The Efficacy and Safety of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation in Improving Facial Skin Laxity and Quality in Asians.},
journal = {Lasers in surgery and medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/lsm.23878},
pmid = {39800907},
issn = {1096-9101},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Noninvasive aesthetic procedures for facial rejuvenation are gaining popularity. Conventional treatments, such as radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), primarily improve skin quality but do not address the deeper musculoaponeurotic structures that affect facial laxity. A novel approach that delivers synchronized RF with high intensity facial electrical stimulation (HIFES) thought to target both the skin and underlying musculoaponeurotic framework to effectively enhance facial laxity has been investigated.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of combined synchronous RF and HIFES therapies in treating facial skin laxity among Asian subjects.

METHODS: In this prospective, evaluator-blinded study, 15 participants aged 40-65 years with mild to moderate facial skin laxity were enrolled. Each underwent four weekly treatments using a synchronized RF and HIFES system using noninvasive electrode applicators on the forehead and cheeks. Objective assessments included forehead and cheek lifting measurements using a 3D photographic system, eyebrow lifting measurement using ImageJ software, skin texture and melanin levels using Antera 3D®, and skin elasticity using Cutometer® MPA 580. Additionally, patients provided self-assessments regarding their perceived level of improvement. Assessments were conducted at baseline, before the 3rd treatment, and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the last treatment.

RESULTS: All participants completed the study. Significant improvements were observed in forehead and cheek lifting sustained at 6 months (p < 0.0001). A significant eyebrow lift of 1.39 mm was observed at 3 months (p = 0.0087), with a sustained lifting distance of 1.31 mm at 6 months (p = 0.0021). Skin firmness improved substantially (p < 0.0001), with R0 (skin firmness) increasing by 81.24% at 6 months. Skin texture improved notably in the crow's feet area (13.82% improvement at 3 months, p = 0.049). Melanin levels decreased significantly in the crow's feet and forehead regions. Treatment was well tolerated, with pain scores decreasing from 3.5 ± 1.8 to 1.6  ± 1.0 by the fourth session. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS: Combined synchronous RF and HIFES therapy is a safe and effective Noninvasive method of improving facial skin laxity and quality in Asian subjects. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00-00, 2024. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.},
}

@article {pmid39799780,
year = {2025},
author = {van Schijndel, TJP and Jansen, BRJ},
title = {Integrating lines of research on children's curiosity-driven learning.},
journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology},
volume = {252},
number = {},
pages = {106168},
doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106168},
pmid = {39799780},
issn = {1096-0457},
abstract = {Epistemic curiosity is considered indispensable in children's learning, but previous empirical research on children's curiosity-driven learning has been fragmented; separate research lines tend to focus on single learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed at integrating different research lines by adapting an existing paradigm to investigate not only the relation between children's state curiosity and their memory performance but also their desire to explore. In addition, this study examined a possible mechanism through which curiosity affects recall: increased attentional processes. Last, this study investigated the role of intelligence and perceived prior knowledge in the relation between curiosity and recall. We applied a within-participants design in which the Trivia task (N = 32) and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices were administered to 10- to 12-year-olds. In the Trivia task, participants learn answers to trivia questions for which they have high and low curiosity, and subsequently recall is tested. Main findings include that children memorized trivia facts better when they were in a high-curious state rather than a low-curious state, and this positive relation may increase with intelligence. Importantly, the relation between curiosity and recall still held when taking into account perceived prior knowledge. Curiosity was positively related not only to recall but also to children's desire to further explore the concerning topic. Given that in some educational contexts promoting curiosity is not considered a priority and children express little school-related curiosity, an important value of this study for educational practice lies in the reinforcement of the notion of curiosity being a main driver of children's learning.},
}

@article {pmid39790721,
year = {2025},
author = {Marie Montenegro, V and Mateo-Tomás, P and Schneider, J and Dent, DH and Crowther, T and Bello, C},
title = {Linking Functional Traits To Trophic Roles In Scavenger Assemblages.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e70485},
pmid = {39790721},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Scavenging is a widespread feeding strategy involving a diversity of taxa from different trophic levels, from apex predators to obligate scavengers. Scavenger species play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by removing carcasses, recycling nutrients and preventing disease spread. Understanding the trophic roles of scavenger species can help identify specialized species with unique roles and species that may be more vulnerable to ecological changes. To identify species with specialized roles, we studied three scavenger networks (one in north temperate Spain and two in central-south Mediterranean Spain) that comprised 25 scavenger species (65% birds and 35% mammals), consuming carcasses of four wild ungulate species. We characterized the trophic role of a species by combining four species-level network metrics (normalized degree, specialization, closeness, and betweenness centrality) into a single centrality metric, quantifying how scavenger species interact with carcass species within their ecological network. Higher centrality indicates the species feeds on a greater variety of carcasses and may contribute more to carrion consumption than species with lower centrality, which have more peripheral and specialized roles. The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) had the highest centrality. In contrast, the red kite (Milvus milvus) in the northern site had the lowest centrality, and the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) was among the most peripheral species for all three networks. In general, scavengers with large home ranges and nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns tended to have more central roles, whereas species that forage silently tended to have more peripheral roles. Changes in species' centrality between sites and the high centrality of species with large home ranges suggest that management strategies in one location can have implications that extend beyond, highlighting the need to implement coordinated transboundary protection efforts to ensure the resilience and functionality of scavenger networks and derived ecosystem services.},
}

@article {pmid39784615,
year = {2024},
author = {Eng, CW and Rehkopf, D and Modrek, S},
title = {Public Health.},
journal = {Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association},
volume = {20 Suppl 7},
number = {},
pages = {e092758},
doi = {10.1002/alz.092758},
pmid = {39784615},
issn = {1552-5279},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Public Health ; Employment/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; School Teachers/statistics & numerical data ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; Schools ; Cognition/physiology ; Students/statistics & numerical data ; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Higher school quality, and decreased student-teacher ratio in particular, is associated with improvements in late-life cognition. New deal emergency employment programs in the 1930s provided funding for hundreds of thousands of teachers in response to sweeping school budget cuts of the Great Depression. We examine the association between increased area-level teacher employment through the Public Emergency Work (PEW) programs and late-life cognition.

METHOD: Black and White Health and Retirement Study participants (age 50+ years) were linked to 1940 census records with childhood geographic information (n = 7,726). Average z-standardized imputed memory scores across biennial survey waves (1998-2018; mean follow-up: 4.4 years) were estimated as a function of census county-level PEW teachers employed per 1,000 students, adjusting for the census county-level ratio of full-time teachers employed per 1,000 students. Teachers per student was calculated separately for segregated vs. non-segregated states, with race-specific teachers per student calculated historically de jure segregated Jim Crow states. Analyses were stratified by rurality due to contextual differences in classroom structure between rural and urban students. Mixed linear regression models with random intercepts were adjusted for individual/area-level covariates with state fixed effects.

RESULT: Most (76.5%) participants lived in districts with at least one PEW teacher (Figure 1). PEW teacher employment was higher in areas with more Black residents, higher unemployment, and fewer homeowners. Residence in areas with no employment of teachers through PEW was associated with a -0.1002 (95% CI: -0.1971, -0.0033) SD decrease in late-life memory (Table 1). Benefits of additional PEW teachers for late-life memory was slightly larger in areas with more existing full-time teachers (B = 0.0006; 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.0012), and the negative association between no PEW teachers and late-life memory was slightly attenuated in areas with more existing full-time teachers (B = 0.0037; 95% CI: 0.0002, 0.0073; Table 2). Number of PEW teachers was not associated with late-life memory in rural areas.

CONCLUSION: Childhood residence in urban areas that did not receive additional teacher employment through PEW programs was associated with lower late-life memory; effects were stronger among areas with fewer existing full-time teachers. Rural/urban discrepancies may reflect differential allocation and exposure to PEW programs.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Public Health
Employment/statistics & numerical data
Aged
School Teachers/statistics & numerical data
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
Schools
Cognition/physiology
Students/statistics & numerical data
Urban Population/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39779656,
year = {2025},
author = {Worsfold, E and Clayton, NS and Cheke, LG},
title = {Revisiting episodic-like memory in scrub jays: Is there more we can still learn from what-where-when caching behaviour?.},
journal = {Learning & behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39779656},
issn = {1543-4508},
abstract = {Professor Nicola Clayton is perhaps best known for her work on food-caching scrub jays. Her seminal 1998 paper, together with Anthony Dickinson, showed that scrub jays could remember what food they had cached, where and how long ago, suggesting memory ability that is 'episodic-like' in nature. Here, we present data from a previously unpublished study that sought to replicate and extend these findings. The results replicate previous findings and address potential alternative explanations for earlier results. We argue that the controlled behavioural analyses introduced in this study have the potential to add nuance to our understanding of memory in scrub jay cache retrieval, and to inspire new studies exploring this phenomenon, about which we still have so much to learn.},
}

@article {pmid39774767,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallo, L and Kim, P and Churchill, I and Rae, C and Voineskos, SH and Thoma, A and Pusic, AL and Cano, SJ and Klassen, AF},
title = {Establishing Convergent Validity of the Face-Q Aesthetics Module Scales.},
journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/asj/sjaf003},
pmid = {39774767},
issn = {1527-330X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: FACE-Q Aesthetics scales assess patient-important outcomes following both surgical/nonsurgical facial cosmetic interventions. Convergent validity is the degree to which the scores of one measurement relate to another measuring a similar construct.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to establish the convergent validity of 11 FACE-Q Aesthetics appearance scales using the MERZ Aesthetics scales.

METHODS: Data were collected from an online international sample of participants aged ≥20 years, who presented to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon within the last 12 months for a minimally invasive facial aesthetic treatment. Participants provided demographic and clinical data and completed 11 FACE-Q Aesthetics scales and 12 MERZ Aesthetics scales. Hypotheses regarding the strength of correlations between scales were generated a priori. Adequate convergent validity was based on percentage of correct hypotheses (>75%) and/or correlation ≥0.50 with an instrument measuring a similar construct.

RESULTS: 1259 participants were included in this survey. Participants were on average 42.6 (±11.9) years old, and mostly female (72.5%), Caucasian (76.9%), and living in the United States (49.9%) or the United Kingdom (42.9%). FACE-Q Lines Overall, Lower Face and Jawline, Appraisal of Lines - Forehead/Between Eyebrows/Crow's Feet/Lips/Nasolabial Folds/Marionette, and Lips scales demonstrated adequate convergent validity with patient reported MERZ Aesthetics scales. The FACE-Q Face Overall and Cheeks scales did not show adequate convergent validity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of convergent validity for FACE-Q Aesthetics appearance scales. Establishing validity of these scales remains an iterative process and further studies comparing the FACE-Q to other related measurement tools are required to strengthen this evidence.},
}

@article {pmid39772751,
year = {2025},
author = {Hashimoto-Roth, E and Forget, D and Gaspar, V and Bennett, SAL and Gauthier, MS and Coulombe, B and Lavallée-Adam, M},
title = {MAGPIE: A Machine Learning Approach to Decipher Protein-Protein Interactions in Human Plasma.},
journal = {Journal of proteome research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00160},
pmid = {39772751},
issn = {1535-3907},
abstract = {Immunoprecipitation coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (IP-MS/MS) methods is often used to identify protein-protein interactions (PPIs). While these approaches are prone to false positive identifications through contamination and antibody nonspecific binding, their results can be filtered using negative controls and computational modeling. However, such filtering does not effectively detect false-positive interactions when IP-MS/MS is performed on human plasma samples. Therein, proteins cannot be overexpressed or inhibited, and existing modeling algorithms are not adapted for execution without such controls. Hence, we introduce MAGPIE, a novel machine learning-based approach for identifying PPIs in human plasma using IP-MS/MS, which leverages negative controls that include antibodies targeting proteins not expected to be present in human plasma. A set of negative controls used for false positive interaction modeling is first constructed. MAGPIE then assesses the reliability of PPIs detected in IP-MS/MS experiments using antibodies that target known plasma proteins. When applied to five IP-MS/MS experiments as a proof of concept, our algorithm identified 68 PPIs with an FDR of 20.77%. MAGPIE significantly outperformed a state-of-the-art PPI discovery tool and identified known and predicted PPIs. Our approach provides an unprecedented ability to detect human plasma PPIs, which enables a better understanding of biological processes in plasma.},
}

@article {pmid39767918,
year = {2024},
author = {Rymarczyk, K and Makowska, I and Hyniewska, S},
title = {The Impact of the Interactive Floor Device and Aerobic Training on Executive Functions in Children.},
journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/children11121489},
pmid = {39767918},
issn = {2227-9067},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Considering the importance of physical activity on the development of cognitive functions in children, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a ten-week training program using the Interactive Floor device (© Funtronic), i.e., a kinesthetic educational game, and aerobic activity training on executive functions in 9-year-old children. Given current knowledge of the advantages of gamification and on-task switching, stronger improvement was expected for the Interactive Floor device than aerobic exercise activities.

METHODS: Sixty-four children (29 boys/35 girls) were randomly assigned to the Interactive Floor (n = 22), Aerobic Training (n = 22), or Control groups (n = 20). The participants had their cognitive abilities assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) using computer tests from the Vienna Test System (VTS) and subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children[®] Fifth Edition (WISC[®]-V). From VTS, the Stroop Test was used to measure inhibition and attentional control, while the Corsi Block test assessed visuospatial short-term working memory. To assess auditory working memory, the Digit Span subtest from the WISC[®]-V was applied. Additionally, fluid intelligence was estimated using Raven's Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: Repeated-measures mixed ANOVA and post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons showed that all intervention program groups improved in terms of intelligence and non-verbal abstract reasoning. The second significant finding in this study was that especially children from the Interactive Floor group developed their executive functions, i.e., inhibition and attentional control as well as their spatial short-term memory capacity.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a combination of both physical exercise and cognitive games in the Interactive Floor group resulted in greater improvement in cognitive abilities in children than aerobic exercise or physical education lessons. It seems that a multidisciplinary approach combining physical and cognitive stimulation effectively promotes child development. Future programs aiming to improve cognitive skills in children should consider incorporating interactive and engaging activities that stimulate both the body and the mind.},
}

@article {pmid39761472,
year = {2024},
author = {Strozier, CB},
title = {Historical and Psychological Authenticity.},
journal = {Psychoanalytic review},
volume = {111},
number = {4},
pages = {475-480},
doi = {10.1521/prev.2024.111.4.475},
pmid = {39761472},
issn = {1943-3301},
mesh = {Humans ; *Psychoanalysis/history ; Culture ; Psychoanalytic Theory ; History, 20th Century ; },
abstract = {In this reflection the author examines the question of authenticity in the culture and in his own experience as a historian and psychoanalyst. His vantage points are death and totalism, the nature of facts, and the spiritual and psychological access to truth.},
}

Humans
*Psychoanalysis/history
Culture
Psychoanalytic Theory
History, 20th Century

@article {pmid39754886,
year = {2025},
author = {Liao, DA and Moll, FW and Nieder, A},
title = {Bridging the fields of cognition and birdsong with corvids.},
journal = {Current opinion in neurobiology},
volume = {90},
number = {},
pages = {102965},
doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2024.102965},
pmid = {39754886},
issn = {1873-6882},
abstract = {Corvids, readily adaptable across social and ecological contexts, successfully inhabit almost the entire world. They are seen as highly intelligent birds, and current research examines their cognitive abilities. Despite being songbirds with a complete 'song system', corvids have historically received less attention in studies of song production, learning, and perception compared to non-corvid songbirds. However, recent neurobiological studies have demonstrated that songbird vocal production and its neuronal representations are regularly influenced by environmental and cognitive factors. This opinion article discusses the literature on 'corvid song' before introducing other flexible vocal behaviors of corvids in both the wild and controlled laboratory studies. We suggest corvids with their flexible vocal control as promising model species to study the links between brain networks for cognition and vocalization. Studying corvid vocal flexibility and associated cognitive processes in both ecological and lab settings offers complementary insights, crucial for bridging the fields of cognition and birdsong.},
}

@article {pmid39747893,
year = {2025},
author = {Loji, K and Sharma, S and Sharma, G and Rawat, T},
title = {Multiobjective distribution system operation with demand response to optimize solar hosting capacity, voltage deviation index and network loss.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {300},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-82379-7},
pmid = {39747893},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {In this research, demand response impact on the hosting capacity of solar photovoltaic for distribution system is investigated. The suggested solution model is formulated and presented as a tri-objective optimization that consider maximization of solar PV hosting capacity (HC), minimization of network losses (Loss) and maintaining node voltage deviation (VDev) within acceptable limits. These crucial objectives are optimized simultaneously as well as individually. To assess the efficacy of the solution, different multi-objective case studies are scrutinised based on the combinations of (i) HC and Loss, (ii) HC and VDev, (iii) Loss and VDev, (iv) HC Loss and VDev simultaneously with the effect of demand response. The multi-objective research problem is formulated as non-linear and non-convex programming approach. To solve this complex problem, the modified crow search optimization (MCSO) is proposed. The MCSO achieved the 0.0714 MW of network loss with the optimal integration of distributed generation and is comparable to the well-established optimization algorithms available in literature. From the simulation results, it is found that HC is 3322.31 kW, VDev is 0.4982 p.u and system losses is 1314.86 kWh with demand response program when all the objectives are simultaneously optimized. The simulation outcomes highlight the superiority of the MCSO over others. The application results show the benefits and the beauty of proposed research work.},
}

@article {pmid39747186,
year = {2025},
author = {Bapat, A and Kempf, AE and Friry, S and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T},
title = {Patterns of object play behaviour and its functional implications in free-flying common ravens.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {137},
pmid = {39747186},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; Play and Playthings/psychology ; Austria ; },
abstract = {Object play has been proposed to provide individuals with information about their environment, facilitating foraging skills and tool use. In species where object play co-occurs with locomotor or social play, it may have additional functional implications, such as facilitating the evaluation of peers or forming social bonds. For instance, ravens judge others' competitiveness via play caching and engage in social play by exchanging objects. However, most raven studies were conducted on a restricted number of individuals and under controlled captive settings. To validate these findings and to gauge the functional scope of object play under field conditions, we investigated the patterns and characteristics of object play in individually marked free-flying ravens in the Austrian Alps. Using two large data sets, we show a decrease in object play with age and a preference for playing longer with novel objects, supporting findings from captivity. We also find adults occasionally playing with objects and no difference in the duration of social or non-social object play bouts across age classes. Taken together, our findings are in line with the assumption that raven object play likely has more than one function and serves to gain information about the individual's physical and social environment.},
}

Animals
*Crows/physiology
*Behavior, Animal/physiology
Female
Male
*Social Behavior
Play and Playthings/psychology
Austria

@article {pmid39738990,
year = {2024},
author = {Summers, J and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N},
title = {Density dependence maintains long-term stability despite increased isolation and inbreeding in the Florida Scrub-Jay.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {27},
number = {12},
pages = {e14483},
pmid = {39738990},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 1R35GM133412/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Inbreeding ; Florida ; *Population Dynamics ; Population Density ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {Isolation caused by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation can destabilize populations. Populations relying on the inflow of immigrants can face reduced fitness due to inbreeding depression as fewer new individuals arrive. Empirical studies of the demographic consequences of isolation are critical to understand how populations persist through changing conditions. We used a 34-year demographic and environmental dataset from a population of cooperatively breeding Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to create mechanistic models linking environmental and demographic factors to population growth rates. We found that the population has not declined despite both declining immigration and increasing inbreeding, owing to a coinciding response in breeder survival. We find evidence of density-dependent immigration, breeder survival and fecundity, indicating that interactions between vital rates and local density play a role in buffering the population against change. Our study elucidates the impacts of isolation on demography and how long-term stability is maintained via demographic responses.},
}

Animals
*Inbreeding
Florida
*Population Dynamics
Population Density
Passeriformes/physiology
Ecosystem
Male
Female

@article {pmid39738289,
year = {2024},
author = {Lanszki, J and Molnár, TG and Erős, T and Ónodi, G and Lanszki, Z and Purger, JJ},
title = {Testing how environmental variables affect the survival of freshwater turtle nests and hatchlings using artificial nests and dummy hatchlings.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {31713},
pmid = {39738289},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00014//Hungarian National Multidisciplinary Laboratory for Climate Change/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/physiology ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Fresh Water ; Reproduction/physiology ; Wetlands ; Female ; },
abstract = {The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a wide-ranging, long-living freshwater species with low reproductive success, mainly due to high predation pressure. We studied how habitat variables and predator communities in near-natural marshes affect the survival of turtle eggs and hatchlings. We followed the survival of artificial turtle nests placed in marshes along Lake Balaton (Hungary) in May and June as well as hatchlings (dummies) exposed in September. We found that the fewest nests remained intact in the least disturbed, most extensive area with the largest turtle population without predator control. Hatchlings, compared to nests had a significantly higher probability of survival. The density of carnivore dens indicated the negative influence on the number of exposure days, while marsh vegetation coverage was unrelated. The role of carnivores, especially the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the predation of nests was more significant, while predation by corvids (Corvidae) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) increased for the hatchlings. Predation by mammals increased with the limited availability of dry terrestrial surfaces suitable for laying eggs and with distance to water. Our multifactorial analyses highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts to improve the reproductive success of turtles in these ecologically sensitive environments.},
}

Animals
*Turtles/physiology
*Nesting Behavior/physiology
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Ecosystem
Fresh Water
Reproduction/physiology
Wetlands
Female

@article {pmid39730827,
year = {2024},
author = {Selvaraj, G and Rajangam, K and Vishnuram, P and Bajaj, M and Zaitsev, I},
title = {Optimal power scheduling in real-time distribution systems using crow search algorithm for enhanced microgrid performance.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {30982},
pmid = {39730827},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Microgrids (MGs) have gained significant attention over the past two decades due to their advantages in service reliability, easy integration of renewable energy sources, high efficiency, and enhanced power quality. In India, low-voltage side customers face significant challenges in terms of power supply continuity and voltage regulation. This paper presents a novel approach for optimal power scheduling in a microgrid, aiming to provide uninterrupted power supply with improved voltage regulation (VR). To address these challenges, a crow search algorithm is developed for effective load scheduling within the distribution system. The proposed method minimizes the total operating cost (TOC) and maximizes VR under varying loading conditions and distributed generation (DG) configurations. A case study in Tamil Nadu, India, is conducted using a microgrid composed of three distributed generation sources (DGs), modeled and simulated using the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) environment. The proposed approach is tested under three operational scenarios: grid-connected mode, islanded mode, and grid-connected mode with one DG outage. Results indicate that the crow search algorithm significantly optimizes load scheduling, leading to a substantial reduction in power loss and enhancement in voltage profiles across all scenarios. The islanded mode operation using the crow search algorithm demonstrates a remarkable reduction in TOC and maximizes voltage regulation compared to other modes. The main contributions of this work include: (1) developing a new meta-heuristic approach for power scheduling in microgrids using the crow search algorithm, (2) achieving optimal power flow and load scheduling to minimize TOC and improve VR, and (3) successfully implementing the proposed methodology in a real-time distribution system using ETAP. The findings showcase the effectiveness of the crow search algorithm in microgrid power management and its potential for application in other real-time power distribution systems.},
}

@article {pmid39730262,
year = {2024},
author = {Danek, A},
title = {The 1888 dissertation of a female medical student, Ueber Character-Veränderungen des Menschen in Folge von Laesionen des Stirnhirns (On character changes of man as a consequence of lesions of the frontal lobe).},
journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2024.11.008},
pmid = {39730262},
issn = {1973-8102},
abstract = {A case of brain injury with a transient syndrome of mainly disinhibited behaviour (Franz Binz) was the subject of the 1888 medical dissertation of Leonore Welt (∗1859 Chernivtsi, Ukraine; †1944 Geneva, Switzerland) which came to be discussed quite controversially. Although Binz was never fully forgotten, the similar "American crow-bar case" (Phineas Gage) attracted more interest. Welt's study, in contrast, provides not only well-illustrated neuropathological findings but also more detailed clinical data. Here, the clinical report and sections of its analysis are translated from the German original. Through comparison with similar cases, Welt proposed the straight gyrus (gyrus rectus) as the main area responsible. The transient nature of the behavioural alteration was taken as indicating a peculiar disease process at that location. She stressed that disinhibited behaviour suggests fronto-orbital lesions, but that the conclusion is not to be reversed. She had noted the absence of symptoms in the majority of similarly situated injuries: normal behaviour thus being no proof of an intact fronto-orbital region. Along with two sisters, Rosa Welt-Straus (1856-1938) and Sara Welt-Kakels (1860-1943), Leonore Gourfein-Welt was among the first females from then Austria to graduate in medicine - against considerable resistance. After her thesis work, she turned to practising ophthalmology in Geneva.},
}

@article {pmid39719650,
year = {2024},
author = {Pan, DN and Xie, H and Zeng, Y and Zhou, Y and Lin, C and Ma, X and Ren, J and Jiao, Y and Wu, Y and Wei, W and Xue, G},
title = {The development and validation of a tablet-based assessment battery of general cognitive ability.},
journal = {BMC psychology},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {778},
pmid = {39719650},
issn = {2050-7283},
support = {YYBB29//by Science Foundation of Beijing Language and Culture University (supported by "the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities")/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Reproducibility of Results ; Young Adult ; *Cognition ; *Computers, Handheld ; Adolescent ; *Neuropsychological Tests/standards ; Psychometrics/instrumentation ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Memory, Short-Term ; Attention ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Traditional cognitive assessments, often reliant on paper-and-pencil tests and professional evaluators, suffer from subjectivity and limited result discrimination. This study introduces the Baguan Online Cognitive Assessment System (BOCAS), a tablet-based system that evaluates both general cognitive ability (GCA) and domain-specific functions across six domains: sensory-motor skills, processing speed, sustained attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and spatial ability.

METHODS: BOCAS was validated with 151 healthy Chinese adults aged 18-40. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to validate the model. The GCA score was correlated with the Raven IQ test and self-reported cognitive flexibility, and its relationship with negative emotions (depression and anxiety) was examined.

RESULTS: BOCAS showed satisfactory reliability, with internal consistency ranging from 0.712 to 0.846 and test-retest reliability from 0.56 to 0.71. Factor analysis revealed a common factor explaining 40% of the variance, and CFA indicated a good model fit (χ²/df = 1.81; CFI = 0.932). The GCA score strongly correlated with the Raven IQ test (r = 0.58) and was related to self-reported cognitive flexibility and negative emotions.

CONCLUSION: BOCAS offers a digital solution for cognitive assessment, providing automated, remote, and precise evaluations. It demonstrates reliability, validity, and potential for use in clinical and research settings.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Adult
Reproducibility of Results
Young Adult
*Cognition
*Computers, Handheld
Adolescent
*Neuropsychological Tests/standards
Psychometrics/instrumentation
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Memory, Short-Term
Attention

@article {pmid39719346,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Y and Li, Q and Yin, L and Zheng, J and Sun, W and He, A and Fei, X and Cao, Y},
title = {[Nutritional status and height development of rural children aged 10-12 years in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, and the relationship with intelligence quotient in 2019].},
journal = {Wei sheng yan jiu = Journal of hygiene research},
volume = {53},
number = {6},
pages = {956-998},
doi = {10.19813/j.cnki.weishengyanjiu.2024.06.017},
pmid = {39719346},
issn = {1000-8020},
mesh = {Humans ; Child ; *Nutritional Status ; Male ; Female ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; China/epidemiology ; *Intelligence ; *Body Height ; Body Mass Index ; Child Development ; Intelligence Tests ; Body Weight ; Students/statistics & numerical data ; Overweight/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nutritional status, height development and intellectual development level of rural children aged 10-12 years in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, and to analyze the relationship between the nutritional status and height development of local schoolchildren and their intellectual development.

METHODS: In 2019, a total of 1721 students were selected from 8 counties(cities) under the jurisdiction of Linxia Prefecture in Gansu Province, with 1 township selected from each county in 5 directions: east, west, south, north, and central. One primary school was randomly selected from each township, and 45 students aged 10-12 were selected from each primary school. Measure children's height and weight data, calculate body mass index(BMI). Using the Chinese Joint Raven Test(Rural Edition) for intelligence testing and using the norm to calculate their intelligence quotient(IQ). Based on national standards for children's nutrition, height development, and intelligence, explore the relationship between children's nutritional status, height development, and intelligence.

RESULTS: The IQ of children with moderate to severe weight loss, mild weight loss, normal, overweight, and obesity were 102.7, 102.8, 103.3, 102.5 and 106.9, respectively. The better the nutritional status of children, the higher their IQ values, and the intelligence of children was statistically significant(H=602.816, P<0.001). The detection rate of intellectual disability in overweight children was 0%, while the detection rate of low, marginal, and extremely excellent intelligence in obese children was 0%. The IQ of children in the growth retardation group and non growth retardation group were 99.5 and 103.3, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(U=171.000, P<0.05). The intelligence of children with different height development levels is statistically significant(H=55.174, P<0.001), and the average intelligence of children increases with the increase of height levels. The detection rate of low and marginal intelligence among children with upper height was 0%, the detection rate of extremely high intelligence was also 0%, and the detection rate of average and above intelligence was 90.9%. Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that the height level was above average(OR=0.598, 95%CI 0.397-0.899, P<0.05), above average(OR=0.002, 95%CI 0.027 2-0.747, P<0.05), nutritional status was normal(OR=0.633, 95%CI 0.484-0.980, P<0.05), overweight(OR=0.487, 95%CI 0.299-0.795, P<0.05), obesity(OR=0.569, 95%CI 0.358-0.907, P<0.05), and non growth and developmental delay(OR=0.578, 95%CI 0.371-0.901, P<0.05) were all local. Protective factors for the intelligence of children.

CONCLUSION: The nutritional status and height development of rural children in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province are related to intelligence. Normal or above nutritional status and normal height development are beneficial for the development of children's intelligence, but obesity and superior height development may affect the development of excellent intelligence in children.},
}

Humans
Child
*Nutritional Status
Male
Female
*Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
China/epidemiology
*Intelligence
*Body Height
Body Mass Index
Child Development
Intelligence Tests
Body Weight
Students/statistics & numerical data
Overweight/epidemiology

@article {pmid39712390,
year = {2024},
author = {Chang, C and Sun, Y and Li, T and Weng, B and Zou, Y},
title = {Coupling-Controlled Photonic Topological Ring Array.},
journal = {ACS photonics},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {5260-5266},
pmid = {39712390},
issn = {2330-4022},
abstract = {Photonic topological insulators with boundary states present a robust solution to mitigate structure imperfections. By alteration of the virtual boundary between trivial and topological insulators, it is possible to bypass such defects. Coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) have demonstrated their utility in realizing photonic topological insulators, as they exhibit distinct topological phases and band structures. With this characteristic, we designed and experimentally validated a CROW array capable of altering its topological phase by adjusting the coupling strength. This array functions partially as a topological insulator and partially as a topologically trivial array, guiding light along the virtuous boundary between these two regions. By altering the shape of the topological insulator, we can effectively control the optical path. This approach promises practical applications, such as optical switches, dynamic light steering, optical sensing, and optical computing.},
}

@article {pmid39704510,
year = {2024},
author = {Luo, M and Zhao, Q and Liu, W and Xu, J and He, Z},
title = {Modified Infrabrow Blepharoplasty for Periorbital Rejuvenation in Asia Women.},
journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000011030},
pmid = {39704510},
issn = {1536-3732},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The infrabrow blepharoplasty is a common surgical operation indicated in Asians for periorbital rejuvenation. This operation alone is difficult to achieve the correction of crow's feet. Therefore, the authors elucidate the authors' experiences of applying infrabrow blepharoplasty combined with the subcutaneous undermining of the lateral periorbital region to treat upper eyelid dermatochalasis with lateral hooding deformity and alleviate crow's feet, including its indications, operative procedures, and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing infrabrow blepharoplasty incorporated with subcutaneous undermining of the lateral periorbital region between January 2019 and December 2023. Thirty-nine patients who were well followed up were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical procedure is described in depth. Frontal and lateral view photographs were obtained to evaluate the curative effect. The following data were collected preoperatively and at postoperative 6 months: distance between the pupil centre and the supratarsal fold, distance between the pupil centre and lower margin of eyebrow, distance between the lateral canthus and the supratarsal fold, distance between the lateral canthus and lower margin of eyebrow, the rating of Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) at rest and at a maximum smile.

RESULTS: The study included 78 eyelids of 39 patients ranging in age from 37 to 56 years, with a mean age of 46.25 years. The mean follow-up for the patients was 6.7 months. Compared with the postoperation with the preoperation, distance between the pupil centre and the supratarsal fold increased from 5.45 ± 1.31 to 5.98 ± 1.62 mm, distance between the lateral canthus and the supratarsal fold increased from 3.93 ± 1.24 to 6.13 ± 1.87 mm, no evidence of significant changes in distance between the pupil centre and lower margin of eyebrow and distance between the lateral canthus and lower margin of eyebrow. The average change in the rating of CFGS was -0.62 ± 0.11 at maximum contraction and -0.24 ± 0.08 at rest. No significant complications occurred in any patient postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: The combination of infrabrow blepharoplasty with the subcutaneous undermining of the lateral periorbital region was effective in addressing moderate dermatochalasis with lateral hooding and improve crow's feet in middle-aged Chinese patients, resulting in a rejuvenated periorbital area and flattening of the eyebrow is not noted at the same time. The anthropometric measurement of the upper eyelid and CFGS facilitate operation outcome assessment.},
}

@article {pmid39704133,
year = {2024},
author = {Cartier, H and Deutsch, JJ and Braccini, F and Garcia, P and Ehlinger, A and David, M and Loreto, F and Benadiba, L and Grand-Vincent, A and Mathey, ER and Nadra, K and Fanian, F},
title = {Long-Term Performance and Safety of a Superficial HA Filler With Tri-Hyal Technology on Different Facial Zones: Forehead, Cheeks, Crow's Feet, and Upper Lips.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jocd.16565},
pmid = {39704133},
issn = {1473-2165},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The function of injectable hyaluronic acid-based fillers is to smooth dermal wrinkles formed during aging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance and safety of a dermal filler after its commercialization.

METHODS: In this context, an 18-month prospective randomized single-blind study for the efficacy and safety of ART FILLER Fine Lines (AFFL) was performed on the forehead, the upper lip, the cheek folds, and the crow's feet. The efficacy, the longevity, and the safety were evaluated after a single filler injection without any re-touch injection. The persistence of the correction was evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months.

RESULTS: The observations performed on 196 subjects enrolled showed that AFFL injections induced a significant improvement in wrinkle correction for all the assessed areas. These effects were significant as soon as 3 weeks after injection and remained significant until 18 months. Furthermore, injections of AFFL were well tolerated and no severe event was recorded. The minor reported reactions were resolved within 3 weeks.

CONCLUSION: AFFL with Tri-Hyal technology is suitable and well tolerated for the treatment of superficial wrinkles without any irregularity or Tyndall effect and showed a prolonged efficacy for at least 18 months.},
}

@article {pmid39703216,
year = {2024},
author = {Wolff, LM and Stevens, JR},
title = {Less activity means improved welfare? How pair housing influences pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) behaviour.},
journal = {Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {e49},
pmid = {39703216},
issn = {2054-1538},
abstract = {The activity level and specific behaviours exhibited by captive animals are crucial indicators of welfare. Stereotypies, or repetitive behaviours that have no apparent function or goal, are performed by animals experiencing poor conditions in their environment and indicate welfare concerns. Changes in the housing environment in particular may have critical influences on behaviour and welfare. Here, we measured behavioural changes in a captive pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) population (n = 10) associated with a shift from single to pair housing. Using automated video processing, we show that pair housing greatly reduced overall activity levels in these birds. The stark reduction in activity was surprising, as we expected that social housing would increase interactions between birds, thus increasing activity levels. Upon further analysis, however, we found that stereotypic behaviours, such as beak scraping, jumping, pecking, and route tracing decreased after pair housing, whereas the positive welfare behaviours of perching and preening increased. Our results indicate that pair housing may reduce overall activity in pinyon jays; however, this reduction is primarily in stereotypic behaviours.},
}

@article {pmid39701437,
year = {2024},
author = {Bolognia, JL and Braverman, IM},
title = {The New Sydenham Society's Atlas of Portraits of Diseases of the Skin - an Educational Tool.},
journal = {Clinics in dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.clindermatol.2024.12.014},
pmid = {39701437},
issn = {1879-1131},
abstract = {In 1859, the New Sydenham Society undertook the publication of an Atlas of Portraits of Diseases of the Skin, having been inspired by Ferdinand Ritter von Hebra's Atlas der Hautkrankheiten. Utilizing information contained in Sir Jonathan Hutchinson's Descriptive Catalogue of the New Sydenham's Society Atlas of Portraits of Diseases of the Skin (published in 1869 and 1875), an exhibit of twenty-five illustrations of cutaneous disorders, along with teaching points, was held at the Harvey Cushing/John Jay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University. It served as an educational tool for dermatologists, dermatology residents, medical students, and even physicians from other specialties.},
}

@article {pmid39698066,
year = {2024},
author = {Ranjan, R and Adhikary, D and Ken-Dror, G and Yusuf, MA and Moureen, A and Hakim, M and Sharma, P},
title = {Anthropometric Measurements in Predicting Haemorrhagic Stroke Among Bangladeshi Population: The MAGPIE Study.},
journal = {Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {5941-5947},
pmid = {39698066},
issn = {1178-2390},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anthropometric measurements used to predict cardiovascular disease vary worldwide but are mostly derived from those of Caucasian ancestry. We sought to undertake such measurements in the little studied Bangladeshi population.

METHODS: The MAGPIE (Multidimensional Approach of Genotype and Phenotype in Stroke Etiology) study is a Bangladeshi stroke case-control study that recruited nationwide between January 2022 and June 2024. The univariate analysis was utilised to curtail the risk of independent variables, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to identify the cut-off values of Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), and Hip Circumference (HC). Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression (LR) model demonstrated the risk of independent predictors of haemorrhagic stroke (HS) among sexes.

RESULTS: Of a total of 1491 age- and sex-matched study population, 918 were haemorrhagic stroke (61.5%) with female predominance (n=489; 53.3%) and significantly older than men (P=0.003). The BMI (22.9 ±3.0 vs 21.3 ±3.0; P<0.001), WC (84.0 ±7.3 vs 80.8 ±7.3; P<0.001) and HC (90.6 ±7.1 vs 85.5 ±7.7; P<0.001) was significantly higher among women compared to men. A ROC curve demonstrated that the cut-off values of BMI, WC, and HC are 20.6kg/m[2], 78.8cm, and 84.6cm, respectively, in men and 21.1 kg/m[2], 81.5cm, and 88.1cm, respectively, in women haemorrhagic stroke population. Furthermore, an age-adjusted multivariate LR model identified a HC of ≥84.6 cm in men (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.61-4.97; P <0.001) and a WC of ≥81.5cm in women (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.01-2.37; P=0.001) as potential independent predictors of haemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSION: Bangladeshi men with a hip circumference of ≥84.6cm have about threefold, and women with a waist circumference of ≥81.1cm have about twofold heightened risk of haemorrhagic stroke.},
}

@article {pmid39696032,
year = {2024},
author = {Mahjubi, K and Effatpanah, M and Parsaei, M and Mojtahedi, SY and Izadi, A and Tavakolizadeh, R},
title = {Association of anthropometric parameters with intelligence quotient in early school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in Iran.},
journal = {BMC pediatrics},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {809},
pmid = {39696032},
issn = {1471-2431},
mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Male ; Child ; Iran ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Anthropometry ; Intelligence Tests ; Body Mass Index ; Waist Circumference ; Body Weight ; Linear Models ; Body Height ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While the link between body growth indices in the first three years of life and neurodevelopment is well established, the relationship between these indicators and intelligence levels in later stages is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between various anthropometric indices and Intelligence Quotient in early school-aged children.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited healthy students aged 7 to 8 years from four primary schools in Tehran, Iran. Measurements included body weight, height, body mass index, arm circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Intelligence Quotient was assessed using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test, with scores standardized by age according to the Raven's manual. Separate univariate linear regression analyses evaluated the association between each anthropometric index and children's Intelligence Quotient scores. Multivariate linear regression analyses were then performed to adjust for potential confounding factors, including the child's sex, age, and parental education levels.

RESULTS: A cohort of 160 children (80 females), with a mean age of 7.5 ± 0.6 years, was included in the study. The participants exhibited the following mean anthropometric values: weight 27.7 ± 6.5 kg, height 1.2 ± 0.1 m, body mass index 17.9 ± 3.4 kg/m[2], arm circumference 20.7 ± 2.8 cm, waist circumference 56.4 ± 6.4 cm, and hip circumference 68.1 ± 6.6 cm. Their mean Intelligence Quotient score was 106 ± 16.6. In the univariate analysis, children's weight was not significantly associated with Intelligence Quotient score (P-value = 0.153, β = 0.288 [-0.108, 0.684]), while height was negatively associated (P-value = 0.048, β = -31.685 [-63.142, -0.228]) and body mass index showed a positive association (P-value = 0.001, β = 1.265 [0.524, 2.006]). Abdominal circumference was not significantly associated with Intelligence Quotient (P-value = 0.913, β = 0.051 [-0.870, 0.972]), but both waist circumference (P-value = 0.007, β = 0.542 [0.147, 0.937]) and hip circumference (P-value = 0.013, β = 0.484 [0.102, 0.866]) demonstrated significant positive associations with Intelligence Quotient. However, none of the anthropometric indices maintained statistically significant associations with Intelligence Quotient after adjusting for potential confounders (P-values > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated no strong relationship between various body measurements and intelligence levels in school-aged children after adjusting the analyses for confounders. This suggests that intelligence in these children may be largely shaped by genetic and sociodemographic factors, with minimal influence from physical growth patterns.},
}

Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Male
Child
Iran
*Intelligence/physiology
*Anthropometry
Intelligence Tests
Body Mass Index
Waist Circumference
Body Weight
Linear Models
Body Height

@article {pmid39691435,
year = {2024},
author = {Zuo, T and Wang, J and Liu, J and Liu, J and Zhou, Q and Hou, J},
title = {Recognition of Predator Type and Risk Level in Azure-Winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) Through Visual and Auditory Cues.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70749},
pmid = {39691435},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Predation events are an important key factor determining the survival and reproduction of prey species. To cope, prey species have evolved various anti-predator strategies, including mechanisms for accurate predator identification and distinguishing predator types and risk levels. Birds rely on visual, auditory, and olfactory cues to perceive and categorize predators. However, previous studies have focused on single sensory modalities and have largely been conducted during breeding seasons. Thus, analyses of the accuracy and differences in predator recognition cues, especially during non-breeding periods, are needed. In this study, predator recognition in Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) was evaluated during the non-breeding season. We examined responses to two predators, Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Domestic Cat (Felis catus), and two non-predators, Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) and Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis). Using specimens and playback experiment, the ability of Azure-winged magpies to identify threats through both visual and auditory cues was evaluated. The results showed that Azure-winged Magpies can identify predator types through both visual and auditory cues, accurately distinguish threat levels, and adjust their foraging behavior accordingly. Notably, they exhibited the strongest anti-predator response to Domestic Cats (frequently encountered under natural conditions), as evidenced by longer observation times, shorter foraging duration, and quicker flight responses. The results indicate that Azure-winged Magpies can correctly identify predator types and threat levels through both visual and auditory cues and exhibit stronger anti-predator behaviors with increasing apparent threat levels.},
}

@article {pmid39685698,
year = {2024},
author = {Trinczer, IL and Shalev, L},
title = {Computerised Attention Functions Training Versus Computerised Executive Functions Training for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {23},
pages = {},
pmid = {39685698},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {//Tel Aviv University Argentinian's Friends/ ; //The Minducate Learning Innovation Research and Entrepreneurship Center/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Current treatments, such as stimulant medication and behavioural therapy, ameliorate symptoms but do not address the core cognitive dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two computerised neurocognitive training programs, attention functions training and executive functions training, in children with ADHD. Methods: Eighty children with ADHD (ages 8-13) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Attention functions training (AFT), targeting sustained, selective-spatial, orienting, and executive attention; executive functions training (EFT), focusing on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and problem solving; or a passive control group. Training sessions were administered in small groups twice a week for nine weeks. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments of attention (Continuous Performance Test, Conjunctive Visual Search Task), executive functions (Corsi Block-Tapping Tasks), nonverbal reasoning (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices), parent-rated behavioural symptoms, and arithmetic performance at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results: The AFT group demonstrated significant improvements in sustained and selective-spatial attention, nonverbal reasoning, inattentive symptoms, and arithmetic performance, and most improvements persisted at follow-up. The EFT group showed gains in nonverbal reasoning and inattentive symptoms, although no improvements were documented in working memory or in parent ratings of executive functions. Conclusions: The AFT program that addressed core attentional functions in children with ADHD produced robust cognitive and behavioural benefits, whereas the EFT program yielded behavioural benefits and a limited improvement in executive functions. Future research should explore different training protocols for broader gains in executive functions. These findings support the potential of theory-driven, structured neurocognitive training targeting basic cognitive functions as an effective small-group intervention for ADHD.},
}

@article {pmid39678049,
year = {2024},
author = {Bildiren, A and Fırat, T and Kavruk, SZ},
title = {The Validity and Reliability Study of TONI-3 Test for 4-17 Aged Children.},
journal = {Noro psikiyatri arsivi},
volume = {61},
number = {4},
pages = {358-362},
pmid = {39678049},
issn = {1300-0667},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Since there are not enough scales to evaluate the cognitive performance of adolescents in Türkiye, the aim of this study is to conduct a reliability and validity study of the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 (TONI-3) for individuals aged between 14 and 17.

METHODS: A total of 566 children between the ages of 14-17 were included in the study. A form of TONI-3 test was administered to all participants. Test-retest and parallel form application were made for reliability analyses, and Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test (RSPM) and Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT-I) tests were applied for validity analyses.

RESULTS: It has been found that the TONI-3 Test has a high reliability with an average reliability coefficient of 0.92. It was determined that there was a high, positive and significant relationship between Form A and Form B of the TONI-3 Test (r=0.76, p<0.01). The correlation coefficient between the scores was found to be 0.83 between the first application of the TONI-3 test and the test repeated after 4 weeks. A high, positive and significant correlation was found between TONI-3 Test, RSPM Test and NNAT-I (r=0.69, p<0.01; r=0.81, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: This study revealed evidence of the reliability and validity of the TONI-3 test between the ages of 14-17. This is the first study of the TONI-3 test in this age group. It is thought that clinicians can practically evaluate cognitive abilities in children who are clinically referred to or determined to have behavior disorders at school through this test.},
}

@article {pmid39673229,
year = {2025},
author = {Mercurio, DG and Flament, F and Muller, B and Bernerd, F and Josso, M and Jager-Lezer, N and Delaunay, C and Passeron, T},
title = {Gain of Protection Afforded by the Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) UVA1 Filter on Pigmentary and Aging Signs: An Outdoor 4-Week Randomized, Intra-Individual Comparative Study in 52 Brazilian Women.},
journal = {Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine},
volume = {41},
number = {1},
pages = {e13020},
doi = {10.1111/phpp.13020},
pmid = {39673229},
issn = {1600-0781},
support = {//L'Oréal Research & Innovation Department/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Sunscreening Agents/chemistry ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Adult ; Brazil ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Pigmentation/drug effects/radiation effects ; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Conventional sunscreens shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays up to 370 nm leaving wavelengths between 370 and 400 nm unfiltered despite their potentially harmful biological and clinical effects.

OBJECTIVE: The beneficial effects of methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) UVA1 filter were explored at 1% in a SPF50 sunscreen under outdoors summer conditions against pigmentation and aging signs compared against a reference SPF50 without the MCE filter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized comparative intra-individual study was conducted in 52 Brazilian women (phototype I-III). A hemiface application was performed for the SPF50 sunscreen with 1% MCE and SPF50 reference without MCE before 1-h outdoor sunlight exposure, twice daily for 4 weeks. Study endpoint included expert panel grading of pigmentation (3), vascular (1) signs as well as facial skin ageing and assessment of facial skin radiance and skin homogeneity by a naïve panel.

RESULTS: Significant differences were reported for all facial signs comparing areas protected with SPF50/MCE and SPF50, respectively: upper lip wrinkles, crow's feet wrinkles, upper lip texture, upper lip pigmentation, vascular abnormalities (all p < 0.0001), texture of the mouth contour (p = 0.001), ptosis of lower face (p = 0.003), lateral facial pigmentation (p = 0.005), and whole face pigmentation (p = 0.01). The evaluations performed by naïve panel showed a significant superiority of the SPF50/MCE product for skin homogeneity (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrates a significant gain of protection with the SPF50 containing 1% MCE in reducing hyperpigmentation, redness and aging signs compared to the same SPF50 sunscreen without MCE, thus supporting the need for an enlarged UVA1 photoprotection.},
}

Humans
Female
*Sunscreening Agents/chemistry
*Skin Aging/drug effects
Adult
Brazil
Middle Aged
*Skin Pigmentation/drug effects/radiation effects
Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects
Prospective Studies

@article {pmid39666895,
year = {2025},
author = {Marsja, E and Holmer, E and Stenbäck, V and Micula, A and Tirado, C and Danielsson, H and Rönnberg, J},
title = {Fluid Intelligence Partially Mediates the Effect of Working Memory on Speech Recognition in Noise.},
journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR},
volume = {68},
number = {1},
pages = {399-410},
doi = {10.1044/2024_JSLHR-24-00465},
pmid = {39666895},
issn = {1558-9102},
mesh = {Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; *Noise ; Female ; *Speech Perception/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Hearing Aids ; Adult ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Although the existing literature has explored the link between cognitive functioning and speech recognition in noise, the specific role of fluid intelligence still needs to be studied. Given the established association between working memory capacity (WMC) and fluid intelligence and the predictive power of WMC for speech recognition in noise, we aimed to elucidate the mediating role of fluid intelligence.

METHOD: We used data from the n200 study, a longitudinal investigation into aging, hearing ability, and cognitive functioning. We analyzed two age-matched samples: participants with hearing aids and a group with normal hearing. WMC was assessed using the Reading Span task, and fluid intelligence was measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. Speech recognition in noise was evaluated using Hagerman sentences presented to target 80% speech-reception thresholds in four-talker babble. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis to examine fluid intelligence as a mediator between WMC and speech recognition in noise.

RESULTS: We found a partial mediating effect of fluid intelligence on the relationship between WMC and speech recognition in noise, and that hearing status did not moderate this effect. In other words, WMC and fluid intelligence were related, and fluid intelligence partially explained the influence of WMC on speech recognition in noise.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the importance of fluid intelligence in speech recognition in noise, regardless of hearing status. Future research should use other advanced statistical techniques and explore various speech recognition tests and background maskers to deepen our understanding of the interplay between WMC and fluid intelligence in speech recognition.},
}

Humans
*Memory, Short-Term/physiology
*Intelligence/physiology
Male
*Noise
Female
*Speech Perception/physiology
Middle Aged
Aged
Longitudinal Studies
Hearing Aids
Adult

@article {pmid39664634,
year = {2024},
author = {Aslanova, M and Gavrilova, M and Iurina, E},
title = {Does sibling family structure matter in the emotion understanding development in preschoolers?.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1428087},
pmid = {39664634},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of sibling family structure -including the number of children, age gaps, presence of a twin, sibling position, and gender composition - on emotion understanding and its development in children aged 5-6 years. A total of 409 preschoolers participated. Emotion understanding was assessed using The Test of Emotion Comprehension at the baseline and then again at a 1-year follow-up. In addition to the primary variables, executive functions (comprising visual and verbal working memory and cognitive flexibility) and non-verbal intelligence were controlled for in the analysis. We used the Dimensional Change Card Sort task to assess cognitive flexibility, the Sentence Repetition and Memory for Designs subtests of NEPSY-II to measure verbal and visual working memory, respectively, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices to assess non-verbal intelligence. Sibling data were obtained from the parent surveys, while psychological assessments were administered to children by psychologists. While sibling family structure influences emotion understanding, it does not significantly affect its development over a year. A more advanced reflective emotional understanding is associated with higher cognitive flexibility and having a younger sibling, compared to other sibling positions. The results of this study offer additional knowledge for parents, educators, family therapists, and child psychologists seeking a deeper understanding of emotional development in children. These professionals can design interventions and programs that leverage sibling and peer relationships to foster emotional development, encourage collaboration through age-diverse activities, and promote caregiving roles to enhance family and group dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid39653419,
year = {2024},
author = {Orozco-Arias, S and Sierra, P and Durbin, R and González, J},
title = {MCHelper automatically curates transposable element libraries across eukaryotic species.},
journal = {Genome research},
volume = {34},
number = {12},
pages = {2256-2268},
pmid = {39653419},
issn = {1549-5469},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*DNA Transposable Elements ; Animals ; Humans ; *Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Software ; Gene Library ; Zebrafish/genetics ; Data Curation ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; Oryza/genetics ; Zea mays/genetics ; },
abstract = {The number of species with high-quality genome sequences continues to increase, in part due to the scaling up of multiple large-scale biodiversity sequencing projects. While the need to annotate genic sequences in these genomes is widely acknowledged, the parallel need to annotate transposable element (TE) sequences that have been shown to alter genome architecture, rewire gene regulatory networks, and contribute to the evolution of host traits is becoming ever more evident. However, accurate genome-wide annotation of TE sequences is still technically challenging. Several de novo TE identification tools are now available, but manual curation of the libraries produced by these tools is needed to generate high-quality genome annotations. Manual curation is time-consuming, and thus impractical for large-scale genomic studies, and lacks reproducibility. In this work, we present the Manual Curator Helper tool MCHelper, which automates the TE library curation process. By leveraging MCHelper's fully automated mode with the outputs from three de novo TE identification tools, RepeatModeler2, EDTA, and REPET, in the fruit fly, rice, hooded crow, zebrafish, maize, and human, we show a substantial improvement in the quality of the TE libraries and genome annotations. MCHelper libraries are less redundant, with up to 65% reduction in the number of consensus sequences, have up to 11.4% fewer false positive sequences, and up to ∼48% fewer "unclassified/unknown" TE consensus sequences. Genome-wide TE annotations are also improved, including larger unfragmented insertions. Moreover, MCHelper is an easy-to-install and easy-to-use tool.},
}

*DNA Transposable Elements
Animals
Humans
*Molecular Sequence Annotation
Software
Gene Library
Zebrafish/genetics
Data Curation
Eukaryota/genetics
Genomics/methods
Oryza/genetics
Zea mays/genetics

@article {pmid39649523,
year = {2024},
author = {Jenkins, R and Bianchi, J and Watson, J and Shinners, J and Jaisinghani, P and Spain, B and Ruotolo, C},
title = {Risk and Prognosis of Hamstring Injuries in the National Football League: A 12-Year Review.},
journal = {Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {23259671241298622},
pmid = {39649523},
issn = {2325-9671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hamstring injuries can have a significant burden on a professional football player's career and performance. One in 4 players will suffer a lower extremity strain in their career, with the hamstring being the most common. These injuries are often fraught with extended periods of recovery and reinjury rates varying between 16% and 38%.

PURPOSE: To determine the progression and duration of hamstring injury as well as risk factors and probability of reinjury in the National Football League (NFL).

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS: Data were extracted from the official publicly accessible NFL database of injuries. NFL players suffering a hamstring injury during the study period of 2008-2020 were identified. Injuries were reported weekly as mandated by the NFL. Players were deemed cleared from injury when no longer listed in the injury report (IR). Reinjury was defined as any subsequent hamstring injury after a player's initial injury. The duration of injury and factors associated with injury were analyzed. Secondary objectives included team-specific injury rates and timing of injury.

RESULTS: A total of 2101 hamstring injuries occurred among 1354 players. The mean duration of the IR was 2.4 ± 2.1 weeks. A total of 442 (33%) players suffered subsequent reinjury, 27% of which occurred during the same season. The mean duration on the IR for reinjury was 2.4 ± 1.8 weeks, with no significant difference in duration compared with initial injury (2.4 ± 1.8 vs 2.2 ± 1.7; P = .138). Defensive skill players were most frequently injured (50.4%) followed by offensive skill players (37.7%). Of the 4812 total IR listings, 1806 (38%) did not participate in practice. A total of 1590 (33.5%) had limited participation in practice, and 1353 (28.5%) had full participation in practice. Injury rates among teams varied and ranged from 0.6% (Baltimore Ravens) to 5.7% (Houston Texans), with a median of 3.1% (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION: Hamstring injuries can have a lasting impact on a player's career with more than a third of players suffering subsequent reinjury. Although suffering a hamstring injury predisposes a player to reinjury, previous injury was not associated with longer recovery times. Rates of injury among organizational teams vary; thus, further research to understand the difference in preventive measures and treatment protocols may be warranted.},
}

@article {pmid39646984,
year = {2024},
author = {Salinas-Velasco, HV and Valdez-Mondragón, A and Bueno-Villegas, J},
title = {A new species of the spider genus Mexentypesa Raven (Araneae: Nemesiidae) from Hidalgo, Mexico and taxonomic comments on M. chiapas Raven.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5453},
number = {2},
pages = {233-244},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5453.2.4},
pmid = {39646984},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/classification/anatomy & histology ; Mexico ; Male ; Female ; *Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {A new species of the enigmatic spider genus Mexentypesa (Raven, 1987) from a cloud forest in Hidalgo state, Mexico is described: M. hidalguensis sp. nov. The description of the species is based on both male and female adult specimens. This discovery increases the diversity of the genus to two species: Mexentypesa chiapas (Raven, 1987) and the new species described herein. Additionally, Aptostichus sabinae syn. nov. (=M. chiapas), which was previously described as a different species, is formally synonymized.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/classification/anatomy & histology
Mexico
Male
Female
*Animal Distribution
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39645881,
year = {2024},
author = {Scherz, MD and Rudolph, J and Rakotondratsima, M and Ratsoavina, FM and Crottini, A and Andreone, F and Glaw, F and Vences, M},
title = {Molecular systematics of the subgenus Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) with description of a new subspecies.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5446},
number = {2},
pages = {205-220},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5446.2.3},
pmid = {39645881},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Madagascar ; *Phylogeny ; *Animal Distribution ; Female ; *Anura/anatomy & histology/genetics/classification ; Male ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {The mantellid subgenus Phylacomantis (genus Gephyromantis) currently contains four species of frogs distributed in the South (G. corvus, G. kintana), West (G. atsingy), North East, North, and Sambirano regions (G. pseudoasper) in Madagascar. We assess the molecular systematics of these amphibians based on extended sampling and analysis of multiple nuclear-encoded and mitochondrial genes. We confirm the delimitation of the four known species, which form monophyletic groups in a mitochondrial tree and separate phylogroups without haplotype sharing in haplotype networks of four nuclear markers. Newly included samples of G. pseudoasper from the North and North East regions confirm a comparatively low genetic variation of this species across its range, with pairwise genetic distance in the 16S gene not exceeding 1.4%. On the contrary, newly collected specimens from three sites in the North East and North West of the island strongly differed from all other Phylacomantis, with genetic distances exceeding 4.8% for the16S gene. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers strongly suggest them to be sister to G. corvus from the South. Due to haplotype sharing in two nuclear genes, absence of detectable morphological differences, and lack of data on bioacoustic differentiation, we describe these populations as a new subspecies, G. corvus bakilana ssp. nov., emphasizing that this taxon may be elevated to species status in the future pending new data. This biogeographic pattern, with apparently disjunct sister lineages in the South vs. North West of Madagascar, is rare among Malagasy anurans and calls for increased exploration of the remaining humid forest fragments in the North West and West of the island.},
}

Animals
Madagascar
*Phylogeny
*Animal Distribution
Female
*Anura/anatomy & histology/genetics/classification
Male
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid39644715,
year = {2024},
author = {Hirao, AJ and Aoyama, M and Sugita, S},
title = {During the breeding season, lymphocytes assemble into ellipse-shaped clusters in the uropygial gland of the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos.},
journal = {Morphologie : bulletin de l'Association des anatomistes},
volume = {109},
number = {364},
pages = {100924},
doi = {10.1016/j.morpho.2024.100924},
pmid = {39644715},
issn = {1286-0115},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that the uropygial gland produces intraspecific chemosensory cues. The jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos, which is a type of passerine, exhibits extreme morphological variation in the gonadal gland during the breeding season. Because the uropygial gland of the jungle crow sometimes exhibits morphological changes during the breeding season, we attempted to clarify the morphological changes in the uropygial gland of the jungle crow according to development and season.

METHODS: Captured birds were divided into three age groups according to the color of their upper palate: <1 year, 1-2 years, and >2 years old. Paraffin sections of the uropygial gland were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Elastica van Gieson, Giemsa, and a proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody.

RESULTS: Sexual dimorphism was not seen in the morphology of the uropygial gland in the jungle crow. However, changes due to growth and season were identified. During the breeding season in birds>2 years old, lymphocytes formed ellipse-shaped clusters around the glandular cavity. These clusters were invaded by collagen fibers from spherical cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Collagen fibers, which develop from spherical cells, seem to be related to lymphoid cluster migration. Ellipse-shaped lymphoid clusters may play a crucial role in reproductive behavior during the breeding season.},
}

@article {pmid39638926,
year = {2024},
author = {Lois-Milevicich, J and Rat-Fischer, L and de la Colina, MA and Gómez, RO and Reboreda, JC and Kacelnik, A},
title = {Mechanical problem solving by plush-crested jays: are tools special after all?.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {82},
pmid = {39638926},
issn = {1435-9456},
support = {UBACyT 20020170100521BA//Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; PICT 2015-1628//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Problem Solving ; Male ; Tool Use Behavior ; Female ; Passeriformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Tool use is taxonomically associated with high behavioural flexibility and innovativeness, and its prevalence is greater in primates and some bird species. This association, however, is not known to be causally determinant of tool-related competence since flexibility and innovativeness are often observed in the absence of tool use and vice versa. For this reason, it is interesting to explore whether animals that can be loosely categorized as outstanding, or 'intelligent' physical problem solvers, are also remarkable using tools innovatively, rather than tool use presenting special constraints. We investigate this problem using plush-crested jays (Cyanocorax chrysops), a corvid new to cognitive research that shows highly flexible and inquisitive behaviour in the wild and has not been reported to use tools. We tested jays in two tasks of apparent similar manipulative complexity and incentive, one involving a tool (T) and the other not (NT). In the NT task birds had to open a box with a transparent lid blocked by a latch to get a reward, whereas in the T task, they had to use a rake to pull out the reward from the box. Eight out of nine subjects succeeded in the NT task, whereas none of them learned to solve the T task. This is consistent with tool use involving dedicated competencies, rather than just high problem-solving proficiency.},
}

Animals
*Problem Solving
Male
Tool Use Behavior
Female
Passeriformes/physiology

@article {pmid39636993,
year = {2024},
author = {Kaiser, J},
title = {Trump picks an 'outsider' and NIH critic to lead agency.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {386},
number = {6726},
pages = {1080-1081},
doi = {10.1126/science.adv0705},
pmid = {39636993},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Humans ; Biomedical Research/economics/legislation & jurisprudence ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Financing, Government ; *National Institutes of Health (U.S.)/economics ; Research Support as Topic/legislation & jurisprudence ; United States ; Policy ; Politics ; },
abstract = {Jay Bhattacharya, who has analyzed NIH funding and ripped U.S. COVID-19 policies, could overhaul key funder.},
}

Humans
Biomedical Research/economics/legislation & jurisprudence
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Financing, Government
*National Institutes of Health (U.S.)/economics
Research Support as Topic/legislation & jurisprudence
United States
Policy
Politics

@article {pmid39633841,
year = {2024},
author = {Ranjan, R and Adhikary, D and Barman, S and Islam, MS and Ken-Dror, G and Yusuf, MA and Moureen, A and Hakim, M and Sharma, P},
title = {Multidimensional Approach of Genotype and Phenotype in Stroke Etiology: The MAGPIE Study.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {7},
number = {12},
pages = {e70227},
pmid = {39633841},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. It is estimated that genetic determinants account for around 40%-60% of its etiology, similar to environmental factors. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the genetic, environmental, and clinical risk factors in stroke patients from Bangladesh.

METHODS: The MAGPIE (Multidimensional Approach of Genotype and Phenotype In Stroke Etiology) study is a population-based case-control study that will allow a hypothesis-free genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic risk factors associated with adult stroke (age ≥ 18 years) in Bangladesh. This study will collect detailed phenotypic data as well as blood samples from stroke patients and control subjects. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA will be isolated and archived using Qiagen DNA isolation kits.

RESULTS: We will utilize SPSS v28.0, vR-4.3.2 and gPLINK v2.0 software to analyse the study variables, as appropriate. Further, appropriate statistical tests will be applied to test the significance level between study groups. As applicable, data will be presented in tables and graphs, such as Manhattan plots and Quantile-Quantile (QQ) plots. A p < 0.05 will be considered as statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: This will be the first large-scale carefully phenotyped biobank of Bangladeshi stroke patients which will enable a GWAS enabling an understanding of the association between gene-phenotype risk factors which has the potential to revise and refine national stroke guidelines.},
}

@article {pmid39633193,
year = {2024},
author = {Shin, WD and Phan, HV and Daley, MA and Ijspeert, AJ and Floreano, D},
title = {Fast ground-to-air transition with avian-inspired multifunctional legs.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {636},
number = {8041},
pages = {86-91},
pmid = {39633193},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {Animals ; Air ; *Biomechanical Phenomena ; *Birds/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Extremities/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Flight, Animal/physiology ; Gait/physiology ; *Locomotion/physiology ; *Robotics/instrumentation/methods ; Wings, Animal/physiology ; Walking/physiology ; *Aircraft/instrumentation ; *Biomimetics/instrumentation/methods ; *Motion ; },
abstract = {Most birds can navigate seamlessly between aerial and terrestrial environments. Whereas the forelimbs evolved into wings primarily for flight, the hindlimbs serve diverse functions such as walking, hopping and leaping, and jumping take-off for transitions into flight[1]. These capabilities have inspired engineers to aim for similar multimodality in aerial robots, expanding their range of applications across diverse environments. However, challenges remain in reproducing multimodal locomotion, across gaits with distinct kinematics and propulsive characteristics, such as walking and jumping, while preserving lightweight mass for flight. This trade-off between mechanical complexity and versatility[2] limits most existing aerial robots to only one additional locomotor mode[3-5]. Here we overcome the complexity-versatility trade-off with RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments), which uses its bird-inspired multifunctional legs to jump rapidly into flight, walk on the ground, and hop over obstacles and gaps similar to the multimodal locomotion of birds. We show that jumping for take-off contributes substantially to the initial flight take-off speed[6-9] and, remarkably, that it is more energy efficient than taking off without the jump. Our analysis suggests an important trade-off in mass distribution between legs and body among birds adapted for different locomotor strategies, with greater investment in leg mass among terrestrial birds with multimodal gait demands. Multifunctional robot legs expand the opportunities to deploy traditional fixed-wing aircraft in complex terrains through autonomous take-offs and multimodal gaits.},
}

Animals
Air
*Biomechanical Phenomena
*Birds/anatomy & histology/physiology
*Extremities/anatomy & histology/physiology
Flight, Animal/physiology
Gait/physiology
*Locomotion/physiology
*Robotics/instrumentation/methods
Wings, Animal/physiology
Walking/physiology
*Aircraft/instrumentation
*Biomimetics/instrumentation/methods
*Motion

@article {pmid39623611,
year = {2024},
author = {Koh, YG and Lee, WG and Park, KY},
title = {Efficacy and Safety of Needle-Free Microjet Injection Versus Needle Injection of Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Crow's Feet: A Randomized Split-Face Pilot Study.},
journal = {Annals of dermatology},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {355-360},
pmid = {39623611},
issn = {2005-3894},
support = {//JSK Biomed Inc./Korea ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic enhancements in various applications. However, the pain experienced during the injection process remains a significant concern.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a needle-free microjet drug injector, powered by an Er:YAG laser, for the injection of botulinum toxin to treat crow's feet wrinkles.

METHODS: Botulinum toxin injections were randomly administered using a microjet injector on one side and a conventional needle injection on the other. The results were evaluated by two dermatologists, who were blinded to the treatment method. They used a 5-point scale to assess the severity of both static and dynamic crow's feet before and after the treatment. The participants' pain levels during the procedure were measured using a visual analog scale, and the physician/subject global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) was used to assess overall aesthetic improvement.

RESULTS: Ten Korean women (mean age, 50.7) participated in the study. Both sides exhibited significant improvement in crow's feet wrinkles compared to the baseline, with no noticeable differences between the two sides. The microjet injector side showed a significantly lower mean pain score, while there was no difference between the sides in terms of P/SGAIS scores. The evaluation of the wrinkle scale demonstrated high reliability.

CONCLUSION: The needle-free microjet drug injector, which utilizes an Er:YAG laser, may be a useful option for treating crow's feet wrinkles with botulinum toxin due to its ability to reduce pain.},
}

@article {pmid39623228,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, W and Wen, Y and Zhong, Y and Chen, Q},
title = {Meta-Analysis of Adverse Reactions of Botulinum Toxin A in Facial Rejuvenation Treatment.},
journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39623228},
issn = {1432-5241},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial rejuvenation is a popular non-surgical treatment, and its treatment safety is of key significance to patients. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the effects of botulinum toxin A and placebo on the occurrence of adverse reactions in facial rejuvenation treatment.

OBJECTIVE: According to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, and 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The main result is to evaluate the level of adverse events (AEs), and the secondary result is to evaluate the level of AEs in crow's feet (CFL), glabellar lines (GL), and forehead lines (FHL).

METHODS: The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of botulinum toxin A for facial rejuvenation published up to August 2023 was searched by computer, and the completed data were retrieved manually. Two researchers screened out the included studies and evaluated the quality of the literature, and analyzed the included studies with Revman 5.3 software.

RESULTS: The 20 RCTs literatures included 7275 cases in the experimental group and 2552 cases in the control group. The AEs level in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (RR=1.22; 95%CI 1.13-1.32; p < 0.00001), and the level of heterogeneity is low (P = 0.11, I2 = 29%). The AE level of patients in CFL test group was significantly higher than that in control group (RR = 1.13; 95%CI 1.02-1.04; P = 0.01), and the level of heterogeneity is low (P = 0.14, I2 = 38%). The level of AE in GL experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (RR = 1.42; 95%CI 1.21-1.67; p < 0.0001), and the level of heterogeneity is low (P  = 0.60, I2 = 0%). The AE level of patients in FHL experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (RR = 1.53; 95%CI 1.12-2.10; p < 0.008), and the level of heterogeneity is low (P = 0.99, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirmed the safety of BTX-A in the treatment of facial rejuvenation (CFL, GL, FHL). Although the incidence of adverse reactions was low, there was still a significant difference compared with the placebo control group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .},
}

@article {pmid39622556,
year = {2024},
author = {Tanne, JH},
title = {Trump nominates Jay Bhattacharya to head US National Institutes of Health.},
journal = {BMJ (Clinical research ed.)},
volume = {387},
number = {},
pages = {q2695},
doi = {10.1136/bmj.q2695},
pmid = {39622556},
issn = {1756-1833},
}

@article {pmid39620002,
year = {2024},
author = {Hao, Y and Wang, Z and Qu, L},
title = {Investigating the Skin Health Benefits of Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum and Rose: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial.},
journal = {Food science & nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {9846-9855},
pmid = {39620002},
issn = {2048-7177},
abstract = {Recent studies underscore the beneficial impacts of oral natural plant extracts on human skin health, though clinical evidence of their efficacy and safety is limited. This study evaluates the skin health effects of a novel oral supplement containing Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum, and rose extracts (RPR) 0.70 healthy female participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an RPR group, with the latter ingesting 20 mL of the RPR supplement daily on an empty stomach over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the RPR group exhibited significant enhancements (p < 0.001) in skin hydration, glossiness, elasticity, and skin tone, with increases of 69.02%, 30.48%, 25.97%, and 7.52%, respectively. Concurrently, decreases in skin firmness and melanin levels were observed at 21.17% (p = 0.007) and 25.06% (p < 0.001), respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that these changes were significantly greater than those in the control group. Image analysis indicated no significant changes in mean optical density of hyperpigmented spots within the RPR group (p = 0.367), but a significant reduction in the areas of hyperpigmented spots, under-eye fine lines, and crow's feet by 41.50%, 37.55%, and 29.36%, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were detected in the control group. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed. These findings suggest that the combined intake of Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum, and rose extracts can improve skin health, offering a promising natural alternative for dermatological care.},
}

@article {pmid39614750,
year = {2024},
author = {George, DN and Dwyer, DM and Haselgrove, M and Le Pelley, ME},
title = {Apparent statistical inference in crows may reflect simple reinforcement learning.},
journal = {Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17470218241305622},
doi = {10.1177/17470218241305622},
pmid = {39614750},
issn = {1747-0226},
abstract = {Johnston et al. report results which they argue demonstrate that crows engage in statistical inference during decision-making. They trained two crows to associate a set of stimuli with different reward probabilities (from 10% to 90%) before choice tests between pairs of stimuli. Across most pairwise combinations, and in a control task in which the number of rewards was equated between probabilities, both crows preferred the stimulus associated with higher reward probability. The magnitude of this preference was affected by the absolute difference between the two probabilities, although (contrary to a claim made by Johnston et al. 2023) preference did not reflect the ratio of prior probabilities independently of absolute differences. Johnston et al. argue that preference for the stimulus with the higher reward probability is "the signature of true statistical inference" (p. 3238), implemented by an analogue magnitude system that represents the reward probability associated with each stimulus. Here, we show that a simple reinforcement learning model, with no explicit representation of reward probabilities, reproduces the critical features of crows' performance-and indeed better accounts for the observed empirical findings than the concept of statistical inference based on analogue magnitude representations, because it correctly predicts the absence of a ratio effect that would reflect magnitudes when absolute distance is controlled. Contrary to Johnston et al.'s claims, these patterns of behaviour do not necessitate retrieval of calculated reward probabilities from long-term memory and dynamic application of this information across contexts, or (more specifically) require the involvement of an analogue magnitude system in representing abstract probabilities.},
}

@article {pmid39593442,
year = {2024},
author = {Roodbarani, M and Tagharrobi, Z and Sharifi, K and Sooki, Z and Zare, M},
title = {Influence of Brain Gym on children's behavioral problems with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled clinical trial.},
journal = {Journal of bodywork and movement therapies},
volume = {40},
number = {},
pages = {1248-1254},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.07.048},
pmid = {39593442},
issn = {1532-9283},
mesh = {Humans ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Iran ; Exercise Therapy/methods ; Stereotyped Behavior/physiology ; Communication ; Social Interaction ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a variety of behavioral problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Brain Gym (BG) on the behavioral problems of children with ASD in Iran.

METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 36 children with ASD at Kashan and Arak in 2019. Samples were selected using the block randomization method and assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ten sessions of BG according to Dennison's protocol. There was no intervention in the control group. The stereotyped behavior, communication, and social interactions of the behavioral problems were assessed at the beginning (T0), the end of the intervention (T1), and two months later (T2). The data were collected using the Demographics, Rutter, GARS-2, and Raven scales. Data from 33 children were analyzed via per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly in demographic variables. The results showed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on the severity of behavioral problems (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in the severity of behavioral disorders between the two groups at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). A within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the severity of the behavioral disorder at the three time points between the BG and control groups (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: BG can alleviate the behavioral problems of children with ASD. This intervention is recommended as a complementary treatment for affected families with children with ASD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20100211003329N5.

DATE OF REGISTRATION: 2020-07-16.},
}

Humans
*Autism Spectrum Disorder
Male
Female
Child
Child, Preschool
Iran
Exercise Therapy/methods
Stereotyped Behavior/physiology
Communication
Social Interaction

@article {pmid39590643,
year = {2024},
author = {Ma, S and Jia, N},
title = {Measuring Raven's Progressive Matrices Combining Eye-Tracking Technology and Machine Learning (ML) Models.},
journal = {Journal of Intelligence},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39590643},
issn = {2079-3200},
support = {22FJKB019//The Post-Funded Projects of The National Social Science Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Extended testing time in Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) can lead to increased fatigue and reduced motivation, which may impair cognitive task performance. This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in RPM by combining eye-tracking technology with machine learning (ML) models, aiming to explore new methods for improving the efficiency of RPM testing and to identify the key metrics involved. Using eye-tracking metrics as features, ten ML models were trained, with the XGBoost model demonstrating superior performance. Notably, we further refined the period of interest and reduced the number of metrics, achieving strong performance, with accuracy, precision, and recall all above 0.8, using only 60% of the response time and nine eye-tracking metrics. This study also examines the role of several key metrics in RPM and offers valuable insights for future research.},
}

@article {pmid39587617,
year = {2024},
author = {Landman, F and Jamin, C and de Haan, A and Witteveen, S and Bos, J and van der Heide, HGJ and Schouls, LM and Hendrickx, APA and , },
title = {Genomic surveillance of multidrug-resistant organisms based on long-read sequencing.},
journal = {Genome medicine},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {137},
pmid = {39587617},
issn = {1756-994X},
mesh = {*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Humans ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics/methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. The ability to identify antimicrobial resistance determinants, to assess changes in molecular types, and to detect transmission are essential for surveillance and infection prevention of MDRO. Molecular characterization based on long-read sequencing has emerged as a promising alternative to short-read sequencing. The aim of this study was to characterize MDRO for surveillance and transmission studies based on long-read sequencing only.

METHODS: Genomic DNA of 356 MDRO was automatically extracted using the Maxwell-RSC48. The MDRO included 106 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, 85 Escherichia coli, 15 Enterobacter cloacae complex, 10 Citrobacter freundii, 34 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 16 Acinetobacter baumannii, and 69 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), of which 24 were from an outbreak. MDRO were sequenced using both short-read (Illumina NextSeq 550) and long-read (Nanopore Rapid Barcoding Kit-24-V14, R10.4.1) whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Basecalling was performed for two distinct models using Dorado-0.3.2 duplex mode. Long-read data was assembled using Flye, Canu, Miniasm, Unicycler, Necat, Raven, and Redbean assemblers. Long-read WGS data with > 40 × coverage was used for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), whole-genome MLST (wgMLST), whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms (wgSNP), in silico multiple locus variable-number of tandem repeat analysis (iMLVA) for MRSA, and identification of resistance genes (ABRicate).

RESULTS: Comparison of wgMLST profiles based on long-read and short-read WGS data revealed > 95% of wgMLST profiles within the species-specific cluster cut-off, except for P. aeruginosa. The wgMLST profiles obtained by long-read and short-read WGS differed only one to nine wgMLST alleles or SNPs for K. pneumoniae, E. coli, E. cloacae complex, C. freundii, A. baumannii complex, and MRSA. For P. aeruginosa, differences were up to 27 wgMLST alleles between long-read and short-read wgMLST and 0-10 SNPs. MLST sequence types and iMLVA types were concordant between long-read and short-read WGS data and conventional MLVA typing. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in long-read sequencing data with high sensitivity/specificity (92-100%/99-100%). Long-read sequencing enabled analysis of an MRSA outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that molecular characterization of automatically extracted DNA followed by long-read sequencing is as accurate compared to short-read sequencing and suitable for typing and outbreak analysis as part of genomic surveillance of MDRO. However, the analysis of P. aeruginosa requires further improvement which may be obtained by other basecalling algorithms. The low implementation costs and rapid library preparation for long-read sequencing of MDRO extends its applicability to resource-constrained settings and low-income countries worldwide.},
}

*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
Humans
*Genome, Bacterial
Genomics/methods
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification
Whole Genome Sequencing/methods

@article {pmid39585881,
year = {2024},
author = {Landini, A and Segovia, M and Palma, M and Nayga, RM},
title = {Food for thought: The impact of short term fasting on cognitive ability.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {11},
pages = {e0312811},
pmid = {39585881},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fasting/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Decision Making ; Time Factors ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {Growing evidence suggests that resource scarcity can severely impede individuals' cognitive capacity, resulting in sub-optimal decision making. Few experimental studies investigate whether food deprivation as a form of resource scarcity influences decisions in other non-hunger related domains. We examine the effect of short term fasting on cognitive capacity by exogenously manipulating individuals' fasting time in a laboratory experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) 3-hour fast; 2) 12-hour fast; and 3) control, in which participants were not required to fast and consumed a protein shake upon arriving to the lab. Following the manipulation, participants completed the Raven's Progressive Matrices test which measures cognitive function. Although we find null treatment effects on cognitive ability, our results provide evidence that short term fasting does not directly inhibit cognition.},
}

Humans
*Fasting/physiology
*Cognition/physiology
Male
Female
Adult
Young Adult
Decision Making
Time Factors
Adolescent

@article {pmid39579366,
year = {2024},
author = {Fochesatto, CF and Brand, C and Cristi-Montero, C and da Costa, BGG and Dias, AF and Gaya, ACA and Gaya, AR},
title = {Getting up for brain health: Association of sedentary behavior breaks with cognition and mental health in children.},
journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/21622965.2024.2432342},
pmid = {39579366},
issn = {2162-2973},
abstract = {Children spend most of their waking hours sedentary and reducing this behavior has been challenging. Interrupting prolonged episodes of sedentary behavior with active breaks can provide mental and cognitive health benefits. Considering the multifactorial nature of these health aspects, this study aimed to verify the role of body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the relationship between the break in sedentary time with cognitive and mental health in children. This is a cross-sectional study with 129 children (62 boys), aged between 6 and 11 years (mean 8.73 ± 1.53) from a public school in southern Brazil. For the assessment of fluid intelligence, psychologists applied Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. Mental health was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Sedentary breaks were measured using accelerometers, and CRF was determined using the 6-min walk test. Generalized linear regression analyses were used to verify associations of sedentary breaks with fluid intelligence and mental health, according to children's BMI, CRF, and MVPA. All models were adjusted for sex, age, somatic maturation, and total time of accelerometer use. Our results indicated that sedentary breaks were associated with fluid intelligence in overweight/obese (β = 0.108; p = 0.021) and physically inactive children (β = 0.083; p = 0.010). Regarding mental health, no association was identified with sedentary breaks. In conclusion, sedentary breaks should be encouraged for the benefits of fluid intelligence, especially in children who do not meet physical activity recommendations and are overweight.},
}

@article {pmid39571953,
year = {2025},
author = {Morris, SA and Hazzi, NA and Hormiga, G},
title = {Molecular phylogenetics of nursery web spiders (Araneae: Pisauridae).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {108247},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108247},
pmid = {39571953},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {*Spiders/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; Likelihood Functions ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Pisauridae Simon, 1890, or nursery web spiders, are a large family with a worldwide distribution and very diverse life history strategies. Despite being named for their nursery webs, similar structures are built by some members of Ctenidae, Trechaleidae, and Oxyopidae. Pisauridae has no known morphological synapomorphies that circumscribe all members of the family, and delineation of subfamilies has been a longstanding issue. In addition, several recent molecular phylogenetic studies have called into question the monophyly of Pisauridae. Here, we infer a phylogeny of Pisauridae with nine genetic markers (12S, 16S, 18S, 28S, actin, COI, histone H3, ITS2, and NADH) combined with ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to test the monophyly of the group and determine intrafamilial relationships. Our study includes a total of 81 terminals (59 of them pisaurids). Our maximum likelihood and gene coalescence analyses strongly suggest that as currently circumscribed, the family Pisauridae is not monophyletic. To circumscribe Pisauridae as a monophyletic group, based on our molecular results, we propose the restoration of the family Dolomedidae Simon, 1876 (rank resurrected) to include the genera DolomedesLatreille, 1804 and BradystichusSimon, 1884. In addition, based on morphological evidence, we also place in Dolomedidae the genera MegadolomedesDavies & Raven, 1980; Tasmomedes Raven, 2018; Mangromedes Raven, 2018; OrnodolomedesRaven & Hebron, 2018; and CaledomedesRaven & Hebron, 2018. We provide a phylogenetic delimitation of the three subfamilies of Pisauridae: Halinae, Thaumasiinae, and Pisaurinae. Ten pisaurid genera are deemed incertae sedis in terms of their placement. In light of our hypothesized molecular phylogeny, we discuss the morphological characters and putative synapomorphies of Pisauridae and propose diagnostic characters for its subfamilies and for the family Dolomedidae, along with taxonomic notes about genera not included in our study.},
}

*Spiders/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology
Animals
*Phylogeny
Likelihood Functions
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid39553199,
year = {2024},
author = {Gutierrez, JC and Holladay, SD},
title = {Comparison of spatial and non-verbal reasoning abilities in veterinarians in the fields of radiology and surgery.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1438062},
pmid = {39553199},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Spatial ability tests measure capacity for mentally understanding and interpreting three-dimensional images. Such skills have been found to be predictive for anatomical learning success and proficiency in human and veterinary medical students. Veterinarians in the radiology and surgery field develop high levels of three-dimensional topographic anatomic understanding through exposure to anatomy portions of the veterinary curriculum, followed by highly specialized residency programs. Validated testing tools were used to compare spatial and general non-verbal reasoning abilities in veterinarians in the field of radiology (radiology group, RG) and veterinarians in the field of surgery (surgery group, SG). These tests were: Guay's Visualization of Views Test: Adapted Version (GVVT), the Mental Rotation Test (MRT), and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Results showed a significant difference for GVVT scores in favor of the RG (15.2 ± 0.3 and 12.3 ± 0.4, respectively, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in scores for MRT and APMT between the RG and SG. There was a significant positive correlation between spatial ability tests scores and general non-verbal reasoning test scores for the RG but not for the SG. Future studies are planned to determine if the RG innately possess high spatial and reasoning skills, and to expand the present findings to other veterinary specialty areas.},
}

@article {pmid39552205,
year = {2024},
author = {Deliencourt-Godefroy, G and Legoedec, J and Bourdens, M and Juin, N and Nguyen, LT and Branchet, MC and Boisnic, S and Keophiphath, M},
title = {TFC-1326 Compound Reduces Clinical Signs of Skin Aging. Evidence From In Vitro Human Adipose and Skin Models and Pilot Clinical Trial.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e16679},
doi = {10.1111/jocd.16679},
pmid = {39552205},
issn = {1473-2165},
support = {//TFChem (Sirona Biochem Corp)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anti-freeze Glycoproteins (AFGPs) were described to preserve biological materials and protect them from different stresses.

AIMS: The effects of a synthetic anti-freeze glycoprotein-based compound, TFC-1326, on human skin quality and its biological actions were studied.

METHODS: The effects of various concentrations of TFC-1326 on the biology of human preadipocytes, differentiated in the proinflammatory microenvironment, and on human fibroblasts grown in coculture with human mature adipocytes or monocultured in stress conditions were investigated in, in vitro studies. Additionally, the efficacy of a 1% TFC-1326 topical cream was evaluated in a clinical investigation on the skin biology and appearance of 20 women aged between 40 and 65 years throughout 84 days of application.

RESULTS: The in vitro studies revealed that TFC-1326 mitigated the deleterious effects of a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail produced by human macrophages, by restoring preadipocyte adipogenic capacity and by reducing their fibroinflammatory state. TFC-1326 also stimulated the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts co-cultured with mature adipocytes as well as their production of hyaluronic acid and procollagen type I, while decreasing IL6 secretion and increasing fibroblast viability. Furthermore, daily 1% TFC-1326 topical cream application, measurably improved skin radiance and laxity, as well as skin density. Finally, significant reductions of the volume and depth of the crow's feet wrinkles were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The compound TFC-1326 significantly improved the physiological appearance and cellular functions of aging skin.},
}

@article {pmid39551240,
year = {2024},
author = {Tubío-Fungueiriño, M and Cernadas, E and Fernández-Delgado, M and Arrojo, M and Bertolin, S and Real, E and Menchon, JM and Carracedo, A and Alonso, P and Fernández-Prieto, M and Segalàs, C},
title = {Prediction of pharmacological response in OCD using machine learning techniques and clinical and neuropsychological variables.},
journal = {Spanish journal of psychiatry and mental health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.sjpmh.2024.11.001},
pmid = {39551240},
issn = {2950-2853},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Obsessive compulsive disorder is associated with affected executive functioning, including memory, cognitive flexibility, and organizational strategies. As it was reported in previous studies, patients with preserved executive functions respond better to pharmacological treatment, while others need to keep trying different pharmacological strategies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this work we used machine learning techniques to predict pharmacological response (OCD patients' symptomatology reduction) based on executive functioning and clinical variables. Among those variables we used anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms scores by applying State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale respectively, while Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test was used to assess organisation skills and non-verbal memory; Digits' subtests from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV were used to assess short-term memory and working memory; and Raven's Progressive Matrices were applied to assess problem solving and abstract reasoning.

RESULTS: As a result of our analyses, we created a reliable algorithm that predicts Y-BOCS score after 12 weeks based on patients' clinical characteristics (sex at birth, age, pharmacological strategy, depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, years passed since diagnostic and Raven's Progressive Matrices score) and Digits' scores. A high correlation (0.846) was achieved in predicted and true values.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study proves the viability to predict if a patient would respond or not to a certain pharmacological strategy with high reliability based on sociodemographics, clinical variables and cognitive functions as short-term memory and working memory. These results are promising to develop future prediction models to help clinical decision making.},
}

@article {pmid39550380,
year = {2024},
author = {Ng, JY and Zhou, H and Li, T and Chew, FT},
title = {Comparisons between Caucasian-validated and Chinese-validated photo-numeric scales for assessing facial wrinkles.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {28293},
pmid = {39550380},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {N-154-000-038-001//National University of Singapore/ ; R-154-000-191-112//Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund/ ; BMRC/01/1/21/18/077//Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) (Singapore)/ ; SIgN-06-006//Singapore Immunology Network/ ; NMRC/1150/2008//National Medical Research Council (NMRC) (Singapore)/ ; NRF-MP-2020-0004//National Research Foundation (NRF) (Singapore)/ ; SFS_RND_SUFP_001_04//Singapore Food Agency (SFA)/ ; H17/01/a0/008//Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR) (Singapore)/ ; },
mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *East Asian People ; *Face ; *Skin Aging ; *White People ; },
abstract = {Skin ageing results in wrinkling. In this study, we discuss four types of facial wrinkles: Crow's Feet wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, glabellar frown wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. These four phenotypes can be assessed either with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Caucasian skin (i.e., Caucasian scale) or with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Chinese skin (i.e., Chinese scale). As Caucasian and Chinese skin have inherent differences, the main objective of this study is to determine whether these inherent differences affect the suitability of evaluating facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese skin with a Caucasian scale. Three trained assessors studied four types of wrinkles on the faces of 1,081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES). We found that Caucasian scales and Chinese scales are concordant (Spearman's Rank Correlation (ρ) values: 0.53-0.80) and the level of agreement between the Caucasian scales and Chinese scales is moderately high (Cohen's Kappa (κ) values: 0.40-0.49). When tested on ethnic Chinese skin, both the Caucasian scale and the Chinese scale are largely consistent in showing presence or absence of a given facial wrinkle (Area under curve (AUC) values: 0.79-0.90). All assessors are highly internally consistent (Weighted Kappa (κw) values: 0.686-0.992). Our results build confidence that four types of facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese faces can be assessed with Caucasian scales. To the best of our knowledge, Chinese scales for facial wrinkles beyond the four types discussed here have yet to be developed. Caucasian scales for these other facial wrinkles will also need to be tested for their suitability to be used on ethnic Chinese skin as and when more Chinese scales are developed.},
}

Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Young Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
*East Asian People
*Face
*Skin Aging
*White People

@article {pmid39550148,
year = {2024},
author = {},
title = {50th Anniversary Presidential Edition - Ronald Raven.},
journal = {European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology},
volume = {50},
number = {8},
pages = {108566},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108566},
pmid = {39550148},
issn = {1532-2157},
}

@article {pmid39545188,
year = {2024},
author = {Naser, RA and Almaliki, SH and Zghair, FS and Al-Ezzy, AIA},
title = {Study of morphological and histological properties of the pancreas in crow (Linnaecus corvus) and Iraqi black partridge (Melanoperdix niger).},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {2634-2641},
pmid = {39545188},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pancreas/anatomy & histology ; *Crows/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Galliformes/anatomy & histology ; Male ; Female ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The structures of the pancreas in crow (Linnaecus corvus) and Iraqi black partridge (Melanoperdix niger) were the targets for histological and morphometric differences in both birds.

AIM: To study the comparative histomorphology of the pancreas in two species black partridge and local crow.

METHODS: Five healthy black partridge and five local crows were used in the current study.

RESULTS: The anatomical study reveals that the pancreas in both species is situated within the coelomic compartment on the right side. It is composed of four lobes including splenic, ventral, third, and dorsal lobes. It showed three ducts of the pancreas located between two duodenal limbs. Histologically, the pancreas of both birds contained two portions, endocrine and exocrine zone. The portion that occupied a large area of the pancreas was the exocrine which consisted of acini made of pyramid cells varying in shape and size. In black partridge, the acini have centroacinar cells but no centroacinar in crow. The duct system starting from the intercalated duct, interlobular and terminated by the main duct was folded with line simple columnar epithelium. The islet Langerhans was oval in black partridge and had a distinctive border containing two types of cells (Alpha and Beta), while a Delta, in addition to Alpha Beta cells, was detected in the crow islet Langerhans which was a sphincter in shape.

CONCLUSION: The pancreas of both bird black partridge (Melanoperdix niger) and crow (Linnaecus corvus) was a lobulated organ, that has a similar location in coelomic cavity. The pancreas in the crow was longer. In addition to the presence of some differences in histological structures between the two birds, a better understanding of the function of the pancreas in these species is needed.},
}

Animals
*Pancreas/anatomy & histology
*Crows/anatomy & histology/physiology
*Galliformes/anatomy & histology
Male
Female
Species Specificity

@article {pmid39539237,
year = {2024},
author = {Singh, N and Wigmann, C and Vijay, P and Phuleria, HC and Kress, S and Majmudar, G and Kong, R and Krutmann, J and Schikowski, T},
title = {Combined Effect of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Skin Aging Phenotypes in the Era of Climate Change: Results From an Indian Cohort Study.},
journal = {Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/derm.2024.0301},
pmid = {39539237},
issn = {2162-5220},
abstract = {Background: There is no doubt that global warming, with its extreme heat events, is having an increasing impact on human health. Heat is not independent of ambient temperature but acts synergistically with relative humidity (RH) to increase the risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Although the skin is the organ in direct contact with the environment, it is currently unknown whether skin health is similarly affected. Objective: While mechanistic studies have demonstrated the mechanism of thermal aging, this is the first epidemiological study to investigate the effect of long-term exposure to heat index (HI) as a combined function of elevated ambient temperature and RH on skin aging phenotypes in Indian women. Methods: The skin aging phenotypes of 1510 Indian women were assessed using the Score of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Skin Aging (SCINEXA™) scoring tool. We used data on ambient temperature and RH, combined into an HI with solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and air pollution (particulate matter <2.5 µm [PM2.5]; nitrogen dioxide [NO2]) from secondary data sources with a 5-year mean residential exposure window. An adjusted ordinal multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the effects of HI on skin aging phenotypes. Results: HI increased pigmentation such as hyperpigmented macula on the forehead (odds ratios [OR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 1.54) and coarse wrinkles such as crow's feet (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.30) and under-eye wrinkles (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.47). These associations were robust to the confounding effects of solar UVR and age. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, as indicated by high HI, contributes to skin aging phenotypes. Conclusion: Thus, ambient temperature and RH are important factors in assessing the skin aging exposome.},
}

@article {pmid39538855,
year = {2024},
author = {Cheng, W and Guo, C and Wang, J and Shi, S and Chen, Y and Wang, P and Niu, H and Hu, G and Cui, Y and Yun, B},
title = {Flexible and reconfigurable integrated optical filter based on tunable optical coupler cascaded with coupled resonator optical waveguide.},
journal = {Optics express},
volume = {32},
number = {14},
pages = {24058-24071},
doi = {10.1364/OE.524798},
pmid = {39538855},
issn = {1094-4087},
abstract = {Reconfigurable optical filter can satisfy diverse filtering requirements in different application scenarios and shorten development cycle. However, it is still challenging to achieve multi-functional filtering richness with high performance. Here, based on a tunable optical coupler cascaded with a coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW), a highly flexible and reconfigurable integrated optical filter is proposed and demonstrated on the low-loss silicon nitride platform. Both single injection and double injection configurations can be deployed to obtain rich spectral responses. For the single injection configuration, flat-top bandpass filter was experimentally achieved, whose shape factor could be as low as 1.648 and extinction ratio (ER) can be 37.5 dB with a bandwidth tuning range from 2.12 to 4.01 GHz. For the double injection configuration, Lorentz, triangular, sinusoidal, square, tangent-like, and interleaver spectral responses have been reconfigured by controlling seven phase shifters. Moreover, both single and double free spectral ranges (FSR) can be obtained for a fixed ring perimeter in the double injection configuration. The measured ER for the notch filter of Lorentz responses with double FSR is 36.8 dB. We believe that the proposed device has great potential for reconfigurable photonic filtering and microwave photonic signal processing.},
}

@article {pmid39522295,
year = {2024},
author = {Musálek, M and Malambo, C and Chrudimský, J and Kokštejn, J and Bačáková, R and Vokounová, Š},
title = {Strength-agility and fine motor are differently associated with non-verbal intelligence in dependency to sex and age in school children: Structural equation modelling multigroup approach.},
journal = {Acta psychologica},
volume = {251},
number = {},
pages = {104546},
doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104546},
pmid = {39522295},
issn = {1873-6297},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Motor Skills/physiology ; Sex Factors ; Age Factors ; Child Development/physiology ; Latent Class Analysis ; Czech Republic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In today's digital age, demanding to interpret vast quantities of visual information with speed and accuracy, nonverbal Intelligence has become increasingly crucial for children, as it plays a key role in cognitive development and learning. While motor proficiency has been positively linked to various cognitive functions in children, its relationship with nonverbal Intelligence remains an open question. This study, therefore, explored the structural associations between motor proficiency and nonverbal Intelligence in school-aged children (6 to 11 years), focusing on potential age and sex-specific patterns.

METHODS: Data were obtained from 396 children aged 6 to 11 (214 boys, 182 girls; mean age 8.9 years ±1.3) divided into younger children 6-8 years and older Children 9-11 years. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2), and non-verbal Intelligence was evaluated with the Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM). We conducted multigroup structural modelling with non-verbal Intelligence as a dependent latent variable.

RESULTS: The BOT-2 and RPM models demonstrated an acceptable fit in Czech children. Strength-agility and Fine motor control emerged as the strongest predictors of nonverbal intelligence level assessed by five sets of RPM. Age-specific analyses revealed that the Strength-agility construct was consistently a significant predictor of nonverbal intelligence level in both age categories. However, in older children, also Fine motor control was significantly linked to nonverbal intelligence level. Sex-specific differences were also observed in the structural modelling results, indicating significant predictor non-invariance based on participants' sex. In girls, both Fine motor control and the Strength-agility constructs were significant predictors of nonverbal Intelligence level, showing stronger associations with nonverbal Intelligence than boys. For boys, only the Strength-agility construct was a significant predictor of RPM performance.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a nuanced age- and sex-specific relationship between children's motor proficiency and nonverbal Intelligence. The findings underscore the need for targeted physical interventions, particularly those emphasising fine motor and strength-agility exercises, to ensure equitable opportunities for motor skill development. Such interventions may enhance physical abilities and support cognitive development in an increasingly digital world.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Child
*Intelligence/physiology
*Motor Skills/physiology
Sex Factors
Age Factors
Child Development/physiology
Latent Class Analysis
Czech Republic

@article {pmid39520985,
year = {2024},
author = {Urban, L and Becker, R and Ochs, A and Sicks, F and Brecht, M and Kaufmann, LV},
title = {Water-hose tool use and showering behavior by Asian elephants.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {23},
pages = {5602-5606.e1},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.017},
pmid = {39520985},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Elephants/physiology ; Female ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Water ; Animals, Zoo/physiology ; },
abstract = {Since Jane Goodall's famous observations of stick tool use by chimpanzees,[1] animal tool use has been observed in numerous species, including many primates, dolphins, and birds. Some animals, such as New Caledonian crows, even craft tools.[2][,][3] Elephants frequently use tools[4][,][5] and also modify them.[6] We studied water-hose tool use in Asian zoo elephants. Flexibility, extension, and water flow make hoses exceptionally complex tools. Individual elephants differed markedly in their water-hose handling. Female elephant Mary displayed sophisticated hose-showering behaviors. She showed lateralized hose handling, systematically showered her body, and coordinated the trunk-held water hose with limb behaviors. Mary usually grasped the hose behind the tip, using it as a stiff shower head. To reach her back, however, she grasped the hose further from the tip and swung it on her back, using hose flexibility and ballistics. Aggressive interactions between Mary and the younger female elephant, Anchali, ensued around Mary's showering time. At some point, Anchali started pulling the water hose toward herself, lifting and kinking it, then regrasping and compressing the kink. This kink-and-clamp behavior disrupted water flow and was repeated in several sessions as a strict sequence of maneuvers. The efficacy of water flow disruption increased over time. In control experiments with multiple hoses, it was not clear whether Anchali specifically targeted Mary's showering hose. We also observed Anchali pressing down on the water hose, performing an on-hose trunk stand, which also disrupted water flow. We conclude that elephants show sophisticated hose tool use and manipulation. VIDEO ABSTRACT.},
}

Animals
*Elephants/physiology
Female
*Tool Use Behavior
Water
Animals, Zoo/physiology

@article {pmid39513185,
year = {2024},
author = {Hospers, L and Dillon, GA and McLachlan, AJ and Alexander, LM and Kenney, WL and Capon, A and Ebi, KL and Ashworth, E and Jay, O and Mavros, Y},
title = {The effect of prescription and over-the-counter medications on core temperature in adults during heat stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {EClinicalMedicine},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {102886},
pmid = {39513185},
issn = {2589-5370},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Heat stress impacts are an escalating global health concern. Public health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) warn that certain medications impair thermoregulation, with limited supporting evidence. Our aim was to investigate whether medications listed by the WHO increase core temperature responses during heat stress.

METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched up to Jan.30, 2024. Randomised studies exposing humans to exertional and/or passive heat stress that investigated a drug identified by WHO compared to no drug/placebo were eligible. The primary outcome was core temperature (e.g., rectal, oesophageal, aural, tympanic). We assessed risk of bias (Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2) and certainty of evidence (GRADE). The study was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020170684).

FINDINGS: Thirty-five studies were included enrolling 353 individuals (16 women; 4.5%). Twenty-seven unique medications were tested. The average age of participants across studies was <30 years, and only one study included a clinical population. Under heat stress, there was moderate quality evidence that drugs with high anticholinergic properties increased core temperature at air temperatures ≥30°C (+0.42°C; 95% CI 0.04, 0.79°C; p = 0.03) alongside reduced sweating, although evidence is limited to the drug atropine. Similarly, non-selective beta-blockers (+0.11°C; 95% CI 0.02, 0.19°C; p = 0.02), adrenaline (+0.41°C; 95% CI 0.21, 0.61°C) and anti-Parkinson's agents (+0.13°C; 95% CI 0.07, 0.19°C; p = 0.02) elevated core temperature. Antidepressants, diuretics, or drugs with weak anticholinergic effects did not alter core temperature responses.

INTERPRETATION: Current evidence supports strong anticholinergics, non-selective beta-blockers, adrenaline, and anti-Parkinson's agents impairing thermoregulation during heat stress. No evidence indicated thermoregulation is impacted by other WHO-listed medications. Evidence is predominantly limited to healthy young men, with short heat stress exposures. Studies over longer durations, in women, older adults and those with chronic diseases are required to better inform the pharmaceutical management of patients during hot weather.

FUNDING: This study was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant (2021/GNT2009507; Holder: O. Jay).},
}

@article {pmid39512141,
year = {2024},
author = {Gutema, BT and Sorrie, MB and Batire, S and Hailu Zewdie, T and Levecke, B and Abubakar, A and De Henauw, S and Abbeddou, S},
title = {Association of Chronic Malnutrition, and Not Anemia, with Cognitive Development in Ethiopian Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study.},
journal = {Ecology of food and nutrition},
volume = {63},
number = {6},
pages = {647-668},
doi = {10.1080/03670244.2024.2426104},
pmid = {39512141},
issn = {1543-5237},
mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; Female ; *Cognition/physiology ; Child ; Male ; *Malnutrition/epidemiology ; *Nutritional Status ; *Anemia/epidemiology ; Child Development ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Body Mass Index ; Chronic Disease ; Thinness/epidemiology ; Adolescent ; Body Height ; },
abstract = {This study assesses the associations between nutritional status and cognitive development of schoolchildren. A unit increase in height-for-age Z-score was associated with 0.12 SD, 0.08 SD and 0.12 SD increase in standardized digit span, Raven's colored progressive metrics, and performance index of visual search task, respectively. A unit increase in body-mass-index-for-age Z-score was associated with 0.11 SD increase in standardized digit span. Hemoglobin concentration was not associated with any of the cognitive outcomes. Chronic malnutrition was associated with cognitive development in schoolchildren while thinness and hemoglobin concentrations were associated with selected or no cognitive outcomes, respectively.},
}

Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ethiopia/epidemiology
Female
*Cognition/physiology
Child
Male
*Malnutrition/epidemiology
*Nutritional Status
*Anemia/epidemiology
Child Development
Hemoglobins/analysis
Body Mass Index
Chronic Disease
Thinness/epidemiology
Adolescent
Body Height

@article {pmid39506848,
year = {2024},
author = {Xu, X and Jigeer, G and Gunn, DA and Liu, Y and Chen, X and Guo, Y and Li, Y and Gu, X and Ma, Y and Wang, J and Wang, S and Sun, L and Lin, X and Gao, X},
title = {Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia risk.},
journal = {Alzheimer's research & therapy},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {245},
pmid = {39506848},
issn = {1758-9193},
support = {JIF201036Y//the Startup grant at Fudan University/ ; XDB38010300//Strategic Priority CAS Project/ ; 2017SHZDZX01//Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 81970684//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; *Dementia/epidemiology ; Aged ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; *Aging ; Face ; Risk Factors ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; China/epidemiology ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Prospective Studies ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia are all age-related conditions. However, the temporal relation between facial age and future risk of dementia was not systematically examined.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between facial age (both subjective/perceived and objective) and cognitive impairment and/or dementia risk.

METHODS: The study included 195,329 participants (age ≥ 60 y) from the UK Biobank (UKB) with self-perceived facial age and 612 participants from the Nutrition and Health of Aging Population in China Project (NHAPC) study (age ≥ 56 y) with objective assessment of facial age. Cox proportional hazards model was used to prospectively examine the hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of self-perceived facial age and dementia risk in the UKB, adjusting for age, sex, education, APOE ε4 allele, and other potential confounders. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to examine the cross-sectional association between facial age (perceived and objective) and cognitive impairment in the UKB and NHAPC, with potential confounders adjusted.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 5659 dementia cases were identified in the UKB. The fully-adjusted HRs comparing high vs. low perceived facial age were 1.61 (95% CI, 1.33 ~ 1.96) for dementia (P-trend ≤ 0.001). Subjective facial age and cognitive impairment was also observed in the UKB. In the NHAPC, facial age, as assessed by three objective wrinkle parameters, was associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (P-trend < 0.05). Specifically, the fully-adjusted OR for cognitive impairment comparing the highest versus the lowest quartiles of crow's feet wrinkles number was 2.48 (95% CI, 1.06 ~ 5.78).

CONCLUSIONS: High facial age was associated with cognitive impairment, dementia and its subtypes after adjusting for conventional risk factors for dementia. Facial aging may be an indicator of cognitive decline and dementia risk in older adults, which can aid in the early diagnosis and management of age-related conditions.},
}

Humans
Female
Male
*Dementia/epidemiology
Aged
*Cognitive Dysfunction/epidemiology
Middle Aged
*Aging
Face
Risk Factors
United Kingdom/epidemiology
China/epidemiology
Aged, 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Prospective Studies

@article {pmid39506669,
year = {2024},
author = {Gona, PN and Estrada-Martinez, LM and Zhang, L and Gona, CM and Mody, A and Rao, SR and Cooper, J and Mack-Shelton, K and Chen, P and Leveille, SG and Mokdad, AH and , },
title = {Racial disparity in mortality from tuberculosis in the US between states with and without a history of Jim-Crow laws: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and risk factors study, 1990 to 2019.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {3075},
pmid = {39506669},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; United States/epidemiology ; *Tuberculosis/mortality/ethnology ; *Global Burden of Disease ; Risk Factors ; Health Status Disparities ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While TB-related mortality in the US declined four-fold from 1990 to 2019, country-level estimates of TB burden obscure within-state racial heterogeneity and changes in TB burden over time. In sixteen US Southern States and Washington DC, the effects of health inequities engendered by Jim-Crow laws enacted from the late 1800s to the 1960s have not been evaluated for TB-related mortality. We, therefore, sought to compare TB mortality rates and annualized rate of change (AROC) between 1990 and 2019 in former Jim-Crow vs. non-Jim-Crow states to help guide response efforts and inform resource prioritization to improve racial equity.

METHODS: We evaluated whether TB-related mortality varied over time, from 1990 to 2019, between states that have a history of enacting Jim-Crow laws vs. states with no such history using estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019). TB mortality per 100,000 population and bootstrap 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were modeled using the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) framework with varying combinations of predictive covariates. For changes over time, we present age-standardized AROC as the percent difference in the natural logarithm of the rate in 1990 and 2019 divided by 30 (i.e., 100*[ln(2019 Rate/1990 Rate)/(30)) and the corresponding 95% UIs.

RESULTS: TB-related mortality in all US states declined between 1990 and 2019. From 1990 to 2019, most former Jim-Crow states had higher mortality rates than states that did not enact Jim-Crow laws. The most significant decline in TB mortality was in Washington DC, with a six-fold decline from 2.69 (2.46-2.96) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 0.45(0.37-0.55) in 2019, corresponding to an AROC of -0.83% (-0.86;-0.79). The lowest decline was in Iowa, from 0.30 (0.27-0.33) to 0.09 (0.07-0.11) (AROC: -0.70% (-0.76; -0.63)). Eleven of the 16 states and Washington DC in the third tertile of TB mortality rate in 1990 (range 0.81-2.69) had a history of Jim-Crow laws, whereas none of the 17 states in the first tertile (range 0.30-0.51) had such history. Conversely, mortality decreased relatively slowly in former Jim-Crow states than in non-Jim-Crow states.

CONCLUSIONS: Even though the 1964 Civil Rights Act dismantled Jim-Crow statutes, racial inequities in TB burden experienced by past generations may still be felt in subsequent generations. Understanding the role of structural racism at the intersection of science and medicine shows the complex ways historical laws, such as Jim-Crow laws, continue to negatively impact health outcomes and warn of future dangers, such as COVID-19, to avoid.},
}

Humans
United States/epidemiology
*Tuberculosis/mortality/ethnology
*Global Burden of Disease
Risk Factors
Health Status Disparities

@article {pmid39500372,
year = {2024},
author = {Temeroli, E and Jelbert, SA and Lambert, ML},
title = {Do kea parrots infer the weight of objects from their movement in a breeze?.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {20},
number = {11},
pages = {20240405},
pmid = {39500372},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {//Austrian Science Fund/ ; /BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Parrots/physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Female ; Weight Perception/physiology ; Movement ; },
abstract = {Weight, though it cannot be seen directly, pervades nearly every aspect of an animal's life. However, the extent to which non-human animals reason about the property of weight remains poorly understood. Recent evidence highlights birds as a promising group for testing this ability: for example, New Caledonian crows can infer the weight of objects after observing their movements in a breeze. Here, we tested for similar weight inference abilities in kea (Nestor notabilis), a parrot species known for its sophisticated problem-solving skills. Subjects were trained to exchange objects of a target weight (light or heavy) for a food reward. They were then allowed to observe pairs of novel objects (one light and one heavy) hung in front of an electric fan in both an experimental condition (fan on, light object moving) and a control condition (fan off, both objects motionless). The birds were subsequently presented with test trials in which they could use the information from the demonstration to select an object of their target weight. We found that, unlike New Caledonian crows, kea did not perform significantly better on trials in which they observed the objects' movements and discussed our findings within the context of the kea's highly explorative nature.},
}

Animals
*Parrots/physiology
Male
Problem Solving/physiology
Female
Weight Perception/physiology
Movement

@article {pmid39496638,
year = {2024},
author = {Aliabadi, MJ and Radmehr, M},
title = {Hybrid energy system optimization integrated with battery storage in radial distribution networks considering reliability and a robust framework.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {26597},
pmid = {39496638},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {This research presents a robust optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-battery (PV/WT/Batt) system in distribution networks to reduce active losses and voltage deviation while also enhancing network customer reliability considering production and network load uncertainties. The best installation position and capacity of the hybrid system (HS) are found via an improved crow search algorithm with an inertia weight technique. The robust optimization issue, taking into account the risk of uncertainty, is described using the gap information decision theory method. The proposed approach is used with 33- and 69-bus networks. The results reveal that the HS optimization in the network reduces active losses and voltage variations, while improving network customer reliability. The robust optimization results show that in the 33-bus network, the system remains resilient to prediction errors under the worst-case uncertainty scenario, with a 44.53% reduction in production and a 22.18% increase in network demand for a 30% uncertainty budget. Similarly, in the 69-bus network, the system withstands a 36.22% reduction in production and a 16.97% increase in load for a 25% uncertainty budget. When comparing stochastic and robust methods, it was found that the stochastic Monte Carlo method could not consistently provide a reliable solution for all objectives under uncertainty, whereas the robust approach successfully managed the maximum uncertainty related to renewable generation and network demand across different uncertainty budgets.},
}

@article {pmid39494417,
year = {2024},
author = {Shankar, GS and Onyema, EM and Kavin, BP and Gude, V and Prasad, BS},
title = {Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Virtualization and Extreme Learning Algorithm Based on Deep Feed Forward Networks.},
journal = {Biomedical engineering and computational biology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {11795972241278907},
pmid = {39494417},
issn = {1179-5972},
abstract = {One of the leading causes of death for women worldwide is breast cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of breast cancer-related death. Cloud computing and machine learning are crucial for disease diagnosis today, but they are especially important for those who live in distant places with poor access to healthcare. While machine learning-based diagnosis tools act as primary readers and aid radiologists in correctly diagnosing diseases, cloud-based technology can also assist remote diagnostics and telemedicine services. The promise of techniques based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for sickness diagnosis has attracted the attention of several re-searchers. The 4 methods for the proposed research include preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. A Smart Window Vestige Deletion (SWVD) technique is initially suggested for preprocessing. It consists of Savitzky-Golay (S-G) smoothing, updated 2-stage filtering, and adaptive time window division. This technique separates each channel into multiple time periods by adaptively pre-analyzing its specificity. On each window, an altered 2-stage filtering process is then used to retrieve some tumor information. After applying S-G smoothing and integrating the broken time sequences, the process is complete. In order to deliver effective feature extraction, the Deep Residual based Multiclass for architecture (DRMFA) is used. In histological photos, identify characteristics at the cellular and tissue levels in both tiny and large size patches. Finally, a fresh customized strategy that combines a better crow forage-ELM. Deep learning and the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) are concepts that have been developed (ACF-ELM). When it comes to diagnosing ailments, the cloud-based ELM performs similarly to certain cutting-edge technology. The cloud-based ELM approach beats alternative solutions, according to the DDSM and INbreast dataset results. Significant experimental results show that the accuracy for data inputs is 0.9845, the precision is 0.96, the recall is 0.94, and the F1 score is 0.95.},
}

@article {pmid39492799,
year = {2024},
author = {Hess, KZ and Forsythe, KR and Wang, X and Arredondo-Navarro, A and Tipling, G and Jones, J and Mata, M and Hughes, V and Martin, C and Doyle, J and Scott, J and Minghetti, M and Jilling, A and Cerrato, JM and El Hayek, E and Gonzalez-Estrella, J},
title = {Emerging investigator series: open dumping and burning: an overlooked source of terrestrial microplastics in underserved communities.},
journal = {Environmental science. Processes & impacts},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39492799},
issn = {2050-7895},
support = {P50 MD015706/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; R15 ES034901/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Open dumping and burning of solid waste are widely practiced in underserved communities lacking access to solid waste management facilities; however, the generation of microplastics from these sites has been overlooked. We report elevated concentrations of microplastics (MPs) in soil of three solid waste open dump and burn sites: a single-family site in Tuttle, Oklahoma, USA, and two community-wide sites in Crow Agency and Lodge Grass, Montana, USA. We extracted, quantified, and characterized MPs from two soil depths (0-9 cm and 9-18 cm). The average of abundance of particles found at community-wide sites three sites (18, 460 particles kg[-1] soil) equals or exceeds reported concentrations from currently understood sources of MPs including biosolids application and other agricultural practices. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) identified polyethylene as the dominant polymer across all sites (46.2-84.8%). We also detected rayon (≤11.5%), polystyrene (up to 11.5%), polyethylene terephthalate (≤5.1), polyvinyl chloride (≤4.4%), polyester (≤3.1), and acrylic (≤2.2%). Burned MPs accounted for 76.3 to 96.9% of the MPs found in both community wide dumping sites. These results indicate that solid waste dumping and burning activities are a major source of thermally oxidized MPs for the surrounding terrestrial environment with potential to negatively affect underserved communities.},
}

@article {pmid39475969,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, J and Zhou, F and Yan, H and Liang, W},
title = {Breeding stages affect egg recognition in azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus).},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {71},
pmid = {39475969},
issn = {1435-9456},
support = {No. 32160242//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Nos. 31970427 and 32270526//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ovum ; Female ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Passeriformes/physiology ; China ; },
abstract = {Egg rejection often involves a cognitive process of recognizing foreign eggs, which can vary not only between species or among different individuals of the same species, but also within the same individual during different breeding stages, leading to markedly different responses to parasitic eggs. We conducted a comparative study in Wuhan, Hubei, and Fusong, Jilin, China, on the recognition and rejection behavior of azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) at different breeding stages (pre-egg-laying, one-host-egg, multi-host-egg and early incubation stages). In the Fusong population, there was a significant difference in the rejection rate of model eggs by azure-winged magpies at different stages of the egg-laying period. During the one-host-egg stage, the rejection rate (63.6%) was significantly lower than that during the pre-egg-laying stage (85.7%) and the multi-host-egg stage (100%). The population of azure-winged magpies in Wuhan exhibited a 100% rejection rate towards model eggs during the pre-egg-laying stage. Furthermore, during the incubation stage, azure-winged magpies were able to accurately recognize and reject foreign eggs even when those were in majority. This indicates that azure-winged magpies employ a template-based recognition mechanism rather than relying on discordance mechanism for recognition after the onset of incubation. This study suggests that while azure-winged magpies can truly recognize their own eggs, different breeding stages still influence their rejection response towards parasitic eggs, especially during the pre-egg-laying and egg laying stages.},
}

Animals
*Ovum
Female
*Recognition, Psychology
Passeriformes/physiology
China

@article {pmid39474474,
year = {2024},
author = {Helmstetter, NA and Conway, CJ and Roberts, S and Adams, JR and Makela, PD and Waits, LP},
title = {Predator-specific mortality of sage-grouse nests based on predator DNA on eggshells.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {e70213},
pmid = {39474474},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Greater sage-grouse (hereafter sage-grouse; Centrocercus urophasianus) populations have declined across their range. Increased nest predation as a result of anthropogenic land use is one mechanism proposed to explain these declines. However, sage-grouse contend with a diverse suite of nest predators that vary in functional traits (e.g., search tactics or hunting mode) and abundance. Consequently, generalizing about factors influencing nest fate is challenging. Identifying the explicit predator species responsible for nest predation events is, therefore, critical to understanding causal mechanisms linking land use to patterns of sage-grouse nest success. Cattle grazing is often assumed to adversely affect sage-grouse recruitment by reducing grass height (and hence cover), thereby facilitating nest detection by predators. However, recent evidence found little support for the hypothesized effect of grazing on nest fate at the pasture scale. Rather, nest success appears to be similar on pastures grazed at varying intensities. One possible explanation for the lack of observed effect involves a localized response by one or more nest predators. The presence of cattle may cause a temporary reduction in predator density and/or use within a pasture (the cattle avoidance hypothesis). The cattle avoidance hypothesis predicts a decreased probability of at least one sage-grouse nest predator predating sage-grouse nests in pastures with livestock relative to pastures without livestock present during the nesting season. To test the cattle avoidance hypothesis, we collected predator DNA from eggshells from predated nests and used genetic methods to identify the sage-grouse nest predator(s) responsible for the predation event. We evaluated the influence of habitat and grazing on predator-specific nest predation. We evaluated the efficacy of our genetic method by deploying artificial nests with trail cameras and compared the results of our genetic method to the species captured via trail camera. Our molecular methods identified at least one nest predator captured predating artificial nests via trail camera for 33 of 35 (94%) artificial nests. We detected nest predators via our molecular analysis at 76 of 114 (67%) predated sage-grouse nests. The primary predators detected at sage-grouse nests were coyotes (Canis latrans) and corvids (Corvidea). Grazing did not influence the probability of nest predation by either coyotes or corvids. Sagebrush canopy cover was negatively associated with the probability a coyote predated a nest, distance to water was positively associated with the probability a corvid predated a nest, and average minimum temperature was negatively associated with the probability that either a coyote or a corvid predated a nest. Our study provides a framework for implementing an effective, non-invasive method for identifying sage-grouse nest predators that can be used to better understand how management actions at local and regional scales may impact an important component of sage-grouse recruitment.},
}

@article {pmid39473055,
year = {2024},
author = {Gupta, K and Mandal, R and Chatterjee, P},
title = {Navigating the landscape of cervical cancer in India: Epidemiology, prevention, current status, and emerging solutions.},
journal = {The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research},
volume = {50 Suppl 1},
number = {},
pages = {55-64},
doi = {10.1111/jog.16030},
pmid = {39473055},
issn = {1447-0756},
mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data ; Health Policy ; India/epidemiology ; Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage ; *Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Aged ; },
abstract = {Cervical cancer poses a significant health burden for women worldwide, particularly in India. Despite global progress, India's mortality rate, with 79 906 deaths, remains disproportionately high at approximately 11.2 per 100 000 women compared to the global average of 7.1 per 100 000 women. India's NPCDCS and other initiatives focus on VIA screening for women aged 30-65. The National Health Policy 2017 emphasizes primary healthcare enhancement, allocating two-thirds of the budget. Ayushman Bharat promotes universal health coverage, including Health and Wellness Centers and PM-JAY. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Cancer Grid offer hope for improved cancer care. Leveraging technology, strengthening infrastructure, integrating services, promoting awareness, and enhancing HPV vaccination are crucial. By addressing barriers, improving access, and fostering collaboration, the cervical cancer burden can be reduced, ensuring better health outcomes for women nationwide.},
}

Adult
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
*Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data
Health Policy
India/epidemiology
Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage
*Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control/epidemiology
Aged

@article {pmid39466899,
year = {2024},
author = {Cardeña, E},
title = {An homage to Steven Jay Lynn.},
journal = {The American journal of clinical hypnosis},
volume = {66},
number = {4},
pages = {357-359},
doi = {10.1080/00029157.2024.2396776},
pmid = {39466899},
issn = {2160-0562},
}

@article {pmid39465599,
year = {2024},
author = {Coombs, S and Trestman, M},
title = {A multi-trait embodied framework for the evolution of brains and cognition across animal phyla.},
journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-52},
doi = {10.1017/S0140525X24000335},
pmid = {39465599},
issn = {1469-1825},
abstract = {Among non-human animals, crows, octopuses and honeybees are well-known for their complex brains and cognitive abilities. Widening the lens from the idiosyncratic abilities of exemplars like these to those of animals across the phylogenetic spectrum begins to reveal the ancient evolutionary process by which complex brains and cognition first arose in different lineages. The distribution of 35 phenotypic traits in 17 metazoan lineages reveals that brain and cognitive complexity in only three lineages (vertebrates, cephalopod mollusks, and euarthropods) can be attributed to the pivotal role played by body, sensory, brain and motor traits in active visual sensing and visuomotor skills. Together, these pivotal traits enabled animals to transition from largely reactive to more proactive behaviors, and from slow and two-dimensional motion to more rapid and complex three-dimensional motion. Among pivotal traits, high-resolution eyes and laminated visual regions of the brain stand out because they increased the processing demands on and the computational power of the brain by several orders of magnitude. The independent acquisition of pivotal traits in cognitively complex (CC) lineages can be explained as the completion of several multi-trait transitions over the course of evolutionary history, each resulting in an increasing level of complexity that arises from a distinct combination of traits. Whereas combined pivotal traits represent the highest level of complexity in CC lineages, combined traits at lower levels characterize many non-CC lineages, suggesting that certain body, sensory and brain traits may have been linked (the trait-linkage hypothesis) during the evolution of both CC and non-CC lineages.},
}

@article {pmid39463698,
year = {2024},
author = {Kryukov, AP and Kryukov, KA and Collier, K and Fang, B and Edwards, SV},
title = {Mitogenomics clarifies the position of the Nearctic magpies (Pica hudsonia and Pica nuttalli) within the Holarctic magpie radiation.},
journal = {Current zoology},
volume = {70},
number = {5},
pages = {618-630},
pmid = {39463698},
issn = {1674-5507},
abstract = {Partial separation of a peripheral population may lead to its divergence and, potentially, speciation due to genetic drift followed by selection and geographic isolation. This process may cause taxonomic uncertainty because reproductive isolation in allopatry cannot be verified directly. The two Nearctic allopatric species of magpies (Aves, Corvidae: Pica) serve as a good example of these problems. The Black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia is widely distributed in North America, whereas the Yellow-billed Magpie Pica nuttalli is endemic to a restricted range in California. Their relationships with Palearctic species have been little studied. We obtained complete mitochondrial genomes of both Nearctic magpie species, along with the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) and the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica), 20 mitogenomes in total. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a basal position of P. serica, and P. pica as a sister clade to the two Nearctic species. P. hudsonia and P. nuttalli form reciprocal monophyletic subclades, showing recent divergence between and within them. Our data show that the Nearctic magpie lineage diverged from the common ancestor with P. pica, with a single migration wave via the Beringia. Within the Nearctic, we hypothesize a peripatric mode of speciation among Pica taxa due to the divergence and separation of the small marginal population in California below the Sierra-Nevada mountains. Diversifying amino acid substitutions in ND4-ND5-ND6 genes along the branch leading to the New World clade may indicate selection for heat-tolerance. Considering the clear phenotypic differences between P. hudsonia and P. nuttalli, our data, showing their reciprocal monophylies and genetic distinctness, is consistent with the two-species taxonomy.},
}

@article {pmid39463687,
year = {2024},
author = {Yuan, K and Yang, S and Liu, J and Liang, W},
title = {Responses of birds to observers holding popguns: Hunting history influences escape behavior of urban birds.},
journal = {Current zoology},
volume = {70},
number = {5},
pages = {631-636},
pmid = {39463687},
issn = {1674-5507},
abstract = {Human activities affect bird behavior both directly and indirectly. Birds constantly regulate their behavior in response to human disturbance. Gun hunting, a major directional disturbance, puts enormous selection pressure on birds. In China, gun bans have been in place for nearly 30 years, and little hunting using guns occurs in modern cities. However, little attention has been paid to whether a history of hunting still affects the behavioral adaptations of urban birds. In this study, we compared the flight initiation distance (FID) of the Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus, Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus, Common hoopoe Upupa epops and Eurasian magpie Pica pica in the presence of observers with or without popguns. The Eurasian tree sparrow, Azure-winged magpie, and Eurasian magpie effectively recognized the difference between the observers, and perceived the armed observer as a greater threat, exhibiting earlier escape behavior, but this phenomenon was not found in the Common hoopoe. The different expressions in FID of experimental bird species in China cities may be affected by the different levels of recognition of hunting pressure due to different hunting histories.},
}

@article {pmid39460872,
year = {2024},
author = {Govindharaj, V and Herald Victor, MBB and Garber, PA and Parthasarathy, TN},
title = {Nest raiding by bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) and the response of nest guarding birds in a suburban habitat.},
journal = {Primates; journal of primatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39460872},
issn = {1610-7365},
support = {PU/AD-3/URF-Extension/025191/23F85502/204//Periyar University/ ; },
abstract = {In many primate species, nest raiding is a form of opportunistic foraging behavior designed to acquire protein-rich eggs and nestlings. In urban environments, this is a significant cause of nest failure in birds. Here, we describe nest raiding and egg predation in bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) inhabiting a suburban area of Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. During nest raiding, large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) and house crows (Corvus splendens), actively defended their nest from the macaques. When several macaque foragers jointly raided the nest, they were successful in obtaining and consuming the eggs. In contrast, when a solitary macaque attempted to raid the nest, it was unsuccessful. Bird size appeared to play an important role in nest defense. Small birds, such as the scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) and the purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) were not able to protect their nests from lone bonnet macaques. These observations indicate that in urban landscapes, bonnet macaques are egg predators of many bird species. When macaques coordinate their actions and forage in small subgroups, they were more successful in preying on the eggs of larger-bodied bird species.},
}

@article {pmid39458342,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, B and Wang, Y and Dong, Y and Cui, Q and Zeng, Z and He, S and Zhao, W and Lancuo, Z and Li, S and Wang, W},
title = {The Catalog of Microbial Genes and Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from the Gut Microbiomes of Five Typical Crow Species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39458342},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022-HZ-812//the program of science and technology international coop-654 eration project of Qinghai province/ ; },
abstract = {While considerable progress has been made in understanding the complex relationships between gut microbiomes and their hosts, especially in mammals and humans, the functions of these microbial communities in avian species remain largely unexplored. This gap in knowledge is particularly notable, given the critical roles gut microbiomes are known to play in facilitating crucial physiological functions, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system development. Corvidae birds are omnivorous and widely distributed across various habitats, exhibiting strong adaptability and often displaying the traits of accompanying humans. However, to date, information on species composition, sequenced genomes, and functional characteristics of crow gut microbes is lacking. Herein, we constructed the first relatively comprehensive crows gut microbial gene catalog (2.74 million genes) and 195 high-quality and medium-quality metagenome-assembled genomes using 53 metagenomic samples from five typical crow species (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, Corvus dauuricus, Corvus frugilegus, Corvus macrorhynchos, and Corvus corax) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The species composition of gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels was revealed for these five crow species. Simultaneously, numerous types of prevalent pathogenic bacteria were identified, indicating the potential of these crows to transmit diseases within the local community. At the functional level, we annotated a total of 356 KEGG functional pathways, six CAZyme categories, and 3607 virulence factor genes in the gut microbiomes of the crows. The gut microbiota of five distinct crow species underwent a comparative analysis, which uncovered significant differences in their composition, diversity, and functional structures. Over 36% of MAGs showed no overlap with existing databases, suggesting they might represent new species. Consequently, these findings enriched the dataset of microbial genomes associated with crows' digestive systems. Overall, this study offers crucial baseline information regarding the gut microbial gene catalog and genomes in crows, potentially aiding microbiome-based research, as well as an evaluation of the health risks to humans from the bacterial pathogens transmitted by wild birds.},
}

@article {pmid39457130,
year = {2024},
author = {Bello, A and Ferraresi, P and Pallini, S and Perucchini, P and Lonigro, A},
title = {Which Factors Predict L2 Receptive Vocabulary and Expressive Syntax in Bilingual Children from Low-SES Families?.},
journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39457130},
issn = {2227-9067},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The objective of the current study was two-fold. First, it aimed to estimate receptive vocabulary and expressive syntax skills in L2 Italian among early sequential/simultaneous bilingual children of migrant single-mother families with very low socioeconomic status (SES). This objective was achieved by matching the participants' performance with normative data. Secondly, this study aimed to identify which individual and language exposure factors contributed to learning L2 vocabulary and syntax.

METHODS: Twenty-four early sequential/simultaneous bilingual children (age range = 5.10-12.4 years) and their mothers were enrolled. Mothers answered questions about linguistic biography and demographic information. Children completed Lexical Comprehension, Sentence Repetition, and Non-Word Repetition tasks from the Language Assessment Battery for 4-12-year-olds to, respectively, assess receptive vocabulary, expressive syntax, and phonological processing. Moreover, non-verbal intellectual functioning was evaluated by the Raven's Test.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Compared to normative data, 20 children showed lower receptive vocabulary abilities (<-1.5 SD), 24 lower expressive syntax skills (-2DS), and 7 children lower phonological processing (<-1.5 DS). Moreover, L2 phonological processing and the length of L2 exposure in an educational context positively predicted L2 receptive vocabulary as well as L2 expressive syntax skills. To date, performance in L2 among early sequential/simultaneous bilingual children from migrant households and very low SES remains underexplored. Future efforts need to be directed towards the understanding of factors that impact oral competence in L2, considering that these children will also be exposed to written L2 in the school context.},
}

@article {pmid39455458,
year = {2024},
author = {Yue, Q and Cao, Z and Li, R and Wang, Y and Rui, S and Zhang, T and Liu, L},
title = {"Folding Fan Flap": A Novel and Dependable Surgical Technique for Crow's Feet Correction by Z-Plasty of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle.},
journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39455458},
issn = {1432-5241},
support = {2021-I2M-1-052//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Funds for Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The challenge of crow's feet surgical correction is to minimize the complication caused by orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) resection while ensuring the operative effect. This study aims to propose a novel technique to solve this problem and evaluate its efficacy.

METHODS: From January 2022 to April 2024, all patients who received "Folding fan flap" in our institution were included. The outer third of the OOM below the lateral canthus was dissected and received Z-plasty to exchange width for length and reconstruct the muscle dynamics in a non-circular direction. Preoperative and postoperative smiling crow's feet were assessed by two independent physicians using the Lemperle wrinkle scale. At least six months after surgery, patient satisfaction with wrinkle correction, naturalness of facial expression, and local flattening was subjectively evaluated on a five-point scale. Complications including hematomas, incomplete eyelid closure, facial stiffness, and forehead numbness were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (63 sides) were included with a mean follow-up of 13.9 ± 5.2 months. Postoperative assessments showed a significant reduction in Lemperle's score from 4.8 ± 0.4 to 1.5 ± 0.5 (P=0.000). Regarding the satisfaction of surgical outcomes and the naturalness of facial expressions, thirty patients (93.8%) were very satisfied. There were no severe complications such as hematomas and incomplete eyelid closure.

CONCLUSION: Preliminary clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of this technique in ensuring outcomes while preserving normal dynamic expressions. By Z-plasty of the outer circle of OOM, the muscle dynamic was successfully modified rather than eradicated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .},
}

@article {pmid39448510,
year = {2024},
author = {Johnston, M and Scarf, D},
title = {Are crows smart? Let them count the ways.},
journal = {Learning & behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39448510},
issn = {1543-4508},
abstract = {Liao et al. demonstrated that crows can count out loud, revealing a level of vocal control previously unobserved in nonhuman species. This discovery suggests that rather than being judged by primate standards, birds might represent a new benchmark for vocal and perhaps broader cognitive abilities.},
}

@article {pmid39447325,
year = {2024},
author = {Kruger, RF and Pédra, MMG and Fonseca, LDS and Morales, DF and Rodrigues, GD and Marinho, MAT},
title = {The impact of burnt carcass on the occurrence probability of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia ochricornis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.},
journal = {Forensic science international},
volume = {365},
number = {},
pages = {112249},
doi = {10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112249},
pmid = {39447325},
issn = {1872-6283},
mesh = {Animals ; *Calliphoridae/growth & development ; *Forensic Entomology ; *Postmortem Changes ; Brazil ; Swine ; *Feeding Behavior ; Models, Animal ; Fires ; Linear Models ; Diptera ; },
abstract = {We evaluated the impact of burnt carcasses on the probability of finding Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and the time it took for them to arrive at the experimental carcasss. These species are biological indicators of the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic scenarios. Using stillborn pig carcasses, this study analysed how different degrees of burning affect the level of attraction and colonisation by these species. Experimental models were subjected to level 2 (CG2) and 4 (CG4) burning according to the Crow-Glassman (CG) scale, ranging from fresh to skeletonization. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) with a Binomial distribution were used to evaluate the influence of decomposition time and experimental treatment on the probability of occurrence of each species. Additionally, survival analyses with the Weibull distribution were used to investigate how long it takes until the arrival of the first fly species in each experimental group. The results indicate that burning affects the probability of occurrence and colonisation time of the studied fly species. Although both species were affected by high degrees of burning, Lucilia ochricornis was more heavily affected than Chrysomya albiceps. This pattern was reflected in the time it took for the first occurrence of each fly species. In both cases, it took longer for flies to arrive at carcasses that had been more severely burnt. In the case of C. albiceps, the longest mean time until a fly was detected (Weibull, α = 79.9 h) happened in the CG4 group, followed by the CG2 group (α = 65.6 h) and the control group (α = 51.5 h). In contrast, for L. ochricornis, the longest mean first occurrence time (α = 85.4 h) was in CG2 group, followed by the Control (α = 49.1 h) and CG4 (α = 54.4 h) groups. This study emphasises the importance of considering whether or not a carcass was burnt and its degree of burning in forensic investigations, given that this variable can influence the accuracy of PMI estimation in crime scenes.},
}

Animals
*Calliphoridae/growth & development
*Forensic Entomology
*Postmortem Changes
Brazil
Swine
*Feeding Behavior
Models, Animal
Fires
Linear Models
Diptera

@article {pmid39441044,
year = {2024},
author = {Lau, RC and Anderson, PJ and Gathercole, S and Wiley, JF and Spencer-Smith, M},
title = {Does working memory training in children need to be adaptive? A randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Child development},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/cdev.14180},
pmid = {39441044},
issn = {1467-8624},
support = {//Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University/ ; //Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship/ ; //Monash Graduate Excellence Scholarship/ ; //Tan Kah Kee Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship/ ; 1178487//National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grants/ ; 1176077//National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grants/ ; },
abstract = {Most cognitive training programs are adaptive, despite limited direct evidence that this maximizes children's outcomes. This randomized controlled trial evaluated working memory training with difficulty of activities presented using adaptive, self-select, or stepwise compared with an active control. At baseline, immediately, and 6-months post-intervention, 201 Australian primary school children (101 males, 7-11 years) completed working memory tests (near and intermediate transfer) and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and caregivers completed the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-Rating Scale-5 (far transfer). The intervention comprised ten 20-min sessions delivered in class. For each training condition, compared with the active control, there was no evidence of transfer immediately or 6-months post-intervention (negligible to small effects). This trial provides no evidence that adaptive working memory training maximizes children's outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid39440441,
year = {2024},
author = {Mazengenya, P and Manger, PR},
title = {Nuclear parcellation of pontine catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons in gray parrots and pied crow brains.},
journal = {Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ar.25593},
pmid = {39440441},
issn = {1932-8494},
support = {2022-IRG-MED-3//Ajman University Research Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Employing immunohistochemical procedures with antibodies raised against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase we identified and mapped the locus coeruleus complex (LoC) and the pontine laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) and pedunculopontine tegmental (PPN) cholinergic nuclei in the brains of a Congo gray parrot, a timneh gray parrot, and a pied crow. The LoC and LDT/PPN are centrally involved in the regulation and generation of different sleep states, and as all birds studied to date show both REM and non-REM sleep states, like mammals, we investigated whether these noradrenergic and cholinergic nuclei in the avian pons shared anatomical features with those in the mammalian pons. The LoC was parcellated into 3 distinct nuclei, including the locus coeruleus (A6), subcoeruleus (A7), and the fifth arcuate nucleus (A5), while distinct LDT and PPN nuclei were revealed. Several similarities that allow the assumption of homology of these nuclei between birds and mammals were revealed, including their location relative to each other and other structures within the pontine region, as well as a specific degree of topographical overlap of the noradrenergic and cholinergic neurons. Despite this, some differences were noted that may be of interest in understanding the differences in sleep between birds and mammals. Further anatomical and physiological studies are needed to determine whether these pontine nuclei in birds play the same role as in mammals, as while the homology is apparent, the functional analogy needs to be revealed.},
}

@article {pmid39437743,
year = {2024},
author = {Taylor, AH and Johnston, M},
title = {How do animals understand the physical world?.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {20},
pages = {R996-R999},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.005},
pmid = {39437743},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Environment ; },
abstract = {The natural world is full of examples of animals interacting with their physical environment in surprising ways: capuchin monkeys crack open nuts with rocks; dolphins use sponges as 'gloves' on their rostra when searching for prey on the sea floor; and New Caledonian crows manufacture stick tools to pull grubs from logs (Figure 1). Deeper into the phylogenetic tree we continue to see interesting examples of behaviors of this kind, such as octopuses using coconut shells for protection, tuskfish breaking open cockles by hitting them against coral heads, and bees learning to pull string to gain out-of-reach food. These sophisticated behavioral interactions with their physical environment suggest that animals might have a deep understanding of their physical world at a cognitive level. In this primer, we review the performances of a variety of species when faced with tasks that probe their understanding of their physical world.},
}

Animals
*Behavior, Animal/physiology
*Cognition/physiology
Environment

@article {pmid39435948,
year = {2024},
author = {Hoffmann, DE},
title = {Charity Scott - A Masterful Teacher.},
journal = {The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {224-227},
doi = {10.1017/jme.2024.93},
pmid = {39435948},
issn = {1748-720X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Awards and Prizes ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century ; Maryland ; United States ; Faculty/history ; },
abstract = {In 2006, the University of Maryland Carey School of Law had the privilege of co-hosting the annual Health Law Professors Conference with the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (ASLME). Coincidentally, as director of the Law & Health Care Program at Maryland, I had the opportunity to announce the winner of the Jay Healey Health Law Teachers' Award at the conference. The award is given to "professors who have devoted a significant portion of their career to health law teaching and whose selection would honor Jay [Healey's] legacy through their passion for teaching health law, their mentoring of students and/or other faculty and by their being an inspiration to colleagues and students."[1] Healey, a Professor in the Humanities Department at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, was the youngest recipient of the Society's Health Law Teachers' Award, which he received in 1990. He was passionate about teaching and had the idea to devote a session each year at the annual conference to teaching health law. It was always a plenary session at which he challenged us to be better teachers. Jay died in 1993, at the age of 46, not long after the Health Law Teachers conference that year, which he attended and which also happened to be held in Baltimore at the University of Maryland School of Law. Thereafter, the award was given in his name.},
}

Humans
*Awards and Prizes
History, 21st Century
History, 20th Century
Maryland
United States
Faculty/history

@article {pmid39435947,
year = {2024},
author = {Watson, SD},
title = {A Tribute to Professor Charity Scott: Imagination, Reflection, and the Jay Healey Teaching Plenary.},
journal = {The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {228-231},
doi = {10.1017/jme.2024.122},
pmid = {39435947},
issn = {1748-720X},
mesh = {Humans ; Georgia ; *Teaching/history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Faculty/history ; },
abstract = {Georgia State University College of Law Professor Emerita Charity Scott quoted these words from Albert Einstein in June of 2022 as she concluded a tribute to Professor Joseph (Jay) M. Healey, one of the founding lights of health law and health law teaching. She chose the quote because she thought the words and sentiment would resonate with Jay. I repeat it because Dr. Einstein's words capture the essence and heart of Charity's approach to teaching, pedagogy, and life. Charity modeled, urged, nudged, and taught the community of health law professors to embrace imagination and creativity. Charity's vision has helped us be more creative and reflective teachers.[2].},
}

Humans
Georgia
*Teaching/history
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Faculty/history